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A Thai man is seeking legal action against a man who brutally assaulted him after they connected on a dating app and arranged a meeting at the attacker’s condominium. More victims came forward after the story went viral. The 23 year old victim shared the details of the incident, which took place on March 11, from the news Twitter account, Red Skull, along with photos of his injuries. The victim explained that he met the alleged attacker, Phiphat Phattaradatekunchorn, on a dating app. Phiphat’s profile claimed he was the CEO and owner of several beauty clinics and was about to open a new branch in Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng neighbourhood. On the day of the attack, they arranged to meet at Phiphat’s condo. Instead of coming down to greet him, Phiphat threw a keycard from his balcony to the victim waiting below. Upon entering the dimly lit condo, Phiphat told the victim, “I was swimming, waiting for you. I’m high now.” The victim was shocked to learn of Phiphat’s drug use. Phiphat then hugged him and asked for oral sex. Unexpectedly, during the act, Phiphat punched the victim in the face, prompting the victim to stop and ask to leave the room, but Phiphat refused. Physical, verbal abuse Phiphat continued to physically and verbally abuse the victim throughout the night, forcing him to perform oral sex while making derogatory comments about his appearance and financial status. He also bragged about being a CEO and threatened the victim with his father’s supposed influence. According to the victim, Phiphat was outraged with him for being ugly. “Can you afford a luxury condo like me? Do you know who I am? I’m the CEO of beauty clinics. Can a person like you do this? Do you know my father? Do you know what he is capable of?” The victim was finally rescued the following morning when his friend came to his aid. He later learned from condo staff that he was not the only victim. The staff recently saw an injured woman fleeing Phiphat’s room with a bloodied face. The victim revealed that she filed a complaint with police but the case went nowhere. Aside from sharing his story with the news account, the victim sought help from non-profit organisation Saimai Survive, as well. The suspect, Phiphat, defended himself on Instagram, claiming that he was the victim of the assault. However, more and more victims came forward to expose his violent behaviour. One victim revealed that the attacker even demanded compensation from him after his blood from the assault made a mess on his bedding. He added that the attacker threatened to shoot him in the head and claimed that his father was a police officer. The victim revealed the case is ongoing and it has not yet reached a conclusion. By Petch Petpailin Photo via X/ @RedSkullxxx Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Panel to auction 15,000 tonnes of rice from Yingluck era Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A dedicated panel has been established to manage the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure. This announcement came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328059-panel-to-auction-15000-tonnes-of-rice-from-yingluck-era/

A dedicated panel has been established to manage the auction of 15,000 tonnes of rice remaining from the contentious rice-pledging scheme initiated during former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s tenure. This announcement came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The panel is set to draft the terms of reference (ToR) for the auction, with completion expected by the end of this month. The National Rice Policy and Management Committee (NRPMC) has already granted the panel the authority to proceed without further review. Representatives from the Public Warehouse Organisation, the Marketing Organisation for Farmers, the Internal Trade Department, the Foreign Trade Department, and the Thai Chamber of Commerce form the panel. The auction is projected to take place early next month or by the end of June at the latest. Bidders will have the opportunity to inspect the rice quality, adhering to standards defined by the Commerce Ministry, said Phumtham. “The rice is expected to be exported to Africa. We hope the auction will fetch a good price. Revenue from the sale will be returned to state coffers. I am glad the controversy over the rice has ended.” Phumtham previously urged critics to cease devaluing the rice and to focus on other urgent matters, such as the economy. He noted that the Department of Medical Sciences (DMSc) and a private laboratory had inspected the rice and confirmed it was safe for consumption. Earlier this week, the DMSc confirmed that rice samples tested by the Commerce Ministry were indeed safe for consumption. Nonetheless, scepticism persists among critics, who questioned whether the tested samples were genuinely from the two warehouses in Surin where the rice had been stored, reported Bangkok Post. Critics proposed new testing, monitored by media outlets, to ensure transparency and authenticity. By Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

City Officials in Pattaya Clear Out Abandoned Shipwrecks at Laem Bali Hai Pier Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News Yesterday, May 22nd, Pattaya City's Mayor, Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, led a cleanup operation at Laem Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. This was organized to remove abandoned and sunken cargo ships that have been a blight on Pattaya's scenic coast. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327993-city-officials-in-pattaya-clear-out-abandoned-shipwrecks-at-laem-bali-hai-pier/

Yesterday, May 22nd, Pattaya City's Mayor, Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, led a cleanup operation at Laem Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. This was organized to remove abandoned and sunken cargo ships that have been a blight on Pattaya's scenic coast. The city had previously instructed the owners of these shipwrecks to clear them but their lack of response led to the city's intervention. Environmental officers were mobilized to clear out the debris, which included old wood, plastic buoys, and the shipwrecks. Mayor Poramase highlighted the negative impact of these abandoned ships on the coast's appearance and mentioned they also breach legal standards. He stated the waste at the pier came from two places: some was washed ashore during storms, while the rest was discarded by individuals showing a lack of civic responsibility. Mayor Poramase called on those using the Laem Bali Hai Pier to assist with keeping it clean. He stressed that the city would enforce rules to manage this public space effectively and safeguard Pattaya's status as a tourist destination. Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British Man Rescued Following Suicide Attempt in Vacant Pattaya Beachside Apartment Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A 60-year-old British man was found on a ledge of an abandoned condo in Pattaya, Thailand in what was believed to be an attempt to end his own life. At around 1:36 AM on May 23rd, emergency services were summoned to the location after security guards discovered him on the second floor of the building. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327992-british-man-rescued-following-suicide-attempt-in-vacant-pattaya-beachside-apartment/

A 60-year-old British man was found on a ledge of an abandoned condo in Pattaya, Thailand in what was believed to be an attempt to end his own life. At around 1:36 AM on May 23rd, emergency services were summoned to the location after security guards discovered him on the second floor of the building. The man's identity has not been disclosed to safeguard his privacy. Authorities negotiated with him for over half an hour, eventually persuading him to descend. Even though he was off the ledge, his behavior remained unpredictable, possibly because he was intoxicated. He was subsequently taken to Pattaya Police Station for more investigation. According to security guard Mr. Watcharaphon Khanti, 43, he noticed noises from the building's metal sheeting before spotting the distressed man. When questioned, the man allegedly admitted to having suicide intentions. Mr. Watcharaphon immediately contacted the authorities, who managed to handle the situation effectively. The unfinished Waterfront Condo project, started in 2013 and included plans for a 53-story condominium and a 20-story, 315-room hotel. But construction was halted in July 2014 due to several lawsuits from residents and environmental groups. These lawsuits claimed that the project was illegal and obstructed the view from Pattaya Hill. In recent news, the Thai Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases cleared former Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunpluem and nine others. They were acquitted on charges of issuing an illegal construction permit to the Waterfront Condo project during his time in office. The dismissal of charges came after a 15-year statute of limitations. Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man survives fall from 20-metre high sugar palm tree in Udon Thani File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google A 38-year-old man from Udon Thani astonishingly survived a fall from a 20-meter-high sugar palm tree with just minor scratches. The incident, which shocked the local community, happened in Dong Mafai village, Na Phue sub-district, Phen district, Udon Thani. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327990-man-survives-fall-from-20-metre-high-sugar-palm-tree-in-udon-thani/

A 38-year-old man from Udon Thani astonishingly survived a fall from a 20-meter-high sugar palm tree with just minor scratches. The incident, which shocked the local community, happened in Dong Mafai village, Na Phue sub-district, Phen district, Udon Thani. Reporters visited the village on May 23 to interview the survivor, Watchara Chusena, also known as Manee Daeng. Watchara earns a living by climbing and selling sugar palms. Despite falling such a height, he only incurred a few scrapes on his back from the tree’s splinters. Many villagers think that his tattoos protected him, but Watchara denies wearing any sacred objects. He recalled the fall, which happened last Sunday. After landing, he checked himself for injuries, and to his surprise, found no broken bones. His nearby relatives quickly called the emergency services. Watchara places more importance on his good actions and respect for his parents than any talismans. He explained that his back tattoo was a work of a revered monk in Na Phue which he got while he was drunk. On the accident day, he used a bamboo ladder to climb the tree. He hinted that the accident might not have occurred if he had used a metal ladder. He advised his peers to avoid shortcuts and use the appropriate tools for their jobs. Watchara believes he is fortunate to have escaped severe injuries unlike others in his profession. A religious ritual was observed before Watchara climbed another sugar palm tree with safety gear. This ritual involves praying and placing soil on one’s head in reverence. A relative, who happens to be a nun, pointed out that they always pay tributes to the guardian spirits of the palm groves. Such a ritual is enacted on their first workday to grant them safety. A 60-year-old local and fellow palm tree climber, Kruawan Chiyangkhobut, mentioned a similar practice in their community. Despite the spiritual rituals, the importance of safety vigilance is emphasized. An incident was shared where Kruawan’s son injured his leg while climbing a palm tree. Even though he was dizzy, she managed to get him down and rushed him to the hospital. The story of Watchara’s survival has stirred local interest, with many people attributing different factors, including spiritual practices and personal vigilance, to his minimal injuries. His experience serves as a warning for those in the same profession to use proper equipment and maintain focus while performing their hazardous tasks. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

"Big Joke" Starts Signature Campaign in Pattaya to Oust Anti-Corruption Commission File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google In Thailand, the suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, known by his nickname "Big Joke," has started a campaign in Pattaya to gather signatures calling for the dismissal of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This campaign, which took place on May 22 at the J.A. Plus Hotel, accuses the NACC of corruption, unexplained wealth, and serious ethical breaches. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327989-big-joke-starts-signature-campaign-in-pattaya-to-oust-anti-corruption-commission/

In Thailand, the suspended Deputy National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakparn, known by his nickname "Big Joke," has started a campaign in Pattaya to gather signatures calling for the dismissal of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). This campaign, which took place on May 22 at the J.A. Plus Hotel, accuses the NACC of corruption, unexplained wealth, and serious ethical breaches. Surachet stated that this is the first time in Thai history that a petition of this kind has been made against an independent body, as outlined by Article 236 of the Constitution. He plans to submit the petition to the House Speaker, who will pass it on to the courts. A special committee will then be appointed to investigate these claims against the NACC. As of May 22, Surachet has collected over 13,000 signatures. He is confident of reaching the required 20,000 signatures in the coming days. He denied any political agenda in his campaign, or any intent to retaliate against the NACC for its investigation into bribery allegations against him. The NACC had previously decided to examine claims against Surachet and four other police officers regarding accusations of accepting bribes from a gambling website. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai government urged to regulate booming influencer industry Photo courtesy of The Nation With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327987-thai-government-urged-to-regulate-booming-influencer-industry/

With the explosive growth of social media and e-commerce, the role of influencers has never been more prominent. Recognising the immense economic potential, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) calls for the Thai government to implement regulations and provide support for this burgeoning career path. In 2023, the ASEAN region boasted approximately 13.5 million influencers, according to Nielsen. Globally, influencer-driven advertising and other channels generated around US$19 billion (approximately 693.31 billion baht) in revenue. Projections suggest that by 2030, influencers could contribute a staggering US$140 billion to the global economy. Thailand is at the forefront of this trend, with about 2 million influencers, second only to Indonesia in the ASEAN region. NESDC Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan highlighted the rapid growth of this sector yesterday. “The number of influencers in Thailand is growing as the occupation offers lucrative revenues and benefits. Consumers increasingly turn to social media for information from key opinion leaders. “The government needs to issue regulatory and supporting laws for influencers, similar to other countries that take this issue seriously.” The NESDC has proposed a registration system for Thai influencers and supportive policies that include skills training and career assistance. Regulations would also provide a safety net in the event of a crisis affecting influencers’ incomes or employment. “Most importantly, these laws will help prevent influencers from spreading fake or unverified news that could cause public confusion.” Countries like China, Norway, and the United Arab Emirates have already implemented stringent regulations. For instance, China restricts the display of excessive wealth online, while Norway requires influencers to disclose photo modifications to reduce unrealistic beauty standards. The UAE mandates influencer registration and permits to monitor advertising content and prevent illegal activities. A recent NESDC study revealed that Thai influencers can earn between 800 and 700,000 baht per post, depending on their follower count. Influencing, streaming, and creating YouTube content is now among the top ten dream careers for Thai adolescents in 2024, outranking traditional professions such as law and aviation. However, the rise of influencers is not without its pitfalls. The government’s Anti-Fake News Centre reported over 5,000 instances of fake news from more than 7,000 social media accounts, including prominent influencers last year, reported The Nation. Additionally, some influencers were found promoting illegal activities like online gambling to their massive followers. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

MRT clarifies water leakage caused by clogged A/C system Image courtesy of Phornlert.gp/Wikipedia The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) today clarified that the water leakage on a Bangkok MRT train captured on camera was due to a clogged air-conditioning system. The incident occurred at 6.35pm on Tuesday, May 21, on a Blue Line train travelling from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station, which saw water flowing from the A/C vents, causing concern among passengers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327918-mrt-train-rainwater-leak-prompts-urgent-investigation/?do=findComment&comment=18935589

MRT clarifies water leakage caused by clogged A/C system The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) today clarified that the water leakage on a Bangkok MRT train captured on camera was due to a clogged air-conditioning system. The incident occurred at 6.35pm on Tuesday, May 21, on a Blue Line train travelling from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon station, which saw water flowing from the A/C vents, causing concern among passengers. The MRTA explained that the leakage stemmed from an issue with the drain hoses of the air-conditioning system, which led to water flowing back into the train. This clarification by the MRTA came amidst speculation that the leakage might have been due to rainwater, especially given the heavy downpours in Bangkok at the time. “The leakage was caused by a problem with the drain hoses in the A/C system, not rainwater seeping through the roof.” The agency further assured that immediate measures have been taken to prevent such incidents from occurring again. Maintenance frequency for the air-conditioning systems has been increased to ensure they remain in optimal condition. In its statement, the MRTA reiterated that all trains are equipped with safety systems designed to prevent short circuits, alleviating any safety concerns passengers might have had. “Safety is our top priority, and we have systems in place to ensure that such incidents do not compromise the safety of our passengers.” Unrelated to rain The timing of the incident coincided with the Thai Meteorological Department’s announcement of the start of the rainy season, which likely contributed to the initial confusion regarding the source of the water leakage. The MRTA was quick to dispel these rumours, emphasising that the water leakage was entirely unrelated to the rain. Their quick response follows a video clip which went viral on social media. The clip, humorously titled “Today’s MRT, from passengers to victims #MRT #Rain,” shows the unexpected nature of the incident. In response to the incident, the MRTA has pledged to enhance its maintenance protocols and ensure that all systems are functioning correctly to avoid any recurrence. The state enterprise has also committed to improving communication with passengers to keep them informed about any issues and the steps being taken to address them, reported Bangkok Post. As Bangkok enters the rainy season, the MRTA’s prompt response and reassurance come as a relief to many who rely on the MRT for their daily commutes. The enhanced maintenance measures and safety assurances aim to restore passenger confidence and ensure a smooth, safe travel experience. By Mitch Connor Image courtesy of Phornlert.gp/Wikipedia Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Buddhist park sign triggers online uproar with shoot to kill sign Photo via Wikimedia and Facebook group/ 100RPM Room Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park in Nakhon Pathom province near Bangkok sparked controversy on social media with a sign that displayed it would shoot visitors if they broke any park rules. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327986-buddhist-park-sign-triggers-online-uproar-with-shoot-to-kill-sign/

Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park in Nakhon Pathom province near Bangkok sparked controversy on social media with a sign that displayed it would shoot visitors if they broke any park rules. The Phutthamonthon Buddhist Park is located in Nakhon Pathom near the western side of Bangkok. The place is known for being the highest-standing Buddha statue in the world. It is regularly used for several events, particularly Buddhist ceremonies. The park is also popular among locals for resting and exercising, especially cycling. The controversy arose when a Thai woman expressed her grievances against the National Office of Buddhism, which manages the park, on a Facebook group for cyclists, 100RPM Room, on May 21. She shared photos of warning signs in the park that seemed overly aggressive for a Buddhist setting. The signs stated, “Restricted area. Real bullets applied. Residents are not allowed in the area.” The woman emphasised that these signs were new and installed during the preparation for the Visakha Bucha Day event on Wednesday, May 22. She added that she enjoyed cycling in the park for more than 10 years but was now afraid to do so due to the threat of being shot. The National Office of Buddhism later came forward to deny any involvement with the signs, stating they were not created or installed by them. However, they admitted to closing off some areas of the park. The authorities insisted that the signs were installed by a group of people who had a negative intention toward the park and the authorities. They promised to track down those responsible and bring them to justice. The authorities also emphasised the need to be strict with the park’s opening and closing schedule and areas due to recent thefts and accidents, especially during mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. As of now, there are no updates on the apprehension of the group responsible for the signs. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Wikimedia and Facebook group/ 100RPM Room Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drug smuggling logistics company's assets worth 10 million baht seized Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Police in Chiang Rai, Thailand, arrested three individuals yesterday at a transportation company for allegedly trafficking over 2 million methamphetamine (Yaba) pills. This action is a major step in countering drug smuggling and trafficking activities in the area. The arresting team comprised the Mae Sai Task Force Operations Command, the 327th Border Patrol Police, and led by Police Colonel Raphat Boonma alongside the Military Task Force Commander in Tak Province, Colonel Nathee Thimsen. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327983-drug-smuggling-logistics-companys-assets-worth-10-million-baht-seized/

Police in Chiang Rai, Thailand, arrested three individuals yesterday at a transportation company for allegedly trafficking over 2 million methamphetamine (Yaba) pills. This action is a major step in countering drug smuggling and trafficking activities in the area. The arresting team comprised the Mae Sai Task Force Operations Command, the 327th Border Patrol Police, and led by Police Colonel Raphat Boonma alongside the Military Task Force Commander in Tak Province, Colonel Nathee Thimsen. The arrests were carried out after law enforcement surrounded and searched the transportation company following a tip about large scale drug transportation. Among those arrested were a 52-year-old company manager named Sakda, and two 28-year-olds, Anucha and Kiettisak. The three suspects were caught in the process of packaging 2.2 million yaba pills for distribution. Liabilities worth approximately 10 million baht were also confiscated. Sakda confessed to receiving a fee of 20,000 baht for storing drug consignments, while the other two suspects admitted to smuggling drugs. It was revealed they stashed the smuggled drugs in Koh Chang, an island near the Thai-Myanmar border, before moving them to the Chiang Rai transportation company. They reported receiving a payment of 50,000 baht each per delivery. After interrogation, the authorities seized assets including two properties, land, two 10-wheel trucks, three pickup trucks used for transporting goods in the company, and a Toyota Fortuner SUV. The total value of all assets seized exceeded 10 million baht. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Temple Fire in Nonthaburi Claims the Lives of Three Boys Photo courtesy of Thai PBS Three young boys, including twin brothers, tragically lost their lives in a fire that broke out at Suankaew Temple located in Nonthaburi province on Wednesday night. Firefighters had to force entry into a building at the temple as it was locked from the inside to rescue the children. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327981-temple-fire-in-nonthaburi-claims-the-lives-of-three-boys/

Three young boys, including twin brothers, tragically lost their lives in a fire that broke out at Suankaew Temple located in Nonthaburi province on Wednesday night. Firefighters had to force entry into a building at the temple as it was locked from the inside to rescue the children. The bodies of the boys were discovered holding hands. The twin brothers, 11-year-old Pannawich and Pannawat, along with their 9-year-old friend Theerapong were identified as the victims. Phra Phayom Kalayano, the temple's outspoken abbot, intends to address a press conference at the temple. Early investigations disclosed that the boys were inside a deserted hut near the temple's entrance known as "kuti". An official from the temple mentioned that he was unaware of the boys' presence as it was generally uninhabited. The official highlighted that the three boys were among the children being cared for by the temple, receiving both shelter and education. Reportedly, five children were seen at the hut before the incident. Two of them, who also resided in the temple, had left the premises. Chamlong, the heartbroken grandmother of the twins, shared that she looked after the boys following their parents' divorce. The twins were pupils at a school in Pathum Thani province, and had taken vows to become novices at the temple once the school was over. The grandmother, in tears, added that their mother has been notified about the tragic incident and is en route to the temple. Photo courtesy of Thai PBS -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Dead Body Found Under Electrical Panel on Bangkok's Sidewalk Photo courtesy of The Thaiger A Thai street cleaner found an unidentified man's body under an electricity control panel on a sidewalk along Romklao Road in Bangkok. This discovery occurred due to a foul smell that the cleaner, Panadda Ngokngam, noticed while she was working. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327980-dead-body-found-under-electrical-panel-on-bangkoks-sidewalk/

A Thai street cleaner found an unidentified man's body under an electricity control panel on a sidewalk along Romklao Road in Bangkok. This discovery occurred due to a foul smell that the cleaner, Panadda Ngokngam, noticed while she was working. Panadda informed the local traffic police about the body at 6.40am on May 23. This information was later passed on to Min Buri Police Station for more in-depth investigation. While speaking to Amarin TV, Panadda revealed that she had been cleaning the sidewalk on Romklao Road in the Min Buri district when she noticed the unpleasant smell coming from the unused control panel. She decided to open it and discovered a man's body lying in a one-meter deep hole beneath the panel, previously used to house electrical wires and equipment. Police found bottles of alcohol and water in a plastic bag outside the panel. This has led them to speculate that the man might have been drunk, wandered into the panel and accidentally fell into the hole, causing his death. As part of their ongoing investigation, the police are currently questioning the local residents and workers in the area as well as reviewing CCTV footage. The aim is to identify the deceased man and figure out how he ended up in such a situation. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tourists behaving badly: Locals protest for better respect Photo courtesy of The Kaleidoscope Thailand is not the only country in the world with badly behaved tourists. As Ibiza and Mallorca say no to tourists coming to party, it’s becoming increasingly clear that expectations on travellers in the world’s most popular destinations are changing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327978-tourists-behaving-badly-locals-protest-for-better-respect/

Thailand is not the only country in the world with badly behaved tourists. As Ibiza and Mallorca say no to tourists coming to party, it’s becoming increasingly clear that expectations on travellers in the world’s most popular destinations are changing. In recent months, Thailand has seen an increase in crime committed by foreign tourists, from illegal employment to property damage and physical violence. Over 700 foreigners have taken over jobs reserved for Thai locals, according to the government. In January, a Russian tourist caused significant damage to a governor’s office in Phuket Town Hall. One case of physical assault that has grabbed headlines is that of the Swiss expat who kicked a female Thai doctor who sat on the steps of his Phuket villa. This is just one of hundreds of badly-behaved farang cases in Thailand. Unfortunately, Thailand is not alone. In a bold move echoing protests in the Canary Islands last April, banners sent a clear message: “Tourist: respect my land!” With peak travel season approaching, a wave of anti-tourist sentiment surges among locals in summer hotspots. Barcelona, Athens, Málaga, and other tourist-laden cities in Europe have witnessed similar protests. Residents in over-touristed locales crave a better breed of tourist: one honouring local culture and nature, not guzzling cheap beer on beaches, leaving litter behind. Now, global destinations voice preferences on visitors. On the yes list: spenders boosting local economies, behaving respectfully. On the no list: boozy tourists, often nuckle-dragging, xenophobic Brits, flouting local norms, harming communities. Carina Ren, tourism researcher at Aalborg University, notes a surge in poorly behaved tourists, attributing it to sheer volume. Sebastian Zenker, overtourism expert, stresses the need for tourism to benefit locals financially. Antje Martins, from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, urges better management to address behavioural issues. Industry shifts are underway. Soft initiatives like tourism pledges aim to guide behaviour, while tougher measures like tourism taxes, as seen in Venice and Bhutan, curb influx. Some cities, like Amsterdam, limit tourist beds to control numbers. Zenker predicts a rise in destinations rejecting certain demographics, like Amsterdam’s Stay Away campaign targeting rowdy British stag parties. Flashpoint issues this spring hint at broader industry change. Martins warns that unless tourism becomes sustainable, destinations face ruin, reported BBC UK. Travelling responsibly is paramount. As Martins underscores, these destinations are home to many. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Kaleidoscope Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe