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A growing worry is brewing in Nigeria, Africa's most heavily populated nation, about the likelihood of decade-old Thai rice being sold in African markets. This stems from the Thai government's announcement that they plan to sell this rice, according to Nigeria's BusinessDay. Thailand plans to auction off 150,000 bags of rice, which have been stored for 10 years. The country hopes to make between 200 and 400 million baht ($5.4 to $10.8 million) from this sale. However, this decision has garnered significant criticism from Thai citizens and food safety specialists. In response to this news, Nigerians have started to express their fears on social media about the potential health risks that could come if the rice ends up in Africa, especially in Nigeria where food safety and regulatory checks aren't always reliable. The Thai Rice Exporter Association has noted a growing demand for Thai rice in African countries. In the 2023-2024 season, Thailand was the world's second-largest rice exporter, with 8.2 million metric tons sold, according to Statista data. Among the top African buyers of Thai rice in 2023 were South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Côte d’Ivoire, importing a combined total of 2.48 million tons. Zimbabwe, Algeria, Angola, Benin, and Togo also imported significant amounts. While Nigeria isn't officially on this import list due to the Central Bank of Nigeria's foreign exchange restriction for rice importers, many assume that rice brought into Benin and Togo likely end up in Nigerian markets through smuggling. James Marsh, a food safety expert and executive director of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), warned that rice stored for 10 years will have lost all its nutrients. He also cautioned that the rice might be chemically contaminated based on preservation methods used while stored. Prof. Shittu Akinyemi, a food science teacher at the Federal University of Agriculture, added that the safety of food like rice is determined by how it is handled and the chemicals used in its preservation. He mentioned that while grains can be stored for a long time, they adversely age, reducing their quality. Both experts called on the Nigerian government to ensure this potentially harmful rice is kept out of the country. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Airport: Swedish-Russian man nabbed for extortion Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English In a dramatic twist at Phuket International Airport, immigration officers apprehended a 25 year old Swedish-Russian man, just as he was about to flee to Kuala Lumpur. The arrest follows a disturbing incident of robbery and extortion that left a young Russian woman traumatised. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327432-phuket-airport-swedish-russian-man-nabbed-for-extortion/

In a dramatic twist at Phuket International Airport, immigration officers apprehended a 25 year old Swedish-Russian man, just as he was about to flee to Kuala Lumpur. The arrest follows a disturbing incident of robbery and extortion that left a young Russian woman traumatised. Police Lieutenant General Ittipol Ittisarnronnachai, the commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, disclosed the details of the Swedish-Russian national, Oleksandr’s arrest. He was promptly handed over to Chalong Police Station for interrogation and prosecution. The case began on the night of May 8 when Diera, a 23 year old Russian national, reported an alarming ordeal to Chalong Police. She had arranged to meet Oleksandr through the Telegram app at a villa in Chalong subdistrict to exchange 25,000 baht for US$700 in cryptocurrency. During their meeting, another Russian accomplice entered the scene unnoticed. The pair violently overpowered Diera, covering her head with a bag, tying her up, and seizing her phone. Under duress, they forced her to transfer additional funds. When she claimed to have no money left, Oleksandr struck her until she revealed her phone password. Finding her online account empty, they compelled her to summon a friend for more cash. The criminals stole US$2,000 (approximately 70,000 baht) and 6,000 baht, totalling 104,546 baht, before releasing her. Shaken but determined, Diera immediately reported the crime to Chalong Police. The quick action led to Phuket Immigration placing Oleksandr on a watchlist. His attempt to escape was thwarted as he was arrested at the airport on charges of night-time robbery, reported KhaoSod English. Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cannes craze: Thai films poised for global stardom Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In a dazzling showcase at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Thai films have captured the interest of international buyers, offering a promising boost for Thailand’s film and tourism industries. The government heralds this as a new era of global recognition and economic expansion. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327430-cannes-craze-thai-films-poised-for-global-stardom/

In a dazzling showcase at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Thai films have captured the interest of international buyers, offering a promising boost for Thailand’s film and tourism industries. The government heralds this as a new era of global recognition and economic expansion. Yupa Taweewattanakitbovorn, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Culture, announced that the films The Undertaker, Death Whisperer, and Lahn Mah, which have collectively grossed over 1.5 billion baht in Thailand, are generating substantial buzz at Cannes. The festival, running until May 25, provides a prime platform for these films to gain international traction. “These films not only highlight the creative prowess of Thai cinema but also promote the charm of Thai culture, potentially driving significant revenue through increased tourism and a vibrant local creative industry.” Representing Thailand are 12 production companies, showcasing their works in the Village International zone. This area features exhibits from over 90 countries, with Thai participants including M Studio, Sahamongkol Film International, GDH559, and more. Their presence underscores Thailand’s commitment to elevating its cultural footprint on the global stage. In addition to film presentations, the Thai pavilion offers a taste of the nation’s culinary delights with cooking demonstrations. International visitors can savour dishes like tom yam kung, phat mi Korat, mi krop sai krathong thong, and the beloved mango sticky rice. To enhance their experience, guests receive a traditional Thai chequered cloth as a souvenir. “Our goal is to promote Thailand not just as a filming destination but as a hub of rich cultural experiences and professional film production services.” The government aims to leverage this soft power to attract more filmmakers and tourists, with an ambitious target of generating 4 trillion baht in revenue, reported Bangkok Post. Spearheading these initiatives is Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who serves as the deputy chairperson of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee. Her leadership is driving efforts to bolster Thailand’s global cultural influence and economic prosperity. Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Speeding driver loses control, traps 4 passengers in the carnage Image courtesy of Daily News A speeding pickup truck driver travelling in Nakhon Ratchasima province reportedly lost control of his vehicle, veering into the middle shoulder and flipped his car into the oncoming lane, leaving all passengers stuck inside the flipped vehicle. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327429-speeding-driver-loses-control-traps-4-passengers-in-the-carnage/

A speeding pickup truck driver travelling in Nakhon Ratchasima province reportedly lost control of his vehicle, veering into the middle shoulder and flipped his car into the oncoming lane, leaving all passengers stuck inside the flipped vehicle. Earlier today, Police Lieutenant Colonel Awatchai Promwong, an investigator at Klang Dong Police Station, received a report from the Klang Dong Police radio centre about a pickup truck that had lost control and flipped onto the opposite lane. Several people were left injured on Mittraphap Road in Klang Dong subdistrict, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Pol. Lt. Col. Awatchai arrived at the scene alongside traffic police officers, highway police officers, and Klang Dong rescue workers. At the scene, they found a silver Isuzu pickup truck with Samut Sakhon licence plates, overturned with its wheels pointing skywards in the middle of the opposite lane. Luckily, no vehicles were coming from the opposite direction at that time. Personal belongings were scattered all over the road. Upon inspecting inside the truck, they found 4 injured passengers stuck inside. First attempts of rescue proved unsuccessful, with officials instead relying on hydraulic rescue tools to urgently assist the injured passengers out of the vehicle before transferring them to Pak Chong Nana Hospital. Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck was travelling from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima province with four people including the driver, before a momentary loss of control led to the ensuing accident. Awatchai disclosed that the cause of the incident is still unknown. The truck has been taken to Klang Dong Police Station. The driver and the injured passengers are receiving treatment at the hospital, reported Daily News. After treatments, the driver will be summoned to said police station for further questioning to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident, before proceeding with legal action if deemed necessary. Image courtesy of Daily News Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man accused of covering up boyfriend’s murder in car accident Photo via Facebook/ กู้ภัยสว่างคุณธรรม(Sawangkunnatum) and อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว3 A Thai man’s family and friends in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum accused his boyfriend of killing him and staging a car accident to cover up the murder. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327428-thai-man-accused-of-covering-up-boyfriend’s-murder-in-car-accident/

A Thai man’s family and friends in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum accused his boyfriend of killing him and staging a car accident to cover up the murder. Local news Facebook page Esor News 3 reported yesterday that a 25 year old Thai man named Mark mysteriously died on Tuesday, May 14, while returning home from his birthday party at a nightclub in the Isaan province of Chaiyaphum. According to Esor News 3, Mark’s boyfriend, who was with him at the time, claimed that Mark opened the car door and jumped out while they were playfully teasing each other. He said Mark rolled along the road for about 500 meters and lost consciousness. Esor News 3 shared a voice recording of Mark’s boyfriend recounting the incident to one of Mark’s friends. “Mark opened the car door and jumped off when we were teasing each other. The car was still moving at that time. We did not argue or fight each other before that. It happened in Chaiyaphum. “After falling out of the car, Mark rolled along the road for 500 metres. I parked the car and went to check why he decided to jump out. This is the true story but don’t share it with others, OK? There’s nothing. Don’t worry.” Mark’s friends and family found it suspicious that the boyfriend did not want the story shared. They pointed out that the boyfriend did not seem to be sad about his loss. He did not even cry when recounting the story. Moreover, they questioned how someone could simply jump out of a moving car without a prior issue. The rescue team also found the circumstances of Mark’s death suspicious, as he did not have any bruises, wounds, or scratches despite falling out of the car and rolling on the road. His clothes were also too clean for such an accident. The autopsy revealed that Mark’s skull was fractured, his internal organs were bruised, and he suffered internal bleeding in his head. The media reported that Mark’s boyfriend urged the family to cremate Mark’s body quickly and threatened to sue them for accusing him of murder. Non-profit organization Saimai Survive and the police are now investigating the case. Photo via Facebook/ กู้ภัยสว่างคุณธรรม(Sawangkunnatum) and อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว3 Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bitcoin's surge: The cryptocurrency records its largest increase in months Bitcoin's value saw a significant increase today, marking its most noteworthy one-day rise in two months. This sudden upturn is thought to be due to anticipation of friendlier monetary policies in the near future. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327424-bitcoins-surge-the-cryptocurrency-records-its-largest-increase-in-months/

Bitcoin's value saw a significant increase today, marking its most noteworthy one-day rise in two months. This sudden upturn is thought to be due to anticipation of friendlier monetary policies in the near future. The possible ease on digital currency interest rates by central banks has boosted optimism in the market. With investors foreseeing less stringent financial conditions, they are increasingly leaning toward riskier assets like Bitcoin. This has triggered a rise in demand and subsequent price hikes. Bitcoin's price has also recently soared past its 50-day moving average, a crucial tech-level often signaling momentum change. This, coupled with other positive signs, suggests Bitcoin could be entering a period of increased growth. But, this market is notorious for fluctuating, and sudden sentiment shifts are not rare. Investors are advised to treat this sudden rise with careful optimism and do thorough research before investing. This recent price increase may also be indicative of a larger rebound in the cryptocurrency market, which has been in a consolidation phase lately. Especially with the upcoming Bitcoin halving event, which historically has shown to increase market activity and price values, this could be a pivotal turning point. While the future is still unclear, Bitcoin's strong performance today, May 16, provides a ray of hope for cryptocurrency investors. Indications are that the market could see more growth in the upcoming months, driven by positive market sentiment, beneficial tech indicators, and the expectation of a more lenient monetary policy environment. -- 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ladyboy duo nabbed for stealing gold necklace from Indian tourist Photo via Channel 7 and Facebook/ เรารักพัทยา Police arrested two Thai ladyboy thieves for gold necklace theft in Pattaya after one of them was caught pretending to hug an Indian tourist and stealing his necklace worth about 60,000 baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327416-ladyboy-duo-nabbed-for-stealing-gold-necklace-from-indian-tourist/

Police arrested two Thai ladyboy thieves for gold necklace theft in Pattaya after one of them was caught pretending to hug an Indian tourist and stealing his necklace worth about 60,000 baht. The 50 year old victim, Subhash Petloj, reported the incident, which occurred around 10.50pm on May 9 to Mueang Pattaya Police Station. Petloj explained that he was relaxing on Pattaya Beach when the two transgender women approached him. The women engaged in conversation with Petloj when one of them suddenly hugged him. While hugging him, the woman removed the gold necklace from his neck before leaving. Petloj realised his necklace was missing after they had gone and realised that the transwomen were tricky, not friendly. Further investigation and review of security camera footage revealed that the transgender thieves were 34 year old Monlada “Em” Lahae and 41 year old Kotchapaphak “Nueng” Chamnanpoj. Their arrests were made yesterday, May 15. Officers arrested Em at her rented room in the Bang Lamung district and seized her black Yamaha Fino motorcycle, which was used during the crime. Nueng was arrested at her condominium in Pattaya. The two were charged with committing theft at night, which carries a penalty of one to seven years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 to 140,000 baht under Section 335 of the Criminal Law. Many thefts committed by Thai transgender women against Indian tourists have been reported in Pattaya and other tourist areas. Photo via Channel 7 and Facebook/ เรารักพัทยา Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Rats on the rampage: Infestations hit Pattaya beaches Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail The shores of Pattaya and Jomtien are under siege by a horde of unwelcome guests – rats. This alarming infestation is not just an eyesore but a significant health hazard, leaving locals and tourists in a frenzy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327415-rats-on-the-rampage-infestations-hit-pattaya-beaches/

The shores of Pattaya and Jomtien are under siege by a horde of unwelcome guests – rats. This alarming infestation is not just an eyesore but a significant health hazard, leaving locals and tourists in a frenzy. The burgeoning rat population, thriving on nocturnal scavenging, is wreaking havoc, threatening the area’s cleanliness and charm. The Pattaya City Surveillance and Rapid Response Team (SRRT) sprang into action yesterday, conducting thorough inspections and deploying rodenticides in a bid to curb this vermin invasion. The SRRT’s swift response aims to preserve the hygiene standards crucial for both residents and the influx of tourists. Officials underscore the gravity of effective rat control measures. “Proper disposal of carcasses is essential to mitigate health risks.” The call to action extends to local business operators, with a focus on beach chair vendors whose cooperation is deemed vital in these efforts. Maintaining Pattaya’s standing as a top-tier tourist hotspot hinges on their active participation. Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai PM stands with Slovakia PM following public shooting Image courtesy of Genova Today Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin released a message this morning, condemning the attack on the Slovakian Prime Minister Roberto Fico. The 62 year old Thai PM’s message, released on the social media platform X, revealed his shock and condemnation of the violent attack, cementing his stance in solidarity with the people of Slovakia and the international community. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327414-thai-pm-stands-with-slovakia-pm-following-public-shooting/

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin released a message this morning, condemning the attack on the Slovakian Prime Minister Roberto Fico. The 62 year old Thai PM’s message, released on the social media platform X, revealed his shock and condemnation of the violent attack, cementing his stance in solidarity with the people of Slovakia and the international community. “We are shocked by the attack on Prime Minister Robert Fico. We condemn such acts of violence and stand in solidarity with the international community and the people of Slovakia. Our thoughts are with Prime Minister Fico and his family at this critical time.” The Bangkok-born prime minister’s comments followed the shocking incident at 2.30pm local time (7.30pm Thai time), when the Slovakian PM was critically injured in a shooting in the small town of Handlova, located about 180 kilometres (112 miles) northeast of the capital, Bratislava. At the time, Fico was greeting people outside a cultural community centre where a government meeting had taken place earlier. Footage from the scene showed a man raising a gun and firing five shots at the prime minister before being subdued by Fico’s security detail, reported the BBC. The prime minister was rushed into his car and airlifted to a hospital in Banska Bystrica for emergency treatment. Defense Minister Robert Kalinak confirmed that Fico had undergone over three hours of surgery, initially describing the situation as bad, but was later revealed to be in stable condition following successful surgery. Political motivations The suspected assailant, reported to be a 71 year old writer and political activist, was immediately detained at the scene. Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok stated that initial information pointed to a political motivation for the attack, Fico had been shot in the stomach. According to Slovak news outlets, the individual responsible for the shooting was previously employed as a security guard at a shopping mall. Reports indicate he was an author who had published three poetry collections and belonged to the Slovak Society of Writers. The gunman’s son was quoted stating that his father legally possessed a gun license but he was unaware of his father’s motives and actions leading up to the attack, reported Aktuality.sk. “I have absolutely no idea what my father intended, what he planned, what happened.” The shooting has been widely condemned as an attack on democracy by Slovak leaders, including outgoing President Zuzana Caputova and President-elect Peter Pellegrini. They blamed the spread of hate speech on social media and divisive political rhetoric for contributing to an environment that led to such violence. Sowing hatred Estok accused the media of sowing hatred and announced that protection would be provided to constitutional officials, journalists, and public figures who could be subject to similar attacks. The attack on Fico, who returned to power last September at the head of a populist-nationalist coalition, has sent shockwaves through Slovakia. His recent controversial policies, including halting military aid to Ukraine and plans to abolish the public broadcaster RTVS, had sparked widespread protests. World leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, have strongly condemned the horrific act of violence and expressed solidarity with Slovakia during this crisis. Image courtesy of Genova Today Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

International gang nabbed for selling illicit drugs in Phuket Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In a crackdown on an international drug ring, Phuket police have arrested one Russian and three Nigerian men for allegedly selling a cocktail of illicit drugs including cocaine, ecstasy, and crystal meth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327410-international-gang-nabbed-for-selling-illicit-drugs-in-phuket/

In a crackdown on an international drug ring, Phuket police have arrested one Russian and three Nigerian men for allegedly selling a cocktail of illicit drugs including cocaine, ecstasy, and crystal meth. Police Major General Phanthana Nutchanart, Deputy Chief of the Immigration Bureau, detailed the dramatic arrests to reporters yesterday. “Three suspects were found distributing cocaine last weekend.” The suspects, Denis (surname withheld), a 38 year old Russian, and two Nigerians, 41 year old Ogadinma and 40 year old Harison, were detained and taken to Karon Police Station for legal processing. Another Nigerian, 53 year old Solomon, was separately arrested for distributing crystal meth, ecstasy pills, and cocaine, in addition to possessing ketamine. Solomon is currently facing a formal investigation at Chalong Police Station. The investigation ignited in April following tips from Phuket immigration police that Denis was illegally operating car rental and cryptocurrency exchange businesses. Undercover police posing as customers discovered Denis also sold cocaine at 4,000 baht per gramme. He was apprehended in a sting operation at a petrol station in Wichit subdistrict with 0.99 grammes of cocaine. Denis allegedly revealed he bought the cocaine from Harison and Ogadinma at 3,000 baht per gramme. This information led to the arrest of the duo near a hotel parking lot in Karon, where police found 1.4 grammes of cocaine under the driver’s seat. The trail led police to a bungalow in Chalong, the base of alleged major dealer Solomon. A search there uncovered a staggering haul: 855 ecstasy pills, 470 sachets of cocaine, 127.8 grammes of crystal meth, and two bank passbooks. This bust adds to the significant drug-related asset seizures this year, including cars and nearly 900,000 baht in cash, reported Bangkok Post. Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Buckle up, Bangkok: Thai official floats capital relocation amid rising sea Image by Wiroj Sidhisoradej on Freepik A senior Thai official yesterday raised the alarming possibility that Thailand may need to consider relocating its capital city Bangkok due to the threat posed by rising sea levels caused by climate change. The bustling metropolis of the capital already grapples with severe flooding during the rainy season each year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327409-buckle-up-bangkok-thai-official-floats-capital-relocation-amid-rising-sea/

A senior Thai official yesterday raised the alarming possibility that Thailand may need to consider relocating its capital city Bangkok due to the threat posed by rising sea levels caused by climate change. The bustling metropolis of the capital already grapples with severe flooding during the rainy season each year. Deputy Director-General of Thailand’s Department of Climate Change and Environment Pavich Kesavawong, warned that the low-lying city risks being submerged by the ocean before the end of the century. Pavich expressed concerns that the world is already beyond the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius of global temperature rise compared to pre-industrial levels, suggesting that an adaptation strategy is crucial. Discussions are underway to explore potential adaptation measures, including the construction of dikes similar to those in the Netherlands. However, he acknowledged that the possibility of relocating the capital has also been contemplated, although such deliberations are still hypothetical and highly complex. “Personally, I think it’s a good choice, so we can separate the capital, the government areas, and business areas,” Pavich said. Suggesting that perhaps Bangkok could remain the government capital while the business hub could be moved elsewhere. The idea of relocating a capital city is not entirely foreign in the region, Indonesia is set to inaugurate its new capital, Nusantara this year, replacing the sinking and polluted Jakarta as the country’s political centre, albeit at a staggering cost estimated at US$35 billion (1.3 trillion baht). Thailand is experiencing the effects of climate change across various sectors, from agriculture to tourism. The country has closed several national parks in response to recent coral bleaching, and Pavich warned that further closures might be necessary to protect natural resources. While Thailand has recently passed legislation focused on clean air and has stepped up efforts to prevent and extinguish fires in protected areas, Pavich acknowledged that the government’s efforts to tackle air pollution, particularly in the northern regions, have yet to yield tangible results. The Thai government is currently pushing for its first climate change legislation, which has been in the works since at least 2019 but was shelved during the Covid-19 pandemic. The legislation encompasses provisions on carbon pricing, mitigation, and adaptation measures. Thailand aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065, reported Japan Times. Image by Wiroj Sidhisoradej on Freepik Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Durian Seller Found Using Inaccurate Weighing Scale File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google A woman who sells durians roadside in Chumphon province might end up in prison for up to 7 years and fined 280,000 baht for tricking her customers with a rigged scale. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327351-durian-seller-found-using-inaccurate-weighing-scale/

A woman who sells durians roadside in Chumphon province might end up in prison for up to 7 years and fined 280,000 baht for tricking her customers with a rigged scale. The situation came to the attention of authorities when a customer bought two durians that allegedly weighed 16 kg, for a price of 1,640 baht. However, while sending the durians to their mother, the customer noticed the actual weight was just 11.68 kg. This led them to report the seller to the Department of Internal Trade. Undercover officers from the department, acting on the complaint, visited the stall and saw the seller using a doctored digital scale. The weight display and the unit price were hidden behind black tape, only showing the total price. This trick misled the customers into thinking they were being charged for the correct weight. Further investigation showed that the seller broke several rules of the Weights and Measures Act. These violations included: use of a non-certified scale, a scale that showed wrong readings and tampering with a scale. On top of these, she was charged with fraud under Article 271 of the Criminal Code. This crime has a maximum punishment of 7 years in jail and a fine of 280,000 baht. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Suspect Questioned Over Kidnapping and Ransom of Indonesian Man File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing Thai authorities pulled in a key suspect for further questioning on Wednesday in connection with an alleged kidnapping case involving a Indonesian man who was seized from Hat Yai district. The man was taken to Phatthalung province, held captive and a 2.3 million baht ransom demand was made for his release earlier this month. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327350-suspect-questioned-over-kidnapping-and-ransom-of-indonesian-man/

Thai authorities pulled in a key suspect for further questioning on Wednesday in connection with an alleged kidnapping case involving a Indonesian man who was seized from Hat Yai district. The man was taken to Phatthalung province, held captive and a 2.3 million baht ransom demand was made for his release earlier this month. Two additional suspects have been considered as witnesses, as the investigation showed they were just instructed by the leader to watch over the house where the victim was kept. The rescue of the victim, Mr. Syawana, a 29-year-old Indonesian, happened on Tuesday. He was found in a house in the Mueang district of Phatthalung province. This rescue was made possible due to the joint efforts with the Indonesian Consulate General in Songkhla province. The consulate reported on May 11 that a group of Thai men had abducted Mr. Syawana in Songkhla and taken him to Mueang Phatthalung district. The kidnappers reportedly tortured Mr. Syawana and even filmed a video, which they sent to his sister in Indonesia with the ransom demand. Before he was able to sneakily send out his location via a borrowed phone to his sister, his family had already paid 800,000 baht of the demanded ransom. The authorities arrested three suspects- Weerasak from Phatthalung, Ruswan and Saidee from Narathiwat province. A 9mm handgun and a pair of handcuffs were seized from them as proof of their involvement. The suspects were then taken to the police station in Mueang Phatthalung for more questioning while Mr. Syawana was asked to provide more statements about his ordeal. The search led to the discovery of two more Indonesians held captive at the same house, bringing the total number of victims to three. All of them were taken to Phatthalung Hospital for a medical check-up to determine any signs of abuse. The house where the victims were held was reportedly a deserted rental property. The owner of the property is yet to be identified. Once again the forensic team from Phatthalung revisited the house to gather more evidence. The police have not made any statement on the suspects' testimonies so far. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing -- 2024-05-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe