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Five residents of Ratchaburi province in Thailand were left perplexed and seeking clarity after official paperwork classified them as threats to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's personal safety. These dubious allegations surfaced ahead of the Prime Minister's scheduled visit to the area between the dates of 12th and 13th May. One of the alleged ‘threats’, Thanu Ngamyingyuad, bravely spoke to Channel 3, outlining his bewilderment and proclaiming the innocence of all involved. Mr. Ngamyingyuad, along with a community leader and three other locals, insist they have never pursued actions that could be deemed as threatening to the Prime Minister. All five individuals share a commonality: their vocal opposition to local environmental issues. Mr. Ngamyingyuad has led protests against the controversial Wax Garbage Recycle Centre, with demonstrators citing water pollution as their central grievance. Mr. Ngamyingyuad alleges that toxic effluent from the factory contaminated local water bodies, resulting in devastating crop losses for which the farmers received no compensation. Upon investigation, relevant authorities confirmed the presence of hazardous substances in these water sources. The pollution forced Mr. Ngamyingyuad and neighbouring farmers to close their agricultural operations, losing their entire yield in the process. The accusing document, handed over by a rather clueless police officer, has been linked with Mr. Ngamyingyuad's protests. However, the seasoned farmer denies harbouring plans to broach the topic with Prime Minister Srettha during his visit, emphasising that the matter is currently under the courts' scrutiny. Similar environmental protests form the backdrop for the other four individuals implicated as security risks. Such issues range from wastewater from pig farms to reservoir construction. Despite the officer's lack of knowledge about the documents, the bewildered citizens chose to seek answers through public media platforms. They called upon Thai government officials for clarification, contesting the sweeping branding of environmentally concerned individuals as a threat to the Prime Minister's safety. Prime Minister Srettha and the implicated government departments are yet to comment or issue a public response concerning these alarming allegations. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tragedy Unfolds: Young Russian Woman Suffers Fatal Collision on Phuket Bypass Photo courtesy of The Thaiger In a heart-wrenching incident, the tranquil morning calm of Phuket's bypass road was shattered when a 23-year-old Russian woman was struck and killed by a pickup truck. The harrowing accident occurred in the early hours of the day near the southbound lanes approaching the Samkong Underpass. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327186-tragedy-unfolds-young-russian-woman-suffers-fatal-collision-on-phuket-bypass/

In a heart-wrenching incident, the tranquil morning calm of Phuket's bypass road was shattered when a 23-year-old Russian woman was struck and killed by a pickup truck. The harrowing accident occurred in the early hours of the day near the southbound lanes approaching the Samkong Underpass. The Phuket City Police, swiftly responding to the emergent call at 2.17am, found a bleak scene awaiting them: a Ford Ranger pickup motionless in an otherwise quiet road, an eerie prelude to horrors nearby. Also on site were the devoted folks from the Kusoldharm Foundation, a local rescue team. Just 15 metres away lay the lifeless body of the young Russian woman. Clad in a black crop top and black pants, she appeared eerily out of place in the serene roadside setting, a tragic testament to the abruptness of the accident. She was promptly transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination. Casting light on the incident, eyewitnesses recounted a chilling tale to the police. The pickup, they said, was traversing the southbound lanes of the bypass road when the woman seemingly rushed out in front of it. Despite the driver's desperate attempts to swerve and stop, the collision, sadly, could not be averted. Phuket City Police are leaving no stone unturned in their investigations. Statements were taken at the scene, and the procedure to alert the Russian consul is currently underway to break the devastating news to the victim's family. At present, the investigation is still ongoing as the police delve into the incident's every detail. The identity of the young woman involved in the accident is being temporarily withheld out of respect for her grieving family, who are soon to receive news of this unfortunate event. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Man Accuses Wife of Fraud and Violence, Pleas for Justice Photo courtesy of The Thaiger In the provincial haven of Ubon Ratchathani, a Thai man has turned to local media to levy serious accusations against his wife -- of infidelity, fraud, and orchestrated violence that culminated in life-threatening injuries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327184-thai-man-accuses-wife-of-fraud-and-violence-pleas-for-justice/

In the provincial haven of Ubon Ratchathani, a Thai man has turned to local media to levy serious accusations against his wife -- of infidelity, fraud, and orchestrated violence that culminated in life-threatening injuries. The man, aged 32 and remaining unnamed for his protection, approached outlets Esor News and Channel 3 seeking assistance, revealing a story marred by deceit, emotional manipulation, and physical harm. Having married a 34-year-old woman under familial pressure in early April, he claims a relationship filled with constant disagreements stemming from partying behaviours and money misuse. The husband alleges that his wife kept a clandestine connection with her Singaporean ex-boyfriend and displayed inappropriate behaviour with another male friend during the popular Songkran Festival. As well as this alleged emotional torment, the husband contends enduring harrowing physical abuse from his spouse and her associates. Tensions seemingly reached fever pitch on May 4 when, following a heated argument and subsequent assault in their car, the wife falsely accused him of abuse - a claim that provoked physically confrontational responses from her friends. Desperate and outnumbered, the man says two warning shots from his gun provided enough deterrence for a brief respite, allowing him to escape the escalating situation by absconding in his wife's vehicle. The respite was short-lived, however, with the wife's friends reportedly giving chase and resulting in a car crash. The man asserts that the car accident injuries didn't dissuade his pursuers; instead, the assault continued in the presence of law enforcement. His night ended in arrest, facing charges for discharging a firearm in public and drink driving, accusations he will contest in court. His injuries necessitate hospitalisation, suffering from a brain bleed, a broken nose, eye injuries, and requiring twenty stitches to his mouth. Now, with the whole lurid affair in the public eye, the husband is seeking justice. He asks for a divorce, a return of his money, and due process for the psychological turmoil, financial exploitation and the terrifying evening that left him physically marred and emotionally scarred. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Believed Dead, Respected Thai Monk Surprises Devotees at Ceremony File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google In a mix-up that has left many in a state of joyful disbelief, a revered Thai monk, Luang Pu Sila Sirijantho, has resurfaced in the public eye, dispelling rumours of his demise. The confusion unfolded in the quiet Kalasin province, at the sacred grounds of the Dhamma Park where a hut donation ceremony for venerable Luang was taking place. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327182-believed-dead-respected-thai-monk-surprises-devotees-at-ceremony/

In a mix-up that has left many in a state of joyful disbelief, a revered Thai monk, Luang Pu Sila Sirijantho, has resurfaced in the public eye, dispelling rumours of his demise. The confusion unfolded in the quiet Kalasin province, at the sacred grounds of the Dhamma Park where a hut donation ceremony for venerable Luang was taking place. The source of this merry miscommunication sprung from a devout, yet ill-informed follower misinterpreting an image of Luang on Facebook, subsequently believing the revered monk to be deceased. Motivated by faith and in a time of personal hardship, this devotee made a vow to gild the late monk's effigy at his temple if their circumstances improved. Lo and behold, when the individual's fortunes did indeed turn for the better, they promptly journeyed to the temple to fulfil their vow, only to be met by a very alive and well Luang. In a hilarious twist, the viral element of this story isn't so much the resurrection of Luang for the unsuspecting devotee, but more so the act of gilding the live monk. Traditionally, gilding is a practice executed on statues or images of monks, not the living figures themselves. It's easy to imagine the surprise of Luang himself, now a shining example of faithful devotion, quite literally! Born in 1928, Luang has led a life of devout worship, earning respect for his deep understanding of Buddhist texts and meditation practices. The 78-year-old monk, however, isn't unfamiliar with close encounters. Back in 2021, Luang escaped harm in a potential vehicle accident. In what his followers deemed divine intervention, a pickup truck narrowly missed colliding with his travelling party after losing control, cementing Luang's protective spiritual aura in the eyes of his devotees. The recent unexpected and joyful reunion of the faithful follower with the monk he believed deceased is yet another testament to Luang's revered stature. As news of the golden gilding continues to glow online, the incident has cemented Luang Pu Sila Sirijantho's status as a living legend – adored, respected and very much alive! File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Srettha Pledges Stronger Forest Conservation During Four-Province Thai Tour Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, set out his commitment to preserving forest areas during his tour of Ratchaburi yesterday. The visit, part of a four-province Thai tour, saw the PM urge authorities to exercise greater scrutiny in authorising public requests to utilise forest land. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327179-pm-srettha-pledges-stronger-forest-conservation-during-four-province-thai-tour/

Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, set out his commitment to preserving forest areas during his tour of Ratchaburi yesterday. The visit, part of a four-province Thai tour, saw the PM urge authorities to exercise greater scrutiny in authorising public requests to utilise forest land. The 62-year-old PM revealed his stance on this contentious issue during a briefing given by provincial governor Kiattisak Trongsiri. The governor presented key proposals for the development of Ratchaburi, many of which revolved around requests for using forest territory. Of the impressive 5,841 applications made, only 293 have been sanctioned, 187 dismissed, while a considerable 2,961 are still under review. Acknowledging past tensions due to overlapping jurisdiction and inconsistent forest land status, the PM then called upon exploratory action from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Interior Ministry, and the military. Working hand-in-glove, the three organisations were encouraged to ensure ethical land approvals, whilst also being reminded of the negative repercussions overly stringent laws may have on locals needing the territories for survival. Shifting focus to Ratchaburi's local economy, Thavisin placed emphasis on enhancing the quality of aromatic coconuts, urging the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Commerce to uplift farmers. He highlighted the potential of this market, worth 20 billion baht annually, and suggested expanding it further. Furthermore, PM Srettha underlined the importance of education in combating inequality, recalling his visits to Ratchaburi while in the private sector. In those days, over a million children were excluded from the education system and Thavisin led several initiatives urging corporations to provide educational opportunities for youngsters. Indicating potential avenues for tourism, the PM suggested developing Khao Hin Ngo Park into a provincial landmark to bolster tourism and local economy, wrapping his visit with this optimistic proposition. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two Monks Elevated to Deputy Supreme Patriarch in Thai Buddhism File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google The Thai Buddhist community is celebrating a significant chapter in its religious hierarchy, following the elevation of two esteemed monks, Shaun and Anil Sakya, to the position of Deputy Supreme Patriarch. Revealed in a royal proclamation published in today's Royal Gazette, this honour is bestowed for the first time in the era of King Rama X. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327178-two-monks-elevated-to-deputy-supreme-patriarch-in-thai-buddhism/

The Thai Buddhist community is celebrating a significant chapter in its religious hierarchy, following the elevation of two esteemed monks, Shaun and Anil Sakya, to the position of Deputy Supreme Patriarch. Revealed in a royal proclamation published in today's Royal Gazette, this honour is bestowed for the first time in the era of King Rama X. Shaun, originally from the Isle of Wight, England, and born on 7th January 1958, has been recognised for his substantial contributions to Buddhism and Thai society. Among his accolades, he was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University in 2011, awarded the Peace Education Award in 2006, and noted as an Outstanding User of the Thai Language in 2010 by the Ministry of Culture. Anil Sakya, hailing from Nepal and born on 18th June 1960, shares an ancestral link with Buddha’s Shakya clan. Ordained in Nepal, Anil took higher ordination at Bangkok's prestigious Wat Bowonniwet Vihara. He has since held pivotal roles within the monastic community, including Dean of the International Buddhist Studies College and assistant secretary to the Supreme Patriarch. The royal proclamation recognises the monks' unfaltering commitment to the propagation of Buddhism, whilst lauding their tireless efforts in partitioning the religion's teachings and observances. With their new titles, Phra Rajakana Chan and Phra Rajakana Anilman, Shaun and Anil will shoulder the consequential duty of assisting spiritual leadership within Thailand, and guiding adherents in their religious practices. The elevation of Shaun and Anil signifies not just reward for their steadfast service to Buddhism, but also their expansive influence on Thailand's religious and cultural landscape. Celebrating diversity within the ranks of Thai Buddhism, their stories serve as poignant emblems of an inclusive faith that honours contributions from both native Thais and international Sangha members. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Discord in Discussion: Minimum Wage Hike Sparks Intense Debate File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google In a day packed with intense negotiations, Britain's Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn found himself navigating the tumultuous waters of policy reform as stakeholders put forward their conflicting views regarding a proposed minimum wage increase. The talks come ahead of a crucial tripartite committee meeting, set for tomorrow, where the final decisions will be made. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327177-discord-in-discussion-minimum-wage-hike-sparks-intense-debate/

In a day packed with intense negotiations, Thailand's Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn found himself navigating the tumultuous waters of policy reform as stakeholders put forward their conflicting views regarding a proposed minimum wage increase. The talks come ahead of a crucial tripartite committee meeting, set for tomorrow, where the final decisions will be made. The first delegation to meet with the minister today were representatives from the Thai Labour Solidarity Confederation and the State Enterprises Workers' Relations Confederation. Their morning discussion centred on the government's decision last month to up the daily minimum wage to 400 baht, a change that would primarily affect upscale hotels and resorts in ten provinces, effective from October. However, the representatives voiced their concern over the rising cost of living across the nation. They argued this warrants a similar nationwide hike in the minimum wage. In response, Minister Pipat explained that a nationwide increase to 400 baht may not be practically feasible. Despite this, he promised to push for as high an increase as possible, revealing a government plan to raise the daily minimum wage to 600 baht by 2027. As the clock struck ten, the minister found himself sitting across from representatives of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Board of Trade of Thailand, and various small to medium-sized enterprises. This group passionately opposed the impending minimum wage hike. Spearheading their argument, FTI Vice President Suchart Chantaranakaracha voiced concerns that a 400-baht rate across the country would be an unaffordable burden for employers, chiefly given the country's struggling export sector. Dismissive of the idea of tax incentives as a feasible solution, Suchart warned that a nationwide increase in wages of the proposed magnitude could force many enterprises into damaging losses. Tomorrow's meeting will see the tripartite wage committee, comprised of government, employee, and employer delegates, wrestle with these differing standpoints, in a bid to reach a resolution over national minimum wage levels. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

MNRE Bolsters Dugong Protection Following Double Tragedy in Phang Nga Bay File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google Two female dugongs, likely a mother and her calf, were found dead on the shores of Koh Mak Noi, near the famed Koh Panyee in Phang Nga Bay recently, prompting swift action from Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan. The demise of these creatures has catalysed an urgent call for stricter protective measures of the endangered marine mammal. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327176-mnre-bolsters-dugong-protection-following-double-tragedy-in-phang-nga-bay/

Two female dugongs, likely a mother and her calf, were found dead on the shores of Koh Mak Noi, near the famed Koh Panyee in Phang Nga Bay recently, prompting swift action from Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Environment Minister, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan. The demise of these creatures has catalysed an urgent call for stricter protective measures of the endangered marine mammal. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) circulated the directive online, although the precise cause and time of the dugongs' deaths remain uncertain. Measuring 3.3 and 2.2 metres respectively, the adult and calf were found without visible injuries, disputing initial speculations of a boat propeller incident. The MNRE minister stressed on the escalating need for protection as this incident brings the death toll to 20 dugongs since the beginning of this year. Declaring a stringent fishing ban in seagrass areas and strict speed limits for boats, Patcharawat made an appeal, "We need to jointly analyse and find ways to determine measures to care for, protect, and prevent injury and death of rare marine animals, especially dugongs”. Global warming has led to dwindling seagrass beds, the primary food source for dugongs, necessitating their migration to new feeding grounds. However, these areas often teem with fishing activities, making them hazardous to the alimentary pursuits of these mammals. Officialdom is now prioritising the marking of seagrass territories and potential risk areas in the migratory paths of these creatures. Pol. Gen. Patcharawat also directed an augmentation of patrols in protected seagrass locales to contain illegal fishing. It's not just the responsibility of officials; the public has a role to play as well. Observations of illegal activities in these zones or of distressed dugongs can be reported via the DMCR Volunteer project hotline. These collective efforts illustrate the ambitious steps Thai officials and the community are taking in a bid to shield these charming creatures from further harm. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Dishes Triumph in International Salad Ratings, Says TasteAtlas File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google As Britain takes more interest in esoteric cuisine, TasteAtlas's recent release of their global 'Top 100 Salads Rankings' comes just in time. In particular, Thai dishes marked a prominent presence, with four of their offerings included. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327175-thai-dishes-triumph-in-international-salad-ratings-says-tasteatlas/

As Britain takes more interest in esoteric cuisine, TasteAtlas's recent release of their global 'Top 100 Salads Rankings' comes just in time. In particular, Thai dishes marked a prominent presence, with four of their offerings included. Fresh on the heels of the release on May 6, foodies around the world are buzzing, with a special interest in the Thai representation. Classic Thai salads – som tam, som tam khai khem, phla kung, and yum woon sen – made their mark in 11th, 19th, 39th and 46th places respectively. Som tam, a staple of Thai cuisine, graced the 11th spot. This iconic Thai salad consists of green papaya, long beans, roasted peanuts, tomatoes, chilli, garlic, and dried shrimp – a unique mix that has long enchanted taste buds around the globe. Despite its drop from 6th place last year, the continuing recognition of this vital Thai dish only reassures its popularity. In an interesting twist, a second variant of som tam, dubbed som tam khai khem, featuring salted egg, also seized the 19th spot. Known for its vibrant flavours and added protein element, this variant seems to be rising in popularity, according to TasteAtlas. Phla kung, a salad made with prawns that provides a balance of spicy, sour, and slightly sweet flavours, secured the 39th place. The presence of yum woon sen, a glass noodle and ground pork dish, at 46th place further cements the dominance of Thai cuisine in the salad sector. The coveted top spot was clinched by Dakos, a Greek delight, for the second consecutive year, followed closely by salads from Tunisia, Greece again, China, and Bulgaria. This selection only goes to show the wide variety of vibrant and delicious salad dishes from all around the globe. With Britain's increasing desire to explore foreign flavours, these accolades for Thai cuisine will only heighten interest and admiration. So, Brits might want to clear some room in their culinary diaries – looks like there's a taste of Thailand to be had. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Plans AI-Driven Revamp for Airport Operations Inspired by Beijing Model File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google Thailand's Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has unveiled plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost efficiency at Thai airports. This decision comes hot on the heels of his visit to Beijing Capital International Airport, where he witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact AI has made on the airport's management system. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327174-thailand-plans-ai-driven-revamp-for-airport-operations-inspired-by-beijing-model/

Thailand's Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has unveiled plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost efficiency at Thai airports. This decision comes hot on the heels of his visit to Beijing Capital International Airport, where he witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact AI has made on the airport's management system. Beijing Airport has successfully employed AI and Big Data technologies for nearly a decade, and the results are nothing short of impressive. AI-driven management systems meticulously monitor, analyse, and calculate how long each passenger spends from their arrival to departure, including waiting times for public transport. This kind of streamlined efficiency ensures a smoother journey for the passengers and significantly less time spent on unloading luggage, cleaning aircraft cabins, and carrying out pre-flight maintenance. The Beijing Airport model, which utilises real-time surveillance through 16,000 security cameras and 22,000 motion-tracking sensors, is eyeing replication in Thailand's Suvarnabhumi International Airport as the Southeast Asian nation continues to push its ambition of becoming a leading aviation hub in the region. However, passengers travelling through Suvarnabhumi International Airport should anticipate potential hiccups in the coming weeks. As part of its ongoing upgrade, the airport will be replacing the current automatic passport-checking channels. The potential teething issues might result in longer queues at the automatic passport checking zone from this Wednesday until June. Patience could be the added luggage passengers might have to bear as Thailand aspires for a futuristic, AI-enabled world-class airport service. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Suspect Arrested in South Korea in Connection With Pattaya Tourist Murder Case Photo courtesy of Thai PBS In a major breakthrough, South Korean police have captured a man believed to be involved in the murder of a South Korean tourist in Thailand's Pattaya. The suspect was arrested on Sunday, according to Yonhap news agency. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327109-remains-of-missing-korean-man-discovered-in-chon-buri-reservoir/

Suspect Arrested in South Korea in Connection With Pattaya Tourist Murder Case In a major breakthrough, South Korean police have captured a man believed to be involved in the murder of a South Korean tourist in Thailand's Pattaya. The suspect was arrested on Sunday, according to Yonhap news agency. The suspect was cornered at his residence by the officers from Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency under what has been called an 'emergency arrest'. The police has been hunting for the man, who forms one-third of a trio of South Korean nationals suspected of the heinous crime. The unfortunate victim journeyed to Thailand only to go missing, triggering an extensive search operation. The tale took a grim turn when Thai police unearthed the man's body on May 11. Concealed in a chilling scene, his remains were found stashed in a black plastic container, chillingly filled with cement, discarded in a Pattaya reservoir. This horrifying discovery came after the victim's mother received a sinister message from an unidentified source. The unknown contact threatened the life of the woman's son, demanding a ransom failing which, they insisted, her son's life would be in peril. Reports confirm a single suspect had taken flight back to South Korea from Thailand. Meanwhile, the co-suspects of the heinous crime remain at large. Whilst an arrest has been made, police are withholding specific details of the ongoing investigation. As this dreadful case unravels, the implications of it continue to reverberate in both Thailand and South Korea, leaving many to quest for justice for the hapless victim. Photo courtesy of Thai PBS -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Privilege Card Scrutinised Following Revelations of Abuse by Criminals Revelations have emerged regarding individuals with a criminal background exploiting the Thai Privilege Card, a long-term visa scheme for Thailand. Foreign criminals, operating within the country, are allegedly using the visa to maintain their illegal activities, prompting concerns from Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The issue came to light following the arrest of a Chinese national, Chen Yon La, suspected of laundering considerable sums of money for call centre scam gangs. Chen, detained during a Bangkok raid, had been using a Thai Privilege Card visa, securing his indefinite stay in the country. This Privilege Card, another version of the coveted Thailand Elite Visa, permits extended residence in the nation, ranging from five to even twenty years. An expensive upfront payment is required to obtain it, yet it offers privileges such as expedited immigration processes and multiple entries to the country. Chen's illicit activities, however, have ignited concerns regarding the misuse of this long-term visa for money laundering and other criminal purposes. He managed digital wallets dedicated to unlawful transactions while enjoying his prolonged stay via his Thai Privilege Card. The CIB is calling for enhanced monitoring to detect instances of visa misuse, alongside improved background checks on applicants' financial sources. The agency stressed the importance of information sharing between pertinent authorities, such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Immigration services. This case sheds light on the shifting strategies of criminal networks, including the use of cryptocurrencies to avoid detection. In response, the CIB is collaborating with banks, regulatory bodies, and digital asset businesses to develop strategies curtailing similar offences in the future. Officials also reiterated the continuous threat posed by call centre scam gangs, emphasising the need for preventive measures to shield against financial losses. This incidence has significantly highlighted the loopholes present in Thailand's visa system, sparking a deep dive into ensuring its integrity. Photo courtesy of Phuket GO -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Privilege Card Scrutinised Following Revelations of Abuse by Criminals Photo courtesy of Phuket GO Revelations have emerged regarding individuals with a criminal background exploiting the Thai Privilege Card, a long-term visa scheme for Thailand. Foreign criminals, operating within the country, are allegedly using the visa to maintain their illegal activities, prompting concerns from Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327149-thailand-probes-wealthy-foreigners-for-money-laundering-scheme/?do=findComment&comment=18912061

Thailand Set to Elect New Senate Amidst Constitutional Revamp File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing As the curtain falls on Thailand's current Senate class, numbering 250 senators, the Southeast Asian nation prepares to usher in a new era of electoral reconfiguration. The revised constitutional rules aim to typically reposition the Senate's role, thus abolishing their reach in the selection of the country's prime minister. This significant constitutional alteration comes after a period that witnessed the senators log in over 1,579 hours in deliberations over five years, passed an assortment of legislative resolutions but displayed noticeable restraint towards constitutional amendments, greenlighting a solitary proposal out of twenty that came their way. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327158-thailand-set-to-elect-new-senate-amidst-constitutional-revamp/

As the curtain falls on Thailand's current Senate class, numbering 250 senators, the Southeast Asian nation prepares to usher in a new era of electoral reconfiguration. The revised constitutional rules aim to typically reposition the Senate's role, thus abolishing their reach in the selection of the country's prime minister. This significant constitutional alteration comes after a period that witnessed the senators log in over 1,579 hours in deliberations over five years, passed an assortment of legislative resolutions but displayed noticeable restraint towards constitutional amendments, greenlighting a solitary proposal out of twenty that came their way. The outgoing class of senators left an indelible mark on Thailand's political fabric. They were instrumental in conferring their support to former Prime Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2019 and later to Srettha Thavisin in 2022. Their voting patterns were characteristic of their conservative disposition, particularly noticeable in their preference to oppose changes to the contentious lese majeste law. A chunk of senators argued that this refusal was intrinsically tied to the nation's high regard for its royal traditions. Beyond their legislative mandate, the outgoing Senate was actively involved in governmental oversight, posing 588 separate queries to the government. However, a significant number of these queries fell on deaf ears, receiving no response. This Senate bloc also played a pivotal role in designating officials for seven independent agencies, spotlighting the necessity of wide-ranging Senate approval for each nominee. With the upcoming Senate elections on the horizon, the race has begun with candidates starting their registration processes. The polls, organised in a three-step process—district, provincial, and national—will determine the 200 senators that will comprise different professional groups. Observers see these forthcoming elections as a fundamental stride towards fortifying Thailand's democratic fabric, hinting at a more engaged approach to the nation's governance. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe