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In the early hours of Thursday morning, a frightening blaze broke out at a chemical storage tank farm as part of the Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal Co., Ltd., leaving four people injured. Rayong Province's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, partnered with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and Pollution Control Department officials, are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire. The blaze emanated from a tank containing pyrolysis gasoline, commonly used to improve octane levels in petrol and as a basis for various petrochemical products. The fire's thick black smoke drew alarm, filling the skies, while twenty fire engines were deployed to tackle the flames, utilising both water and foam methods. Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal Co., Ltd. quickly assembled an emergency team to handle the rapidly-escalating situation, in line with their pre-established emergency response plan. They have expressed regret over the incident and have pledged to prioritise the well-being of the local community and the environment. However, what ignited the fire remains a mystery currently under investigation. As a result of this incident, four individuals have sought medical treatment, though the exact nature of their injuries is yet to be confirmed. The IEAT, enforcing strict safety protocols, has since requested the company to halt certain operations temporarily while investigations are ongoing and a damage assessment is conducted. The company says it is ready to provide full cooperation to the authorities and is determined to prevent such incidents from reoccurring in the future. At present, our thoughts go out to those affected by the fire at the Map Ta Phut Tank Terminal. Their health and safety remain of utmost importance as the situation continues to unfold. Photo courtesy of Thai News Agency -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

First 'Seaplane Tourism' Launched in Phuket by Thai Deputy Minister of Transport File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google Thai Deputy Minister of Transport, Manaporn Charoensri, recently inaugurated Thailand's pioneering 'seaplane tourism' venture in Phuket. This introduction aligns with the announcement from Airports of Thailand back in January regarding a new seaplane terminal at Phuket International Terminal aimed at accommodating the growing coastal tourism sector. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326911-first-seaplane-tourism-launched-in-phuket-by-thai-deputy-minister-of-transport/

Thai Deputy Minister of Transport, Manaporn Charoensri, recently inaugurated Thailand's pioneering 'seaplane tourism' venture in Phuket. This introduction aligns with the announcement from Airports of Thailand back in January regarding a new seaplane terminal at Phuket International Terminal aimed at accommodating the growing coastal tourism sector. This novel project seeks to magnify the influx of tourists from Phuket to the local Andaman islands and beaches, putting a fresh spin on the existing boat tour services operating for decades. Ms. Manaporn underlined the dual utility of upcoming seaplane operations as a facilitator of tourism and a provider of crucial medical aid amidst the growing issue of land transport congestion on the island. Nopasit Chakpitak, the President and CEO of Aerothai, the company destined to kickstart the first seaplane services, spoke about their exploration of maritime aircraft control services as a new air transport segment. AoT President, Kerati Kijmanawat had previously declared the seaplane base as a component of Phuket airport's expansion, with the estimated budget for terminal construction approximately 8 billion baht. The other contenders in the race of establishing a seaplane service in Phuket are Thai Seaplane, which had announced plans to commence operation in late 2024, and Siam Seaplane, planning to add Cessna Caravan 208 model amphibian planes. While Thai Seaplane's recent activities remain unknown, Siam Seaplane's first route is reported to be from Phuket to Ko Lipe in Satun province. In light of these developments, Phuket's travel scene is buzzing with anticipation, as the launch of distinct and efficient travel services promises to further energise Thai tourism and provide more accessible connections to its beautiful coastal sites. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Businesses Launch Free Electric Bus Service to Tackle Traffic and Pollution File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google In the face of escalating traffic congestion and pollution, a group of local businesses in Phuket, Thailand has taken a remarkable initiative. Today, the Phuket Development Foundation and its allies in the private sector launched the Phuket Smart Bus EV project. This pilot scheme aims to provide free electric bus services to tourists around Old Town, a heavily populated area frequently blighted by traffic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326910-phuket-businesses-launch-free-electric-bus-service-to-tackle-traffic-and-pollution/

In the face of escalating traffic congestion and pollution, a group of local businesses in Phuket, Thailand has taken a remarkable initiative. Today, the Phuket Development Foundation and its allies in the private sector launched the Phuket Smart Bus EV project. This pilot scheme aims to provide free electric bus services to tourists around Old Town, a heavily populated area frequently blighted by traffic. Phuket, a tourist haven, has been wrestling with traffic issues that rival those in Bangkok. The Old Town area is particularly impacted due to the high influx of tourists, as many as tens of thousands daily. These visitors, predominantly using personal vehicles, contribute to parking issues and escalating pollution. As a counter-measure, the Phuket Smart Bus EV project brings three 100% electric buses into operation, rotating to provide free service across the Old Town route. The 22-seater electric buses, decked out with complete safety features and a wheelchair-accessible ramp, are scheduled to make 45 runs daily at 15-minute intervals across approximately 10 bus stops in the Old Town community. The project hopes to ease the traffic crunch in the Old Town region and lower vehicle-generated carbon emissions. Thalang Road in Old Town alone experiences an estimated 6,000-7,000 vehicles daily, leading to a significant release of carbon dioxide. Despite drawing in over 10 million international tourists each year and generating over 400 billion baht from tourism, Phuket's public transportation system remains non-existent at the governmental level. Past experiences with privately-run public transportation have been riddled with concerns over inflated fares and conflicts between passengers and service operators, casting a negative light on Phuket's tourism reputation. The Phuket Smart Bus EV project, a non-profit venture kickstarted by Phuket's private sector, presents a compelling shift in addressing these issues. The sustainability and future expansion of this project, should it prove successful, will impact how the government supports public transportation initiatives. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Commerce Minister's 'Rice Stunt' Provokes Backlash, Sparks Fears for Thai Export Market Photo courtesy of Thai PBS In a controversial move, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently sampled decade-old rice in front of reporters, reigniting the debate around the maligned Rice Pledging Scheme from the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. In response, Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, the original whistle-blower in the scandal and chairman of the Thai Pakdee party, warned the Minister against making further attempts to revise the scandal's narrative. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326873-decade-old-thai-rice-sale-concerns-amid-contamination-fears/?do=findComment&comment=18902927

Commerce Minister's 'Rice Stunt' Provokes Backlash, Sparks Fears for Thai Export Market In a controversial move, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently sampled decade-old rice in front of reporters, reigniting the debate around the maligned Rice Pledging Scheme from the Yingluck Shinawatra administration. In response, Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, the original whistle-blower in the scandal and chairman of the Thai Pakdee party, warned the Minister against making further attempts to revise the scandal's narrative. Phumtham's visit to a Surin province warehouse involved the display of reportedly edible rice from reserves of over 100,000 sacks, leftovers from the Rice Pledging Scheme implemented ten years ago. The minister, alongside his accompanying officials and the gathered press, sampled the cooked rice as an apparent demonstration of its continued safety and edibility, despite overstated allegations of biofuel-grade quality by the scheme's critics. This public culinary exercise has been labelled a political manoeuvre by sceptics, who view it as an attempt to downplay the gravity of accusations surrounding the controversial rice scheme. Phumtham also disclosed intentions of selling approximately 15,000 tonnes of what he called 'old rice' to certain African countries, a move expected to raise approximately 200 million baht. Reacting to this news, Dr Warong called out the government's previous failed attempts at auctioning the surplus rice. Drawing from his own expertise and information from rice specialists, Dr Warong highlighted potential hazards of consuming such rice, including the presence of toxins given the grains' age. Subsequently, Warong expressed worries around potential damage to Thailand's rice export market reputation resulting from the sale of these older stocks. Reawakening latent furore around the decade-old scandal with this stunt could bear unintended consequences with possible additional exposures, warned Warong. Echoing these sentiments, Ramet Rattanachaweng, representative of the Democrat party, advised the government to proceed cautiously. Endeavours to 'whitewash' the Rice Pledging Scheme by selling the old rice without expert verification may do more harm than good, he said, risking Thai rice's reputation on the international stage. Rattanachaweng urged governmental officials to consult rice professionals for quality and safety checks prior to any attempts at selling the residual stocks, warning that failure to do so could irreparably damage all Thai rice exports. Photo courtesy of Thai PBS -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai military open to purchasing decade-old rice, pending quality assurance tests Photo courtesy of Thai PBS The Thai military has announced its potential willingness to purchase aged rice from the controversial rice pledging scheme. The decision, however, hinges on the grains passing quality testing for human consumption. These revelations were made today by none other than the Thai Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326873-decade-old-thai-rice-sale-concerns-amid-contamination-fears/?do=findComment&comment=18902917

Thai military open to purchasing decade-old rice, pending quality assurance tests The Thai military has announced its potential willingness to purchase aged rice from the controversial rice pledging scheme. The decision, however, hinges on the grains passing quality testing for human consumption. These revelations were made today by none other than the Thai Defence Minister, Sutin Klungsang. The decade-old rice is destined for military consumption, in a gesture indicating governmental support and financial generation for Thailand. "The military is happy to support the government by buying the rice, as it would generate income for the country," stated Sutin. The stockpile in question has been embroiled in controversy owing to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai recently claiming that it remains good for consumption following a taste test. Housing around 150,000 sacks of rice that have been fumigated every two months for the past ten years, it took no less than fifteen washes before the supposedly consumable portion was cooked. Despite Phumtham's assurances, public scepticism pertains to the rice's quality after a decade, given its transition in colour from white to yellow and presence of weevils. Sutin, referring to the quality of the aged rice, suggested Phumtham's taste test could be taken as a "guarantee" to a certain degree. Nevertheless, the Thai Defence Minister welcomed further testing, saying "but if we want to have more assurance, it would be okay to conduct more tests on the quality." Historically, the Thai military has stepped in to purchase crops during market downturns. Photo courtesy of Thai PBS -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Spring into Action as Thailand's Pattaya Eateries Face Disruption Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Pattaya's vivacious food scene received unexpected chaos as police were called to incidents at two popular local eateries - the Prachanban Rice Porridge Shop and another shop near Pattaya Park. This has alarmed both local and foreign community and has raised questions about the potential need for stricter law enforcement in the bustling tourist areas. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326908-police-spring-into-action-as-thailands-pattaya-eateries-face-disruption/

Pattaya's vivacious food scene received unexpected chaos as police were called to incidents at two popular local eateries - the Prachanban Rice Porridge Shop and another shop near Pattaya Park. This has alarmed both local and foreign community and has raised questions about the potential need for stricter law enforcement in the bustling tourist areas. On Sunday, May 5, erratic behaviour by a 30-year-old Thai man, later identified as Ton, initiated a wave of panic at the Prachanban Rice Porridge Shop, Central Pattaya Road. Ton fled from the officers into the eatery, creating disarray amongst the dining customers. Quickly acting upon the situation, authorities, with help from the local community, thwarted Ton's attempt to hide and peace was restored shortly. Ton subsequently confessed to using methamphetamine, confirming the suspicions about drug-induced erratic behaviour. The police managed to take him into custody without further ado, and he was ushered to a nearby department for comprehensive scrutiny. The police aim to delve deeper into understanding Ton's background, drug dependencies, and the factors that have led to this unfortunate event. Not a standalone incident, similar mayhem was witnessed at another unnamed eatery off Soi Thappraya 12, Pattaya Park on Sunday, March 24. A knife-wielding man showcasing aggressive mannerisms startled local enforcement officers present at the scene. Subsequent police reinforcements arriving with riot control equipment were able to corner and subdue the man. The tensed moment has been diffused without any harm to the bystanders and the unfortunately disturbed man in question. These abrupt disruptions amidst the tranquil scenes of eateries highlight an emerging pattern and raise concerns about the safety of the city. Both agencies and citizens alike wait in anticipation as officials conduct further investigations into the causes and possible solutions for these scenarios. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UK Ambassador and Phuket Governor Discuss Safety Measures for Tourists Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Tourist safety took the forefront in a recent dialogue held between Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, and Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket. The pivotal discussion held on May 7 at the Phuket Provincial Hall, dealt with measures to escalate the safety of tourists in the well-known Thai province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326907-uk-ambassador-and-phuket-governor-discuss-safety-measures-for-tourists/

Tourist safety took the forefront in a recent dialogue held between Mark Gooding, the British Ambassador to Thailand, and Sophon Suwannarat, Governor of Phuket. The pivotal discussion held on May 7 at the Phuket Provincial Hall, dealt with measures to escalate the safety of tourists in the well-known Thai province. The crux of the conversation was based on the Governor's focus on reducing motorcycle-related road accidents and enhancing water safety for tourists. Sophon cast light on the ongoing collective endeavours of the Phuket Provincial Office and consular representatives to dissiminate critical information among tourists and encourage cultural respect. Although there is no British consulate in Phuket; British tourists significantly contribute to the economy of the province, occupying a place in the top four when it comes to inbound tourist numbers. The crime rate involving these tourists, however, is fairly low. To ensure a hospitable environment for their international visitors, Phuket officials have designed comprehensive safety measures encompassing land, air and water safety. Land transportation regulations have been stiffened with a reinforced inspection of driving licenses amongst other steps. Water safety, on the other hand, involves round-the-clock lifeguard presence on beaches, barring a few. Highlighting the gravity of adhering to safety measures, Sophon mentions the prevalent use of red flags to indicate hazardous swimming conditions. Despite such warnings, compliance remains a considerable challenge. Measures to enhance safety protocols for parasailing activities are part of these initiatives. Governor Sophon and Ambassador Gooding's meeting occurred in the immediate aftermath of an accident involving British tourist Zoe Luckett, a tragic incident which has sparked an outcry amongst locals for more decisive police action. The concurrence of these events amplifies the urgent need for resorting to strict safety norms for tourists in Phuket. The convergence of the Governor and Ambassador signals a shared commitment towards this goal, further strengthening Phuket's appeal as a safe tourist destination. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Public Indecency at Wat Phra Kaew Spurs National Outrage and Debate Photo courtesy of The Thaiger News broke into the public domain yesterday, May 8, as a foreign family sparked national outrage after allowing their daughter to urinate publicly at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Wat Phra Kaew is not just a major tourist attraction but also a site deeply revered by Thais. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326906-public-indecency-at-wat-phra-kaew-spurs-national-outrage-and-debate/

News broke into the public domain yesterday, May 8, as a foreign family sparked national outrage after allowing their daughter to urinate publicly at Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Wat Phra Kaew is not just a major tourist attraction but also a site deeply revered by Thais. Harit Thavornkij, the eyewitness who exposed the incident, shared an image on his Facebook account of the deed taking place, right outside the palace, inciting a furious response from Thai netizens. Quickly gathering steam, this post has sparked a contentious debate, lightly touching on issues of tourism, respect, public decency and xenophobia. The photo shows the unidentified foreign couple carelessly observing their young daughter relieving herself, an act perceived as a direct affront to the temple's sanctity. The post has since exploded virally, amassing over 2,600 reactions, 680 comments, and 1,400 shares, with netizens largely expressing dismay and anger. Many clamoured for stringent actions against such disrespectful behaviour, with calls for blacklisting the family to safeguard national and religious monuments. Others called for a clampdown on visa regulations for tourists, as one user commented, "It's time to focus on quality tourists". This indignation was noted by Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Phongpanich, who told MGR Online that the act was objectionable due to the temple's sanctity and could somewhat tarnish the image of Thai tourism. However, not all opinions leaned toward outrage. A number of Thai citizens felt the reaction was overblown, highlighting that the young girl herself might have had an urgent need and was too little to understand the gravity of the situation. They argued against locking out tourists based on isolated incidents of misjudgement. Amid this defining national debate, one Thai user called for equality in the treatment of offenders, suggesting the couple should face charges or fines as a Thai offender would have. The user cited a previous case where a Thai man was punished for spraying graffiti on Wat Phra Kaew's wall, bringing to light possible double-standards in the way local law perceives foreigners vis-a-vis Thai nationals. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, led an extensive high-level meeting earlier to address the pressing issue of drug use in the country. An agenda point of major significance was the potential re-evaluation of cannabis as a Class 5 narcotic. The roundtable discussion included key stakeholders, such as Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, newly assigned Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin, and Justice Minister Police Colonel Thawee Sodsong. Together, they engaged in strategic discussions about the country's drug predicament and the necessary-political action. The foremost concern for Srettha is the looming drug issue within Thailand. He emphasised that drugs represent a matter of national importance warranting collective action spanning from grassroot to national governance. While acknowledging the persistent endeavours by Thai law enforcement to resist drug trafficking and illicit substance use, Srettha highlighted the alarming level of drug usage within the nation. He attributed this prevalence to the continued operation of drug kingpins and local traffickers. The leaders also steered discussions towards clarifying legal parameters around drug possession. Factors under consideration included the difference between addicts and dealers caught with illicit substances. Srettha called for a shift in the legal definition of possession from “a small amount” to “one pill of illicit substances”. Drawing attention to the potent risks of drug use, Srettha cautioned that possessing even a single methamphetamine pill could land an individual in court. They risk fines and potential imprisonment unless they can substantiate their addiction status, failing which they could face charges akin to a dealer. The official stressed the role of investigation officers in distinguishing between addicts and drug dealers. He added that joined efforts between the Justice and Public Health Ministries could improve drug treatment efficacy. The option of using military camps for drug addict rehabilitation was deliberated, although budgetary constraints and practicality concerns linger. The collective anti-drug efforts are planned to unfold over the next three months. As a parting note, Prime Minister Srettha proposed classifying cannabis as a Class 5 drug in light of its 2022 decriminalisation. The responsibility of finding legal adjustments permitting cannabis use for therapeutic purposes landed on the newly instated Health Minister Somsak, who vowed to consider both sides of the cannabis debate before reaching a resolution. As per Srettha, the final draft outlining the changes would be prepared by late 2024. This conference is the third instance of Srettha's endeavour to recriminalise non-medical cannabis uses. However, he can anticipate substantial pushback from pro-cannabis activists and businesses within a rapidly expanding industry that generates billions in revenue and supports numerous jobs across Thailand. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Government Advances on Beneficial Digital Wallet Aid Initiative Photo courtesy of The Thaiger The Thailand Government is inching closer to implementing a highly anticipated digital wallet scheme which offers promising financial aid to its citizens. The eligibility criteria for this groundbreaking initiative have been decided, with a deposit cap, income threshold, and age limit ensuring the aid is solely received by those in need. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326902-thai-government-advances-on-beneficial-digital-wallet-aid-initiative/

The Thailand Government is inching closer to implementing a highly anticipated digital wallet scheme which offers promising financial aid to its citizens. The eligibility criteria for this groundbreaking initiative have been decided, with a deposit cap, income threshold, and age limit ensuring the aid is solely received by those in need. Applicable only to Thai citizens aged 16 or over as of September 30, 2021, born before October 1, 2005, the scheme further requires that the individual's bank savings - whether commercial or state-owned - not exceed 500,000 baht as of March 31. The government has exempted its savings bonds from this count, indicating that only baht-denominated deposits count towards this cap. The income cap, another significant eligibility criterion, is set at a yearly 840,000 baht, which will be cross-checked with the Revenue Department’s tax records for the year 2023. Multiple income sources such as salaries, contractor payments, rent, or interest will collectively contribute to this cap. The much-awaited registration process is set to commence in 2023's third quarter, with the funds become spendable in the last quarter. The eligible spending categories remain limited to select products, and spending on services, a few online purchases, or any prohibited items are excluded. At the helm of this initiative is Deputy Finance Minister Phaiboon Rojanasakul, whose repeated focus on intricate discussions regarding the scheme's systems and conditions has been instrumental in its careful refinement. The digital wallet project, by bridging the economic divide and stimulating local economies, shows immense potential in catalysing financial growth for smaller vendors and citizens with less financial flexibility. Phaiboon reiterated the importance of fine-tuning mechanisms for identity verification and agency-linked data for efficient operation. As the project gears up for launch, those who stand eligible should prepare their documents and heed the criteria to make the best of this monetary relief. When referring to Thai individuals, use their full Thai name on the initial reference. On subsequent mentions, use just the Thai first name. The digital wallet aid initiative signals a promising step by the Thai government towards aiding citizens in need, with a blend of stringent guidelines and technological convenience. As it moves towards implementation, the nation holds its breath, waiting to reap the benefits of this financial windfall. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deputy Finance Minister Kritsada Jinavijarana's Resignation Bid: PM Srettha Thavisin Steps Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Thailand's Deputy Minister of Finance, Kritsada Jinavijarana, has rocked political circles by tendering his resignation in protest over what he perceives as unjust task allocation. However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has implored him to reconsider his move. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326901-deputy-finance-minister-kritsada-jinavijaranas-resignation-bid-pm-srettha-thavisin-steps/

Thailand's Deputy Minister of Finance, Kritsada Jinavijarana, has rocked political circles by tendering his resignation in protest over what he perceives as unjust task allocation. However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has implored him to reconsider his move. Mentioning his frustrations with the distribution of tasks, Kritsada offered to resign from his portfolio. Keen on retaining an integral member of his Cabinet, the Thai premier, aged 62, extended an earnest request to Kritsada to remain in office. PM Srettha echoed Kritsada's concerns, agreeing that the discord was likely due to disagreements over task allotment. He, however, assured Kritsada of their collective ability to foster stronger team dynamics within their departments. Labeling Kritsada as a trusted collaborator, Srettha, hailing from Bangkok, underlined the importance of open communication and mutual understanding in resolving such issues. He acknowledged Kritsada's valuable contributions and his potential for leading future initiatives. Meanwhile, conjecture intensifies regarding possible successors. Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga elucidated the need for immediate action by the party, should Kritsada go ahead with his resignation. This development compounds recent Cabinet alterations, with Kritsada poised to be the second minister to leave within the week. While uncertainty hovers, all attention remains firmly on Kritsada as we eagerly anticipate his response to the Prime Minister's appeal. In related developments, the newly-appointed Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, committed to fast-track measures mitigating household debt, boosting the economy, and increasing personal incomes. Pichai, formerly the Chairperson of the Stock Exchange of Thailand and an advisor to the Prime Minister, identified a persistent decline in Thailand's economic growth over the past 20 years during his first day in office. Photo courtesy of The Thaiger -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Deputy PM to Discuss National Strategies with Military Chiefs File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has announced intent to engage in discussions with the leaders of the armed forces in Thailand. The forthcoming meetings, to be held at the premises of the army, navy, and air force chiefs, aim to acquaint them with the government's strategic initiatives. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326899-thai-deputy-pm-to-discuss-national-strategies-with-military-chiefs/

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has announced intent to engage in discussions with the leaders of the armed forces in Thailand. The forthcoming meetings, to be held at the premises of the army, navy, and air force chiefs, aim to acquaint them with the government's strategic initiatives. Recently appointed to preside over the Ministry of Defence, Phumtham desires to ensure continued dialogue with the Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force, aided by an active listening approach. “I am here to listen, collaborate, and make decisions in the country’s best interest," Phumtham stated, expressing readiness to take into account the viewpoint of all parties involved. Aiming to encourage collective problem-solving, Phumtham chose the military leaders' offices as meeting venues, emphasising that his intention isn't to establish authority but to promote teamwork. “I have no ambition to act as a superior. I would simply value their inputs on how to tackle national issues.” Regarding prospective modifications to the Ministry of Defence Organisation Act to avert potential coups, Phumtham deferred the issue saying it's too early to ponder on the matter. He plans to discuss this with Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang in the future. In response to concerns about a possible coup, Phumtham reassured the public about the civilian-led character of the current government. “We are no longer concerned about coups as we are a civilian government that works inclusively. Collaborating effectively with the armed forces is our focus.” Reaffirming his commitment towards his nation and its people, Phumtham concluded by emphasising that all initiatives will adhere to policies submitted to the Thai Parliament, as per Bangkok Post reports. “We are committed to serving the country, collaborating with all stakeholders, while strictly adhering to the policies proposed to the parliament.” File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Online Scam Artist Arrested in Thailand: Over 2 Million Baht in Fraudulent Transactions File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google In a significant leap forward in the fight against cybercrime, a 29-year-old man was arrested in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, accused of conducting a series of fraudulent activities online. Pongsiri Bunluewong has reportedly been linked with over 61 cases of e-commerce fraud, scamming customers out of more than 2 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326898-online-scam-artist-arrested-in-thailand-over-2-million-baht-in-fraudulent-transactions/

In a significant leap forward in the fight against cybercrime, a 29-year-old man was arrested in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, accused of conducting a series of fraudulent activities online. Pongsiri Bunluewong has reportedly been linked with over 61 cases of e-commerce fraud, scamming customers out of more than 2 million baht. It's a scenario that becomes alarmingly common; unsuspecting consumers place orders for goods ranging from powdered milk to rubber mattresses, only to find their money taken and their items never dispatched. After the payments had been made, the unsuspecting customers were blocked, leaving them with no form of communication. The cases revolve around a Facebook page managed by Pongsiri under the moniker of “Thai Denmark Milk”. The page was seemingly legitimate, offering customers high-quality products at attractive prices, thus easily ensnaring unsuspecting victims. After the local police had suspicions about Pongsiri, they contacted the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), resulting in a joint effort leading to his arrest and further investigations. Interestingly, the police were tipped off about Pongsiri’s activities when he personally wandered into Sichon Police Station, sparking their interest. There were three existing warrants out for Pongsiri's arrest, all related to fraud and computer crimes, and all issued in the final months of last year. What's striking about this case isn't just the large financial toll it’s taken on those who fell victim to the scam, but also the brazen way in which a single man was able to build a web of deception on a well-known social media platform and abuse the trust of online shoppers. Authorities hope that Pongsiri’s arrest will bring justice to those affected, and serve as a stern warning to others considering exploiting the world wide web for fraudulent gains. For Thailand’s Cyber Police, this case is a valuable testament to the importance of their work in maintaining trust, security, and order in online commerce. Whilst Pongsiri's arrest represents a victory against online fraudsters, it also highlights the ever-present pitfalls and risks associated with e-commerce. It reminds us all of the need for more robust protective measures and remains vigilant when shopping online. As the investigation continues, it’s hoped that more insights into this cyber fraud network can be unearthed, bringing additional criminals to justice, and potentially reducing the likelihood of further fraudulent activities in the future. For now, however, the story stands as a stark reminder of the dark side of the digital age. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google -- 2024-05-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mae Buay Salay Restaurant in Suphan Buri Gears Up for Prime Minister's Visit Photo courtesy of The Thaiger Suphan Buri province's Mae Buay Salay restaurant, famed for its choice river prawns, is set to host the prime minister and Cabinet members. With a rich history exceeding 80 years, this culinary gem is diligently priming for this esteemed visit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326897-mae-buay-salay-restaurant-in-suphan-buri-gears-up-for-prime-ministers-visit/