snoop1130

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News A heated land dispute has erupted over Phuket's Freedom Beach, as the heirs of former landowner Panthong Na Ranong seek to halt its recent designation as a recreational forest. The family's legal representatives petitioned the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Phuket, arguing that unresolved land rights should be addressed before the area's classification as protected land becomes official. The petition filed on 13 March challenges the Royal Forest Department's decision to designate 41 rai of Freedom Beach as a recreational forest on 31 January. According to the legal team, the land is covered by Chanote title deeds 46250 and 46251. These deeds, while initially deemed legitimate, became embroiled in a forgery case, leading to their seizure. The lawyers assert that although other deeds were nullified, Panthong's remained valid. They claim that attempts to retrieve the original documents were thwarted by officials, who indicated their destruction. Now, Panthong's heirs are pressing to assert their rights to the land. Their case has been taken to the Administrative Court, demanding the return of original deeds from the Phuket Provincial Land Office. In addition, they have urged the Phuket Governor to pause the recreational forest designation pending a legal resolution. Lieutenant Commander Phongsakorn Itsamut from ISOC Phuket has assured that the evidence will be thoroughly reviewed, with findings submitted to the governor to ensure a fair decision for all parties involved. This dispute has reignited broader concerns over land conflicts in Phuket, marking another instance where private claims clash with governmental conservation efforts. The outcome here could set a crucial precedent for future land rights cases, with keen interest from both conservationists and landowners, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Pattaya's Two-Pronged Effort: Beach Regulations and Homelessness Solutions Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Pattaya City officials are intensifying their efforts to regulate beach operations and address the increasing issue of homelessness. In a recent high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijakarn, strategies to enforce stricter beach regulations and manage homelessness were discussed. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354626-pattayas-two-pronged-effort-beach-regulations-and-homelessness-solutions/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Pattaya City officials are intensifying their efforts to regulate beach operations and address the increasing issue of homelessness. In a recent high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijakarn, strategies to enforce stricter beach regulations and manage homelessness were discussed. The meeting outlined the importance of setting clear sunbathing areas to ensure foreign tourists enjoy unobstructed access to Pattaya's beautiful beaches. This includes implementing mandatory rest days for beach operators. To ensure compliance, the city’s Health Department will enhance communication with vendors regarding designated days off. Next week, authorities plan a coordinated effort to streamline beach chair and jet ski rental operations. Concurrently, Pattaya is grappling with homelessness on its streets. Municipal officers, alongside the Social Welfare Office, are facing challenges in detaining and transferring homeless individuals, particularly at night, to the Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre due to staff shortages. Deputy Mayor Wutthisak has called for better coordination between the Social Welfare Office and the Protection Centre to develop sustainable solutions, especially beyond standard working hours. The aim is to boost public safety, reduce distress among residents, and bolster Pattaya’s image as a well-organised tourist hub, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Thai Elephant Day: Khao Kheow Zoo Celebrates with Lavish Elephant Buffet Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News Khao Kheow Open Zoo marked Thai Elephant Day with an extraordinary celebration yesterday, hosting a sumptuous buffet for its oldest elephant, Pang Nat. The event commenced at 10 am on March 13 and was spearheaded by Ularika Kongprom, the zoo's assistant director. Drawing a crowd of eager executives, staff, and students, the festivities highlighted the significance of elephants as Thailand's national symbol and stressed the vital need for their conservation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354625-thai-elephant-day-khao-kheow-zoo-celebrates-with-lavish-elephant-buffet/

Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News Khao Kheow Open Zoo marked Thai Elephant Day with an extraordinary celebration yesterday, hosting a sumptuous buffet for its oldest elephant, Pang Nat. The event commenced at 10 am on March 13 and was spearheaded by Ularika Kongprom, the zoo's assistant director. Drawing a crowd of eager executives, staff, and students, the festivities highlighted the significance of elephants as Thailand's national symbol and stressed the vital need for their conservation. Central to the celebration was Pang Nat, accompanied by fellow elephants Pang Janphen and Pang Jim, as they relished a giant buffet cake crafted from fresh fruits and vegetables. Visitors, thrilled to partake, seized the chance to feed the elephants and captured memorable photos with the gentle giants. Beyond the delightful feast, the zoo curated exhibitions to educate attendees about the history and remarkable abilities of the majestic elephants. Ularika Kongprom underscored the event's aim to inspire the Thai people to cherish and conserve elephants, stressing its importance amid a declining population. These celebrations stand as crucial reminders of the collective responsibility in safeguarding the future of Thailand's cherished creatures, urging everyone to play a proactive role in conservation, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Woman Dies After Reconciliation With Adulterous Husband Photo via Amarin TV This week, a poignant tale unfolded in Chai Nat, Thailand, capturing national attention. The saga of a woman's unorthodox acceptance of her husband's mistress concluded tragically with her unexpected death. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354623-woman-dies-after-reconciliation-with-adulterous-husband/

Photo via Amarin TV This week, a poignant tale unfolded in Chai Nat, Thailand, capturing national attention. The saga of a woman's unorthodox acceptance of her husband's mistress concluded tragically with her unexpected death. On Wednesday, March 12, police were called to a heated exchange at a National Housing Authority residence. The argument involved 46-year-old Keng and his wife, 56-year-old Wassana, in front of their distressed seven-year-old daughter. The confrontation, witnessed by concerned neighbours, was driven by Wassana's accusations of Keng abandoning the family for a younger mistress. Despite the tensions, police intervention calmed the scene, and the couple later reconciled. Media reports indicated that Wassana, in a surprising gesture, permitted Keng to maintain his relationship with the mistress. However, in a heart-wrenching turn, Wassana's health deteriorated shortly thereafter. Known to suffer from diabetes, she was rushed to hospital by Keng in the early hours of March 14th but succumbed to acute kidney failure. Keng shared his sorrow with Amarin TV, lamenting the loss of more time together after reconciling. He promised to honour her memory by diligently caring for their child, as Wassana had hoped they would remain connected eternally. This tragic event has sparked discussions around the dynamics of marriage, love, and forgiveness, leaving a nation both touched and reflective, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Lottery Winner Buys Ambulance for Community with Winnings Pictures courtesy of Thairath In Kamphaeng Phet province, a generous resident named Sawai has left a mark on her community by using her lottery winnings for a meaningful cause. Sawai, 55, has hit the lottery jackpot an astounding 70 times, amassing over 1 million baht thanks to what she describes as dreams and rituals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354621-lottery-winner-buys-ambulance-for-community-with-winnings/

Pictures courtesy of Thairath In Kamphaeng Phet province, a generous resident named Sawai has left a mark on her community by using her lottery winnings for a meaningful cause. Sawai, 55, has hit the lottery jackpot an astounding 70 times, amassing over 1 million baht thanks to what she describes as dreams and rituals. Her latest win on March 1, which netted her nearly 200,000 baht, spurred Sawai to give back to her hometown. Choosing to invest her prize, she purchased an ambulance for the Kham Phee subdistrict in the Kosamphee Nakhon district. The van was handed over to the Sawang Kamphaeng Phet Dhammasathan Foundation, where its arrival was warmly greeted by the foundation’s chairman, local leaders, and volunteers. Now, the ambulance is set to serve as vital support in emergencies, aiding injured and ill residents who need rapid transport. Sawai, who regularly visits a local temple, attributes her lottery luck to rituals performed at a spirit house near her home. Here, she lights incense and occasionally dreams of numbers, which guide her lottery choices. After the van donation event, Sawai resumed her spiritual rituals, this time with incense revealing the number 536. Onlookers, including rescue volunteers, eagerly noted the number for future lottery draws. They also considered the new ambulance's registration number, 6541, as a potential sign of luck, inspired by Sawai’s remarkable run of good fortune, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Drama Unfolds as Airport Director’s Love Triangle Exposed Photo via DailyNews In Buriram, Thailand, a dramatic love triangle caused an uproar when a teaching wife discovered her airport director husband's secret second marriage. The 51-year-old woman, based in Bangkok, hurried to Buriram to file a formal adultery complaint. Her husband, Keng, is currently filling in as the acting director of an airport there. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354620-drama-unfolds-as-airport-director’s-love-triangle-exposed/

Photo via DailyNews In Buriram, Thailand, a dramatic love triangle caused an uproar when a teaching wife discovered her airport director husband's secret second marriage. The 51-year-old woman, based in Bangkok, hurried to Buriram to file a formal adultery complaint. Her husband, Keng, is currently filling in as the acting director of an airport there. The woman revealed that despite having a marriage certificate and three children with Keng, he secretly wed his 45-year-old lover—allegedly an influential politician's daughter in the area. Her discovery came when Keng sent her a breakup message via the LINE app, declaring his love for someone new and requesting a divorce. Undeterred, the wife began investigating and uncovered the secret wedding and pictures of Keng and his new lover in a lavish Buriram home. Seeking justice, she first took her complaints to her husband’s workplace but was turned away, prompting her to approach the Satuk Police Station. Pook, the woman accused of being the lover, shared her story on March 13. She claimed that Keng told her he had been divorced for a long time. Only recently did he confess that he was still married, blaming the lie on his fear of losing her. With mixed emotions, Pook said she was unaware of his prior marriage and would reconsider the relationship only if he sorted out the chaos with his wife. Keng admitted his deceit, acknowledging his tendencies as a womaniser, and claimed his wife was aware of his behavior. He confessed they hadn’t seen each other in two years, prompting his request for a divorce. While Keng admitted to wanting to make things right with Pook, the future remains hazy as he seeks a resolution, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Thai Student Moves Schools Amid Vaping-Related Violence Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail In a shocking turn of events at Watjunprasit School, Ban Phai district, 13-year-old Khon Kaen student Oam has been relocated for his safety after repeated assaults by a fellow student, 16-year-old Lek, due to a broken vaping device. This incident has spurred heightened scrutiny over teenage e-cigarette use and prompted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to demand aggressive action against illegal vape sales. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354619-thai-student-moves-schools-amid-vaping-related-violence/

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail In a shocking turn of events at Watjunprasit School, Ban Phai district, 13-year-old Khon Kaen student Oam has been relocated for his safety after repeated assaults by a fellow student, 16-year-old Lek, due to a broken vaping device. This incident has spurred heightened scrutiny over teenage e-cigarette use and prompted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to demand aggressive action against illegal vape sales. Reports surfaced when videos showing the assaults circulated, leading to a decisive meeting involving school officials to move Oam to a secure boarding school. Oam's mother, deeply concerned and preparing to leave their home, supported the relocation for her son's protection and rehabilitation. The issue has further exposed the growing challenge of illegal e-cigarette circulation among teenagers. In a recent meeting at Government House, Minister Jiraporn Sindhuphrai announced that over 666 individuals had been arrested and significant quantities of vaping products seized, demonstrating the government's commitment to tackling this rising problem. Additionally, details about Lek's troubled past, including drug use and aggression, highlight the broader social issues intersecting with this incident. Oam’s sudden change of school and home aims to offer him a fresh start and rid him of vaping influence, while emphasizing the broader implications of teenage e-cigarette consumption and attending risks, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Brave Teen Escapes Assault by Bolt Rider, Helped by Fellow Driver - video Photo via Facebook/ Ta Pongprapa In a narrow escape that has raised concerns about app-based delivery services in Bangkok, a 17-year-old Thai girl sidestepped a rape attempt by a Bolt motorcycle rider due to the timely intervention of another Bolt driver. The shocking incident occurred in a dark, isolated park in the Bang Khun Thian area on March 11th. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354616-brave-teen-escapes-assault-by-bolt-rider-helped-by-fellow-driver-video/

Photo via Facebook/ Ta Pongprapa In a narrow escape that has raised concerns about app-based delivery services in Bangkok, a 17-year-old Thai girl sidestepped a rape attempt by a Bolt motorcycle rider due to the timely intervention of another Bolt driver. The shocking incident occurred in a dark, isolated park in the Bang Khun Thian area on March 11th. The ordeal began after the teenager, a regular customer of her rescuer, unwittingly booked a ride with a different driver to avoid disturbing her usual rider late at night. As she travelled from Central Rama II shopping mall to her Phetchakasem home around 10pm, the substitute driver deviated from the expected route, claiming a shortcut. However, the shortcut led to a dimly lit park. There, the driver abruptly stopped and attempted to assault the girl, propositioning her and touching her inappropriately. Demonstrating remarkable tenacity, she managed to escape his grasp and urgently contacted her regular Bolt rider for assistance. The suspect fled upon realising she was calling for help. An unsettling twist to the incident was the discovery that the driver's profile and vehicle did not match those listed in the app. This discrepancy suggests a possible breach of registration rules, potentially involving account rental. The incident, currently under investigation by Tha Kham Police Station, remains informal as the victim has yet to file an official complaint. This case echoes other recent reports of inappropriate behaviour by app-based riders in Thailand, including a disturbance on March 10th, where a woman experienced a similar unwarranted encounter with a Bolt driver. These events highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and safety measures in the rapidly expanding gig economy, prompting questions about the oversight of driver registration and the overall safety of users, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Thai Man Arrested for Wife's Murder Amid Daughter's Sexual Assault Allegations Photo via Facebook/ น้าหนวดนิวส์ In a harrowing turn of events in Samut Prakan province, just outside Bangkok, Thai police received a surrender from Chaiwasit Kaewphakdee, following the tragic shooting of his wife, Rattiya Saeng-in. The incident unfolded after Rattiya reportedly caught Chaiwasit assaulting her 15-year-old daughter. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354614-thai-man-arrested-for-wifes-murder-amid-daughters-sexual-assault-allegations/

Photo via Facebook/ น้าหนวดนิวส์ In a harrowing turn of events in Samut Prakan province, just outside Bangkok, Thai police received a surrender from Chaiwasit Kaewphakdee, following the tragic shooting of his wife, Rattiya Saeng-in. The incident unfolded after Rattiya reportedly caught Chaiwasit assaulting her 15-year-old daughter. When officers arrived at the scene early on March 13, they discovered Rattiya critically wounded, suffering from gunshots to her head and stomach. Despite immediate medical intervention, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Witnesses, including Rattiya’s mother and children, disclosed shocking details to the authorities; Chaiwasit first fled with Rattiya’s daughter on a motorbike, abandoning it shortly after. The children, traumatized, revealed a disturbing narrative: Rattiya's daughter had confided in her mother about repeated assaults by her stepfather. Chaiwasit, denying the charges of assault, contends alternatively that he committed the murder out of jealousy and claims Rattiya’s infidelity. Despite his insistence, officials charged him with intentional murder, facing severe penalties. The case, now under rigorous scrutiny, highlights ongoing investigations into both the murder and sexual assault allegations. The events have unsettled the local community, stirring discussions on domestic violence and child protection. As legal proceedings advance, authorities aim to uncover more truths about the startling claims central to this incident, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Narathiwat Court Sentences 7 in Child Assault Case, 2 to 87 Years Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod In a significant legal development, the Narathiwat Provincial Court delivered sentences to seven men involved in the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. The case, which began in August last year, concluded yesterday with sentences ranging from two to 87 years. This distressing incident mobilised both local authorities and children’s rights advocates. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354612-narathiwat-court-sentences-7-in-child-assault-case-2-to-87-years/

Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod In a significant legal development, the Narathiwat Provincial Court delivered sentences to seven men involved in the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. The case, which began in August last year, concluded yesterday with sentences ranging from two to 87 years. This distressing incident mobilised both local authorities and children’s rights advocates. Initially, complications arose in the investigation due to the victim's mother being unavailable, necessitating the child's relocation to Nonthaburi Province. This move required a cohesive strategy involving a multidisciplinary team to ensure the child's protection during interviews. The Sentencing Coordination Programme (SCP) played a pivotal role, safeguarding the victim's rights throughout the legal process. The court found four adults guilty, handing down sentences that varied from 29 to 87 years, though some were adjusted to the maximum legal span of 50 years under Article 91. Each adult was ordered to pay reduced compensation, acknowledging partial payments already made. In a separate hearing, the Narathiwat Juvenile Court sentenced three juveniles involved, with terms ranging from two to almost 40 years. Their time will be served at Yala Training Centre, with financial compensation also considered against bail amounts. The Director-General of Rights Protection and Legal Aid underscored the gravity of the crime, which remains unforgivable. Emphasising severe sentencing as a deterrent, the court's decision sends a clear message: such heinous acts will attract the harshest penalties, and justice will be pursued against those still at large, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14

Sungai Kolok Resumes Border Passes Amid Security Concerns File photo for reference only Sungai Kolok's district office in Narathiwat has resumed issuing border passes, following a shutdown caused by downtown explosions last month. The renewal of this service, pivotal for border crossings into Malaysia's Kelantan state, was announced by district chief Supeeyan Taemohseng on Friday. The resumption comes after a severe attack on March 8, when bombs, allegedly planted by insurgents, detonated within the district office compound. This violent act tragically killed two defence volunteers and injured 14 others. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354611-sungai-kolok-resumes-border-passes-amid-security-concerns/

File photo for reference only Sungai Kolok's district office in Narathiwat has resumed issuing border passes, following a shutdown caused by downtown explosions last month. The renewal of this service, pivotal for border crossings into Malaysia's Kelantan state, was announced by district chief Supeeyan Taemohseng on Friday. The resumption comes after a severe attack on March 8, when bombs, allegedly planted by insurgents, detonated within the district office compound. This violent act tragically killed two defence volunteers and injured 14 others. Daily, around 300 individuals seek temporary travel documents at the office, highlighting the region's dependence on cross-border movement. However, in light of these events, Malaysia's Kelantan residents are advised to avoid Sungai Kolok, particularly in Ramadan. State chief minister Mohd Nassurudin Daud recommends supporting local businesses instead, both as a safety precaution and economic support for local traders. The bombs, which also targeted three other locations in Sungai Kolok without further injuries, have dampened traveller confidence. As the Songhkla Tourism Promotion Association notes, these incidents, with Malaysia urging its citizens to postpone travel, could lead to a 10% drop in bookings. Tourism operators stress the urgent need for a long-term resolution to reassure potential visitors and stabilise the local economy, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-14

Roadside Bomb Injures Nine Police Officers in Mae Lan District File photo for reference only In a troubling event this morning, nine police officers protecting teachers in Mae Lan district, Pattani province, were injured by a roadside bomb blast. The explosion occurred shortly before 9am between villages Moo 1 and Moo 2 in tambon Muang Tia, as confirmed by Pol Capt Nathee Meesuksri of the Mae Lan station. Quick to respond, police discovered that all officers sustained injuries, with Pol Cpl Sahasawat Phonsang suffering a particularly serious eye injury and being transferred to Pattani Hospital for further treatment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354609-roadside-bomb-injures-nine-police-officers-in-mae-lan-district/

File photo for reference only In a troubling event this morning, nine police officers protecting teachers in Mae Lan district, Pattani province, were injured by a roadside bomb blast. The explosion occurred shortly before 9am between villages Moo 1 and Moo 2 in tambon Muang Tia, as confirmed by Pol Capt Nathee Meesuksri of the Mae Lan station. Quick to respond, police discovered that all officers sustained injuries, with Pol Cpl Sahasawat Phonsang suffering a particularly serious eye injury and being transferred to Pattani Hospital for further treatment. The attack is believed to be linked to ongoing violence in Thailand's southern regions. This incident follows a similar attack on 8th March in Narathiwat province, where bombs and gunfire orchestrated by suspected insurgents resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries. Since 2004, ongoing unrest in the area has accounted for 22,962 security incidents, with a staggering loss of 7,683 lives and 14,415 injuries, as reported by Deep South Watch. Today's blast has intensified security concerns, prompting a thorough investigation into the incident as authorities aim to establish stronger safety measures and prevent further escalations, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-14

Thailand Launches Major Dengue Vaccine Trial in Children File photo for reference only Thailand is taking a significant step in combatting dengue fever by initiating a large-scale clinical trial for a new vaccine targeting children. Set to commence on April 4 in Nakhon Phanom province, the trial involves 35,000 children aged seven to ten, regardless of prior exposure to dengue. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354608-thailand-launches-major-dengue-vaccine-trial-in-children/

File photo for reference only Thailand is taking a significant step in combatting dengue fever by initiating a large-scale clinical trial for a new vaccine targeting children. Set to commence on April 4 in Nakhon Phanom province, the trial involves 35,000 children aged seven to ten, regardless of prior exposure to dengue. Endorsed by the National Communicable Disease Committee, this study seeks to evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness, with hopes of integrating it into Thailand's universal healthcare system upon completion. Director General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, revealed that the testing is expected to conclude in three years, paving the way for the vaccine's inclusion in the healthcare programme. Developed by a Japanese pharmaceutical company, the vaccine is a live-attenuated type, similar to the measles vaccine and already registered with the Thai FDA. Although promising, Dr Nakorn Premsri, leader of the National Vaccine Institute, cautions that its integration into the national healthcare scheme will require careful review, weighing the test results against cost-effectiveness. While dengue vaccines are currently available in Thailand, they are primarily offered by private healthcare providers at significant cost. This government initiative aims to make dengue immunisation accessible and affordable to millions. Endemic in over 100 countries, dengue fever remains a major health concern, especially in tropical areas like Thailand. The vaccine trial, therefore, is a critical effort to reduce infections and lessen the strain on the healthcare system. With Thailand reporting thousands of cases yearly, health experts are hopeful that a successful trial will lead to widespread immunisation, ultimately saving numerous lives. The government is dedicated to monitoring the trial's progress and ensuring that, if successful, the vaccine quickly becomes part of public healthcare, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-14