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In a bold midnight operation on February 25, Pattaya police uncovered and halted a high-speed motorcycle theft ring, catching the culprits red-handed. The crackdown took place at 12:30 AM in the Khao Ta Lo area, after vigilant residents tipped off law enforcement. Officers from Bang Lamung Police Station were stunned to find six motorcycles, stripped and concealed under a tarpaulin, hidden behind a simple wall. Pieces from the bikes were scattered everywhere, resembling a dismantled motorbike puzzle. Attention quickly turned to a suspicious repair shop at the corner of the building, owned by a 35-year-old man known as "Benz." Inside, authorities discovered a stash of motorbike parts and two intact motorcycles ready for confiscation. Despite "Benz" claiming everything in the shop was his, police were unconvinced and took him in for further questioning, bringing a significant theft operation to a screeching halt, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

Thailand Dismisses Claims of 94% Drop in Chinese Tourists Picture courtesy of Hanny Naibaho, Unsplash The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is dismissing rumors that Chinese tourist numbers have plummeted by 94%. TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, assures that Thailand still ranks as the top destination for Chinese travelers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352958-thailand-dismisses-claims-of-94-drop-in-chinese-tourists/

Picture courtesy of Hanny Naibaho, Unsplash The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is dismissing rumors that Chinese tourist numbers have plummeted by 94%. TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, assures that Thailand still ranks as the top destination for Chinese travelers. The reported decline has been attributed to Thailand's crackdown on call center scams. Thapanee pointed out that the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Thai border hasn't affected tourism numbers, as no official reports back up the claim. Despite a noticeable dip in visitors as the anti-scam efforts ramped up in February, Chinese tourists remain the largest group of foreign visitors to Thailand. Thapanee is confident that the crackdown will ultimately attract more quality tourists and boost confidence among international travelers and Thai locals alike. January saw a strong influx of Chinese tourists, and while numbers fell with the scam crackdown, predictions signal a quick bounce back. Experts expect tourism to return to vibrant levels soon, spurred by increased trust in safety and service quality, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

Free Internet Set to Empower Over 1 Million Disabled Thais Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In a landmark effort to close the digital gap, a new initiative is set to provide free Internet access to over 1.1 million disabled individuals across Thailand. The programme, forged from an agreement between the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and Bangkok Tellink, aims to empower disabled people by giving them access to online learning and self-improvement resources. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352957-free-internet-set-to-empower-over-1-million-disabled-thais/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post In a landmark effort to close the digital gap, a new initiative is set to provide free Internet access to over 1.1 million disabled individuals across Thailand. The programme, forged from an agreement between the Social Development and Human Security Ministry, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), and Bangkok Tellink, aims to empower disabled people by giving them access to online learning and self-improvement resources. Minister Varawut Silpa-archa announced that from February 1 to July 31, the program will offer unlimited free Internet at a minimum speed of 20 Mbps. This will benefit those who hold disabled cards issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DoEPD) and state welfare cards. “This programme is designed to give the disabled community the opportunity to gain knowledge from online learning and improve themselves,” Minister Varawut stated, emphasizing the government's dedication to equal opportunities. The initiative covers individuals with diverse disabilities, including hearing or visual impairments, physical disabilities, mental disorders, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and autism. Eligible participants can use their current mobile numbers or request a new internet SIM card. The DoEPD will provide a database of eligible users, while the NBTC will handle the monthly Internet fee of 107 baht per person. Pre-registration is necessary, and the free Internet cannot be transferred to ensure benefits reach the intended recipients. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant step toward digital inclusivity, enabling disabled individuals to engage in education, work, and social activities. By enhancing their quality of life, the government aims to mitigate inequality. As the program rolls out nationwide, the ministry encourages all eligible individuals to register and tap into this opportunity to connect globally. This bold step is poised to transform lives, underscoring that Internet access is not merely a luxury, but a necessity for all, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

Foreign Takeover? Thailand's Hotels Face Investment Surge Picture courtesy of vvillasphuket Thailand’s booming tourism industry is raising alarm bells among local insiders as foreign investors increasingly purchase hotels, villas, and luxury condos in hotspots like Phuket and Bangkok. The trend, highlighted by Thai Hotels Association (THA) President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, sees Russian property owners allegedly flouting regulations by renting properties on a daily basis. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352956-foreign-takeover-thailands-hotels-face-investment-surge/

Picture courtesy of vvillasphuket Thailand’s booming tourism industry is raising alarm bells among local insiders as foreign investors increasingly purchase hotels, villas, and luxury condos in hotspots like Phuket and Bangkok. The trend, highlighted by Thai Hotels Association (THA) President Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, sees Russian property owners allegedly flouting regulations by renting properties on a daily basis. In Bangkok, both local and international investors are buying entire floors of condominiums to profit from short-term rentals. Meanwhile, Chinese investors are dominating the luxury housing sector, offering services designed to make tourists feel at home. The THA is urging the government to tighten control over foreign ownership and consider reducing visa durations to prevent potential economic disparities. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn of the Thai Travel Agents Association supports these moves, also calling for enhanced security checks on tourists to uphold Thai laws. Last year, Thai hoteliers raised alarms about foreign firms using Thai nominees, which they fear could harm the tourism industry’s reputation. The concern is growing ahead of the peak season, with about half of Thai hotels wary of illegal foreign investments, especially those linked to Chinese entrepreneurs, according to the October business sentiment index. Thailand currently welcomes about 10,000 Chinese tourists daily and aims to reach 6.7 million by 2025. As the country navigates this boom, industry experts question if increased vigilance can successfully parry economic risks. Only time will tell, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

Mystery Key Boxes Expose Bangkok's Illegal Rentals Photo: Thai PBS World This week, curious images of mysterious key boxes scattered across downtown Bangkok captured the attention of online communities in Thailand. The viral photos featured inconspicuous wooden boxes, measuring 60cm x 60cm, strategically placed at locations like Sukhumvit Soi 42, sparking widespread speculation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352955-mystery-key-boxes-expose-bangkoks-illegal-rentals/

Photo: Thai PBS World This week, curious images of mysterious key boxes scattered across downtown Bangkok captured the attention of online communities in Thailand. The viral photos featured inconspicuous wooden boxes, measuring 60cm x 60cm, strategically placed at locations like Sukhumvit Soi 42, sparking widespread speculation. Inside these boxes were multiple combination lockboxes. One box, located in front of a residential building just 40 meters away, contained 23 such lockboxes, some of which had been opened. Thai citizens were intrigued, sharing theories about their purpose. The intrigue unraveled when vigilant netizens revealed that these lockboxes belonged to individuals illegally renting out condominium units nearby. With condominium regulations strictly prohibiting short-term rentals, landlords circumvent receptionist protocols by installing these key boxes. Owners share the location and combination codes with tenants so they can access their room keys without detection. Despite the potential fines of up to 20,000 baht plus 10,000 baht each day violations continue, many landlords risk it to sidestep the law. The widespread nature of the key boxes indicates that this evasion tactic is far from isolated. Since going viral, attention on the matter has led to some of the key boxes disappearing from the streets. Nonetheless, it's a clear sign of the lengths some will go to maintain their covert rental operations in a city grappling with rental regulation issues, reported Thai PBS World. -- 2025-02-26

Fed-Up Bangkok Locals Demand Action on Rowdy Foreign Renters Photo courtesy of Drama-addict Facebook Residents of a Bangkok condo are fed up with noisy tourists disrupting their once tranquil home. Foreign renters have made loud parties, the smell of cannabis, and pool rule-breaking common, sparking frustration among long-term residents. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352953-fed-up-bangkok-locals-demand-action-on-rowdy-foreign-renters/

Photo courtesy of Drama-addict Facebook Residents of a Bangkok condo are fed up with noisy tourists disrupting their once tranquil home. Foreign renters have made loud parties, the smell of cannabis, and pool rule-breaking common, sparking frustration among long-term residents. The problem was highlighted on popular Facebook page Drama-addict, which featured a resident's plea. "My condo faces daily rental issues too," the post lamented, noting how tourists disrespect community rules. A key concern is the round-the-clock pool partying, with cannabis openly smoked, making others uncomfortable. Security has been undermined by key cards hidden in a cabinet near the garage, enabling easy access for short-term renters. Despite a face scanner installed last year, key cards are still in use. "This undermines security," a resident said, highlighting the condo's reluctance to abandon key cards for convenience. Frustrated residents have sought help from police and local offices, but have seen no action. "We've complained for a year, but nothing's changed," one resident said, annoyed by bureaucracy. Residents are urging the government to enforce stricter regulations against short-term rentals. Until then, the plight with disruptive tourists continues, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-26

From Trust to Trouble: Boom's Battle Against Thieving Nanny Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Thai actress Panadda Wongphudee, known as "Boom," has finally taken legal action against her former nanny, Wandee Saithong, who admitted to stealing from her. Yesterday, February 24, Boom filed a formal complaint at Bueng Kum Police Station, determined to stop Wandee’s deceitful antics. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352861-from-trust-to-trouble-booms-battle-against-thieving-nanny/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Thai actress Panadda Wongphudee, known as "Boom," has finally taken legal action against her former nanny, Wandee Saithong, who admitted to stealing from her. Yesterday, February 24, Boom filed a formal complaint at Bueng Kum Police Station, determined to stop Wandee’s deceitful antics. Boom initially dismissed Wandee for stealing, choosing not to press charges in the hope that she would reform. Unfortunately, this gesture of goodwill was futile. Wandee continued her dishonest activities, even impersonating Boom to further her schemes. Boom discovered the ongoing theft on January 28, in the Nawamin area of Bangkok, after storing 30,000 baht in cash in her bedroom. Despite confronting Wandee and receiving a confession, Boom initially decided against legal action. However, Wandee's persistence in deceit left Boom no choice but to act. Boom expressed her frustration on social media, sharing her visit to the police station with the caption: "Come to file a complaint." She emphasized her resolve to prevent Wandee from duping others, stating, "I gave her a chance to change but she didn’t. I can’t let her get away with it anymore.” The complaint has now moved into legal proceedings, with police preparing to issue a summons and arrest warrant for Wandee. The public has rallied behind Boom, praising her bravery in tackling dishonesty head-on, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25

Temple Abandonment: Newborn Found, Parents Pleaded to Return Picture courtesy of brighttv A newborn baby boy, covered in mosquito bites, was discovered abandoned at the entrance of Wat Saman Rattanaram temple in Chachoengsao province early this morning. The temple’s abbot, Phra Ratchawachiraprachanart, is appealing to the parents to reclaim their child, urging them to act compassionately and not take out their problems on the innocent. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352858-temple-abandonment-newborn-found-parents-pleaded-to-return/

Picture courtesy of brighttv A newborn baby boy, covered in mosquito bites, was discovered abandoned at the entrance of Wat Saman Rattanaram temple in Chachoengsao province early this morning. The temple’s abbot, Phra Ratchawachiraprachanart, is appealing to the parents to reclaim their child, urging them to act compassionately and not take out their problems on the innocent. The heartbreaking scene was captured on surveillance cameras at 5:45 a.m. It showed a white pickup truck arriving and a woman wearing a yellow T-shirt and shorts gently placing the baby at the gate before driving away. The abbot, who also leads the Thammayut sect in the province, assured that the temple will care for the child temporarily while coordinating with authorities for further action. He expressed hope that the mother would reconsider her decision and return for her child, emphasizing the need for understanding and empathy in such situations, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25

Police Crack Down on LINE-App Prostitution Ring in Hat Yai Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a dramatic undercover operation, local police busted a Lao woman running an illicit prostitution ring via the LINE app, revealing a hidden world of illegal activity in the city. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352857-police-crack-down-on-line-app-prostitution-ring-in-hat-yai/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a dramatic undercover operation, local police busted a Lao woman running an illicit prostitution ring via the LINE app, revealing a hidden world of illegal activity in the city. The operation was spearheaded by Police Colonel Nattapong Koet-iem, Superintendent of the 6th Police Station, and targeted a scheme based out of a resort on Rat Uthit Road. It began when officers discovered suspicious activity on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Using the hashtag #AcceptingWorkInHatYai, a user was anonymously advertising sexual services, prompting further investigation. Pol. Lt. Col. Natthaphon Chuaynukul and a team from the Anti-Human Trafficking Division conducted a sting operation. An undercover officer contacted the LINE ID muay_87 and negotiated a meeting for sexual services at a rate of 1,500 baht. At the designated meeting point, a room in a Hat Yai resort, police apprehended 31-year-old Khith (surname withheld), a Lao national, with evidence including two condoms and a marked banknote. Khith confessed to the charges and admitted to overstaying her visa, which expired on April 7, 2020. She is currently in custody at the Crime Suppression Operations Center at Hat Yai Police Station, facing legal proceedings. "This operation demonstrates our commitment to crack down on illegal prostitution and human trafficking in Hat Yai," stated Pol. Col. Nattapong. The case has sparked discussions about the use of social media platforms for illegal activities and challenges in digital law enforcement. Police are now extending their investigation to identify others involved in the network, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25

Phuket's Sirinat Park Overwhelmed by Mounting Trash Crisis File photo for reference only Sirinat National Park on Phuket's northeast coast is grappling with a severe garbage crisis, raising alarms among local officials and residents. The park faces a daunting challenge with daily waste production reaching between 200 to 300 kilograms, which remains uncollected due to resource shortages, Park Chief Siriwat Suebsai reports. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352856-phukets-sirinat-park-overwhelmed-by-mounting-trash-crisis/

File photo for reference only Sirinat National Park on Phuket's northeast coast is grappling with a severe garbage crisis, raising alarms among local officials and residents. The park faces a daunting challenge with daily waste production reaching between 200 to 300 kilograms, which remains uncollected due to resource shortages, Park Chief Siriwat Suebsai reports. This environmental emergency came to light during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment on February 24. The visit, led by Chairman Poonsak Chanchampi, aimed at addressing environmental concerns and exploring sustainable solutions for the region. The committee, which included Vice Chairpersons Abdul-Aye Samang and Songyos Ramsut, and spokesperson Thitikan Thitipruethikul, assessed critical issues such as waste management, land encroachment, and park boundaries at Sirinat. Beyond the park, waste woes extend to the Sakhu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor), which produces 25 tonnes of waste daily but manages to collect only 18 tonnes, exacerbating the environmental strain. With Phuket's only incinerator temporarily shut for repairs, officials have been scrambling for waste disposal solutions. Chief Siriwat suggested setting up a disposal point within the park and called for more garbage bins. Concurrently, Thitipruethikul proposed drafting a robust waste collection strategy and seeking financial backing from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The committee's visit also shed light on other local issues. Massage shop operators at Mai Khao Beach sought help against the demolition of their service booths. Mai Khao Deputy Mayor Wasawat Hongsa-suphasakul reassured them of available support measures, including appeal options. The committee also delved into land disputes across Phuket. These included conflicts at Thalang Phranang Sang School’s sports field, a hotel construction dispute in Soi Pasak 5, Cherng Talay, and land claims overlapping in Kamala. Additionally, the committee plans to visit the Kata landslide site, where 13 people died last August, to monitor recovery efforts. Updates on ongoing mitigation measures will be provided by officials from disaster prevention, forestry, and municipal offices, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25

Crime Victim Advocate Faces Jail for Courtroom Violation File photo for reference only Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, a self-proclaimed crime victim advocate, has been sentenced to two months in jail. Today, the Criminal Court found him guilty of contempt. This stems from an incident last October, when he shared a court verdict summary with the media without permission. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352855-crime-victim-advocate-faces-jail-for-courtroom-violation/

File photo for reference only Atchariya Ruangrattanapong, a self-proclaimed crime victim advocate, has been sentenced to two months in jail. Today, the Criminal Court found him guilty of contempt. This stems from an incident last October, when he shared a court verdict summary with the media without permission. The court stated that while he had consent to release the summary, its striking similarity to the official verdict suggested he secretly recorded the proceedings. In Thailand, recording devices are strictly prohibited in courtrooms. The court emphasized that as an experienced lawyer, Atchariya should have known better than to act in this manner, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25

Fuel Shortage Chaos: Long Queues at Thai-Myanmar Border File photo for reference only In Myanmar's Myawaddy border township, drivers face 5km-long queues to cross into Mae Sot, Thailand, just to refuel. This has become a common occurrence since February 5, when Thailand cut essential supplies to pressure Myanmar and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) to dismantle Chinese-run scam call centers in Myawaddy, Tachileik, and Payathonzu. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352854-fuel-shortage-chaos-long-queues-at-thai-myanmar-border/

File photo for reference only In Myanmar's Myawaddy border township, drivers face 5km-long queues to cross into Mae Sot, Thailand, just to refuel. This has become a common occurrence since February 5, when Thailand cut essential supplies to pressure Myanmar and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) to dismantle Chinese-run scam call centers in Myawaddy, Tachileik, and Payathonzu. These efforts have forced many scammers to flee or relocate to Cambodia. Over 6,000 individuals from various nationalities have been rescued by the DKBA and Karen Border Guard Force. However, they are now held by the Karen forces, pending Thai government approval to cross into Thailand. An insider at the border reports that small gas stations in Myawaddy have closed, leaving only larger stations open for just an hour daily. The official fuel price is 70 baht per liter for benzine and 71 baht for diesel, while on the black market, prices soar to 130 baht per liter, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25

Thai Cops Bust Illegal Wi-Fi Stations Beaming into Laos Photo courtesy of The Nation In a major security operation, police in Nong Khai discovered illegal wireless Internet stations transmitting signals into Laos, raising significant security alerts. On February 25, officers from the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and Nong Khai police began their hunt for those responsible. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352853-thai-cops-bust-illegal-wi-fi-stations-beaming-into-laos/

Photo courtesy of The Nation In a major security operation, police in Nong Khai discovered illegal wireless Internet stations transmitting signals into Laos, raising significant security alerts. On February 25, officers from the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and Nong Khai police began their hunt for those responsible. Led by Trairat Wiriyasirikul, caretaker Secretary General of the NBTC, and the Technology Crime Suppression Subdivision 3, the investigation identified three suspect stations near the Lao border. The first station, found on a hotel rooftop in Mueang district just 1.24 kilometers from Laos, had two satellite dishes aligned towards the border. Though the broadband cables connecting the dishes appeared recently cut, a mobile phone cell site was also discovered there. The hotel management denied knowledge of the dishes’ owner. Trairat stated, "We suspect these dishes were used to beam signals into Laos." They are tracing the broadband account to find the responsible parties. A second station was uncovered 7 kilometers from the border displaying a similar setup. A third was just 900 meters away, further indicating cross-border Internet use. Owning unauthorized telecommunication equipment in Thailand is a serious crime. If apprehended, those behind these stations face severe charges. The discovery heightens worries about cross-border security and possible illegal operations. Investigators suspect these stations may have supported unauthorized business activities or crime. With the case under scrutiny, the NBTC and police are bolstering security measures along the border to curb future illegal broadcasts. Authorities urge anyone with knowledge of these unlawful setups to come forward, warning that more arrests may ensue as the crackdown on illegal telecom networks intensifies, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-25