webfact

Foreign man attacks Phuket woman for honking while crossing road By Petch Petpailin Photo by colspooners via Flickr A Thai woman is seeking justice after a foreign man attacked her for honking her horn at him while he was crossing a road in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350810-foreign-man-attacks-phuket-woman-for-honking-while-crossing-road/

Drunken tourist passes out in front of Pattaya Police Station By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A heavily intoxicated foreign man sparked alarm after collapsing unconscious outside Pattaya Police Station, leaving bystanders and officers scrambling to assist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350805-drunken-tourist-passes-out-in-front-of-pattaya-police-station/

Drunk French tourist crashes into Patong cop, arrested on the spot By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Patong Police via The Phuket News A drunk French tourist crashed his motorcycle into a traffic police officer in Patong early this morning, leaving both men injured and prompting an immediate arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350800-drunk-french-tourist-crashes-into-patong-cop-arrested-on-the-spot/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 5 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1350802-thailand-live-wednesday-5-february-2025/

Picture of Andrew Hopkins courtesy of The Nation British tourist’s bribery tale jailed as ‘untrue’ by Pattaya police chief By Bob Scott A British tourist’s claims of bribing his way out of a Pattaya jail have been denounced as “largely untrue” by a Pattaya police chief. However, in a bid for transparency, the Pattaya police chief promises a thorough review of the evidence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350801-british-tourist’s-bribery-tale-jailed-as-‘untrue’-by-pattaya-police-chief/

3 foreign men attack Phuket tuk tuk driver over parking dispute by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ and ThaiRath Three foreign men attacked a Thai tuk tuk driver in a gang assault on Sunday, February 2, following a parking dispute on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim with serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350770-3-foreign-men-attack-phuket-tuk-tuk-driver-over-parking-dispute/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ and ThaiRath by Petch Petpailin Three foreign men attacked a Thai tuk tuk driver in a gang assault on Sunday, February 2, following a parking dispute on a road in Phuket, leaving the victim with serious injuries. The injured tuk tuk driver, Narin, filed a complaint against the three foreign attackers at Patong Police Station and shared details of the incident with the Facebook news page Newshawk Phuket yesterday, February 3. The attack occurred at around 3am outside Jungceylon Mall in the Patong area of Phuket. Narin told the media that he noticed a foreign motorcyclist parked his vehicle behind his tuk tuk. As he needed to reverse, he approached the foreign man and asked him to move his motorcycle. However, the foreign man refused and became enraged, revving his engine and provoking Narin to fight him. Narin stated that he ignored the foreigner’s actions and remained parked, waiting for him to leave. The situation escalated when the foreigner called two friends to the scene, and together they attacked Narin. They strangled him and struck his head and face with a glass bottle. Narin’s colleague intervened, engaging in a brief altercation before the three foreigners fled the scene. Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Narin suffered a serious head wound, requiring six stitches. His nasal bone was reportedly broken after being hit with the glass bottle. He remains in hospital, while the three attackers remain at large. Dashcam footage and pictures of the suspects were shared on Thai social media. Narin urged anyone who encountered the three foreigners to report their whereabouts to the police or contact him at 098-213-1332 with any useful information. Many Thai netizens expressed concern over Narin’s condition and called for Thai police to closely monitor the behaviour of foreign tourists and enforce strict laws against them. Photo by Cecil Lee via Flickr However, some netizens pointed out that tuk tuk and taxi drivers frequently contribute to traffic congestion by parking outside the mall while waiting for passengers, often blocking other vehicles. They were therefore unsurprised that a physical altercation had occurred. Others claimed that tuk tuk drivers had previously ganged up on foreign tourists in similar incidents, arguing that a sustainable solution to the ongoing parking issues outside the mall was necessary. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Beautician from Thailand battles British heirs for £400k inheritance by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail In an explosive legal showdown fit for a soap opera, a beautician from Thailand is taking her former British lover’s sons to the London High Court, demanding her slice of their late father’s £400,000 inheritance. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350769-beautician-from-thailand-battles-british-heirs-for-£400k-inheritance/

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail by Bob Scott In an explosive legal showdown fit for a soap opera, a beautician from Thailand is taking her former British lover’s sons to the London High Court, demanding her slice of their late father’s £400,000 inheritance. The contentious affair has captivated courtroom observers, as they watch the tug-of-war over promises, property, and pounds unfold in the British High Court. Kanokporn Nattachai arrived in London from Thailand to square up against Simon and David Burrage, sons of the late Roger Burrage, a British builder who tragically ended his life in January this year at the age of 75. According to Kanokporn, she’s owed nearly £200,000 (8.42 million baht), money she claims is based on promises made by the Surrey widower throughout their intense relationship in Thailand, where they shared a life filled with luxury and allure. Burrage embarked on a new chapter of his life when he relocated to Thailand, using his construction expertise to build an opulent three-bedroom seaside villa in Hua Hin. The luxurious abode, boasting breathtaking mountain views, sprawling grounds, a delightful outdoor pool, and enough amenities to rival any holiday resort, became the heart of their romance. Picture of the pool villa in Hua Hin courtesy of The Daily Mail The 40 year old Thai woman, now residing solo in the villa rumoured to be worth anywhere between £100,000 (4.21 million baht) and £240,000 (10.1 million baht), has laid claim to nearly half of her lover’s estate, arguing that she played a crucial role in his business and emotional landscape. In court documents, Kanokporn detailed her alleged financial entanglement with Burrage, citing a £200,000 loan she purportedly provided to support his business. She insists she’s entitled to a share of the builder’s assets, reasoning that the will fails to offer her “adequate financial provision.” Her claim sets the stage for a fierce legal struggle where glitzy romance clashes with complex estate law. However, steadfast in their pursuit of preserving their father’s wishes, Burrage’s sons, Simon and David, reject the legitimacy of Kanokporn’s demands. Their barrister, Lydia Pemberton, acknowledges their father’s generosity during his lifetime, conceding she had received gifts, including the luxurious Hua Hin villa along with support to establish her beauty parlour. They state these gestures fulfil any obligations to her, firmly embracing the view that the British man was never in a position, or inclined, to borrow from Kanokporn. Picture of Burrage and Kanokporn at the luxury villa he built in Hua Hin courtesy of The Daily Mail Central to the sons’ defence is the assertion that their father, who battled mental health issues, was especially vulnerable in his final years and that his Thai companion exploited this fragility. “The deceased was not maintaining the claimant before his passing,” argues Pemberton, dismantling the picture of a sustained romantic partnership in Burrage’s last months. Instead, she highlights a rift that supposedly materialised when Burrage left Thailand for the UK, a move Kanokporn allegedly tried to counteract by urging his return. Representing Kanokporn, solicitor Manoon Junchai presents an alternative narrative, arguing that the British builder’s promises were entrenched in their emotional bond which spanned from 2016 until his return to Surrey in 2021. He alleges Burrage portrayed their relationship as a budding business partnership tied in with romantic undertones, assuring Kanokporn financial security for their “life together.” Her solicitor further suggests the failure to honour this commitment would be unconscionable, emphasising her contributions to Burrage’s personal and professional life. Picture of Burrage courtesy of The Daily Mail Despite the interplay of claims and counterclaims about the couple’s financial arrangement, the proceedings reveal a more complex web of interactions and emotions. The Burrage brothers maintain that their father’s last will, drafted in 2006, was clear in its intentions to leave his English estate to them, not her. They portray Kanokporn’s involvement as limited to the receipt of gifts and financial enhancements, refuting her active help in his UK property ventures. Amidst these legal tit-for-tats, the court scrutinises the financial footprints and transactional history of both parties involved. Pemberton casts doubt on the Thai woman’s narrative of lending such a sizable sum, pointing out her financial independence contradicts claims of dependence on Burrage. It is highlighted that any money transferred was linked to properties held in Kanokporn’s name, due to restrictions on foreign ownership in Thailand, rather than being contributions towards Burrage’s UK business dealings, reported The Daily Mail. As legal drama continues to unfold, the brothers’ application for a “security for costs” order has garnered considerable attention. This protective measure seeks to ensure Kanokporn is financially prepared to handle their legal costs should her claim prove unsuccessful. If approved, it would require her to deposit funds upfront as a safety net. The judge, Julia Clark, is presently reviewing this request, signalling that a formal decision is forthcoming. Observers eagerly anticipate her verdict, understanding it could set a significant precedent for similar future disputes involving cross-border relationships and estate claims. Picture of Kanokporn courtesy of The Daily Mail As the saga spins ever more intricately, it evokes age-old questions concerning love, loyalty, and the legacy of promises. What remains to be seen is whether whispered assurances made under the moonlit skies of Hua Hin possess enough legal standing to reshape the life of a beautician from Thailand, or if the Burrage brothers’ interpretations of their father’s intentions will prevail, maintaining the integrity of a will crafted decades earlier. The final outcome could prove as lucrative as it is enlightening. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

US tariffs could flood Thai market with cheap Chinese goods by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand may soon be swamped with an influx of cheap Chinese imports if the United States slaps high tariffs on Chinese goods, warns former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai. The country must brace itself for economic turbulence, or risk being caught off guard. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350766-us-tariffs-could-flood-thai-market-with-cheap-chinese-goods/

Photo courtesy of The Nation by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand may soon be swamped with an influx of cheap Chinese imports if the United States slaps high tariffs on Chinese goods, warns former Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai. The country must brace itself for economic turbulence, or risk being caught off guard. Speaking at the Chula Thailand Presidents Summit 2025 at Chulalongkorn University, Surakiart cautioned that if the US tightens trade restrictions on China, surplus goods will inevitably be redirected to other countries, with Thailand a likely destination. The government, private sector, and civil society must collaborate to decide whether to embrace or resist the flood of imports. “Thailand’s future depends on its political and strategic stance in economic and geopolitical contexts.” Surakiart added that upcoming trade negotiations with Washington will go beyond tariffs and could have far-reaching consequences. Without a unified national strategy, he warned, the country could face domestic instability. Surakiart highlighted potential internal fractures, predicting that the Thai private sector may splinter due to conflicting interests, while the government could struggle to present a united front, given that different ministries, each controlled by rival political factions, oversee trade matters. To avoid chaos, he urged Thailand to appoint special government representatives to spearhead negotiations on various trade and policy issues, mirroring US congressional committees that handle matters separately. He also stressed the importance of working closely with ASEAN nations to strengthen bargaining power, particularly on sensitive issues like the treatment of Uyghur refugees and Myanmar’s political crisis, reported The Nation. “Thailand must be prepared for disruptions and rapid changes. Resilience, adaptability, and strong leadership across all sectors are critical to navigating this challenging landscape.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Cool air from China brings storms and high waves to Thailand by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Ash Edmonds, Unsplash The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, February 4, highlighting a new wave of cool air from China affecting Thailand. This results in decreased temperatures and strong winds, with five provinces experiencing severe storms and seas with waves exceeding 2 metres. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350764-cool-air-from-china-brings-storms-and-high-waves-to-thailand/

Picture courtesy of Ash Edmonds, Unsplash by Bright Choomanee The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, February 4, highlighting a new wave of cool air from China affecting Thailand. This results in decreased temperatures and strong winds, with five provinces experiencing severe storms and seas with waves exceeding 2 metres. The moderate high-pressure system from China has spread to upper northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea. This weather pattern is causing cooler temperatures and strong winds in the northeast, with chilly to cold conditions in the north and northeast. The central region, including Bangkok and its surroundings, the east, and the south, will experience cool mornings. Mountain tops will have cold to very cold weather. Residents are advised to stay healthy due to the persistent cold and to be cautious of fire hazards due to dry conditions. The intensified northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand and the south will bring increased rainfall in the lower south. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves about 1 metre high, with areas experiencing thunderstorms seeing waves between 1 to 2 metres. In the lower Gulf, waves will range from 1 to 2 metres, with thunderstorms causing waves over 2 metres. Mariners should exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. The current weather conditions are impacting dust accumulation, with levels in upper Thailand ranging from moderate to high and remaining stable due to moderate winds. Weather forecast The north will experience cool to cold weather with morning fog. The minimum temperatures will range from 14 to 22 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperatures will range from 32 to 37 degrees Celsius. Mountain tops will be cold to very cold, with minimum temperatures between 5 and 13 degrees Celsius and east winds at 5 and 15 kilometres per hour. The northeast will be cool to cold in the morning with strong winds, and temperatures will drop by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures will range from 15 to 19 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures from 31 to 34 degrees Celsius. Mountain tops will be cool to cold, with minimum temperatures between 9 and 15 degrees Celsius and northeast winds at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour. In the central region, the morning will be cool with minimum temperatures between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius, with northeast winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. The east will have cool mornings and scattered light rain, with minimum temperatures between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures between 31 and 34 degrees Celsius. Southeast winds will blow at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, and the sea will have waves below 1 metre, rising to about 1 metre offshore. The southern region’s east coast will see cool mornings and 10% of the area experiencing rain, mainly in Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will range from 20 to 24 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures from 30 to 32 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorms North of Nakhon Si Thammarat, northeast winds will be 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with waves about 1 metre high and 1 to 2 metres during thunderstorms. South of Songkhla, northeast winds will be 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with waves 1 to 2 metres high and over 2 metres during thunderstorms. The southern region’s west coast will have cool mornings with scattered light rain, minimum temperatures between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. Northeast winds will be 10 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves about 1 metre high, increasing further offshore, reported KhaoSod. Bangkok and surrounding areas will have partly cloudy skies with scattered light rain. Minimum temperatures will range from 23 to 24 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius, with east winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-04

Thailand Poised to Implement Carbon Tax to Curb Emissions File photo Thailand is gearing up for the introduction of a carbon tax this month, marking a substantial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability across the nation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350760-thailand-poised-to-implement-carbon-tax-to-curb-emissions/

File photo Thailand is gearing up for the introduction of a carbon tax this month, marking a substantial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability across the nation. This move comes on the heels of a cooperation agreement signed by Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul with PTT Plc and Bangchak Corporation Plc on Monday, aimed at bolstering awareness around carbon taxation and encouraging sustainable energy consumption. The framework for this tax, approved by the Thai cabinet two weeks ago, is currently under review by the Council of State. The envisaged carbon tax will be integrated into the existing oil tax structure, a strategy designed to shield consumers from direct impacts. Notably, this measure has been recognised by international authorities, including the European Union, for its commitment to environmental preservation. Under the new regulation, carbon tax will be calculated at a rate of 200 Baht per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent, factored by the emission output specific to each oil type. Should oil producers achieve emission reductions below stipulated thresholds, their carbon tax liabilities will be correspondingly decreased. Adding further dimensions to this initiative, Mr. Paopoom revealed that the Excise Department is collaborating with Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Economics, PTT Oil and Retail Business Plc (OR), and Bangchak Corporation. Their collective efforts are set to encourage a transition to low-carbon energy consumption and enhance public understanding of the carbon tax's role in this transition. As part of this initiative, OR is positioned to provide operational and resource support, ensuring that consumers receive real-time information about greenhouse gas reductions at PTT Stations during fuel refills. This aligns with OR's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly the "Green" aspect, aimed at encouraging a cleaner, low-carbon society. For Bangchak's Green Miles programme members, their personal contributions to greenhouse gas reduction will be highlighted as the number of trees planted, illustrated via the "Your Tree" campaign. This data will be accessible through the Bangchak mobile app, linking consumer actions to environmental benefits when using eco-friendly fuels. Starting from March 1st, the campaign will inform consumers about the carbon dioxide emissions tied to their fuel purchases, driving a shift in consumer behaviour towards reducing carbon footprints, Mr. Paopoom explained. This forthcoming carbon tax reflects Thailand's broader commitment to combatting climate change and demonstrates an important step towards a more sustainable future by engaging both corporations and consumers alike, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-04