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UPDATE: Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A suspect accused of attempting to assault a 15 year old student in Samut Prakan has been arrested. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330309-student-narrowly-escapes-sexual-assault-outside-residence/?do=findComment&comment=19009273

UPDATE: Samut Prakan teen girl attempted assault suspect arrested by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A suspect accused of attempting to assault a 15 year old student in Samut Prakan has been arrested. The incident involved the suspect allegedly following the girl from school on his motorcycle to her residence, where he attempted to commit the assault. The girl’s quick thinking and cries for help thwarted the attack. Police received a tip-off yesterday evening from a resident about a suspicious individual hiding near a market wall in the Eua Athorn housing project in Bang Sao Thong, Samut Prakan. Upon investigation, officers found 32 year old Worawat from Khlong Dan, Bang Bo, Samut Prakan, asleep at the specified location. The suspect was apprehended and taken to his brother’s house in Lat Wai to retrieve the clothes and shoes worn during the incident. He was then brought back to Bang Sao Thong police station for questioning. Worawat confessed to the crime, stating that he encountered the victim by chance while riding his motorcycle. He denied following her from school, claiming he was on his way home to prepare for his night shift. Overcome by a sudden sexual urge upon seeing the victim, he followed her to her room with the intent to assault her. The attack was not premeditated, he insisted. He fled the scene when the victim screamed for help. Worawat then returned home, took a shower, and went to work as usual. After seeing news reports about the incident, he went into hiding near the market until his arrest. The police are preparing to charge Worawat with indecent acts with a minor under 15 years old and trespassing. Additional charges of child abduction and attempted rape of a minor, are pending further investigation and victim interviews. Worawat will be taken to the Samut Prakan Provincial Court tomorrow for detention, with the police opposing bail. The suspect refused to participate in a crime reenactment due to safety concerns. During the arrest, two officers sustained injuries from a struggle with the suspect. Both officers have received medical treatment at the hospital, reported KhaoSod. ORIGINAL STORY: Teen girl narrowly escapes attempted rape in Samut Prakarn (video) Police are searching for a Thai man who attempted to rape a 15 year old girl in her apartment at the Mueang Mai Bang Phli National Housing Authority in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. The suspect was reportedly released from prison in February. The 15 year old victim, dressed in a high school uniform, screamed for help and managed to escape the attempted rape with the help of her neighbours. The suspect successfully fled the scene on his motorcycle but officers from Bang Sao Thong Police Station are hunting for him. In an interview with ThaiRath, the victim said the incident happened at around 4am yesterday, June 20. She arrived at her room after school and had to stay alone until her parents returned from work. As she was about to enter the room, the suspect approached her from behind, grabbed her breasts and pushed her into the room. The man kept asking her to have sex with him and she refused. She asked the man to leave and threatened to call the police but he was unafraid. He kept asking her to have sex, saying “Can I? Can I do it?” The teenage girl saw the man touching his private parts as if he was going to masturbate or take his penis out, so she pushed him out of the room and started screaming for help. The man then fled the flat on his motorbike. The girl added that she had never seen the man before in the community and suspected that he had been following her since she was at school. The victim’s father told the media that he left work early after hearing about the incident. When he arrived, he found his daughter in the care of neighbours, crying. The father checked the CCTV in the flat and the surrounding area, which clearly showed the suspect’s identity. He then filed a complaint against the man at Bang Sao Thong Police Station, along with the CCTV evidence. Police reported that they successfully identified the suspect as a 30 year old former prisoner who was arrested many times before on drug cases. He had just been released from jail in February this year before committing the crime again. Officers assured that they would be able to arrest the suspect within a few days. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-06-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rains and Flood Risk Across Thailand Picture courtesy: Naew Na The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a severe weather warning for 37 provinces, including Bangkok, predicting heavy rainfall across 60% Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330410-severe-weather-alert-heavy-rains-and-flood-risk-across-thailand/

Picture courtesy: Naew Na The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a severe weather warning for 37 provinces, including Bangkok, predicting heavy rainfall across 60% of the area. Citizens are urged to be cautious of potential flash floods and forest runoff. For the next 24 hours, the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is expected to strengthen. A low-pressure system is also affecting upper Vietnam and the central South China Sea, leading to increased rainfall and heavy to very heavy downpours in some areas, especially in Thailand's eastern and southwestern regions. Residents in these regions should be on high alert for sudden flooding and swift water flow, particularly in foothills, waterways, and low-lying areas. Marine conditions are similarly affected. The Andaman Sea will experience waves ranging from 2 to 3 meters high, with stormy areas seeing waves exceeding 3 meters. The Gulf of Thailand will have waves between 1 to 2 meters, with stormy areas exceeding 2 meters. Mariners are advised to navigate with caution and avoid stormy areas. Small boats in the Andaman Sea are recommended to remain ashore. Regional Weather Forecast (6am Today - 6am Tomorrow) - **Northern Region**: 40% thunderstorms, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet. Temperatures: 24-27°C (low); 34-37°C (high). Southwesterly winds at 10-20 km/h. - **Northeastern Region**: 60% thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, particularly in Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom. Temperatures: 25-27°C (low); 34-37°C (high). Southwesterly winds at 10-20 km/h. - **Central Region**: 40% thunderstorms, heavy in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram. Temperatures: 25-27°C (low); 35-37°C (high). Southwesterly winds at 10-25 km/h. - **Eastern Region**: 70% thunderstorms, heavy to very heavy in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, and Chon Buri. Temperatures: 25-28°C (low); 31-35°C (high). Southwesterly winds at 20-35 km/h. Sea waves around 2 meters, higher in stormy areas. - **Southern Region (Eastern Coast)**: 40% thunderstorms, mainly in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Temperatures: 24-27°C (low); 33-35°C (high). Southwesterly winds at 15-35 km/h. Waves: 1-2 meters, higher in stormy areas. - **Southern Region (Western Coast)**: 70% thunderstorms, heavy to very heavy in Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket. Temperatures: 24-25°C (low); 29-32°C (high). Southwesterly winds at 20-40 km/h. Waves: 2-3 meters, higher in stormy areas. - **Bangkok and Vicinity**: 60% thunderstorms. Temperatures: 26-28°C (low); 34-36°C (high). Southwesterly winds at 10-25 km/h. Residents in affected areas should stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from the severe weather predicted today. -- 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s carbon tax: Battling climate change, but at what cost? Thailand is set to become the second country in Southeast Asia to impose a carbon tax, a move seen by many as crucial to securing a sustainable future. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330405-thailand’s-carbon-tax-battling-climate-change-but-at-what-cost/

Thailand is set to become the second country in Southeast Asia to impose a carbon tax, a move seen by many as crucial to securing a sustainable future. “We plan to start collecting carbon tax later this year, probably from around October,” Ekniti Nitithanprapas, director-general of the Excise Department, said earlier this month. The carbon tax will initially be imposed on oil products since they are a direct and major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Thailand currently emits 372 million tonnes of greenhouse gases per year, with 70% generated by the transport and energy industries alone. One litre of diesel emits about 2.7 kilograms of carbon, while a litre of petrol emits 2.18 kilos. The Excise Department plans to collect 200 baht per tonne of carbon emitted by these fuels. “We can start collecting carbon tax by amending a ministerial regulation,” Ekniti explained. If the Excise Department receives approval from the Cabinet, the plan can proceed without the need for long-winded deliberations in Parliament, he added. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Python Intrudes Football Match in Chon Buri, Prompting Swift Rescue Picture courtesy: Bounce Nation Kenya A football match in Chon Buri took a startling turn when players encountered an enormous python, leading to a prompt response from local rescue teams. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330403-python-intrudes-football-match-in-chon-buri-prompting-swift-rescue/

A football match in Chon Buri took a startling turn when players encountered an enormous python, leading to a prompt response from local rescue teams. The incident unfolded when a 4.12-metre-long python was discovered nesting with 21 eggs at the entrance of a football field in Surasak sub-district, Si Racha district. Sittichai Samrit, head of the Naprao community, alerted authorities about the potentially dangerous situation. Officials from Chao Phraya Surasak municipality’s disaster prevention and mitigation department, alongside rescue personnel, swiftly arrived at the scene. They met Sittichai, who directed them to a pile of dry leaves and branches where the python and its eggs were hidden. The snake, coiled protectively around its eggs, posed a significant risk to children who frequently play in the area. Using specialised equipment, the rescue team carefully captured the python and secured all 21 eggs. Both the snake and the eggs were then relocated to a safe natural habitat, ensuring the area was safe for local children and football enthusiasts. One player, 30-year-old Kanthanat Em-im, described how the discovery unfolded. Kanthanat and his friends had been playing football when one of them stumbled upon the python while relieving himself near the leafy spot. They initially found only the eggs but decided to wait, hoping to capture the mother snake as well. Their patience was rewarded when the python returned the following day. Understanding the potential threat, they alerted authorities immediately. The quick response underscored the community's commitment to keeping the playing fields safe. This unusual encounter serves as a reminder of the wildlife that can sometimes wander into human spaces, particularly in areas like Chon Buri. Thanks to the prompt actions of local officials and residents, the python was safely removed, allowing the football field to return to its normal, child-friendly atmosphere. -- 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Picture courtesy: Bounce Nation Kenya

Police Raid Illegal Money Lending Operation in Pattaya, Three Thais Arrested By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Region 2 Police raided an illegal money lending operation in Pattaya on Tuesday, June 18th, and arrested three Thai people. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330398-police-raid-illegal-money-lending-operation-in-pattaya-three-thais-arrested/

Pattaya — Region 2 Police raided an illegal money lending operation in Pattaya on Tuesday, June 18th, and arrested three Thai people. The raid was conducted at a house in the Ratanakorn Village 11 on Soi Takian Tia 7, Banglamung district, Chonburi province, following a tip-off from concerned citizens. Upon entering the premises, officers found a large Thai family residing in the house. Authorities then showed the family a search warrant before examining the premises, during which they found much evidence of illegal money lending activities, including loan records, five mobile phones, a Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, a Honda Jazz car, two customer account books, and a homemade firearm. Three suspects were arrested at the scene, including Mr. Sitthichai Tonniem, 40, the owner of the firearm and believed to be the head of the operation, Mr. Ekkarin Sukchant, 22, who worked as a debt collector, and Mr. Aphirak Thongrarerng, 19, who also worked as a debt collector. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sattahip Motorcyclist Dies in Tragic Accident, Lack of Lighting Blamed By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi — A Thai motorcyclist died after falling from his motorbike and being run over by a car on Highway 331 in Chonburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330397-sattahip-motorcyclist-dies-in-tragic-accident-lack-of-lighting-blamed/

Chonburi — A Thai motorcyclist died after falling from his motorbike and being run over by a car on Highway 331 in Chonburi province. The accident occurred at 4:36 AM on June 20th on the inbound lane to Sattahip near the entrance to the Nong Ta Son village at kilometer marker 29. Rescue workers responded to the scene to find the victim, an unidentified man between 35 and 45 years old, deceased at the scene. He was not carrying any personal identification documents. The victim’s Honda Wave 125 motorbike was found near his body with extensive damage from being run over by a car. Another driver involved, identified only as Mr. Amnat, 57, was waiting at the scene to provide his statement to the police. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Salon Owner Claims Niece Stole Nearly 100,000 Baht from Her By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A Pattaya salon owner is warning the public about her own niece whom she claimed stole nearly 100,000 baht from her shop and escaped. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330396-pattaya-salon-owner-claims-niece-stole-nearly-100000-baht-from-her/

Pattaya — A Pattaya salon owner is warning the public about her own niece whom she claimed stole nearly 100,000 baht from her shop and escaped. On June 19th, 2024, Ms. Am, 30, shared her story with the media to seek help in locating her niece, who allegedly stole 72,000 baht in cash from her salon. Ms. Am narrated that the thief occurred at her Amma Salon Con, located inside a condominium on Thepprasit Road in Pattaya. Ms. Am revealed that her niece, identified only as Ying, is around 23 years old. She considered Ying as part of the family and trusted her enough to work at the salon. However, on the day of the incident, Ms. Am was shocked to discover that her cash and Ying had disappeared in the afternoon. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man Injured from Airsoft Gun at Saphan Hin in Phuket Town By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A man has sustained injuries from an airsoft gunshot at Saphan Hin Public Park in Phuket Town. The Phuket City Police were notified that a man had been injured on Friday (June 20th) at 10:50 P.M. at Saphan Hin in the Talad Yai sub-district. The injured man was taken to a nearby hospital. Police arrived at the hospital to find Mr. Sakdawut (age and full name was not given). He had sustained injuries to his left eye area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330395-man-injured-from-airsoft-gun-at-saphan-hin-in-phuket-town/

Phuket – A man has sustained injuries from an airsoft gunshot at Saphan Hin Public Park in Phuket Town. The Phuket City Police were notified that a man had been injured on Friday (June 20th) at 10:50 P.M. at Saphan Hin in the Talad Yai sub-district. The injured man was taken to a nearby hospital. Police arrived at the hospital to find Mr. Sakdawut (age and full name was not given). He had sustained injuries to his left eye area. Sakdawut told police he and two friends were at the Saphan Hin Public Park. There was a man on a motorbike wearing a full helmet who took out an item from a bag similar to an airsoft gun. The man then shot at Mr. Sakdawut. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Taxi Car Damaged in Kathu After Alleged Rock-Throwing Incident By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu, Phuket – A taxi car sustained damage after reportedly being struck by a large rock thrown by a motorbike rider in Kathu. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, June 18th, along Wichit Songkram Road near the Golden Ville 3 housing estate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330394-taxi-car-damaged-in-kathu-after-alleged-rock-throwing-incident/

Kathu, Phuket – A taxi car sustained damage after reportedly being struck by a large rock thrown by a motorbike rider in Kathu. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, June 18th, along Wichit Songkram Road near the Golden Ville 3 housing estate. According to the unidentified taxi driver, he was driving when a motorbike in front of him suddenly braked. In response, he also hit the brakes. However, two men on a motorbike behind him allegedly became enraged and hurled a sizable rock at his taxi. The impact shattered the back glass of the vehicle. The motorbike riders then fled the scene. It remains unclear whether there were any passengers inside the taxi at the time of the incident. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand mulls allowing foreigners to buy 75% of condo units Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The Thai Cabinet has tasked the Interior Ministry with amending the Condominium Act to increase the foreign ownership limit in condominium projects from 49% to 75%. Additionally, they have been directed to modify the Land Act to allow foreigners to lease land for 99 years, up from the current 50 years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330393-thailand-mulls-allowing-foreigners-to-buy-75-of-condo-units/

Thailand Considers Allowing Foreigners to Buy 75% of Condo Units Picture courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand's Interior Ministry is examining possible changes to real estate laws to allow foreigners to purchase up to 75% of the total unit space in condominium buildings, an increase from the current limit of 49%. This initiative, reported by Naewna newspaper on June 21, aims to stimulate the economy. In addition to this proposal, officials are also considering extending property lease periods to 99 years. Presently, the maximum duration for property leases is 30 years, with an extension of another 30 years available, albeit generally as a private agreement between the involved parties. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, acting during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's recovery from Covid-19, instructed the Interior Ministry to review property regulations. This directive aligns with the Cabinet's decision on June 18, which focused on economic stimulation through the real estate sector, adhering to Thailand Vision 2030. This vision seeks to establish Thailand as an industrial hub and drive sustainable economic growth. The following proposed changes are under study: - Amending the Property Rights Act B.E. 2562 (2019) to enable lease extensions up to 99 years. - Reviewing laws and regulations to extend the maximum foreign ownership in condominiums from 49% to 75%. However, conditions might be attached, such as limiting the voting rights of foreigners purchasing units over the 49% threshold. This initiative's approval process involves completing the study and forwarding the proposal to the Cabinet for final consideration, reported Thai Newsroom. Thailand's move to attract foreign investment via real estate sector reforms highlights a strategic approach to boosting economic development. While these changes promise significant benefits, they also come with considerations of regulatory balance to maintain national interests. -- 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The Thai Cabinet has tasked the Interior Ministry with amending the Condominium Act to increase the foreign ownership limit in condominium projects from 49% to 75%. Additionally, they have been directed to modify the Land Act to allow foreigners to lease land for 99 years, up from the current 50 years. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated on Friday that the Land Act requires minimal changes. The existing law already permits a 50-year lease with an option to extend for another 50 years. The amendment aims to ensure foreign investors can secure land for up to 99 years in a single lease contract, enhancing investment confidence and viability. Despite the boost in foreign ownership percentage, control over the developments will remain in Thai hands. Foreigners purchasing up to 75% of condominium units will not gain additional voting rights in the management of these properties, ensuring Thais retain control, Anutin clarified, reported Thai PBS. The push to revise the Condominium Act comes as Thailand faces an oversupply of low and moderately-priced units. The Interior Minister expressed optimism that increasing foreign ownership limits will stimulate this sluggish market segment. This shift, he argues, will benefit both Thailand and its people by promoting economic activity and encouraging foreign investment. The proposed changes mark a significant shift in Thailand’s property market policies, designed to encourage more foreign capital flow into the country. By extending the lease period and increasing allowable foreign ownership, the government aims to make Thailand a more attractive destination for international investors. These amendments, once implemented, could transform the dynamics of Thailand’s real estate market, offering longer-term stability for foreign investors and opening up a wealth of opportunities within the country's property sector. This development underscores Thailand's commitment to economic growth and integration into the global market. -- 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

FTI Urges Government Action as 567 Thai Factories Close in Five Months Picture Courtesy: Thai Rath The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to take immediate measures to aid manufacturers after the closure of 567 factories in the first five months of the year, reported Thai Rath on June 21. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330392-fti-urges-government-action-as-567-thai-factories-close-in-five-months/

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to take immediate measures to aid manufacturers after the closure of 567 factories in the first five months of the year, reported Thai Rath on June 21. Speaking on the matter, FTI chairman Mr. Kriengkrai Thiennukul highlighted the urgency of implementing both short- and long-term strategies to buoy the struggling industrial sector. For the short term, he suggested actions such as mitigating the effects of the ongoing trade war that has seen foreign products biting into the local market share, preventing the dumping of goods, promoting Thai-made products, and lowering production costs, including expenses related to energy, transportation, and finance. In the medium-to-long term, Mr. Kriengkrai emphasised the need to promote technological innovation within Thai industries to boost productivity, restructure the sector, and reform laws and regulations to facilitate smoother business operations, particularly focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are facing the brunt of the crisis. Mr. Nawa Chanthansurakon, FTI’s vice president, provided alarming numbers: 567 factories shut down, averaging 113 per month, resulting in 15,300 job losses. This trend, consistent with the previous year where 1,337 factories closed, raises concerns about an impending industrial recession. Most heavily affected are industries involved in plastics, metalwork, and wood processing. The primary cause cited is the trade war, which has led to a surge in cheaper Chinese imports as China redirects its export focus away from US and EU markets to ASEAN countries, including Thailand. Addressing this, Mr. Nawa advocated for the government to leverage tax measures to curb the import of low-cost goods and support local manufacturers by reducing raw material prices, energy costs, and logistics expenses, thereby enhancing their competitiveness. Ms. Nattaporn Triratsirikul from Kasikorn Research Centre noted that while Thai economic growth might improve in the latter half of the year, there's a risk of protectionist measures seeing an influx of Chinese products and hampering Thai export recovery, which could slow below expectations. Kasikorn Research Centre anticipates a 2.6% expansion for the Thai economy this year. Picture Courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Buriram Abbot Moved After Loudspeaker Outburst Amidst Funeral Stress Picture courtesy; Matichon A recent incident involving Phra Khru Sutthithamparahat, the 47-year-old abbot of Mueang Fai Temple in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, has captivated local attention. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1330391-buriram-abbot-moved-after-loudspeaker-outburst-amidst-funeral-stress/

A recent incident involving Phra Khru Sutthithamparahat, the 47-year-old abbot of Mueang Fai Temple in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, has captivated local attention. Just before dawn, at around 4am, the abbot unexpectedly activated the temple’s loudspeaker system and started shouting incoherently, causing concern among the residents. Many speculated that he might have been under the influence of a substance. The event quickly sparked lively online discussions, leading the Buriram Provincial Police Commander to order an immediate investigation. Officers from the Nang Rong Police Station responded by visiting the temple and requesting a urine test. However, this was not conducted due to objections from fellow monks and some villagers, who considered it inappropriate. Further investigation revealed a more complex background behind the abbot's unusual behaviour. It was disclosed that Phra Khru Sutthithamparahat was overwhelmed with stress while arranging the royal cremation ceremony for his late father, who had passed away just two days earlier. Phra Maha Phairot Rojana, a monk from Thai Chan Samakkhi Temple and a close friend, escorted the abbot to Thai Chan Samakkhi Temple to help him regain composure. Prasarn Khunnamwong, the headman of Moo 9, Ban Prasat in Mueang Fai Subdistrict, provided insight into the incident. He highlighted that the abbot is typically dedicated to his duties and known for his steady behaviour. The immense pressure to organise his father's funeral in a limited timeframe, combined with a lack of assistance, likely led to the outburst. Khunnamwong added, “The abbot has a naturally loud voice and is about to travel to the southern region. He probably used the loudspeaker to call fellow monks for a meeting, resulting in the unexpected commotion.” The community is now giving the abbot the space and support needed to recover from the stress and return to his duties. Picture courtesy: Matichon -- 2024-06-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe