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Four Thais charged in Malaysian court for human trafficking The four Thai suspects await extradition to Malaysia to face charges of human trafficking. (Picture from the Royal Thai Police) Four Thai nationals were charged in a Malaysian court on Friday with trafficking migrants from Myanmar, in connection with the discovery of mass graves near the Thai-Malaysian border in 2015. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298954-four-thais-charged-in-malaysian-court-for-human-trafficking/

Four Thai nationals were charged in a Malaysian court on Friday with trafficking migrants from Myanmar, in connection with the discovery of mass graves near the Thai-Malaysian border in 2015. They were charged a day after they were extradited by Thai authorities in what Thailand’s deputy national police chief, Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, described as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to cracking down on human trafficking. The Thais were charged in a case related to the 2015 discovery of more than 100 graves of Rohingya and Bangladeshi human smuggling victims near Malaysia’s border with Thailand. Berna News reported that, if found guilty, the suspects face a maximum of 15 years in jail and a fine, or both. Picture: The four Thai suspects await extradition to Malaysia to face charges of human trafficking. (Picture from the Royal Thai Police) Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/four-thais-charged-in-malaysian-court-for-human-trafficking/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Thailand News - Countdown to new Thai PM, where are the Chinese? : Tim Newton Today - June 26 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298950-thailand-news-countdown-to-new-thai-pm-where-are-the-chinese-tim-newton-today-june-26/

The countdown starts to the election of Thailand's next prime minister, police and security forces gather intel about possible protests IF Pit Limjareonrat is not elected as the next PM. Miss International Queen winner for 2023 in Pattaya. Thai retailers blamed for 'Pride' hypocricy and 'rainbow washing', Soi Romanee in Phuket is one of the worlds most beautiful streets, and Singapore is wondering where the Chinese tourists are. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists. With thanks to our sponsor 5 Star Marine in Phuket for premium, private charters. Click on this link for a special offer for TNT viewers... https://5starmarinephuket.com/tim/

Amnat Charoen man defies death: claims afterlife encounter By Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook An extraordinary incident unfolded in the Amnat Charoen province as a 63 year old man was revived after doctors had conceded defeat to his deteriorating health condition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298946-amnat-charoen-man-defies-death-claims-afterlife-encounter/

An extraordinary incident unfolded in the Amnat Charoen province as a 63 year old man was revived after doctors had conceded defeat to his deteriorating health condition. After a final farewell ceremony was abruptly interrupted by the seemingly deceased man, he brought shocking news of his encounter with a long-dead friend in the wilderness. In a quiet village adjoining Phu Phanomdee temple, which locals called a ‘Million Rock Pagoda’, our team met Noi, the 63 year old in question, who seemed perfectly normal as he was lying on a wooden cart in front of his house. We also met his wife, Pen, also 63 who narrated the chain of events from June 22. Noi, suffering from lung disease and tuberculosis, was initially hospitalised at Sanangkanikom Hospital. His worsening condition led to his transfer to Amnat Charoen Hospital. Upon reaching Amnat Charoen Hospital, despite the medical team’s best efforts, Noi’s condition plunged into shock, followed by a sharp decline. Presuming the worst and not wanting her husband to suffer further, Pen decided to bring him home to breathe his last. The hospital staff fitted him with a breathing aid and Noi was prepared to be taken home, reported Sanook. By Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/amnat-charoen-man-defies-death-claims-afterlife-encounter -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Ruangkrai Leekitwattana: The political giant-killer aiming to chop down PM hopeful Pita Known as “Jack the giant slayer” for his role in bringing down then-prime minister Samak Sundaravej in 2008, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has now set his sights on Pita Limjaroenrat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298945-ruangkrai-leekitwattana-the-political-giant-killer-aiming-to-chop-down-pm-hopeful-pita/

Known as “Jack the giant slayer” for his role in bringing down then-prime minister Samak Sundaravej in 2008, serial petitioner Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has now set his sights on Pita Limjaroenrat. Ruangkrai has triggered legal challenges that threaten to detonate the Move Forward Party leader’s bid to become Thailand’s next prime minister. Pita and his eight-party coalition say that as head of the election-winning party, the top role is rightfully his. Ruangkrai asked the Election Commission (EC) last Tuesday to seek a Constitutional Court ruling on Pita’s eligibility to be an MP. His latest move came after the EC rejected his earlier petition to investigate whether Pita’s shareholding in media company iTV Plc violated constitutional rules on running for political office. The agency dismissed his complaint on grounds that it was filed just four days before the election when the legal deadline had already passed. But the EC did go ahead with an investigation to determine if Pita had contested the poll despite being aware that he was not qualified to run. This would be a violation of electoral law, penalized by a jail term of one to 10 years, a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and revocation of electoral rights for 20 years. Former boss not exempted Ruangkrai, 61, earned the label “serial petitioner” after years of filing complaints against political and bureaucratic officeholders – including his ex-boss, former auditor general Khunying Jaruvan Maintaka. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/ruangkrai-leekitwattana-the-political-giant-killer-aiming-to-chop-down-pm-hopeful-pita/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Hospital negligence in Buriram leads to patient’s agonising death: daughter demands accountability By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Dailynews A case of medical negligence has been brought to light in Buriram province with 39 year old Nunchida Chomchaiyaphum displaying her distress and lament against a local hospital. The hospital’s alleged disregard for her mother’s declining health led to a fatal end after the patient endured agonising pain for over 40 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298944-hospital-negligence-in-buriram-leads-to-patient’s-agonising-death-daughter-demands-accountability/

A case of medical negligence has been brought to light in Buriram province with 39 year old Nunchida Chomchaiyaphum displaying her distress and lament against a local hospital. The hospital’s alleged disregard for her mother’s declining health led to a fatal end after the patient endured agonising pain for over 40 hours. “Even when I insisted several times to shift her to Buriram Hospital Centre, the doctors denied the request, stating that her condition was manageable,” stated Nunchida, in reference to her 58 year old mother, Ruang Sitthiwong. On June 8, Ruang had an accident while riding a motorcycle, resulting in a fractured rib and a damaged liver. “She was in constant pain, always mentioning, ‘My stomach hurts so much, let the doctor give me an injection,‘” added the distraught daughter. Interestingly, when Nunchida proposed the idea of transferring her mother to a larger hospital, the doctors dismissed the idea, arguing that the facility was adequately equipped to handle the case and suggesting that Buriram Hospital was already overwhelmed with patients. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/hospital-negligence-in-buriram-leads-to-patients-agonising-death-daughter-demands-accountability -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

An ambulance helicopter was filmed above the fairground By Charlene Anne Rodrigues BBC News A rollercoaster accident at an amusement park in Sweden has killed one person and injured at least nine. The ride at the Gröna Lund park in Stockholm came partly off the rails, witnesses said. The Jetline rollercoaster reaches a height of 30m (90ft) and a speed of 90km/h (55mph). The park was evacuated after the accident and police and emergency services were called to the scene. Full story: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66014566 -- © Copyright BBC 2023-06-26

Thai CSD captures kidnapping gang demanding 600,000 baht ransom in major sweep By Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ตำรวจสอบสวนกลาง Facebook In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298941-thai-csd-captures-kidnapping-gang-demanding-600000-baht-ransom-in-major-sweep/

In a major operation yesterday, led by the Crime Suppression Division’s (CSD) special weapons and tactics unit, four suspected gang members involved in kidnap cases were taken into custody across southern and northeastern Thailand. Beginning at 6am, a significant deployment of 80 members from the Hanuman taskforce initiated raids on eight distinct locations. These included three in Yala, four in Narathiwat, and one in Khon Kaen. These arrests come in response to an incident that occurred last year, September 5, which involved a group of heavily armed men kidnapping an individual from a residence situated in the district of Rangae in Narathiwat. The man was taken captive in a building where he was physically assaulted, an attack which left him with a fractured rib. In the aftermath, the culprits proceeded to contact the victim’s family members, making a demand for 500,000 baht (US$ 14,208) in exchange for his release. They issued sharp threats of severing the hostage’s ears or subjecting him to additional cruelty should their demands go unfulfilled, reported Bangkok Post. Family members of the victim agreed on a compromised amount of 300,000 baht (US$ 8,525), promising the remainder would be settled subsequently, to which the kidnappers consented. By Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ตำรวจสอบสวนกลาง Facebook Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thai-csd-captures-gang-demanding-600000-baht-ransom-in-major-sweep -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Severe weather alert: heavy rainfall predicted across Thailand due to monsoon impact By Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Eutah Mizushima, Unsplash In the forecast for the next 24 hours, as of today, weather conditions across Thailand are expected to turn severe with heavy rains predicted in the northern, and northeastern regions, and a significant 60% of Bangkok areas facing heavy downpours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298937-severe-weather-alert-heavy-rainfall-predicted-across-thailand-due-to-monsoon-impact/

In the forecast for the next 24 hours, as of today, weather conditions across Thailand are expected to turn severe with heavy rains predicted in the northern, and northeastern regions, and a significant 60% of Bangkok areas facing heavy downpours. These conditions are following the impact of a monsoon trough passing over the northern region and upper Laos, which is leading into a low-pressure area over upper Vietnam, and the monsoon tides sweeping over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Thai Bay. This situation is causing increasing rainfall across Thailand with intense rains in parts of northern and eastern regions, particularly in the northeastern areas. For the Andaman Sea region, waves are predicted to reach heights of approximately one metre, with 1-2 metre high waves in areas with thundershowers, warranting caution for seafarers within these areas to avoid navigation during thunderstorms, reported Sanook. In the weather forecast for Thailand from this midnight until tomorrow, up to 60% of the northern region will experience thunderstorms, with heavy rains in some areas in the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Phrae, Nan and Uttaradit. The temperatures will likely range between 23-27°C at the lowest and 32-36°C at the highest, with southwest winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour. The northeastern region will also experience thunderstorms in 60% of its areas, along with intense to very intense rainfalls in some areas specifically in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The temperatures here will range between 24-26°C at the lowest point and 32-36°C the highest, with southwest winds at speeds of 10-20 kilometres per hour. By Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Eutah Mizushima, Unsplash Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/weather/severe-weather-alert-heavy-rainfall-predicted-across-thailand-due-to-monsoon-impact -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Woman crashes car into convenience store after alleged assault by boyfriend in Ranong By Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of ระนอง นิวส์ Facebook An unfortunate car accident occurred near a convenience store close to the exit gate of Ranong Provincial Police Station around 8:45pm, yerterday, according to Ranong police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298934-woman-crashes-car-into-convenience-store-after-alleged-assault-by-boyfriend-in-ranong/

Picture courtesy of ระนอง นิวส์ Facebook An unfortunate car accident occurred near a convenience store close to the exit gate of Ranong Provincial Police Station around 8:45pm, yerterday, according to Ranong police. A woman in her middle age, navigating a bronze-silver Toyota Yaris with plate number กง 737 Ranong, was involved in the mishap. The car flipped, laying upside down, its wheels pointing skyward. The woman managed to crawl out of the car and was found sitting beside the wreckage, reporting that she intended to file a complaint against her boyfriend for physically assaulting her prior to the incident. She claimed that he had struck her in the mouth. The authorities asked her to stay calm, get medical assistance first, and file the complaint later. Shortly afterwards, an ambulance from Ranong Hospital arrived to provide first aid and transport her to the hospital. During the medical aid, shrouded by her pained cries, the woman confessed that she had been consuming alcohol at a religious ordination ceremony. By Nattapong Westwood Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/road-deaths/woman-crashes-car-into-convenience-store-after-alleged-assault-by-boyfriend-in-ranong -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 26 June 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298930-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-26-june-2023/

Thailand’s newly elected parliament will meet in the first week of July, setting in motion the process of the reformation of the new government followed by the vote to elect a prime minister. The royal gazette published that parliament will convene on July 3rd. Members of parliament will cast votes for selection of the speaker of the house and two deputies on the 4th of July. A panel of the military-appointed senate is looking into Pita Lim-jaroen-rat’s assets and debts declaration. This scrutiny presents another challenge for Pita’s qualification and may persuade more senators not to vote for him as leader. The Thai military has raised suspicions regarding several politicians' involvement in potential legal violations related to the recent call for a separate state in the southern district of Pattani. A complaint will be filed, naming a number of politicians, who are allegedly involved as evidence is being gathered as part of the ongoing investigation according to southern army commander general Santi. Former finance minister Korn Chati-kava-nid has announced he has resigned as the leader of the Chart-pattana-kla Party, while the party deputy leader also resigned, the departures are thought to be as a result of a poor performance in the general election. Mr Korn, a local resident of Cha Am posted he was honoured to have worked in politics for the last 18 years and thanked his supporters. Mr Korn and his family were due to take a holiday. A ceremony was held in front of the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai on Saturday to mark the fifth anniversary of the global mission to save 12 young footballers and their coach who were stranded in the flooded cave. Photos of former Thai Navy Seal diver Saman Kunan, who died during the mission, former Chiang Rai governor Naron-gsak - who died last week, and football player Duang-petch , who died last year in Britain, were set up to commemorate their passing. Around the Region: The weather: Sunny Chiang Mai and the north: cloudy with rain 30C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy isolated showers 35C Pattaya, Sunny 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 31C ‘Hua Hin’ :Sunny partly cloudy, isolated shower 33C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Intoxicated Youth's False Robbery Report Lands Him in Jail Picture: Thai Rath Oh Father! The police apprehended the young man who falsely reported being robbed while he was actually drinking and eating with friends. When he realized he couldn't pay the bill, he abandoned his friends without a trace, making up a story about being robbed, hoping the police would escort him back home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298928-intoxicated-youths-false-robbery-report-lands-him-in-jail/

Oh Father! The police apprehended the young man who falsely reported being robbed while he was actually drinking and eating with friends. When he realized he couldn't pay the bill, he abandoned his friends without a trace, making up a story about being robbed, hoping the police would escort him back home. This sensational news story unfolded at 01:11 a.m. on June 25, 2023, when Lieutenant Colonel Thasanarong Thongpiya, the Deputy Superintendent of Samdam Police Station, received a report through the emergency hotline 191, reported Thai Rath. The report was transferred from Takhmak Police Station, stating that a robbery had occurred. The informant was waiting for officers at the entrance of Sakangam Road in the Samedam sub-district of Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok. Lieutenant Colonel Thasanarong and his team immediately rushed to the scene to investigate. Upon arrival, they met the informant, Mr. Sutthiwong Sivankam, 21 years old, who provided details of the incident. He claimed that on the evening of June 24, he and a companion went to Miao Hua Khang Restaurant located on Sakangam Road. It was during this moment that six individuals, armed with weapons, approached him and forcibly seized his mobile phone and 4,500 baht in cash before swiftly escaping in the direction of Sakangam Road. After the incident, the informant walked along Sakangam Road until he encountered a police officer, Corporal Yod, parked nearby. Before seeking assistance, Corporal Yod called the emergency hotline 191. Picture: Thai Rath During the initial questioning, the informant, accompanied by the police, pointed out the location of the incident and provided additional details to ascertain the truth. However, the officers noticed inconsistencies in the informant's account and became suspicious of his involvement. Eventually, the informant admitted to fabricating the entire robbery story. He confessed to the police that no robbery had taken place. Around 11:00 p.m., when the restaurant staff presented the bill of 1,480 baht, he couldn't pay. Consequently, he handed over his mobile phone to the restaurant as collateral, promising to return later and settle the bill. As for his friend who had accompanied him, he was unaware of when the informant left the restaurant. Subsequently, when he encountered Corporal Yod, the informant lied about the incident and urged the officer to report a robbery. The motivation behind his false report was influenced by his intoxicated state and the desire to be taken to a safe place, hence requesting to be escorted to a police station. Based on the preliminary investigation, the police arrested Mr. Sutthiwong Sivankam on charges of filing a false report, which could potentially cause harm to others or the public. He was taken into custody for further interrogation at Samdam Police Station to proceed with the legal proceedings according to the law. Top Picture: Thai Rath -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Mischievous Feline Duo Startles Owner with Unusual 'Catch of the Day' Picture: 77kaoded Krabi, Thailand – In an unexpected and slightly alarming event, two playful cats, aptly named "Gold Pillow" and "Has Money," gave their owner a real scare by bringing a snake into their home. The incident necessitated a swift reptile extraction, adding yet another intriguing tale to the duo's collection of brought-home "toys." Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298927-mischievous-feline-duo-startles-owner-with-unusual-catch-of-the-day/

Krabi, Thailand – In an unexpected and slightly alarming event, two playful cats, aptly named "Gold Pillow" and "Has Money," gave their owner a real scare by bringing a snake into their home. The incident necessitated a swift reptile extraction, adding yet another intriguing tale to the duo's collection of brought-home "toys." The curious incident, which took place on June 25th, was captured on video by Police Lieutenant Worut Wattana, a civil peacekeeping officer from Krabi. His year-and-a-half-old tomcats, Gold Pillow and Has Money, were seen chasing each other around the house before they decided to bring in a nearly meter-long snake from a nearby coconut grove, reported 77kaoded. Picture: 77kaoded The surprise discovery gave the police officer quite a jolt. He was forced to step in, separate the cats from their "new toy," and carefully coax the snake out of the house using a stick. Luckily, it was not a venomous snake, and no harm came to the mischievous felines. Lt. Wattana recounted that this was not the first time the daring cats had "caught" something unusual, ranging from mice to small lizards. Regardless of the scares these unexpected surprises may cause, the love for his cats remains undeterred. Each day brings a new adventure, leaving him guessing what surprise the dynamic duo will bring home next. Top Picture: 77kaoded -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Young Woman Threatened by Mysterious Letters Containing Explicit Content A department store employee in Nakhon Sawan province received disturbing letters containing explicit content and threats at her home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1298925-young-woman-threatened-by-mysterious-letters-containing-explicit-content/

A department store employee in Nakhon Sawan province received disturbing letters containing explicit content and threats at her home. A Facebook user named "Mai Mai" posted a message about the incident, urging people to be cautious, reported Daily News. The letter, which included sexually suggestive language and threats, was found by the recipient, referred to as Miss Rung, near her parked car. It left her feeling shocked and terrified. Picture: Daily News The content specifically targeted her appearance and mentioned invading her home. Another woman in the same area came forward, revealing she had also received a similar letter. Miss Rung suspects the perpetrator may be from their neighborhood. Picture: Daily News Although hesitant to accuse her neighbors, she remains vigilant and plans to install security cameras at her home. Her boyfriend advises her to stay in constant contact with him for added safety. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2023-06-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information