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In a shocking incident at a local ATM in Samrong Nuea, Samut Prakan, a woman was robbed while trying to deposit money. The robbery, taking place in broad daylight, raises serious concerns about security measures at local banks and public financial transaction points. The victim, a 36-year-old woman, intended to deposit 7,000 baht when a man abruptly approached and snatched the cash from her hand. A scuffle ensued, drawing the attention of a nearby security guard who intervened just in time. The perpetrator, appearing disheveled and behaving erratically, was detained until the police arrived. Upon their arrival, officers discovered that the perpetrator was mentally unstable. The suspect admitted to the act and returned 1,000 baht, with the rest allegedly falling during the altercation. The victim, although distressed, declined to press charges out of pity for the man's condition. This incident underscores the potential vulnerabilities people face while conducting transactions at ATMs. Police have urged the public to be more vigilant and aware of their surroundings when withdrawing or depositing money, especially outside regular banking facilities. Extra caution is advised, and individuals are encouraged to use ATMs within banks or monitored areas during operating hours. Local authorities are now reviewing security protocols around ATMs, particularly in busier areas, to ensure that this type of incident does not happen again. Enhanced surveillance and possibly more security personnel at vulnerable points are being considered as immediate measures. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance while handling cash in public spaces. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Big Joke's Return to Police Force Unlikely Amidst Internal Conflict Composite image: Naew Na Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, famously known as Big Joke, seems to face dwindling chances of returning to his former glory within the Royal Thai Police, as complex internal dynamics threaten his reinstatement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333034-big-jokes-return-to-police-force-unlikely-amidst-internal-conflict/

Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, famously known as Big Joke, seems to face dwindling chances of returning to his former glory within the Royal Thai Police, as complex internal dynamics threaten his reinstatement. This insight comes directly from Mr. Sittra Biabangkerd, also known as Lawyer Tum, who disclosed issues underpinning Surachet's path back to the deputy commissioner position. Lawyer Tum, Secretary-General of the People's Lawyer Team Foundation, has expressed concern about the challenges Big Joke confronts. According to him, there appears to be a sustained effort from various quarters within the law enforcement hierarchy aimed at blocking Surachet's return. Noting a fractured deal that would have facilitated this comeback, Lawyer Tum suggested a bleak outlook for Big Joke’s immediate future within the police force. This revelation was made while Lawyer Tum was addressing the media at Kanchanaburi Provincial Court, regarding an unrelated legal battle involving a 30 million baht lottery dispute. He remarked that although Surachet is currently isolated, his struggle is far from over. Composite image: Naew Na -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Anutin Declares No Conflict with Coalition Partners on Cannabis Policy Picture courtesy: Daily News In a striking development on July 15, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed speculations of a rift within the coalition government over the cannabis policy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333033-anutin-declares-no-conflict-with-coalition-partners-on-cannabis-policy/

In a striking development on July 15, 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed speculations of a rift within the coalition government over the cannabis policy. At a press gathering at Nai Lert Park Museum in Bangkok, key leaders from both the Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party demonstrated a unified front, addressing several key national issues. The media, seizing the moment, inquired about the alleged discord between the coalition partners regarding cannabis regulation—a topic that has stirred considerable public and political debate in recent years. Mr. Charnvirakul confidently stated that what was perceived as a significant inter-party conflict was in fact a minor disagreement that could be resolved through routine ministerial deliberations and did not warrant a Cabinet-level intervention. “Today, we are here to talk about the security of the government and the welfare of the Thai people, not about minor policy disagreements," Mr. Charnvirakul asserted, shifting focus from internal politics to broader national interests. Picture courtesy: Daily News The conference also touched upon former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's recent remarks about the coalition's future. Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, relayed Mr. Shinawatra’s optimistic vision for Thailand, highlighting his desire to see advancements in the educational sector and overall national progress. “He sees from the perspective of someone who has been at the helm,” Ms. Shinawatra noted about her father’s insights into the current political landscape. She concluded with a forward-looking statement about assessing and adapting future political strategies that align with Thailand's developmental goals. This show of solidarity and strategic conflict resolution among coalition members not only quells rumours about imminent governmental discord but also reinforces the coalition's commitment to collectively addressing the pressing issues facing Thailand today. TOP Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe A1.mp4 A2.mp4

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 16 July 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333030-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-16-july-2024/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced yesterday that people will be able to register for the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme from Aug 1st, The PM said the handout involves massive spending and borrowing, from the budget which was reduced from 500 to 450 billion baht to stimulate the economy. The funds would be distributed by the last quarter of the year. Further details of the scheme will be announced by the Prime minister on 24th July. The Ministry of Education says it is committed to a plan to distribute tablet devices to schools, despite the budget being reduced from 16 to 13 billion baht. The Minister of The "One District, One Quality School" initiative, aims to enhance educational resources—both physical and technological. This plan includes distributing educational tools, such as tablets, to students in 1,800 schools. The United States has offered to lower interest rates for the purchase of F-16 fighter jets by the Royal Thai Air Force in an attempt to persuade the government to choose the American-made jets over Sweden's Gripen fighter aircraft. The airforce announced last week that it was considering the Gripen jets over the F-16s, however negotiations with both companies continue and a final decision is expected to take more time. Locally Military training exercises are currently underway in Hua hin, near kao Tao and Hinlek Fai, local residents have already heard several loud explosions which are likely to continue from time to time until the exercises finish on the 19th August. Around the region. Myanmar The Military Junta minister for Industry Charlie Than visited Russia to discuss construction of a Russian backed steel plant to be located in southern Shan State. The junta says it would produce it’s own steel, cooking oil, cement and pharmaceutical products to offset the cost of importing them. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Thunderstorms 33C degrees celsius Bangkok: cloudy thunderstorms 30 Pattaya: Cloudy, thundershowers 30 Phuket and the south: cloudy with thundershowers 30 Hua Hin: Cloudy 30 Much the same over the weekend . AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-07-16 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a major announcement at the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his vice-presidential running mate for the upcoming presidential election. This decision marks a significant turn in Vance's political alignment; the once staunch critic of Trump has now aligned himself with Trump's vision, underscoring a complete political transformation. Trump, while addressing a massive crowd at the convention, expressed his confidence in Vance, citing his robust understanding of both governmental affairs and the business sector. "J.D. Vance is a fighter who embodies the spirit of the American people, and together, we will continue to make America great," Trump proclaimed. Vance's political journey is notable, beginning with his well-documented disapproval of Trump during the 2016 elections, where he voiced concerns about Trump’s suitability for presidency. However, his perspective shifted notably after authoring the best-seller "Hillbilly Elegy," which catapulted him into the political spotlight and eventually led to his Senate run with Trump’s endorsement. This strategic partnership could fortify Trump’s campaign, leveraging Vance’s appeal among the working-class voters in key swing states like Ohio. Furthermore, Vance's recent legislative focus on reducing foreign aid aligns with Trump’s "America First" ideology, potentially solidifying his appeal to Trump's base. However, this announcement has stirred mixed reactions. While some admire Vance's pragmatic approach towards effective governance, others are wary of his pivot towards Trump's policies and sceptical about his transformation from a critic to a cornerstone of Trump’s campaign. As the political landscape braces for the 2024 presidential race, the Trump-Vance ticket highlights a significant realignment in American politics, with potential implications for both the Republican Party's strategy and the national policy direction. Source: CNN -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man Murders Wife in Drunken Rage Over Hygiene Dispute Picture courtesy: Khaosod In a harrowing incident emerging from Roi Et, North Eastern Thailand, a man has been arrested after killing his wife during a drunken altercation. The disagreement reportedly sparked by the wife not having taken a bath late on July 14. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333023-man-murders-wife-in-drunken-rage-over-hygiene-dispute/

In a harrowing incident emerging from Roi Et, North Eastern Thailand, a man has been arrested after killing his wife during a drunken altercation. The disagreement reportedly sparked by the wife not having taken a bath late on July 14. The local authorities, led by Police Lieutenant Phayung Kulkhamsaeng, raced to the couple's home late Friday after receiving an emergency call. There, they found 44-year-old Praitun, deceased, with apparent injuries caused by a blunt object. Investigators discovered she had been struck with a wooden stick, leading to her tragic death. Praitun's husband, 53-year-old Watcharin, initially tried to elude police, concealing himself in a nearby house before being apprehended. Upon capture, he admitted to losing control after a heated argument centered on personal hygiene — a recurring subject of dispute fueled by their frequent alcohol consumption. Watcharin, in his confession, revealed the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. After striking his wife during their altercation, he attempted to sit her on a chair and later moved her to the bathroom, not realizing she had succumbed to her injuries. Initially, he misled neighbors and emergency responders, suggesting that she slipped in the bathroom. Police carefully collected evidence at the scene, corroborated by neighbor accounts of the couple's turbulent relationship, all of which point to a clear narrative of domestic violence ending fatally. Watcharin now faces severe legal repercussions as he awaits formal charges following a thorough police investigation. This incident shines a stark light on the dangers of domestic conflicts, especially those exacerbated by substance abuse, and has sparked discussions in the community about the need for more robust intervention and support systems for individuals in volatile living conditions. Picture courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Jet Fighter Purchase: F-16 or Gripen, Still Undecided F-16 Block. Picture courtesy: Lockheed Martin On July 15, Thai Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang announced that Thailand has not yet decided between purchasing Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70s and Saab JAS 39E Gripen fighters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333022-thai-jet-fighter-purchase-f-16-or-gripen-still-undecided/

F-16 Block. Picture courtesy: Lockheed Martin On July 15, Thai Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang announced that Thailand has not yet decided between purchasing Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70s and Saab JAS 39E Gripen fighters. During a press conference, Minister Suthin clarified that although the air force favored the Swedish JAS 39E Gripen in evaluations, the decision-making process involves thorough considerations beyond initial evaluations. The Thai Air Force is looking to update its aging fleet, which currently includes various models stationed across multiple wings. The primary concern is enhancing national defense capabilities and maintaining a balance of power in the region. Minister Suthin emphasized that the choice between the American and Swedish jets would significantly impact Thailand's defensive strategies. JAS 39E. Picture courtesy: Wikimedia Cost, capability, and strategic alliances are central to this procurement decision. As Thailand aligns its defense needs with broader geopolitical considerations, both the U.S. and Sweden offer compelling options which have been narrowed down to these two aircraft. In his upcoming visit to Washington, Minister Suthin aims to discuss various topics, including this key military procurement, with U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin. This engagement illustrates the importance of U.S.-Thai relations and the potential impact these discussions could have on the final decision. As the Thai government deliberates, the air force's current operational needs and future strategic requirements remain at the forefront of this significant military update. This procurement choice is not just about replacing older jets but also about positioning Thailand appropriately in a rapidly changing security environment. The final decision, expected to be announced later this year, will determine the direction of Thai air defense capabilities for decades to come. -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Man Exposes Himself in Public, Causing Panic and Fear Among Female Residents By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — An unidentified man terrified female residents in Pattaya by allegedly exposing himself. The incident took place at 2 AM on July 14th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333020-pattaya-man-exposes-himself-in-public-causing-panic-and-fear-among-female-residents/

Pattaya — An unidentified man terrified female residents in Pattaya by allegedly exposing himself. The incident took place at 2 AM on July 14th, 2024. According to local resident Ms. Am (pseudonym), 42, she witnessed the man riding a pink Honda Zoomer X motorcycle without a license plate circling a building before stopping and exposing himself to passersby. Ms. Am said she was deeply concerned about the incident as it took place near a building where many women and young students live. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand travel woes: Cops’ highway robbery sparks outcry by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 A Thai travel agency took to social media to seek justice after a group of alleged police officers extorted 700,000 baht from Chinese tourists on a motorway heading to Pattaya. The Thai woman, who claimed to be a representative of a travel agency, shared a dashcam video in which a group of men, claiming to be police officers, asked the car carrying the Chinese tourists to stop on the motorway at about 7.29pm on July 10. The woman explained that her Chinese customers were stopped 200 metres away from the Pattaya toll fare collection booth. The men demanded 700,000 baht from the Chinese nationals, and both she and her customers questioned whether they were genuine police officers. The travel agency representative added that the Chinese tourists were staying at a hotel near Terminal 21 in Pattaya, and she hoped the foreigners would get justice before they left Thailand on July 25. Channel 7 reported that the men who claimed to be police arrived at the scene in two vehicles, a white Toyota Fortuner and a black Ford Everest. The media revealed more details of the incident, stating that the alleged police officers requested to check the Chinese nationals’ passports and visas. The alleged police officers then took pictures of each Chinese tourist and later checked the driving licence of the driver. The nationality of the driver was not revealed but was suspected to be Thai. The superintendent of the Nong Prue Police Station, Thawee Kudtalaeng, who supervised the area, revealed to Channel 7 that the Chinese nationals did not report the matter to the police. Channel 7 reported that the reporter team attempted to contact the driver of the Chinese tourists’ vehicle to ask about the incident on that night but their attempt failed. As per police reports, officers cannot do anything unless the Chinese tourists report the matter. In a related report, another major case of extortion was reported in January of last year when a Taiwanese actress, An Yu-Qing, also known as Charlene An, came forward to expose corrupt Thai police officers. An and her friends were asked to pay 27,000 baht each at a police checkpoint to claim their freedom. An’s exposure led to the imprisonment of five years for four police officers involved in the extortion. Two other police officers present at the scene maintained their innocence. Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Explosion in Roi Et: Fridge Blast Ravages Four Homes Picture courtesy: 3PLUS news In the early hours of the morning in Roi Et, a deafening explosion tore through a family home, damaging it and three neighboring residences. This incident, stemming from what appears to be a refrigerator malfunction, prompted immediate response from local authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333019-explosion-in-roi-et-fridge-blast-ravages-four-homes/

In the early hours of the morning in Roi Et, a deafening explosion tore through a family home, damaging it and three neighboring residences. This incident, stemming from what appears to be a refrigerator malfunction, prompted immediate response from local authorities. At around 5 a.m. today, residents of Dong Lan subdistrict were startled by a blast that originated from a household appliance. The explosion was so powerful it shattered windows, and compromised the structural integrity of several buildings in the vicinity. The homeowners, a family of three, were fortunately unhurt but in shock. “We were asleep when suddenly our house shook with a loud boom," recounted Rungrawee, 39, the homeowner. "We immediately checked and found our fridge in flames.” Despite attempts to contain the fire, the severity of the explosion forced the family to evacuate swiftly. Police and fire services arrived at the scene to assess the damage and investigate the cause. While initial checks suggested a gas leak, subsequent inspections dispelled this theory; the gas tank was intact and showed no signs of tampering or fault. Further complicating the investigation is the electrical setup in the home. Rungrawee explained that the refrigerator, along with several other appliances, was connected via an extension from a nearby property. “We have been using this setup for years without issue," he added, suggesting an external factor may have contributed to the incident. Currently, authorities are considering all possibilities, including electrical faults or defects within the refrigerator itself. The affected family has temporarily relocated to a relative's house as their home remains unsafe. The local community has rallied to support the victims, and officials are cautioning residents about appliance safety, emphasizing routine checks and proper maintenance to prevent similar incidents. As inquiries continue, the true cause remains to be confirmed, leaving a neighborhood on edge but thankful for the absence of injuries. Picture courtesy: 3PLUS news -- 2024-07-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thailand travel woes: Cops’ highway robbery sparks outcry by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 A Thai travel agency took to social media to seek justice after a group of alleged police officers extorted 700,000 baht from Chinese tourists on a motorway heading to Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332984-thai-travel-agency-alleges-police-extortion-of-chinese-tourists-video/?do=findComment&comment=19067859

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 16 July 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1333017-thailand-live-tuesday-16-july-2024/

Pattaya police urged to take action on Kuwaiti street racers - video Photo via Facebook/ เดอะ พัทยานิวส์ The Pattaya News Residents in Soi Yen Sabai, Pattaya, urged police officers to take action against Kuwaiti motorcycle racers following a noise pollution disturbance and a recent physical altercation on Saturday, July 13. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332996-pattaya-police-urged-to-take-action-on-kuwaiti-street-racers-video/

In a striking moment of finality, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be officially released, with an innocence certificate earmarked for August. This follows a series of legal and procedural crescendos that began with his contentious detainment over corruption charges and culminated in a royal pardon last year. Thaksin Shinawatra to Receive Certificate of Innocence in August Picture courtesy: Thai PBS Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332962-thaksin-shinawatra-to-receive-certificate-of-innocence-in-august/

Thaksin Shinawatra to Receive Certificate of Innocence in August Picture courtesy: Thai PBS In a striking moment of finality, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be officially released, with an innocence certificate earmarked for August. This follows a series of legal and procedural crescendos that began with his contentious detainment over corruption charges and culminated in a royal pardon last year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332962-thaksin-shinawatra-to-receive-certificate-of-innocence-in-august/

In a striking moment of finality, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to be officially released, with an innocence certificate earmarked for August. This follows a series of legal and procedural crescendos that began with his contentious detainment over corruption charges and culminated in a royal pardon last year. Thaksin, who was originally sentenced to eight years on multiple counts but had his sentence reduced to a single year, has been under parole since February following a health-related stint at the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. This concluded leg of his sentence comes nearly a decade after his initial conviction, spotlighting Thailand's volatile political landscape and the legal maneuverings surrounding high-profile figures. During his parole, Thaksin adhered to stringent conditions, including restricted movement and mandatory regular reporting to the Department of Corrections. His compliance and subsequent fulfillment of terms have paved the way for the upcoming official certification of his innocence, symbolically and legally reinstating his freedom. This development invites a mixed bag of reactions across Thailand's socio-political spectrum, reflecting Thaksin's divisive legacy. For his ardent followers, it’s a long-awaited vindication; for his detractors, a contentious chapter in Thai justice. Moreover, whispers of Thaksin's future involvement in Thai politics persist, spurred by comments from officials and his own circumspect declarations. The Pheu Thai Party, historically aligned with Thaksin, sees potential in his experienced advisory capacity, though Thaksin himself remains non-committal. As Thailand nears this significant judicial and political marker, the focus now shifts to Thaksin’s next moves post-certification, and how this saga's conclusion will ripple through the political fabric of the nation. Picture courtesy: Thai PBS -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Man Arrested Over Alleged Rape of Ukrainian Woman on Koh Samui Picture courtesy: Daily News In a recent unsettling event, a Thai man was apprehauled on accusations of raping a Ukrainian tourist on the picturesque island of Koh Samui. The incident reportedly occurred in broad daylight on Thongson Beach, shaking the local and tourist communities alike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332951-thai-man-arrested-over-alleged-rape-of-ukrainian-woman-in-koh-samui/

In a recent unsettling event, a Thai man was apprehended on accusations of raping a Ukrainian tourist on the picturesque island of Koh Samui. The incident reportedly occurred in broad daylight on Thongson Beach, shaking the local and tourist communities alike. The complaint stemmed from the 32-year-old victim, who courageously reported the alleged attack at the local Bor Phud Police Station shortly after the incident on July 8. In her report, she described a harrowing encounter with the accused, which led the authorities to take swift action in response to her grievances. Leveraging CCTV footage and eye-witness accounts, law enforcement officers were successful in identifying the suspect as Nattaphong, a 27-year-old man originally from Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Their investigations culminated in his apprehension outside a convenience store in Koh Samui, and the very motorcycle used during the alleged crime sequence was also seized. Upon arrest, Nattaphong's version of the story sharply contradicted the claim held against him; he acknowledged the sexual encounter but insisted it was consensual. Despite his protests, the gravity of the accusations led to his immediate arrest and charging under severe sexual assault statutes, reflecting the legal system's firm stance on such issues. This distressing incident not only brings to light the urgent matters of tourist safety and legal justice in Thailand but also echoes past events that have similarly shocked the community. Previous cases in Pattaya and Koh Tao have shown a troubling pattern, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and preventative measures to protect all individuals, residents and visitors alike, from such egregious violations. As this case unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to attract scrutiny and catalyze discussions about safety protocols, the treatment of tourists, and the efficacy of the local law enforcement in protecting the most vulnerable. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe