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Heavy rain inundates Bangkok and surrounding regions by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Chakkrapan Natanri/Bangkok Post Heavy rain has inundated Bangkok and the surrounding areas today, covering 70% of the region. The northeastern and eastern parts of Thailand are experiencing the most severe weather conditions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332950-heavy-rain-inundates-bangkok-and-surrounding-regions/

Heavy rain has inundated Bangkok and the surrounding areas today, covering 70% of the region. The northeastern and eastern parts of Thailand are experiencing the most severe weather conditions. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours, highlighting a monsoon trough passing over the upper northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, extending into a low-pressure system over central Vietnam’s coast. Combined with a strong southwesterly monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, significant thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected in various parts of the country. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected in the northeastern, eastern, and western southern regions. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious of potential flash floods and water runoff, particularly in hilly areas near waterways and low-lying regions. The weather forecast for today, July 15, indicates that the northern region will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in specific provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celcius (°C) at night to 33 to 35°C during the day, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour (km/h). In the northeastern region, thunderstorms will cover 80% of the area, with very heavy rain in provinces including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at night to 29 to 33°C during the day, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 25km/h. Thunderstorms The central region will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces such as Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26°C at night to 33 to 35°C during the day, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 25km/h. In the eastern region, thunderstorms will cover 80% of the area, with very heavy rain in provinces including Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27°C at night to 29 to 33°C during the day, with southwesterly winds blowing at 20 to 40km/h. The sea will have waves 2 to 3 metres high, and more than 3 metres high in thunderstorm areas. The eastern southern region will have thunderstorms in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces such as Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at night to 33 to 36°C during the day. From Surat Thani upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 20 to 35km/h, with sea waves around 2 metres high and more than 2 metres high in thunderstorm areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35km/h, with sea waves 1 to 2 metres high and more than 2 metres high in thunderstorm areas. The western southern region will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with very heavy rain in provinces such as Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at night to 29 to 34°C during the day. From Phuket upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 20 to 40km/h, with sea waves 2 to 3 metres high and more than 3 metres high in thunderstorm areas. From Krabi downwards, southwesterly winds will blow at 20 to 35km/h, with sea waves around 2 metres high and more than 2 metres high in thunderstorm areas. Bangkok and its surrounding areas will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts. Temperatures will range from 26 to 27°C at night to 32 to 34°C during the day, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 25km/h. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Chakkrapan Natanri/Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

14-Year-Old Motorcyclist Strikes and Kills Homeless Man Sitting by a Pattaya Roadside By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A homeless man was tragically killed after being struck by a motorcycle on a highway near Pattaya last night, July 13th. The 14-year-old motorcyclist claimed the victim was sitting in the dark by the roadside. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332949-14-year-old-motorcyclist-strikes-and-kills-homeless-man-sitting-by-a-pattaya-roadside/

Pattaya — A homeless man was tragically killed after being struck by a motorcycle on a highway near Pattaya last night, July 13th. The 14-year-old motorcyclist claimed the victim was sitting in the dark by the roadside. The incident occurred at around 10:50 PM on Saturday on Highway 336 in the Nong Pla Lai sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Banglamung police and rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the victim, an unidentified 50-60 year old homeless man, lying on the road with large lacerations on his face and arms. Rescuers performed CPR on him, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The red Honda PCX motorcycle involved in the accident was found overturned in the middle of the road, with its front end severely damaged. The driver, a 14-year-old girl and her passenger, a 13-year-old girl (names withheld due to their ages), were both injured and taken to Banglamung Hospital for treatment. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

2 men & 1 women wanted by cops for sex on Patong beach (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Police are searching for two men and a woman, whose nationalities remain undisclosed, after they engaged in sexual activities on Patong Beach in Phuket yesterday, July 14. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332948-2-men-1-women-wanted-by-cops-for-sex-on-patong-beach-video/

Police are searching for two men and a woman, whose nationalities remain undisclosed, after they engaged in sexual activities on Patong Beach in Phuket yesterday, July 14. The Facebook news page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning Phuket is so brutal), shared a picture of three people having sex on the beach yesterday. The picture was reported to be a screenshot from two videos of the explicit activity captured by a local in the area. The videos were shared only in private social media groups of locals in the area and were not made public. The three reportedly ignored the presence of other beachgoers. Some news agencies reported that all participants were men. Thai netizens shared their reactions in the comment section. “Phuket has a variety of nationalities. Be open-minded.” “It’s normal.” “They can tell their friends that they officially arrived in Phuket.” “I should go enjoy a beer at the beach more frequently.” “Free porn every day.” Aside from humorous reactions from Thai netizens, many others demanded provincial authorities and police implement sustainable policies to prevent similar incidents in the future. Similar cases have been reported multiple times before, especially on Patong Beach. In February, a viral video showed a foreign couple having sex on Patong Beach at night. They thought the stack of beach chairs would help conceal them from the public eye but they were mistaken. Locals in the area revealed to Thai news agencies that they witnessed another similar incident a few days before. In this case, a couple had sex in their hotel room but a clear window allowed passersby to see their activities. The couple was believed to intentionally left the curtains open for show. Another foreign couple was caught having sex in the sea off Patong Beach in April. The amorous couple faced criticism from Thai netizens for going beyond enjoying swimming to engaging in sexual activities without awareness of Thai culture and laws. According to the law, couples who engage in public sex should face a fine of up to 5,000 baht under Section 388 of the Criminal Law. However, no suspects in the previous cases have been summoned to pay fines. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorcycle taxi drivers brutally beating tourist caught on video Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In a distressing incident at Phuket, three motorcycle taxi drivers were captured on video brutally beating a tourist until he lost consciousness. The attack occurred in the early hours around 3 a.m. outside Central Patong, a popular shopping area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332947-motorcycle-taxi-drivers-brutally-beating-tourist-caught-on-video/

In a distressing incident at Phuket, three motorcycle taxi drivers were captured on video brutally beating a tourist until he lost consciousness. The attack occurred in the early hours around 3 a.m. outside Central Patong, a popular shopping area. The violent episode was documented in a 20-second clip shared by Phuket Information Center, stirring outrage and concern among locals and visitors alike. The footage clearly shows three individuals, identified as local motorcycle taxi drivers, aggressively attacking a male tourist. Kicks and punches were dealt, rendering the tourist unconscious by the roadside. The situation momentarily de-escalated when another male tourist attempted to intervene, only for the attackers to walk away when a female tourist also approached the scene to assist the injured man. Social media users have expressed vehement criticism towards the attackers, highlighting fears about safety, the potential impact on the tourism industry, and the apparent disregard for law and public image during a critical time for Phuket's recovery amidst COVID-19. Many are calling for immediate action to address the worsening perception of safety in the popular tourist destination. The incident raises significant concerns about the enforcement of regulations governing motorcycle taxi operations and the measures in place to ensure tourist safety. Urgent calls for a thorough investigation and suitable disciplinary actions against the perpetrators are dominating discussions, as both locals and tourists demand reassurances that such violence won't be tolerated. This event not only spotlights the need for stricter oversight of informal transport services but also puts pressure on local authorities to restore confidence in Phuket's tourism sector, ensuring such brutal assaults don't recur and tarnish the island's reputation further. Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British cryptocurrency trader assaulted and robbed in Bangkok by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Five foreign nationals have been arrested for allegedly robbing and assaulting a British cryptocurrency trader in Bangkok, tying him up and inflicting serious injuries. The suspects deny the charges and have requested to give their testimony in court. Police Colonel Wachirakorn Wongboon from Khlong Tan Police Station yesterday, July 14, led a team to apprehend five suspects involved in the robbery of the British trader. The suspects include Abdullahi Ahmed Saney Mohamed from Denmark, Shafiq Sumya and Ahmed Saeed Yasin from England, Hussein Mohamed Hassan Sheekh from England, and an unidentified foreign woman. Seized items included two Apple iPhones, luxury watches from Audemars Piguet and Rolex, one ADCD credit card, and 24,000 baht in cash. The total value of the seized items exceeds 3 million baht, believed to have been stolen from the British man. The incident occurred previously on July 12 around 4.50am when the victim joined the five suspects, three men and two women, at a mansion in Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. The victim was then threatened, physically assaulted with punches and a stun gun, and tied up with ropes and tape. Police investigated and identified the suspects, leading to their arrest along with the seized items. During the interrogation, the suspects denied the allegations and opted to present their case in court. Investigations revealed that the suspects were unemployed and had committed the crime for the first time. The initial charges filed include armed robbery, causing bodily or mental harm, coercion involving five or more people using weapons to force someone to act, refrain from acting, or comply due to fear of danger to life, body, liberty, reputation, or property. Additional charges involve unlawful detention, armed extortion, misappropriation of documents, and carrying weapons in public without a valid reason. The suspects were handed over to the investigators for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai PM Strettha wishes Donald Trump speedy recovery amid assassination attempt Picture courtesy: Pattaya News In a tumultuous event that shook global politics, former U.S. President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed his concern and sympathy, wishing Trump a speedy recovery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332945-thai-pm-strettha-wishes-donals-trump-speedy-recovery-amid-assassination-attempt/

In a tumultuous event that shook global politics, former U.S. President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed his concern and sympathy, wishing Trump a speedy recovery. The incident, occurring on July 14, saw an unidentified assailant open fire while Trump addressed his supporters. The Secret Service acted promptly, neutralizing the threat, but not before Trump suffered a minor injury. A brief hospital visit confirmed the former president sustained a superficial wound to his right ear, and he was released shortly thereafter. Apart from Trump's injury, there were other casualties. Reports confirm the death of an attendee, Corey Comparatore, who was hailed as a hero for his attempt to shield others, including his family, during the shootout. Additionally, two individuals were seriously injured and are currently receiving medical care. In response to this violent act, PM Srettha issued a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), articulating his shock and condemning the violence. "Violence has no place in our societies, and it is with heavy hearts that we learn of such events. Our thoughts are with the injured and the bereaved families. We hope for a fast recovery for Mr. Trump," stated Srettha. Srettha's stance on peace and security stands in stark contrast to the rising incidence of political violence globally, highlighting concerns over public figures' safety. Meanwhile, the Thai government officials have been in constant communication with international counterparts, monitoring the situation while reinforcing domestic security measures to prevent similar incidents, reported The Pattaya News. The FBI is currently investigating the attack, which has officially been classified as an assassination attempt. Further details are expected as their investigation progresses, providing insights into the motives behind this attempted attack on a major public figure in the political arena. Picture courtesy: Pattaya News -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sa Kaeo police arrest four in 5 million baht gambling bust by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Sa Kaeo have arrested four individuals linked to a major online gambling operation, which included betting on Euro football matches. The operation involved a large number of participants and had a cash flow of 5 million baht (US$ 138,000). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332944-sa-kaeo-police-arrest-four-in-5-million-baht-gambling-bust/

Police in Sa Kaeo have arrested four individuals linked to a major online gambling operation, which included betting on Euro football matches. The operation involved a large number of participants and had a cash flow of 5 million baht (US$ 138,000). Police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Region 2, Ittiporn Photong, and Deputy Director of Region 2’s Operations Centre, ordered the raid. The operation was executed by Om Sin Boonyanuson, Sa Kaeo Provincial Police Chief, alongside other officers. Armed with a search warrant issued yesterday, officers conducted a raid on a house at 354/72 in Sa Kaeo City. The raid resulted in the arrest of four suspects. These include 29 year old Chinawat from Trat Province; 24 year old Chompunut from Phetchabun Province; 29 year old Thoskamon, also from Trat Province; and 24 year old Panupong, from Buriram Province. The suspects were reportedly involved in facilitating online gambling activities, specifically focusing on Euro football betting. Police seized a significant amount of evidence during the raid. Confiscated items included three computer sets, four mobile phones, a Huawei WiFi router, and numerous other related items, totaling 19 pieces of evidence. These items were crucial to the operation of the gambling network. The four suspects faced charges of organising illegal gambling activities via electronic media, covering a range of games such as international football, baccarat, slots, lottery, and poker. They were also charged with promoting and advertising gambling, both directly and indirectly, without proper authorization under the Gambling Act, reported KhaoSod. Following their arrest, the suspects and the confiscated items were taken to Sa Kaeo City Police Station for further investigation and formal booking. The police plan to extend their investigation to identify and apprehend larger networks involved in the illegal gambling operation. In related news, police have shut down over 200 websites involved in Euro 2024 football-related gambling, with 2.4 billion baht in circulation, according to the police. Police released the information following a crackdown on both online and offline gambling activities as the Euro 2024 football matches concluded on July 13. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Buriram man killed by friend in liquor dispute, community in shock by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A man was fatally assaulted by his friend after an argument over buying liquor in Buriram Province, leaving the community in shock. The incident occurred yesterday in the village of Kradon, Huai Rat District. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332943-buriram-man-killed-by-friend-in-liquor-dispute-community-in-shock/

A man was fatally assaulted by his friend after an argument over buying liquor in Buriram Province, leaving the community in shock. The incident occurred yesterday in the village of Kradon, Huai Rat District. Police Lieutenant Ongart Manobal, Deputy Inspector of Huai Rat Police Station, received a report about a fatal assault. Upon arriving at the scene with a rescue team, police discovered the body of 46 year old Supot, lying on the roadside. His face bore severe wounds from being struck with a hard object, and he had multiple stab wounds on his abdomen. Nearby, a broken plastic chair and blood-stained wooden sticks were found. Residents identified the assailant as 47 year old Bunchoet, the owner of the house where the incident took place. Police detained Bunchoet, who appeared intoxicated and gave incoherent statements. He denied the assault, claiming the chair broke on its own and that he only poked Supot with the stick playfully. Bunchoet admitted he was upset because Supot had asked him to buy liquor, accusing him of taking advantage and only buying one round while Supot had bought two. Siam, the 73 year old victim’s father, revealed that Bunchoet had a history of violence in the village. Previous incidents included breaking someone’s ribs and slashing another’s throat, though none had been fatal. Each time Bunchoet was jailed for a few months, he would resume his violent behaviour upon release, instilling fear in the community. As a teenager, Bunchoet was known to be addicted to drugs, which likely contributed to his violent tendencies. This latest assault stemmed from an argument over who should purchase liquor. After Supot had already bought liquor twice, Bunchoet had only gone once, leading to a heated dispute that tragically ended in Supot’s death. Siam expressed a desire for the highest possible legal penalty to be imposed on Bunchoet, as the villagers had lived in fear for years, especially since Bunchoet had recently been released from prison for attempted murder, reported KhaoSod. The police have now detained Bunchoet and will proceed with legal action. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Arrest 5 Suspects in Robbery of British Crypto Trader Picture courtesy: 3PLUS News Bangkok - Pol. Col. Wachirakorn Wongbun, Superintendent of Khlong Tan Police Station, led a successful operation to apprehend five suspects involved in a robbery targeting a British stock (crypto) trader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332942-police-arrest-5-suspects-in-robbery-of-british-crypto-trader/

Bangkok - Pol. Col. Wachirakorn Wongbun, Superintendent of Khlong Tan Police Station, led a successful operation to apprehend five suspects involved in a robbery targeting a British stock (crypto) trader. The suspects are identified as follows: - Mr. Abdullahi Ahmed Saney M., a Danish national - Ms. Shafiq S., a British national - Mr. Ahmed Saeed Y., a British national - Mr. Hussein Mohamed Hassan S., a British national - A foreign woman whose identity remains undisclosed Picture courtesy: 3PLUS News Evidence seized during the arrest includes two Apple mobile phones (iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models), an Audemars Piguet watch, a Rolex watch, an ADCD credit card, and 24,000 baht in cash, totaling over 3 million baht in value. The incident occurred on July 12, 2024, at 4:50 a.m., when the victim socialized with the perpetrators at a residence in Phra Khanong Subdistrict, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok. During the encounter, the victim was threatened, physically assaulted, and restrained with rope and tape inside a room. Prompt investigation by law enforcement led to the identification of the suspects and their subsequent arrest with the recovered evidence. The suspects have denied the allegations and await legal proceedings. However, investigations reveal that this was their first criminal offense and that none of them were employed at the time of the incident. They face charges including armed robbery, assault causing physical or mental harm, coercion using weapons, unlawful confinement, extortion, and illegal possession of weapons in public areas. The case will proceed under the supervision of investigating officers for further legal action. Picture courtesy: 3PLUS News -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Euro 2024 Gambling Crackdown: Over 200 Websites Closed Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a sweeping crackdown coinciding with the Euro 2024 football tournament, authorities have shut down 224 betting websites linked to illicit gambling activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332940-euro-2024-gambling-crackdown-over-200-websites-closed/

In a sweeping crackdown coinciding with the Euro 2024 football tournament, authorities have shut down 224 betting websites linked to illicit gambling activities. The announcement follows the conclusion of Euro 2024, revealing a crackdown that targeted both on-site and online gambling, disrupting over 2.4 billion baht ($66 million) in illegal gambling flows. Starting from the tournament’s onset on June 14, a special police task force was mobilized to curb the spike in gambling expected with these large-scale sporting events. Their operations stretched across the tournament, concluding on July 11, the day after the final match. Assistant National Police Chief Akradet Pimolsri detailed that 3,863 suspects were arrested in connection with various gambling-related offences, including operators and participants. Efforts were not limited to digital platforms; raids on physical gambling dens led to 3,017 arrests. Akradet noted that these included 50 bookmakers and 2,944 punters. On the digital front, the crackdown led to 846 further arrests from the shutdown websites, including 145 operators running these illegal gambling hubs. Enforcement expanded beyond mere arrests, with a regional emphasis on maintaining order during the high-stakes football event. Surat Thani, for example, took a proactive role in raiding potential gambling hotspots, led by Police Major General Soempun Sirikong. A large-scale operation involving law enforcement, military, and community volunteers stood against illegal betting, emphasizing sustained efforts to combat such illicit activities during and within the aftermath of Euro 2024. This intensive policing showcases a strict stance from authorities against the nexus of sports and illegal gambling, aiming to safeguard public interest and curb the financial impact associated with such unauthorized activities. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Outstanding questions remain about new visa rules for Thailand By Barry Kenyon The latest Thai immigration rule changes are the biggest in 20 years. The interior minister has now signed off on the latest immigration rules which will permit citizens of 93 countries to obtain a visa-exempt 60 days on entering Thailand by land, air and sea. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332939-outstanding-questions-remain-about-new-visa-rules-for-thailand/

The interior minister has now signed off on the latest immigration rules which will permit citizens of 93 countries to obtain a visa-exempt 60 days on entering Thailand by land, air and sea. This includes all the countries which provide significant tourist numbers including the traditional markets of UK, mainland Europe, the USA and Australia. The formal introduction date is Monday July 15, but reports from newly arrived visitors suggest the doubling of 30 days to 60 is already in place. In the past, visa-exempt tourists with 30 days stamped into their passports had to apply at local immigration to extend another month. They had to pay a visa fee of 1,900 baht and provide evidence that their hotel, condominium or host had registered them with immigration (the famous TM30 address confirmation form). Now that visa-exempt visitors have two months on arrival, they are spared that additional bureaucracy. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tourists Criticized for Drunken, Inappropriate Behavior in Pai Picture courtesy: Khaosod In the scenic town of Pai, known for its tranquil natural beauty and distinct Thai culture, a growing issue has been reported as tourists engaging in rafting activities are increasingly disregarding local customs and values. Reports from local business operators indicate a series of disruptive behaviors causing tension and upheaval. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332937-tourists-criticized-for-drunken-inappropriate-behavior-in-pai/

In the scenic town of Pai, known for its tranquil natural beauty and distinct Thai culture, a growing issue has been reported as tourists engaging in rafting activities are increasingly disregarding local customs and values. Reports from local business operators indicate a series of disruptive behaviors causing tension and upheaval. Resort owners in Pai have expressed concerns about tourists who abuse alcohol while participating in popular rafting excursions along the Pai River. These complaints culminated on July 14, when a prominent local resort owner spoke out about tourists floating on rafts, discreetly consuming alcohol from plastic water bottles meant to deceive observers. This kind of behavior has not only disturbed the peace but has also led to more severe incidents. In a recent troubling incident on July 12, a resort owner reported an altercation involving a foreign couple who had entered the resort premises with the intention to engage in sexual activities. When confronted, the couple reacted belligerently., resulting in the owner’s property being damaged and the couple fleeing the scene before authorities could intervene. This incident prompted an immediate police report and has raised the ire of the local community. Despite previous agreements among business owners to curb these behaviors by not selling alcohol to rafting tourists, the problem persists, pointing to a significant enforcement challenge. The attraction of Pai as a gentle natural haven is marred by these accounts, prompting calls for stricter regulations and more robust community policing to preserve both the cultural integrity and the serene environment that Pai is renowned for. Local authorities are now facing growing pressure to address these issues effectively, maintaining Pai’s appeal while ensuring tourists can enjoy their activities without diminishing the quality of life or cultural respect that defines this unique northern Thai community. Picture courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 15 July 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332934-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-15-july-2024/

Authorities have suspended construction of a Chinese-owned luxury resort project on Koh Samui after discovering the property was not being built according to its permit. The buildings were taller than the legal limit, reaching 10 meters instead of 6 meters, and were positioned closer together than permitted. Officials raided the site, named "Anzhu Seamate," on Saturday. The local authority has ordered the site to be demolished and vowed to trace those responsible for its construction. Conservationists and residents near the Mekong river are petitioning the government not to sign a contract to buy electricity from a Hydropower Dam in Laos, they fear economic and territorial losses. An open letter was presented to the prime minister during his visit to Chaing Rai yesterday outlining their concerns that water backing up from the dam, could inundate homes and farmland along riverside communities. Laos hopes to sell 95% of the dams 920 megawatt supply to Thailand's electricity authority. . Eighteen Thai crewmen detained for illegally entering Cambodian territorial waters since May 25 have been released from a detention center and arrived back in Thailand yesterday. Their release follows a meeting between foreign minister from both countries and improved relations between thailand and Cambodia. Around the region. In Myanmar, ethnic armed groups say it had agreed a four-day ceasefire with the junta in northern Shan state, following weeks of clashes in which it seized territory from the military along a key highway to China. The new four-day agreement did not cover the neighboring Mandalay region, where heavy clashes have been ongoing in recent weeks. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Thunderstorms 33C degrees celsius Bangkok: cloudy thundershowers 32 Pattaya: Cloudy, thundershowers 30 Phuket and the south: cloudy with rain 30 Hua Hin: Cloudy, with isolated thundershowers during the afternoon 31 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 2024-07-15 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe