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Illegal Resort Construction Halted on Koh Samui Picture courtesy: MGR online In a decisive crackdown on building regulation violations, Thai police have brought a screeching halt to the construction of a luxury resort on the scenic island of Koh Samui. The halted project, known as the Anju Cement Project, sparked controversy due to its breach of multiple building codes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332931-illegal-resort-construction-halted-on-koh-samui/

In a decisive crackdown on building regulation violations, Thai police have brought a screeching halt to the construction of a luxury resort on the scenic island of Koh Samui. The halted project, known as the Anju Cement Project, sparked controversy due to its breach of multiple building codes. The investigation into the project began after local authorities received several complaints from residents about the suspicious construction activities. Led by Police Major General Watcharin Pusit, a joint team comprising police officers and municipal engineers conducted a thorough inspection of the site located in the Maret area of the island. The inspection revealed startling violations, including structures that significantly exceeded the permitted height of 6 metres. The site, intended to hold 34 separate houses as per the original plan, was instead being modified into interconnected buildings, deviating widely from approved blueprints. This led to immediate municipal action, with an issued demolition order targeting the unlawfully constructed parts of the resort. The backstory of the project adds layers to the current situation. Acquired by a Chinese investor group in 2018, the 10 rai plot had seen rapid development until these breaches were unearthed. No workers were present at the time of the inspection, suggesting a temporary halt by the developers, likely aware of the impending official review. Response from the construction team was one of apparent surprise, claiming ignorance of the violations. They've agreed to comply with the stop order and revise the construction plans in accordance with legal requirements. Meanwhile, the Koh Samui municipal authorities lodged a formal complaint with Bo Phut Police Station, accusing the project of not only flouting building laws but also proceeding without proper authorizations. The case has now attracted the attention of the Environmental Crime Division (ECD), which is stepping in to further investigate and hold responsible parties accountable. Picture courtesy: MGR online -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Massive Loan Shark Ring Busted in Chon Buri Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In an early morning raid yesterday, police in Chon Buri unveiled a sprawling loan shark operation, revealing illegal transactions close to 10 million baht. The crack down followed persistent complaints from local residents and small business owners about the gang's threats and violent collection tactics. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332930-massive-loan-shark-ring-busted-in-chon-buri/

In an early morning raid yesterday, police in Chon Buri unveiled a sprawling loan shark operation, revealing illegal transactions close to 10 million baht. The crack down followed persistent complaints from local residents and small business owners about the gang's threats and violent collection tactics. Operating from a fortified house in Nong Prue, Banglamung district, the gang had set up an intricate web of transactions documented scrupulously in several account books and digital devices seized during the raid. The police, armed with a search warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court, stormed the residence, catching the occupants unawares while they were asleep. Inside the house, authorities found volumes of documents detailing the finances and personal details of hundreds of debtors who fell into the clutches of this high-interest trap. The initial investigations suggest the gang offered loans ranging from 3,000 to 20,000 baht, with exorbitant interest rates ensuring hefty returns ranging between 4 to 5 million baht each month. The leader of the group, 38-year-old Chanin, was apprehended at the scene. He confessed to running the illegal lending operation targeting vendors and small shop owners in the Pattaya, Nong Prue, and Banglamung areas. Chanin also tried to dissociate himself from the violent aspects of the operation. However, the discovery of bullets and numerous complaints about armed threats painted a different picture. Chanin’s claims that the capital was sourced from legitimate investors is under scrutiny, with police considering the possibility of further criminal involvements. The gang utilized business cards to discreetly market their loans, using the name "Phusing Bai Sakulphat", misleading debtors about the legality of their operation. The seized items from the raid included electronic gadgets used in the operation, bullets, and luxury items likely purchased from the profits of their illicit operations. All suspects were taken to the Nong Prue Police Station for further questioning and will face charges related to illegal money lending and intimidation. Further investigations are set to explore the full extent of this racket and ensure justice for those entangled in its ruinous cycle. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorbike taxi speeds along Patong Beach, alarming tourists (video) Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A motorbike taxi was seen speeding along Patong Beach in Phuket, causing confusion among the many tourists relaxing on the shore. Lifeguards attempted to intervene but were unable to catch the rider. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332929-motorbike-taxi-speeds-along-patong-beach-alarming-tourists-video/

A motorbike taxi was seen speeding along Patong Beach in Phuket, causing confusion among the many tourists relaxing on the shore. Lifeguards attempted to intervene but were unable to catch the rider. A video showing a motorbike taxi riding on Patong Beach in Kathu district, Phuket, was shared by Monsoongarbage Thailand and Newshawk Phuket, causing a stir on social media. The 16-second clip captures the incident that took place yesterday evening. It showed the motorbike weaving through the crowded beach, with confused tourists looking on. The incident prompted a wave of comments from the public, with many expressing their dismay. “We can’t blame foreign tourists when our own people set such examples.” “The police should start cracking down on these motorbike taxis.” “Phuket has a thousand problems every day.” Police confirmed that the motorbike rider was indeed a taxi driver, but his specific queue or affiliation was not identified. Lifeguards on duty tried to chase the rider but could not catch up to him. The video quickly gained traction online, sparking debates and discussions about the behaviour of local motorbike taxi drivers and the enforcement of regulations on the beach. Many pointed out the potential dangers of such actions, not only for the tourists but also for the rider himself. Locals voiced their frustration, noting that this was not an isolated incident but part of a larger issue with motorbike taxis in the area. They called for stricter enforcement and better regulation to prevent similar occurrences in the future, reported KhaoSod. In related news, two women reached out to several Thai news agencies to seek justice after a motorcycle taxi rider physically assaulted them in Soi Pattaya 4 after they complained about the rider failing to signal before turning. Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Bangkok-Vientiane rail service starts Friday with tickets from 281 baht by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of TNN A test run for the new cross-border rail link between Bangkok and Vientiane took place yesterday, paving the way for the official passenger service set to start this Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332928-new-bangkok-vientiane-rail-service-starts-friday-with-tickets-from-281-baht/

A test run for the new cross-border rail link between Bangkok and Vientiane took place yesterday, paving the way for the official passenger service set to start this Friday. Nong Khai governor Sompob Samitasiri, alongside staff from various government agencies, private organisations, and tour businesses, participated in the trial. The journey began at Nong Khai Railway Station and concluded at Vientiane Station (Khamsavath) in Laos. Bookings for the rail service have been open since July 10, with the first scheduled commercial trip departing this Friday. The train will leave Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok at 9.25pm and is expected to arrive at Vientiane Station at 9.05am the following day. Ticket prices for the one-way journey from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station to Vientiane Station range as follows: 281 baht (US$ 😎 for a third-class fan seat, 574 baht (US$ 16) for a second-class air-conditioned seat, 784 baht (US$ 22) for a second-class seat that converts into an upper bed with air conditioning, and 874 baht (US$ 24) for a second-class seat that converts into a lower bed with air conditioning. Passengers starting their journey from stations further along the route will benefit from lower fares. Seats can be reserved up to 180 days in advance at any railway station nationwide, reported Bangkok Post. Upon reaching Vientiane, travellers can explore local tourist attractions or continue their journey using the high-speed China-Laos railway from Vientiane Railway Station to other provinces in Laos or onward to China. In related news, Thailand and Laos are poised to inaugurate a new railway network connecting Bangkok and Vientiane, with a trial run scheduled for late June, as announced by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The initiative is set to improve connectivity for travellers and facilitate the movement of goods between the two nations, positioning Thailand as a key logistics hub in the region. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of TNN Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

#SaveLaoKip Drive With Thai Baht And Other Foreign Currencies Not Accepted Stuns Thais by TNR Staff Signs put up at Laotian shops stating Thai baht is not accepted but if necessary buyers will get 30,000 kip per 100 baht. ATTRACTING a lot of attention in Thailand is Laos’ #SaveLaoKip campaign to protect their currency with Laotian shopkeepers no longer accepting both Thai baht and other foreign currencies but if necessary they will give the foreigners a lower rate than that officially set, Naewna newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332927-savelaokip-drive-with-thai-baht-and-other-foreign-currencies-not-accepted-stuns-thais/

ATTRACTING a lot of attention in Thailand is Laos’ #SaveLaoKip campaign to protect their currency with Laotian shopkeepers no longer accepting both Thai baht and other foreign currencies but if necessary they will give the foreigners a lower rate than that officially set, Naewna newspaper said. YouTube channel “Time to Share” revealed that many shops in Laos have kicked off this campaign to only trade in their currency kip and not accept Thai baht. An example is one shop announcing that they will not accept any foreign currencies with those coming in with Thai currency only getting 30,000 kip for 100 baht. However the official rate for 100 baht is 61,318 kip. While the official rate for US$100 is 2.2 million kip, these shopkeepers will only give 800,000 kip. by TNR Staff TOP: Signs put up at Laotian shops stating Thai baht is not accepted but if necessary buyers will get 30,000 kip per 100 baht. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Locals Warn of Foreign Scam Gang Allegedly Preying on Tourists Around Second Road and Pattaya Beach By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A group of foreign nationals has been accused by locals in Pattaya of allegedly operating a scam ring targeting foreign tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332926-pattaya-locals-warn-of-foreign-scam-gang-allegedly-preying-on-tourists/

Pattaya — A group of foreign nationals has been accused by locals in Pattaya of allegedly operating a scam ring targeting foreign tourists. According to local media reports, the gang operates primarily at the Made in Thailand Night Plaza located on Pattaya’s Second Road but also can be found near the Avenue Shopping Mall and on Beach Road. The foreign men, described as possibly Pakistani or Middle Eastern and mostly younger men, would typically approach tourists, often posing as friendly local expats, and engage them in conversation before trying to sell their dubious products such as herbal remedies for weight loss, beauty treatments, or hair growth to the tourists. Mr. Abdul, a 50-year-old Thai motorbike taxi driver in the area in question, stated that the gang would then lure the unsuspecting victims to secluded areas or their nearby office to complete the transactions. The gang has over 20-30 members who take turns loitering at both the inner and outer areas of the market, looking for unsuspecting tourists to target, said Abdul. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Intoxicated Australian Passes Out in Public in Patong, Taken to Local Hospital By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – An intoxicated Australian man who passed out in front of a tattoo shop was taken to a hospital by local police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332925-intoxicated-australian-passes-out-in-public-in-patong-taken-to-local-hospital/

Patong – An intoxicated Australian man who passed out in front of a tattoo shop was taken to a hospital by local police. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that on Friday (July 12th) at 11:00 A.M. they were notified from an unidentified tattoo shop owner in Soi Saen Sabai about the incident. Police arrived at the scene to find an intoxicated foreign man who was sleeping face down on the floor and appeared to have passed out. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

20 students injured in road accident in Loei province About 20 students were injured, five of them seriously, when the “Songthaew” public transport vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a sedan near an intersection in Mueang district of Thailand’s north-eastern province of Loei. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332924-20-students-injured-in-road-accident-in-loei-province/

About 20 students were injured, five of them seriously, when the “Songthaew” public transport vehicle in which they were travelling collided with a sedan near an intersection in Mueang district of Thailand’s north-eastern province of Loei. The sedan driver, who escaped unhurt, claimed that the “Songthaew” appeared to be travelling at speed as it approached the intersection from the opposite direction. He said that the “Songthaew”, which was carrying many students, skidded and crossed into his carriageway, directly towards his car, forcing him to brake aggressively to avoid a head-on collision. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Senator-elect Keskamol’s educational credentials questioned Dr. Keskamol Pleansamai, a new senator-elect, who received more votes than any of the other 200 senators-elect, is in the spotlight over her declared and highly impressive educational credentials, which many critics are openly questioning whether some are authentic or have been purchased from little known institutions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332923-senator-elect-keskamol’s-educational-credentials-questioned/

Dr. Keskamol Pleansamai, a new senator-elect, who received more votes than any of the other 200 senators-elect, is in the spotlight over her declared and highly impressive educational credentials, which many critics are openly questioning whether some are authentic or have been purchased from little known institutions. Among the educational attainments claimed by the 46-year-old are: Professor in Human Resource Development, California University, Doctor of Philosophy, Associate Professor in Business Administration at California University, PhD in Resources Management and Development from Mae Cho University, an Honorary Doctorate from UIPM University International and an American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine Certificate in Aesthetic Preventive Medicine from the Department of Community Mental Health. Well-known TV personality Sorayuth Suthassanachinda invited her to appear on his program a few days ago, to display her English-speaking skills, which many viewers noted should be a lot better for a person who has studied for and received such educational credentials abroad. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Speedboat rescues 12 tourists from sinking boat near Pattaya by Top Picture courtesy of Dailynews A dramatic rescue unfolded between Koh Larn and Pattaya City after the passenger boat Tara Jade experienced a sewage pump failure, causing it to take on water. The boat was carrying 12 Thai passengers—five men and seven women—when the incident occurred. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332922-speedboat-rescues-12-tourists-from-sinking-boat-near-pattaya/

A dramatic rescue unfolded between Koh Larn and Pattaya City after the passenger boat Tara Jade experienced a sewage pump failure, causing it to take on water. The boat was carrying 12 Thai passengers—five men and seven women—when the incident occurred. Speedboat operators quickly responded to the emergency, with Ed Chankrajai, the driver of the speedboat Yodtong, leading the rescue. As seawater poured into the stern of Tara Jade, Ed instructed everyone to put on life jackets. The tourists were swiftly moved to the speedboat, which transported them back to shore at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. All 12 passengers made it back to shore without injuries. There was a palpable sense of relief and joy as they embraced each other upon reaching safety. Meanwhile, the Tara Jade, a wooden boat captained by Chamroon Thanapreecha, was towed back to shore. The vessel had taken on a significant amount of water and was close to sinking, reported The Pattaya News. It remains unclear whether the Pattaya Marine Department will investigate the incident. In related news, a speedboat carrying tourists on a fishing trip was hit by large waves, causing it to take on water and eventually sink. Five people were left stranded in the sea before being rescued by local fishing boats and the marine police. At 12.20am on July 7, the marine police received a distress call from relatives of the speedboat’s driver, alerting them that the boat was sinking. The marine police, led by Yuranan Meedet, quickly dispatched a rescue team from Surat Thani to the scene. Relatives of the victims reported that the boat was struck by large waves, which caused water to flood into the vessel. Despite attempts to pump the water out, the situation worsened, leading to the boat sinking. by Top Picture courtesy of Dailynews Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Decomposed Body of Woman Found; Ties to Missing Chinese Student? Picture courtesy: CH7 Authorities discovered a decomposed body in a Chachoengsao province garbage dump, sparking an urgent investigation to establish if it is that of Yan Ruimin, a missing Chinese student earlier kidnapped for a hefty ransom. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332921-decomposed-body-of-woman-found-ties-to-missing-student/

Picture courtesy: CH7 Authorities discovered a decomposed body in a Chachoengsao province garbage dump, sparking an urgent investigation to establish if it is that of Yan Ruimin, a missing Chinese student earlier kidnapped for a hefty ransom. Ruimin, known as a TikTok personality, vanished under mysterious circumstances, with her anxious family revealing kidnappers had demanded one million yuan (approximately 5 million baht) In Bangkok's Bang Rak district. The distressing find came after police tracked evidence to a desolate area near Wat Pha Tha In road. Witnesses report that around midday, a suspicious black bag, secured with tiles and obscured by foliage, was unearthed 50 metres from a nearby road. This location correlates with surveillance footage capturing suspect activities around the early hours of July 3, where an individual was observed making multiple trips to the vehicle parked opposite the garbage, potentially depositing the body. The woman's body was notably intact, displaying surgical alterations including silicone implants and jaw modifications, though immediate identification was hindered by the advanced state of decomposition. Authorities now await autopsy results, set to include a DNA comparison with Ruimin's family, with findings expected within a couple of days. This incident underscores ongoing efforts to tighten security around foreign nationals engaging in illicit activities within Thailand, ensuring comprehensive tracking and coordination with international law enforcement agencies to clamp down on cross-border criminal actions. -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Trump Rally Shooting Alarms Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra File photos Thailand's ex-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has expressed his concern over the recent assassination attempt at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332920-trump-rally-shooting-alarms-ex-pm-thaksin-shinawatra/

Thailand's ex-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has expressed his concern over the recent assassination attempt at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Thaksin, who survived several assassination attempts during his tenure as prime minister, plans to reach out to Trump via a message on X, hoping for his safety and deploring the use of violence in politics. Thaksin's remark came in the wake of troubling news that broke around an armed individual attempting to disrupt a political gathering where Trump was speaking. Security personnel promptly intervened, ensuring the safety of everyone present, including Trump. However, the incident has stirred up significant anxiety, reflecting on global political tensions and the charged atmosphere surrounding high-profile public figures. Reflecting on his experiences, Thakin emphasized the gravity of such threats and the urgent need for steadfast security measures. He pointed out that while Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and generally maintains a non-violent ethos, his own experiences indicate that no individual in a position of power is entirely safe from such extreme actions. The incident has sparked a wider discussion about the adequacy of current security arrangements for public figures worldwide. Thaksin advised that vigilance is paramount, and preventive measures should be adjusted in response to rising political tensions and growing public dissatisfaction, reported Thai Newsroom. As investigations proceed in Pennsylvania, this event may prompt a reevaluation of security protocols at political events, especially with the looming U.S. presidential election. TOP: File photos -- 2024-07-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 15 July 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1332919-thailand-live-monday-15-july-2024/