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A British yoga teacher was stranded at Suvarnabhumi Airport after being barred from boarding her flight home due to a slight tear in her passport. The British woman, 27 year old Rosie Viscomi, had planned to fly back to London from Bangkok last Thursday, July 4. However, she was prevented from boarding her £370 (approximately 17,000 baht) multi-stop flight, which included stops in India and Turkey, after airline officials objected to a 1-centimetre rip on the photo page of her passport. This unfortunate turn of events left Rosie crying at Suvarnabhumi Airport as IndiGo Airlines staff refused her passage. The dance and yoga teacher from Norfolk had been on the Thai island of Koh Pha Ngan since April, after completing her yoga qualification in India. During her stay, she engaged in voluntary work and deepened her yoga knowledge before deciding to return home. Despite having reportedly extended her visa just days prior, Viscomi was informed at the airport that her visa had expired, rendering her stay illegal. Frantic and fearing arrest, the British traveller spent the last few days liaising with Thai immigration and the British Embassy to arrange her safe return, which has already cost her hundreds of pounds. “When I went for my flight on Thursday, they said ‘You’re not going anywhere with that,’ referring to a small rip in my passport. “They told me India won’t let me in and I need to book a direct flight from Bangkok to London. I missed my £370 flight and had to apply for emergency documents. I don’t have any money left.” Viscomi, who had previously travelled to America and Jamaica without issues, was shocked by the sudden enforcement. “I didn’t know if they were going to arrest me because I didn’t have the correct stamp. I was at immigration just crying, and everyone kept saying there was nothing they could do. I thought I had all the right visa documents. I just want to go home.” The yoga teacher’s family has stepped in to help with the financial burden. Viscomi’s sister has set up a fundraising page, which has raised £280 of the £1,000 target so far. Meanwhile, Viscomi has managed to secure a new flight and emergency travel documents, hoping to return to England on July 9. IndiGo Airlines has been contacted for comment, reported The Mirror UK. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Kennedy News and Media Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Added To Human Rights Watchlist By International NGO by TNR Staff Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.. Picture: Thai Rath AN INTERNATIONAL non-profit organisation has added Thailand to its watchlist of countries experiencing rapid declines in civic freedoms on alleged grounds of targeting of activists, critics and the opposition by the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331981-thailand-added-to-human-rights-watchlist-by-international-ngo/

AN INTERNATIONAL non-profit organisation has added Thailand to its watchlist of countries experiencing rapid declines in civic freedoms on alleged grounds of targeting of activists, critics and the opposition by the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Thailand is now among 50 countries rated “Repressed” by Civitus Monitor. This rating is typically given to countries where civic space is heavily contested by power holders, who impose a combination of legal and practical constraints on the full enjoyment of fundamental rights. Civitus Monitor, a global alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world founded in 1993 with 8,500 members in more than 175 countries today, said in recent months, the government has continued to use the lese majeste law, or Section 112 of the Criminal Code, to arrest and convict activists, critics and politicians. “Courts routinely deny bail to individuals charged or impose strict conditions in cases where bail is granted. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), since early 2020, more than 270 people have been charged with violating the law and at least 17 are being held in pre-trial detention,” Civitus said. by TNR Staff TOP: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.. Picture: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

'X/Twitter Star' Arrested for Public Indecency, Earns Over 1 Million Baht Picture courtesy: CH7 news The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a popular X/Twitter star with hundreds of thousands of followers for taking provocative photos in public over four months, earning more than 1 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331978-xtwitter-star-arrested-for-public-indecency-earns-over-1-million-baht/

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a popular X/Twitter star with hundreds of thousands of followers for taking provocative photos in public over four months, earning more than 1 million baht. The Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and a search team targeted 24-year-old Ms. Kanokorn, following a Criminal Court warrant (No. 669/2567 dated July 8, 2567). She was charged with “distributing obscene media and disseminating or forwarding computer data that is obscene and accessible to the public” under Section 287(1) of the Criminal Code and Sections 14(4)(5) of the Computer-Related Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007). Evidence seized included: A mobile phone Four sets of clothing used to film obscene content The search was conducted at a residence in Soi Lat Phrao 101, Khlong Chan Subdistrict, Bang Kapi District, Bangkok. The investigation began after police noticed trending social media news about obscene content posted by a famous X/Twitter account with over 100,000 followers. The content, filmed in convenience stores and parking lots of shopping malls, was used to attract followers and sell memberships. Ms. Kanokorn admitted to owning the account and creating the provocative content. She confirmed that the clip filmed in a convenience store in Soi Lat Phrao 101 was made in early April 2024 but has since been deleted. Another clip showing undressing in a parking lot was filmed at a famous shopping mall in Bang Kapi between April and May 2024. Memberships have been sold since March 2024, with total earnings reaching approximately 1 million baht. Picture courtesy: CH7 news -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Debate Ramps Up: Is the Thai Senate Still Necessary? Move Forward spokesperson/MP Parit Wacharasindhu. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In the heart of Thailand's democratic process, a contentious debate is now unfolding, spearheaded by the Move Forward Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331976-debate-ramps-up-is-the-thai-senate-still-necessary/

In the heart of Thailand's democratic process, a contentious debate is now unfolding, spearheaded by the Move Forward Party. The party has called upon the people of Thailand to critically assess the relevance and necessity of the Senate amidst allegations of electoral misconduct that marred the recent senatorial elections. Last month's elections, intended to fill 200 senatorial seats, have yet to be certified by the Election Commission amid numerous complaints and formal accusations of vote manipulation, particularly block-vote rigging. These developments prompted Move Forward spokesperson and MP, Parit Wacharasindhu, to question the continued need for a two-chamber legislature in Thailand. Parit's remarks reflect a broader concern about the transparency and integrity of Thailand’s legislative processes. The allegations speculate that certain "puppet" candidates, believed to be manipulated by undisclosed influential figures, were directly involved in undermining the electoral process. The implications of these irregularities resonate beyond the election itself, touching on the fundamental structures of governance and public trust in political institutions. Notably, Bhumjaithai, a significant player in the coalition government, finds itself at the center of these allegations, accused by competitors of facilitating the manipulation tactics that skewed the elections in favor of these "puppet" candidates. This situation has resulted in a standstill, with the Election Commission delaying the ratification of elected senators in a bid to navigate the murky waters of these serious accusations. Although Parit did not specify how the public could effectively voice their concerns or influence the outcome, the situation has placed significant pressure on the Election Commission. Despite having a year to investigate and act on these claim, the path forward remains unclear, with the certification of the senators-designate hanging in limbo. As Thailand grapples with the legality and morality of the elections, the central question poised by the Move Forward Party challenges the essence of democracy in the country: is the Senate, as it currently stands, serving the people, or has it become an obstacle to genuine democratic governance? TOP: Move Forward spokesperson/MP Parit Wacharasindhu. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Bus Routes to Link Major Airports and Tourist Spots Picture courtesy: National Nws Bureau of Thailand PRESS RELEASE State-run bus operator Transport Co announced on Monday (July 8 ) that it will introduce bus services to three major airports managed by Airports of Thailand (AOT). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331974-new-bus-routes-to-link-major-airports-and-tourist-spots/

State-run bus operator Transport Co announced on Monday (July 8 ) that it will introduce bus services to three major airports managed by Airports of Thailand (AOT). The new routes, expected to begin by the end of the year, will connect Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket airports with interprovincial destinations. According to Transport Co Managing Director Atthawit Rakchamroon, the upcoming bus services will link major cities and tourist attractions directly with the airports, enhancing accessibility to locations such as Pattaya, Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Hua Hin. Travelers will have convenient transportation options to and from these regional hubs. The network expansion is anticipated to boost tourist traffic and stimulate economic activity in the provinces, aligning with the government's objectives to rejuvenate local economies. Atthawit noted that AOT has recommended starting with a scheduled service from Phuket airport to Khao Lak in Phang Nga province to gauge the effectiveness of these connections. Picture courtesy: National Nws Bureau of Thailand PRESS RELEASE Source: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorbike Passenger Injured by Thrown Bottle in Kathu By Goongnang Suksawat Kathu, Phuket- On Sunday night, July 7th, at 10:00 P.M., Mr. Abdulloh (25) from Narathiwat was riding a motorbike with his girlfriend, Ms. Jurapat (18), along Wichit Songkram Road in Kathu. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331973-motorbike-passenger-injured-by-thrown-bottle-in-kathu/

Kathu, Phuket- On Sunday night, July 7th, at 10:00 P.M., Mr. Abdulloh (25) from Narathiwat was riding a motorbike with his girlfriend, Ms. Jurapat (18), along Wichit Songkram Road in Kathu. As they approached a bar, a bottle was hurled from inside and struck Ms. Jurapat’s face, causing her to bleed profusely. Mr. Abdulloh promptly called emergency responders and the police. Upon arriving at the scene, the police reviewed CCTV footage, which revealed an altercation between a man and a woman inside the bar. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Former Pheu Thai MP for Mukdahan imprisoned for bribery A former Pheu Thai MP for Mukdahan province, Anurak Tangpanithanont, was sent to Bangkok Remand Prison today, to serve his six-year term, after a panel of Supreme Court judges upheld the sentence for a bribery conviction imposed by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331971-former-pheu-thai-mp-for-mukdahan-imprisoned-for-bribery/

A former Pheu Thai MP for Mukdahan province, Anurak Tangpanithanont, was sent to Bangkok Remand Prison today, to serve his six-year term, after a panel of Supreme Court judges upheld the sentence for a bribery conviction imposed by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders. The panel also reconfirmed the Supreme Court’s order withdrawing Anurak’s voting rights and the right to contest elections for 10 years. Anurak was found guilty of demanding a five million baht bribe from the director-general of the Groundwater Resources Department, in exchange for approving the department’s budget. Source: Thai PBS 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Burmese worker’s hand minced in meat grinder in Chon Buri by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 20 year old Burmese woman accidentally activated a meat grinder while cleaning it, resulting in a gruesome hand injury. The incident occurred at 10.30am today, July 9, at a dumpling shop in Bang Sai Market, Ban Bueng, Chon Buri province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331969-burmese-worker’s-hand-minced-in-meat-grinder-in-chon-buri/

A 20 year old Burmese woman accidentally activated a meat grinder while cleaning it, resulting in a gruesome hand injury. The incident occurred at 10.30am today, July 9, at a dumpling shop in Bang Sai Market, Ban Bueng, Chon Buri province. Rescue workers from the Sinlatham Ban Bueng Foundation received a distress call about a foreign worker’s hand being trapped in a meat grinder. Upon arrival, they found Thipaporn Sinapa, a Myanmar national, with her hand stuck in the grinder. She was visibly fatigued and in severe pain due to blood loss. Her right hand was crushed up to the elbow. The rescue team used a wrench to free her hand from the machine and administered first aid before rushing her to Ban Bueng Hospital. A co-worker who witnessed the event explained that the grinder was used to mix dumpling fillings. After completing their task, they turned off the machine to clean it. It is believed that Thipaporn may have accidentally hit the switch, causing the grinder to activate and trap her hand. Wan, a colleague, recounted that she and the injured worker were on opposite sides of the grinder. While Thipaporn was cleaning the machine, her other hand might have inadvertently hit the switch, causing the grinder to start. Wan didn’t realise what had happened until she heard Thipaporn’s loud cries for help. Wan immediately ran to unplug the machine, but it was too late—the grinder had already pulled Thipaporn’s hand inside, reported KhaoSod. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreign Mafia Intimidates Locals in Pattaya Picture courtesy: CH7 news Residents Complain About Aggressive Foreign Mafia in Pattaya, Upset Over Thai Drivers Revving Engines Today (July 10, 2024), Mr. Sompong, a 43-year-old chicken rice vendor, reported aggressive behavior by foreigners who have been causing disturbances and intimidating both locals and other foreigners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331968-foreign-mafia-intimidates-locals-in-pattaya/

Residents Complain About Aggressive Foreign Mafia in Pattaya, Upset Over Thai Drivers Revving Engines Today (July 10, 2024), Mr. Sompong, a 43-year-old chicken rice vendor, reported aggressive behavior by foreigners who have been causing disturbances and intimidating both locals and other foreigners. Mr. Sompong provided a video showing a group of foreigners assaulting another foreigner, leaving the victim unconscious on the ground. Mr. Sompong explained that while he was setting up his food stall, he noticed a confrontation between foreigners, particularly a group from the Middle East driving a black SUV. The altercation escalated, resulting in one foreigner being knocked out. The incident appeared to be related to a dispute over a woman, as seen in the video where a woman was being pulled by her arm. The troublemakers frequently loiter near Mr. Sompong’s stall. The issue seems to stem from a previous incident where Mr. Sompong helped resolve a minor car accident involving the aggressors, leading to a compensation payment. This may have caused ongoing resentment, with the aggressors often driving by his stall and revving their engines to intimidate him, reported CH7 news. While Mr. Sompong was being interviewed, the aggressive foreigners drove by in an unregistered car, making gestures and revving their engine, causing fear among the local residents. The injured victim, a Kuwaiti national, reported the assault to the Pattaya City Police. The police sent him to the hospital for treatment and will take his statement later. They are also investigating the incident, gathering evidence from witnesses and CCTV footage to track down the perpetrators. Picture courtesy: CH7 news -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Anutin Furious Over Move to Reclassify Cannabis as a Narcotic Picture courtesy: Naew Na Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, has vehemently opposed the Health Ministry's plan to categorize cannabis as a controlled substance once again. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331966-anutin-furious-over-move-to-reclassify-cannabis-as-a-narcotic/

Picture courtesy: Naew Na Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, has vehemently opposed the Health Ministry's plan to categorize cannabis as a controlled substance once again. This move, proposed by the same committee that had earlier recommended its decriminalization during Anutin's tenure as the Minister of Public Health, marks a significant pivot in the government's stance on cannabis, stirring substantial controversy. Anutin expressed his severe dissatisfaction, arguing that such a reversal could undermine the faith of investors and destabilize the burgeoning cannabis industry in Thailand. During his previous role in public health, his administration promoted cannabis for medical and economic purposes, a policy that diverges sharply from the current trajectory suggested by the Health Ministry. This disagreement highlights a larger issue of policy inconsistency within the government that Anutin emphasized could potentially deter investment and economic growth. He stressed the importance of stable and predictable government policies to maintain investor confidence and support economic development, reported Naew Na. Moreover, Anutin warned that frequent policy changes, driven by political expediencies rather than evidence-based decision-making, could not only confuse stakeholders but also adversely affect the broader economic landscape of Thailand. His powerful critique comes at a critical time as the government contemplates this controversial policy reversal, placing not just the cannabis sector but also overall national economic interests at risk. This unfolding conflict underscores deep divisions within the government regarding drug policy and economic strategy, reflecting not only on the current administration’s approach to governance but also on its ability to foster a stable investment climate. -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Road in Kalasin to Ease Traffic and Support Future Growth Picture courtesy: 77kaoded Mr. Aphirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, Ministry of Transport, announced that the Department of Rural Roads is working on a new road project in Kalasin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331965-new-road-in-kalasin-to-ease-traffic-and-support-future-growth/

Mr. Aphirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, Ministry of Transport, announced that the Department of Rural Roads is working on a new road project in Kalasin. The road, part of the Kalasin Urban Plan, will cover 2.88 kilometers and is currently 33% complete. The project involves laying reinforced concrete pipes, building concrete box culverts, laying road base, filling with sand, and relocating utilities. The construction is expected to be finished by 2025 with a total budget of 199.85 million baht. The new road will be a reinforced concrete road with four lanes, each 3.50 meters wide, a median strip 3.20 meters wide, and shoulders 3 meters wide on each side, reported 77kaoded. The road will also include street lighting and other facilities. The project starts at the intersection of Highway 299 and heads northwest, passing through fields and empty land until it intersects with the existing concrete road of Phon Thong Subdistrict Administrative Organization at kilometer 1+514. It then continues northwest, passing through more fields until it intersects with Highway 3063 at kilometer 2+449, finally ending at Highway 227. This project aligns with both the provincial development plan and the Department of Rural Roads' development plan. Once completed, the new road will connect secondary roads to main roads, improving the overall transport network, easing traffic congestion in Kalasin city, enhancing the quality of life for residents, supporting future city expansion, boosting the local economy, promoting tourism, and providing safer and more convenient travel for everyone. Picture courtesy: 77kaoded -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 10 July 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331962-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-10-july-2024/

Villager near Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi are protesting a proposal to operate a dolomite mine on a 540-rai plot of land just one kilometer from the park. They worry it will harm their way of life and the park's environment. National Parks and World Heritage officials recently inspected the site. villagers Concerns include its proximity to the World Heritage Forest and potential noise, pollution and impacts on tourism. Villagers noted a mining company applied to operate on the bamboo forest site, which was rejected in 2008. The Interior Minister Mr Anutin says his party is against re criminalizing cannabis, he added "If there is a cabinet reshuffle he would take cannabis off the narcotics list again because it was the flagship policy of his party in 2019. Meanwhile The minister for Public Health denied the government was favouring big businesses by trying to re-creminalise the plant. Chinese automaker King Long has stepped into the Thai EV market with Thailand’s TTA group to produce 1,000 electric pickup trucks in the first year of operation…They also plan to open the first EV pickup truck showroom. The Department of National Parks is holding public hearings on a plan to reclassify 265,000 rai of national park land for agricultural use. Some villagers, who occupied the land before park boundaries were set, support the change, but many conservationists and the public oppose it. The government is consolidating various land-mapping systems into One Map. Hearings will continue until Friday. Around the region. Indonesia deployed a helicopter and hundreds of rescuers yesterday, as it resumed a search for 35 people still missing after a landslide at an illegal gold mine on the island of Sulawesi which killed at least 23, Following torrential rain. Some 2,000 klms east of Jakarta, Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny partly cloudy thunder showers 32C degrees celsius Bangkok:sunny partly cloudy thunder showers 32 Pattaya: Cloudy with rain and thunder showers 32 Phuket and the south: Thunder showers 30 Hua Hin: Sunny partly Cloudy, 32 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 2024-07-10 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cannabis Shop Owners Plead with Government Over Drug Reclassification Picture courtesy: Daily News Cannabis shop owners in Khon Kaen criticize the government for reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic. They question how they will be compensated after investing 10 million baht without seeing a return, despite following all regulations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1331959-cannabis-shop-owners-plead-with-government-over-drug-reclassification/

Cannabis shop owners in Khon Kaen criticize the government for reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic. They question how they will be compensated after investing 10 million baht without seeing a return, despite following all regulations. On July 9, a reporter visited K Cannabis shop in Khon Kaen to gather opinions after the Narcotics Control Board approved a draft announcement by the Ministry of Public Health reclassifying cannabis and hemp as narcotics, effective January 1, 2025. Mr. Jetanipit Musiket, the owner of K Cannabis, said the government's decision to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic leaves businesses with little time to adapt and no clear plan for compensation. He emphasized that the change negatively impacts businesses that have legally registered and followed all rules. He suggested that a possible solution is to classify cannabis as a controlled plant with clear regulations for business operations. "Our shop has been affected since the Prime Minister's order to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic in May. We had to reduce production, and our nearly 10-million-baht investment in the shop and farm has not yet paid off. Many other businesses across the country are in the same situation. This issue is political, but the impact falls on business owners and community enterprises. Last week, the Thai Cannabis Network gathered to urge the government to reconsider and classify cannabis as a controlled plant, which seems the best solution. Our shop sells various cannabis products to both Thai and foreign customers, many of whom disagree with reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic and prefer it to be a controlled plant," said Mr. Jetanipit, reported Daily News. Meanwhile, Andrei, a 40-year-old Russian customer, expressed concern about the Thai law reclassifying cannabis as a narcotic. He argued that the only issue with cannabis is the smell, and its negative impact is less severe than alcohol, cigarettes, and methamphetamine. He noted that cannabis use is already regulated by zoning. Andrei, who has lived in Thailand for over 10 years and uses cannabis for relaxation, believes that with proper management, Thailand could lead in cannabis regulation and significantly boost its economy. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-07-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe