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Sattahip, Chonburi —A Thai tourist from Chiang Mai was smacked in the head with the blunt end of a pistol at the Nong Chap Tao Temple in Sattahip, Chonburi, Thursday night reportedly for just dancing and enjoying himself. The incident was reported to Sattahip police in the middle of the night on April 18th, 2024. The victim, identified only as Mr. Nakorn, suffered a head injury and was taken to Wat Yan Hospital for treatment. According to Mr. Nakorn, he had traveled from Chiang Mai to attend the Songkran festival at the temple in Sattahip. He was dancing to music at the main stage when he was attacked. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Naewna Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Police Reunite Lost 4-Year-Old Girl with Parents During Songkran Festival By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Pattaya police reunited a lost 4-year-old girl with her parents during the Songkran festival in Na Klua on Thursday, April 18th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325435-pattaya-police-reunite-lost-4-year-old-girl-with-parents-during-songkran-festival/

Pattaya —Pattaya police reunited a lost 4-year-old girl with her parents during the Songkran festival in Na Klua on Thursday, April 18th, 2024. The incident unfolded when the young girl, identified as Nong A, became separated from her parents near Pattaya-Naklua Road on Thursday night. Volunteer staff from the Thappraya 2310 team brought Nong A to the Banglamung Police Station. There, she met with Pol. Lt. Col. Wuthipong Kasa, the station’s investigation officer, who helped reunite her with the parents. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Pickpocket Arrested in Pattaya After Stealing from Foreign Tourists By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Pattaya Tourist Police arrested a Thai female pickpocket who stole from foreign tourists during the Songkran festival celebrations on Walking Street. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325434-thai-pickpocket-arrested-in-pattaya-after-stealing-from-foreign-tourists/

Pattaya —Pattaya Tourist Police arrested a Thai female pickpocket who stole from foreign tourists during the Songkran festival celebrations on Walking Street. At 2:46 AM on April 19th, 2024, Pattaya Tourist Police officers apprehended Ms. Sumalee Kima-rae, a 59-year-old woman from Phetchaboon province, on Walking Street in South Pattaya. The arrest was made based on the positive identification of the suspect by a Chinese tourist couple. According to Pol Lt Col Piyapong Ensan, Pattaya Tourist Police Inspector, the suspect was caught by the Chinese couple attempting to slash their backpack from behind to steal the items inside. The tourists were enjoying the Songkran festivities; however, they felt a tug on their backpack. Subsequently, the couple discovered that their bag had been slashed and their belongings stolen. They immediately caught the suspect, who they had been cautiously observing, and brought her to the nearby Tourist Police stationed on Walking Street. During the interrogation, Ms. Sumalee reportedly confessed to the crime and even demonstrated her pickpocketing techniques to the officers. She revealed that she was part of a four-person gang that carried out such acts, each member playing a specific role. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Couple Of F-16 Jets Join 4 Others In Patrolling Thai-Myanmar Border By Thai Newsroom Reporters Thai air force F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Photo: Thai Rath A COUPLE OF THE THAI AIR FORCE’S F-16 Fighting Falcon jets today (Apr. 19) joined four others of the same type in conducting regular air patrols over Thai territory across the border from the war-torn Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325432-couple-of-f-16-jets-join-4-others-in-patrolling-thai-myanmar-border/

A COUPLE OF THE THAI AIR FORCE’S F-16 Fighting Falcon jets today (Apr. 19) joined four others of the same type in conducting regular air patrols over Thai territory across the border from the war-torn Myanmar. Both General Dynamics F-16A/B fighter jets from Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima are operating as a fresh addition to the four F-16A/Bs from Wing 4 in Takhli with air patrol missions in Thai air space over Mae Sarieng district of Mae Hong Son and Mae Sot district of Tak, opposite Hpapun and Myawaddy townships in Kayin state of Myanmar respectively, according to an air force source. The six F-16A/Bs are practically rotating to fly in their shared mission for the day/night air patrols along the Thai-Myanmar border whilst the air force pilots have been instructed to literally see to it that no foreign combat aircraft “stray” from inside Myanmar into Thai air space, either purposely or inadvertently, over those border areas which could otherwise adversely affect Thai villagers, the source said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Thai air force F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

French Woman Arrested On Attempted Kidnap, Robbery Charges by TNR Staff A FRENCH woman was arrested at a hotel in Silom area on the charges of heading a gang that had hatched a plan to kidnap the daughter of a high-society family for 200 million baht ransom, Amarin TV said today (Apr. 19). At 10 p.m. last night Metropolitan Police arrested Ms.Sandra Christina Marie Diersten, 45, at a hotel in Silom Soi 3 under a warrant issued on April 5, 2024. Police said they took action after this well-known family, whose initial is Sor, had filed a complaint at Thong Lor police station that a gang of foreigners intended to kidnap their daughter and rob them of 200 million baht. However the plot collapsed after one of the gang members changed his mind and alerted the family. Upon being informed police conducted an investigation then obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Capture French Mastermind Allegedly Involved in Kidnap and Ransom Scheme By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—At 10:00 PM, on April 18th, 2024, Thai metropolitan investigative police captured a French mastermind who was allegedly involved in the kidnap and ransom scheme of a millionaire’s daughter at a hotel in Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok. Ms. Sandra Christina Marie Dierstein, a 45-year-old French national, was a prime suspect according to the criminal court’s arrest warrant. According to the police report, a millionaire’s family reported to Thonglor police that a group of foreigners schemed to rob and kidnap the daughter of the family for ransom of 200 million baht. However, the scheme was exposed by one of the accomplices to the victim’s family. The police investigated the case and requested arrest warrants from the criminal court for Sandra, the alleged French mastermind of the scheme. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Wanlai Day 2024 Draws Tens of Thousands of Tourists By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —The Wan Lai Festival, also known as the Big Day of Songkran, kicked off yesterday, April 19th, transforming the city’s world-famous beachfront into a lively spectacle of water splashing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325431-pattaya-wanlai-day-2024-draws-tens-of-thousands-of-tourists/

Pattaya —The Wan Lai Festival, also known as the Big Day of Songkran, kicked off yesterday, April 19th, transforming the city’s world-famous beachfront into a lively spectacle of water splashing. The atmosphere along Pattaya Beach Road, from Pattaya Klang Intersection to Walking Street in South Pattaya, was electric as thousands of Thai and international tourists immersed themselves in the last day of Songkran festivities. The 2-kilometer stretch was transformed into a water playground, with the city authorities setting up water spraying trucks and private businesses organizing various entertainment activities and traditional games. The city also set up a major music stage headlined by famous Thai rock act Retrospect. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian and Israeli Motorbike Riders Arrested for Drunk Driving in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Russian and Israeli Motorbike riders were arrested in Patong for drunk driving. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325430-russian-and-israeli-motorbike-riders-arrested-for-drunk-driving-in-patong/

Patong – Russian and Israeli Motorbike riders were arrested in Patong for drunk driving. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they had set up a police checkpoint on the Phra Metta Road in Patong after midnight until 2:30 A.M.. Two suspicious male foreign motorbike riders were stopped at the police checkpoint. They were both aged 28-years-old and were Russian and Israeli. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Egyptian Man Arrested in Patong for Overstay By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – An Egyptian man was arrested in Patong after he was found to have overstayed his legal visa. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325429-egyptian-man-arrested-in-patong-for-overstay/

Patong – An Egyptian man was arrested in Patong after he was found to have overstayed his legal visa. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that they have arrested Mr. Ibrahim, 26, Egyptian national, in front of a hotel on the Nanai Road in Patong this week. He was found to have overstayed his legal visa. The Phuket Express noted that the Patong Police did not reveal how many days of his overstay. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s oldest association endorses Big Joke after being fired Thursday amid a police corruption crisis by Joseph O' Connor Acting National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet removed Police General Surachate Hakparn from government service on Thursday. This followed a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Government House. On Friday, the Southern Thai Association issued a strong letter of endorsement of the embattled former deputy police chief. It said he remained the President of the organisation and was innocent until proven guilty under Thai law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325428-thailand’s-oldest-association-endorses-big-joke-after-being-fired-thursday/

Acting National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Phanphet removed Police General Surachate Hakparn from government service on Thursday. This followed a meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Government House. On Friday, the Southern Thai Association issued a strong letter of endorsement of the embattled former deputy police chief. It said he remained the President of the organisation and was innocent until proven guilty under Thai law. One of Thailand’s oldest associations endorses Big Joke after suspension amid police crisis. The Southern Thai Association backed General Surachate Hakparn, also known as ‘Big Joke,’ after he was fired on Thursday by acting National Police Chief General Kittirat Phanphet amid ongoing police corruption allegations. One of Thailand’s oldest public associations on Friday issued a strong endorsement of General Surachate Hakparn. Big Joke was fired by acting National Police Chief General Kittirat Phanphet on Thursday after consulting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Government House. The temporary removal of General Surachate or Big Joke from government service could spell the end of his career. Thailand’s favourite police officer has now been arrested by order of a court, found guilty by a three-member panel set up by the Prime Minister and hastily removed. In short, it means the top cop is now precluded from becoming Thailand’s next National Police Commissioner. However, his demise can only spell bad news for the Royal Thai Police. It certainly comes amid a cloud of controversy and crisis that warrants urgent investigation by accountable public authorities outside the force. On Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours after reports that Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn had been suspended from government service, he was endorsed by one of the country’s oldest representative associations. The Southern Thai Association under Royal Patronage emphasised that General Surachate would continue in his role as President of the organisation. At the same time, it highlighted that the top cop can appeal the decision by the acting national police chief. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 20 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325427-thailand-live-saturday-20-april-2024/

French national apprehended in Bangkok on kidnap charge Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau apprehended a 45 year old French national at a hotel in the Silom area of Bang Rak district. The arrest, which took place around 10pm yesterday concerned allegations of a planned kidnapping of the young daughter of a renowned businesswoman, with a demand for a 200 million baht ransom. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325394-french-national-apprehended-in-bangkok-on-kidnap-charge/

ASEANNOW, Thailand’s largest English language forum and a major English language news publisher, has been acquired by The Thaiger from Choice Group Asia Co., Ltd. This acquisition aligns with The Thaiger’s strategic initiative to broaden its influence and capabilities in English-language digital publishing across Thailand. ASEANNOW joins The Thaiger in strategic acquisition to expand digital reach in Thailand Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325398-aseannow-joins-the-thaiger-in-strategic-acquisition-to-expand-digital-reach-in-thailand/

Thai PM’s power play: Srettha hints at defence portfolio addition by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of X @Thavisin Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drops hints of an unprecedented power move, hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325361-thai-pm’s-power-play-srettha-hints-at-defence-portfolio-addition/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drops hints of an unprecedented power move, hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload. This bombshell revelation comes amidst swirling speculations about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle that could reshape Thailand’s political landscape. Addressing a curious press pool after the delayed Cabinet meeting, the 62 year old PM, wearing a cryptic smile, kept the door wide open for speculation. “At this second, I’m still the prime minister and finance minister.” Amidst whispers of potential portfolio swaps, including the Finance Ministry passing hands to trusted aide Pichai Chunhavajira, and Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang facing a possible exit, the political arena is abuzz with anticipation, reported The Nation. But the PM remains tight-lipped on the specifics, deftly dodging questions about the timing of any potential handover. “I think everything will depend on chance and time.” ORIGINAL STORY: Thai party quashes Cabinet reshuffle rumours A wave of rumours surrounding a potential Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand was quashed yesterday by the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. The party’s Deputy Leader and list MP, Wittaya Kaewparadai, stated that despite talks circulating for over a month, no indications of an imminent reshuffle have been communicated by the prime minister. Wittaya, referring to UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, pointed out that any plans to alter the Cabinet line-up would be shared with the leaders of the coalition parties by the prime minister. The premier’s intentions behind a reshuffle would also be discussed, allowing partners to make appropriate decisions. “As of now, the prime minister has not sent any signals.” The UTN Party deputy further highlighted that all of UTN’s ministers were competent and there were no allegations against them that could potentially damage the government’s reputation. Rumours of a reshuffle, Wittaya suggested, might be fuelled by politicians aspiring for a Cabinet position. He hinted at the possibility of some former Cabinet ministers from the ruling Pheu Thai Party wanting to make a comeback. “However, the prime minister holds the power to reshuffle the Cabinet. If he doesn’t initiate it, it won’t take place.” In addition to quashing rumours, Wittaya reassured that the government was not entangled in any corruption scandals. He added that the opposition would not be targeting any minister suspected of graft in the upcoming general debate. Meanwhile, the Move Forward Party (MFP) urged the government to heed MFP chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat’s call for a Cabinet reshuffle. MFP spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu appealed to the prime minister to assess his cabinet’s performance. He suggested the premier consider necessary changes, as put forth by Pita. Parit stressed that the MFP was less concerned about the individuals appointed to the Cabinet and more focused on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and implement policies. Regardless of who gets appointed to the Cabinet, the party would continue its close monitoring and scrutiny of the government, reported Bangkok Post. Heightened speculation of an impending Cabinet shake-up was triggered when Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin advised the media to stay alert for possible changes, stirring the rumour mill into overdrive. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of X @Thavisin Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New York officially recognises Songkran as an important cultural event The legislative assembly of New York State has adopted a resolution designating Songkran as an important cultural event for the Asian-American community in the state. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325360-new-york-officially-recognises-songkran-as-an-important-cultural-event/

The legislative assembly of New York State has adopted a resolution designating Songkran as an important cultural event for the Asian-American community in the state. The resolution, proposed by Steven Raga, a legislator in New York State, was adopted during a meeting of the assembly in Albany, the capital of New York State, on April 1st. In the resolution, it is mentioned that Songkran is not only celebrated in Thailand, but also in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, as well as among minorities in Vietnam, China’s Yunnan province and in Sri Lanka. Full story: THAI PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Five dead in Nakhon Phanom road accident by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A road accident claimed the lives of five family members when their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole in Nakhon Phanom province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325356-five-dead-in-nakhon-phanom-road-accident/