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Tourists Panic as Teenagers Fight, Shoot at each other at a Crowded Restaurant in Pattaya By Adam Judd Pattaya, Chonburi Province – On October 30th, 2024, at 4:06 AM, R.T.O. Wuttikorn Plodprong, deputy chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a shooting incident in front of the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant on Petchtrakul Road in Pattaya City, Nongprue Subdistrict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342092-tourists-panic-as-teenagers-fight-shoot-at-each-other-at-a-crowded-restaurant-in-pattaya/

Pattaya, Chonburi Province – On October 30th, 2024, at 4:06 AM, R.T.O. Wuttikorn Plodprong, deputy chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, received a report of a shooting incident in front of the Moo Krata Baek Kap Din Sam restaurant on Petchtrakul Road in Pattaya City, Nongprue Subdistrict. The report was promptly relayed to Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawit, chief of the Pattaya City Police Station, who led a team of patrol and investigation officers to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found tourists, bus operators, and local residents in a state of panic. The scene showed signs of a fight, including a damaged motorcycle, scattered belongings, and blood on the ground. Both parties involved had fled in separate directions before the police arrived. Eyewitness Mr. Amnuay, 65, reported seeing a gunman approach alone and shoot at the injured group, believed to be foreigners. The injured individual fell to the ground before being quickly taken away by friends in a black Alphard van, whose license plate number remains unknown. The gunman had already fled the scene. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-10-30

Thai Baht's Strength Puts Pressure on Fiscal Revenue Collections File photo Revenue collection for the fiscal year ending in September 2024 fell 4-5 billion baht short of government targets due to the stronger baht, impacting VAT from imports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342091-thai-bahts-strength-puts-pressure-on-fiscal-revenue-collections/

File photo Revenue collection for the fiscal year ending in September 2024 fell 4-5 billion baht short of government targets due to the stronger baht, impacting VAT from imports. According to finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, the baht appreciated rapidly in the last two weeks of the fiscal year, reducing the baht value of imports like oil, leading to a dip in VAT revenue. Import values in baht terms dropped, causing the shortfall. Lavaron noted that without currency fluctuations, revenue would have likely hit targets. He assured that despite the reduced collections, government spending would remain stable as budget usage rarely hits 100%. For fiscal 2024, government expenditure was earmarked at 3.48 trillion baht against projected revenue of 2.78 trillion, leaving a budget deficit. The coming fiscal year 2025 follows a similar pattern, proposing expenditure of 3.75 trillion baht with expected revenue of 2.88 trillion, again falling short. The Revenue Department is tasked with collecting 2.37 trillion baht of the projected revenue, while Thailand's Excise Department is set for 609 billion baht. Meanwhile, Lavaron attended an event recognising educational institutions with impressive student loan repayments from the Student Loan Fund (SLF). Recent SLF law amendments have improved repayments by restructuring debt obligations to favour the principal over interest payments. In the last academic year, SLF repayments increased by 10% to hit 25 billion baht. Loans granted peaked at 52 billion baht. Fund manager Chainarong Katchapanan highlighted successful debt restructuring offers, which motivate more repayments by extending terms and temporarily shelving penalties. Over 200,000 borrowers from 2 million eligible benefitted, with plans to extend restructuring options to state financial entities, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-10-30

Bangkok to Ban Trucks in "Low Emission" Zones Amid Pollution Rise Picture courtesy: Daily News In response to heightened air pollution, Bangkok is set to implement a new ban on trucks entering designated "low emission" zones. This move, introduced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), targets the looming threat of PM2.5 pollution during the cool season, spanning from November to March. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342090-bangkok-to-ban-trucks-in-low-emission-zones-amid-pollution-rise/

Picture courtesy: Daily News In response to heightened air pollution, Bangkok is set to implement a new ban on trucks entering designated "low emission" zones. This move, introduced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), targets the looming threat of PM2.5 pollution during the cool season, spanning from November to March. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the zones would be declared in districts like Dusit, Phaya Thai, and Phra Nakhon when PM2.5 levels reach the Red Level (90µg/m3) for two consecutive days. These areas will be enforced as low emission zones with a prior 24-hour notice, remaining effective for three days. To maintain compliance, haulage operators must register their trucks from 1st November, ensuring vehicles are in optimal condition with updated oil filters. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to 2,000 baht or a month's imprisonment for unregistered trucks found in these zones. The BMA's initiative aims to incentivise operators to maintain their vehicles properly, mitigating their contribution to urban pollution. The Governor is hopeful that around 500,000 trucks will register within the fiscal year. Additionally, in events where PM2.5 pollution persists at dangerous levels, the governor has encouraged businesses to adopt "work from home" policies to reduce commuter traffic and emissions. Bangkok is also prepared to handle pollution-related health issues, with several hospitals such as Central, Taksin, and Sirindhorn equipped to treat affected individuals, reported Thai PBS. -- 2024-10-30

Thailand's PM Paetongtarn Tackles PM2.5 Pollution Crisis File photo Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action to combat PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. These solid particulate matters, smaller than 2.5 microns, are wreaking havoc on public health, particularly during the cold season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342077-thailands-pm-paetongtarn-tackles-pm25-pollution-crisis/

File photo Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced decisive action to combat PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. These solid particulate matters, smaller than 2.5 microns, are wreaking havoc on public health, particularly during the cold season. The fine dust can clog lungs, causing respiratory issues and other health concerns. In response, Paetongtarn’s government has identified agricultural practices and vehicle emissions as primary contributors to the pollution. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangthong, along with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, have been tasked with leading discussions with relevant authorities to tackle the crisis urgently. A significant part of the new strategy involves addressing post-harvest burning in agriculture. The government will refuse to buy corn and sugarcane from farmers who burn their farmland residues, a traditional practice that's widely believed to contribute to increased pollution. Importantly, this measure is not only restricted to local farmers but extends to imports, affecting international trade if necessary. In conjunction with agricultural reforms, the Transport Ministry has been directed to strictly enforce regulations on vehicle emissions. The ministry is planning a concerted effort to pull up vehicles spewing black smoke and issue penalties to factories emitting toxic fumes. Paetongtarn’s approach signals a multifaceted strategy, combining immediate intervention with long-term prevention. The challenge is significant, as PM2.5 pollution is a complex problem intersecting numerous sectors, from agriculture to transport. However, with strong policies and cooperation across ministries, Paetongtarn’s government aims to create sustainable improvements in air quality, safeguarding the health of Thailand's population. As these measures roll out, the focus will be on monitoring their effectiveness and ensuring compliance, aiming for a nationwide impact that could transform the landscape of pollution management in Southeast Asia, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-10-30

Phuket Tourism Forecast to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Revenue in 2024 File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Tourism in Phuket is on track to surpass revenue levels seen in 2019, with visitor numbers almost reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Phuket Tourist Association. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342078-phuket-tourism-forecast-to-surpass-pre-pandemic-revenue-in-2024/

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Tourism in Phuket is on track to surpass revenue levels seen in 2019, with visitor numbers almost reaching pre-pandemic levels, according to the Phuket Tourist Association. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, the association's president, announced that Phuket has shifted towards attracting quality tourists. Despite a slight dip in visitors, total tourist spending has increased compared to 2019. Data from the Department of Tourism indicates that Phuket's tourism generated 246 billion baht in the first half of the year. With anticipated monthly spending of 50 billion baht during November and December, the year's revenue could hit the 500 billion baht target. This surge is aided by new direct flights, including recent routes from Astana, Kolkata, Chennai, and Siem Reap, as well as forthcoming flights from Jeddah starting on 2nd December. Thanet estimates this year's tourist numbers will range between 13 to 14 million, nearing 2019's figures. In comparison, around 11 million tourists visited Phuket last year. The top tourists hail from China, followed by Russia and India, with steady yet modest growth from European and Australian visitors. Looking ahead, Thanet is optimistic about further growth next year, especially with international events like the Thailand Biennale Phuket 2025, a contemporary art festival slated from November 2025 to April 2026. In related news, Phuket Governor Sopon Suwannarat recently hosted Japanese officials, led by Tokushima Governor Masazumi Gotoda. They explored a potential tourism and trade agreement between their regions, highlighting unique cultural offerings like Tokushima's Iya Valley and the Awa Odori Dance Festival. This development is seen as a strategic move to bolster tourism ties and cultural exchange, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-10-30

Swedish Men Arrested in Pattaya on Fraud and Overstay Charges Picture courtesy: Naew Na Two Swedish nationals have been apprehended in Pattaya, accused of call centre fraud amassing over 50 million baht in damages and overstaying their visas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342073-swedish-men-arrested-in-pattaya-on-fraud-and-overstay-charges/

Picture courtesy: Naew Na Two Swedish nationals have been apprehended in Pattaya, accused of call centre fraud defrauding victims of over 50 million baht and overstaying their visas. This arrest took place on 29th October, following a targeted raid by the Immigration Bureau 3 police. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officials located the individuals in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, suspected of orchestrating a lucrative scam operation. The incident unfolded as officers, accompanied by senior police personnel, conducted surveillance outside a condominium in the Nong Prue subdistrict. They encountered a suspicious individual identified as Mr. John (assumed name), a 24-year-old Swedish man. Upon inspection of his travel documents, authorities discovered his visa had expired, prompting further investigation. This scrutiny led police to Mr. John's condominium unit, where his accomplice, 25-year-old Mr. Vladis (assumed name), also a Swedish national, was found. A check of his documents revealed he too had overstayed his visa. Both men were promptly taken into custody and transported to Pattaya police station for processing. The arrests have drawn attention due to the suspects' connections to high-level fraud in Sweden, where they allegedly operated an infamous call centre scam. Their criminal activities reportedly inflicted substantial financial losses, estimated at over 50 million baht. This case highlights ongoing international efforts to combat transnational crime networks, reflecting successful cooperation between Swedish and Thai authorities. As the investigation continues, authorities stress the importance of vigilance in identifying foreign nationals overstaying their visas, who may also be involved in criminal activities. The duo now faces a legal battle over their alleged crimes, entwining visa violations with their suspected fraud undertakingsm reported Thai Newsroom. Picture courtesy: Naew Na -- 2024-10-30

Thai Woman, 20, Sentenced to Life in Sweden for Murder Picture courtesy: Swedish Police Khwanchai Iamchaeng, a 20-year-old woman from Thailand, has been sentenced to life in prison in Sweden for the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The crime involved luring the victim to a tram stop under the guise of purchasing his headphones, only for him to be fatally shot. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342059-thai-woman-20-sentenced-to-life-in-sweden-for-murder/

Tak Bai Massacre Case Expired: Defendant Returns to Work File photo courtesy VOA A local official involved in the Tak Bai incident, Wissanu Loetsongkram, has resumed his duties after the case against him was closed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. No defendant faced trial. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342046-tak-bai-massacre-case-expired-defendant-returns-to-work/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 30 October 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1342056-thailand-live-wednesday-30-october-2024/

Thai police are digging deep into the puzzling death of a 46 year old Canadian man discovered by a group of his friends after five days of silence. The alarm was raised in a quiet corner of Moo 8, Srisoontorn, alerting Thalang police officers to the scene at around 12.35pm, yesterday, October 28. Unsolved mystery: Thai police dig into Canadian man’s death Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342037-unsolved-mystery-thai-police-dig-into-canadian-man’s-death/ Picture courtesy of Phuket Francophone

Thai Woman, 20, Sentenced to Life in Sweden for Murder Picture courtesy: Swedish Police Khwanchai Iamchaeng, a 20-year-old woman from Thailand, has been sentenced to life in prison in Sweden for the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The crime involved luring the victim to a tram stop under the guise of purchasing his headphones, only for him to be fatally shot. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342059-thai-woman-20-sentenced-to-life-in-sweden-for-murder/

Picture courtesy: Swedish Police Khwanchai Iamchaeng, a 20-year-old woman from Thailand, has been sentenced to life in prison in Sweden for the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The crime involved luring the victim to a tram stop under the guise of purchasing his headphones, only for him to be fatally shot. Despite initially being acquitted in district court due to lack of evidence, Iamchaeng's conviction was ultimately secured in the Göta Court of Appeal. This decision marks her as Sweden’s first female gang shooter to receive a life sentence, highlighting the severity with which the court regarded her involvement. The murder took place in Norrköping, a city currently entangled in gang conflicts. Iamchaeng was linked to the shooting despite limited direct evidence, as the court concluded that no reasonable alternative explanation for the murder existed. Ann Ganelind, the court's presiding judge, emphasised this point, stating that the close proximity at which the crime occurred left little doubt about Iamchaeng's involvement. The victim was reportedly listed on a "hit list" within the violent gang disputes in Norrköping, specifically between the Kalo network and another rival group from Marielund. This ongoing feud involves "enemy" lists that have resulted in multiple acts of violence. Originally from Gävle, Iamchaeng alleged she was coerced into various activities upon her arrival in Norrköping. She maintained that her intention was to buy headphones when the shooting incident transpired unexpectedly, leading her to flee. In addition to life imprisonment for murder, Iamchaeng has been convicted of attempted murder and serious weapons offences. Her case underscores the escalating gang violence in Sweden and the subsequent legal ramifications for those involved. The verdict serves as a significant development in addressing gang-related crimes within the country, reported Expressen, Sweden. -- 2024-10-29

Tak Bai Massacre Case Expired: Defendant Returns to Work File photo courtesy VOA A local official involved in the Tak Bai incident, Wissanu Loetsongkram, has resumed his duties after the case against him was closed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. No defendant faced trial. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342046-tak-bai-massacre-case-expired-defendant-returns-to-work/

File photo courtesy: VOA A local official involved in the Tak Bai incident, Wissanu Loetsongkram, has resumed his duties after the case against him was closed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. No defendant faced trial. Wissanu returned to his role as the district assistant chief at Tha Uthen district office in Nakhon Phanom province, announced on Tuesday by the Public Relations Office. The tragic events of October 25, 2004, resulted in the deaths of 85 demonstrators. The statute of limitations, lasting 20 years, elapsed at 11:59 pm on Friday, prompting the Provincial Court in Narathiwat province to declare the case closed on Monday. Wissanu was among eight defendants in the second group implicated in the incident. Despite state prosecutors deciding to bring charges against them in the Pattani Provincial Court as of September, none of the defendants were apprehended or appeared in court. According to prosecutors, Wissanu drove one of the military trucks transporting detained protesters from the rally at Tak Bai police station to Ingkayutthaboriharn army fort in Nong Chik district, Pattani, about 150 kilometres away. They were reportedly stacked in the back of the vehicles, which led to 78 deaths by suffocation. Wissanu, who had been on sick leave since October 15, returned to work under District Chief Preecha Sa-ingthong. He maintained that his role was merely to drive, deflecting responsibility for the deaths, as reported by the Government Public Relations Office. Initial reports indicated he served in the 5th Infantry Division in 2004, though his exact rank at the time wasn't specified. His district, Tha Uthen, lies along the Mekong River, sharing a border with Khammouane province in Laos, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-10-29

Pakistani vendors in Pattaya attack tourist for refusing their products by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 3 Pakistani vendors at Pattaya Night Bazaar brutally attacked a fellow countryman last night, leaving him unconscious after he refused to buy their herbal products. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342007-pakistani-vendors-in-pattaya-attack-tourist-for-refusing-their-products/

Pakistani vendors at Pattaya Night Bazaar brutally attacked a fellow countryman last night, leaving him unconscious after he refused to buy their herbal products. A Thai witness, Mit, and his friend shared a video of the unconscious Pakistani victim, Muhammad Abdullah, yesterday, October 28, on social media to seek justice for him. The video showed Abdullah lying on the ground outside a shop named Arab Natural Herbal, owned by Pakistani men. Channel 3 reported that the shop sells herbal hair care products, weight loss products, skincare items, and remedies for muscle pain. Mit informed the media that he spoke with the Pakistani victim once he regained consciousness. Abdullah explained that the shop’s workers attempted to sell him their products but he declined to buy them. The vendors persisted, which prompted Abdullah to record a video of their behaviour. This act angered the vendors, leading them to gang up and assault Abdullah until he passed out. Mit revealed that similar incidents occurred multiple times before, particularly involving foreign tourists from Arab countries who refused to buy herbal products. A resident, Man, told Channel 3 that the Pakistani vendors assaulted visitors who rejected their products on numerous occasions. In addition to standing outside the shop and offering products, the group reportedly went to various beaches to market their goods. Abdullah reportedly filed a complaint against the attackers at Mueang Pattaya Police Station but the police have not yet apprehended the relevant suspects. The shop has remained closed since the incident. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Tourist Police revealed that multiple Pakistani vendors had been previously arrested for offering overpriced herbal products to other foreigners. Despite these arrests, the vendors continue to repeat their criminal actions. In a related report, police raided three herbal product stores in Pattaya, owned by foreign nationals, in August for selling overpriced products and making exaggerated claims about their benefits. Five foreigners were arrested during the raid. Four of them allegedly persuaded tourists to purchase substandard products, while another was found working without a permit. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 3 Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-29

Thailand weather: Cooler north, rain in central and southern regions by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Thailand sees a shift in weather patterns, experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures in the northern and northeastern regions, while the central and eastern parts continue to see scattered rain. The southern region faces strong winds and heavy downpours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342006-thailand-weather-cooler-north-rain-in-central-and-southern-regions/

Thailand sees a shift in weather patterns, experiencing a noticeable drop in temperatures in the northern and northeastern regions, while the central and eastern parts continue to see scattered rain. The southern region faces strong winds and heavy downpours. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts weather conditions for the next 24 hours, predicting cool mornings in the upper northern and northeastern regions. However, thunderstorms are expected in some areas, particularly in the eastern part of the northeastern region, the lower central region, and the east. This weather pattern is influenced by a high-pressure system or cold air mass covering the upper northern and northeastern regions. Additionally, a strong low-pressure area is situated along the central coast of Vietnam. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will experience moderate sea conditions. Waves in the lower Andaman Sea are expected to reach about 2 metres, while waves in the upper Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand will be between 1 and 2 metres high. In areas with thunderstorms, waves could exceed 2 metres. Mariners in these regions are advised to navigate carefully and avoid sailing in stormy areas. In the northern region, residents can expect cool mornings with a 10% chance of rain, mostly in Mae Hong Son, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. Temperatures will range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (°C) in the morning to 32 to 36°C in the afternoon. Northeasterly winds are expected at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour (km/h). in the northeastern region, cool mornings with a 20% chance of thunderstorms are to be expected, mainly in Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Temperatures will range from 19 to 23°C in the morning to 30 to 34°C in the afternoon. Northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h. Cooler mornings In the central region, thunderstorms are expected in 20% of the area, particularly in Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon provinces. Morning temperatures will be between 23 and 25°C, rising to 33 to 36°C in the afternoon. Easterly winds will blow at 10 to 25 km/h. In the eastern region, thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mainly in Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Morning temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C, and afternoon temperatures will be between 32 and 34°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at 15 to 30 km/h. Waves in the sea will be about 1 metre high but could exceed 2 metres in stormy areas. In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area with heavy rainfall in some places, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Morning temperatures will be between 23 and 26°C, and afternoon temperatures will be between 33 and 34°C. Northwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35 km/h. Waves in the sea will be about 1 metre high, reaching 1 to 2 metres offshore, and over 2 metres in stormy areas. In the southern region (west coast), thunderstorms cover 60% of the area with heavy rainfall in some places, mainly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Morning temperatures will be between 23 and 26°C, and afternoon temperatures will be between 30 and 33°C. Northwesterly winds will blow at 8 to 18 knots or 15 to 35 km/h. Waves in the sea will be 1 to 2 metres high and over 2 metres in stormy areas. In Bangkok and surrounding areas, thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the area. Morning temperatures will be between 26 and 27°C, rising to 33 to 35°C in the afternoon. Easterly winds will blow at 10 to 25 km/h. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-29

Thai-panic: AirAsia flight defies disaster over denied landing in India by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of AirAsia A Thai AirAsia flight found itself in a death-defying situation straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster when it was denied permission to land at an airport in India. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1342001-thai-panic-airasia-flight-defies-disaster-over-denied-landing-in-india/