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Intoxicated Thai man berates MRT rescue team after escalator fall by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A Thai man, reportedly intoxicated, fell down the escalator at Phahon Yothin MRT station, only to berate rescue personnel who came to his aid, claiming to be a high-profile journalist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336355-intoxicated-thai-man-berates-mrt-rescue-team-after-escalator-fall/

A Thai man, reportedly intoxicated, fell down the escalator at Phahon Yothin MRT station, only to berate rescue personnel who came to his aid, claiming to be a high-profile journalist. The incident was reported by a Facebook page, where MRT Phahon Yothin station staff detailed the events. According to the post, the incident occurred around 2pm yesterday when the intoxicated man fell down the escalator. Rescue workers from MRT immediately provided first aid, but instead of gratitude, they were met with insults and derogatory remarks. The man, whose identity and news affiliation remain undisclosed, claimed to be a prominent journalist. A station officer explained that it is standard procedure to collect information from injured passengers. However, the man’s refusal to provide any details complicated the situation. He continued to berate the rescue workers, threatening to publicise the incident through some unspecified media outlet. “Normally, in cases of injury, the station must gather information from the injured party. However, this man insulted the staff, claiming he would broadcast the incident. I am curious to know which news agency he works for and who his employer is.” The incident has sparked a debate online about the behaviour of individuals in public spaces and the respect owed to first responders. Many users expressed their disapproval of the man’s actions, emphasising the importance of treating rescue personnel with respect and acknowledging their efforts, reported KhaoSod. In related news, a woman experienced a terrifying ordeal when the lift she was using at her condo in Bangkok suddenly plummeted from the 32nd floor and stopped at the 15th floor, leaving her shaken. In other news, a technician, believed to be a Thai national, tragically lost his life while repairing a lift at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. The technician’s death was reported on August 13 by several Thai news agencies. It was stated that he was conducting repairs at the bottom of the lift within a domestic passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport when the lift car descended and crushed him. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Frenchman robbed by transgender individual on Pattaya songthaew by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News A Frenchman in Pattaya reported being robbed by a transgender individual who slashed his bag and stole his mobile phone before fleeing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336336-french-man-robbed-by-transgender-thief-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=19175431

Frenchman robbed by transgender individual on Pattaya songthaew by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News A Frenchman in Pattaya reported being robbed by a transgender individual who slashed his bag and stole his mobile phone before fleeing. Pascat Gaston Pair Francais, a 71 year old French national, filed a complaint with Pattaya police yesterday at 2am. He recounted that while riding a songthaew from Soi Buakhao to Soi 6, someone had secretly slashed his bag and stolen his belongings. Francais detailed that during the ride on the songthaew, a transgender individual was also a passenger. Upon arriving at Soi 6 and disembarking, he discovered his black bag had been slashed with a knife, and his Samsung Galaxy A34 mobile phone was missing. He immediately reported the incident to the police. According to the victim’s girlfriend, who requested to remain anonymous, she and Francais had been playing pool at a bar in Soi Buakhao before heading back to their accommodation. They took a songthaew from Soi Buakhao to the Tops intersection and then boarded another songthaew to Soi 6. Upon reaching Soi 6, the couple got off the vehicle, only to find that Francais’s phone was missing and the bag had been cut. The girlfriend mentioned that the only other passenger on the songthaew was a transgender individual, leading them to believe that this person was responsible for the theft. Pattaya police have launched an investigation into the incident and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspect, reported Pattaya News. In related news, a businessman was robbed by a transgender woman he met at a hotel, who then attempted to sell his stolen vehicle on social media. The police set up a sting operation but the suspect managed to flee. In other news, two teenagers wearing helmets brandished a gun to rob a high school student on the roadside near Kam Pu Market, Soi Pattanakarn 20 in Bangkok, in full view of passersby. Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Crystal meth found concealed in plaster dolls at Bangkok Port A joint force of customs and anti-narcotics officials has uncovered 30.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside plaster cat and giraffe dolls in a container, bound for Taiwan, at Bangkok Port. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336350-crystal-meth-found-concealed-in-plaster-dolls-at-bangkok-port/

A joint force of customs and anti-narcotics officials has uncovered 30.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden inside plaster cat and giraffe dolls in a container, bound for Taiwan, at Bangkok Port. The search of the container was the result of an inspection of export documents, which looked suspicious. The search found the crystal methamphetamine, known on the street as ‘ice’, stuffed in plastic bags and hidden in the dolls. The confiscated drugs would have had a street value of about Bt30.5 million. The officials will expand the investigation to those involved in the smuggling operation. Source: Thai PBS 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Commissioner Commends Pattaya Officers for Tourist Safety Picture courtesy: Daily News Pattaya City Police Station received high praise from Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimol, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. He acknowledged the exemplary efforts of local police units in ensuring the safety and well-being of both citizens and tourists during his recent inspection. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336347-thai-police-commissioner-commends-pattaya-officers-for-tourist-safety/

Picture courtesy: Daily News Pattaya City Police Station received high praise from Pol. Gen. Torsak Sukwimol, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police. He acknowledged the exemplary efforts of local police units in ensuring the safety and well-being of both citizens and tourists during his recent inspection. On August 23rd, Pol. Gen. Torsak visited Pattaya City Police Station in Chonburi Province, accompanied by several high-ranking officials including Pol. Lt. Gen. Somprasong Yentawum, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Pueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police. The visit was met with a warm welcome from Pol. Col. Nawin Thiravit, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, and his team. Pol. Gen. Torsak highlighted the crucial role of tourism in Thailand's economy, with Pattaya being a prime destination for international visitors. He stressed the importance of safety measures to build trust among tourists. Picture courtesy: Daily News The inspection revealed that the Pattaya City Police Station, along with the Chonburi Immigration Bureau and Pattaya Tourist Police Station, had prepared a comprehensive action plan to prevent incidents and safeguard tourists, reported Daily News. The Commissioner-General noted two key factors that enhance police efficiency: public cooperation and officer morale. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Police Administration Inspection and Monitoring Committee (PAI) and local agencies. This partnership, he believes, will ensure smooth operations and strong community relations. Moreover, Pol. Gen. Torsak underscored the significance of morale among police officers. He urged commanders to focus on the welfare and well-being of their subordinates. High morale, he noted, is vital for efficient work and maintaining dignity and respect within the force. Pol. Gen. Torsak concluded by reminding officers to adhere to the vision of the Royal Thai Police: "to be an organization that suppresses crime and enforces laws at an international standard that the public trusts and believes in." He encouraged them to perform their duties with dedication for the benefit of society. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Court Reopens Tak Bai Incident: Officials to Face Charges FILE - Krue Se Mosque, 2010. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia The Narathiwat Court has decided to reconsider charges against seven officials linked to the tragic Tak Bai Incident, a crackdown that occurred two decades ago, during which scores of protesters lost their lives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336344-thai-court-reopens-tak-bai-incident-officials-to-face-charges/

FILE - Krue Se Mosque, 2010. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia The Narathiwat Court has decided to reconsider charges against seven officials linked to the tragic Tak Bai Incident, a crackdown that occurred two decades ago, during which scores of protesters lost their lives. On October 25, 2004, approximately 1,500 Thai-Muslim protesters gathered outside the Tak Bai district police station in southern Thailand's Narathiwat Province. They were demanding the release of six men detained by the authorities. As tensions escalated, the police responded with force, deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Protesters, retaliating by hurling stones, faced further aggression when the police resorted to firing live ammunition. This deadly confrontation resulted in the immediate deaths of seven protesters. However, the tragedy didn't end there. Nearly 1,300 demonstrators were subsequently detained and transported to the Inkayut army camp in Pattani Province. The inhumane conditions during the five-hour journey—where detainees were piled on top of one another in trucks—led to the deaths of 78 individuals due to suffocation and organ failure. The charges brought against the officials are grave, including murder, attempted murder, and unlawful detention. The willingness of the court to revisit this case offers a glimmer of hope for the families of the victims and is seen as a step toward justice for those who lost their lives in the incident. The first hearing is scheduled for September 12 at 9 am, where these officials will face legal scrutiny over their alleged roles in the fatalities and human rights abuses that occurred during and following the protest. This proceeding marks a crucial moment for accountability in a case that has long lingered on the edges of Thailand's collective memory. As the court prepares to delve into these serious allegations, the nation and the international community await to see whether justice will finally be served for the victims of the Tak Bai Incident. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Embassies' varied interpretations on Destination Thailand Visa Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail As Thailand rolls out its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), prospective applicants may find the process differs depending on the embassy they approach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336342-embassies-varied-interpretations-on-destination-thailand-visa/

Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail As Thailand rolls out its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), prospective applicants may find the process differs depending on the embassy they approach. An initiative by the Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT), the DTV aims to attract long-term visitors, including digital nomads, retirees, and individuals interested in Thai culture and activities. However, the interpretation of requirements and fees for the visa has varied among Thai embassies worldwide. In places like the U.S. and U.K., embassy websites follow the TAT's original guidelines but suggest that additional information might be required. Conversely, the Thai embassy in Cambodia has delayed processing until they receive updated online systems, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail. Detailed instructions are found at the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpur, which demands proof of property rental or ownership in Thailand for at least six months, in contrast to the general TAT guideline. Digital nomads must show authenticated employment contracts or business licenses from their home countries. Additionally, a bank statement providing a balance of at least 500,000 baht (approx. £11,500) over three months is required. The DTV regulations allowing entry via soft power activities, such as Thai cookery or Muay Thai, also come with stipulations. Sponsoring companies must be registered with Thailand's Department of Education to combat potential exploitation of the visa rules. Some embassies demand proof of a stable income over six months, not just a sizable bank balance. While the standard DTV fee is 10,000 baht (£230), service surcharges vary by location. The Thai embassies in the U.S. charge a total of US$400 (£330), London 300 pounds, and the New Zealand embassy, for reasons unknown, demands the equivalent of 1,000 pounds. Importantly, this fee is non-refundable. Applicants with previous overstays in Thailand should also reconsider, as the immigration bureau—which oversees entries and extensions—has discretion to deny such applicants. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that immigration officers could ask for updated documentation at any time during the visa’s five-year span, although this is not likely to occur frequently. The Thai immigration bureau has yet to comment publicly on this, leaving officers to use their discretion. Prospective applicants are advised to review the specific requirements at their local Thai embassy, as each mission interprets the broad framework uniquely. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Danish Expat Risks Prison in Thailand Over Lost Car Incident Picture courtesy: Ekstrabladet Søren Nyholm Larsen, a 65-year-old Danish man living in Thailand, faces the possibility of spending a year in one of the country's infamous prisons due to an unfortunate series of events beginning in October 2023. It all started with a visit to the PhyaThai hospital in Sriracha for routine medical check-ups related to his heart condition and diabetes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336339-danish-expat-risks-prison-in-thailand-over-lost-car-incident/

Picture courtesy: Ekstrabladet Søren Nyholm Larsen, a 65-year-old Danish man living in Thailand, faces the possibility of spending a year in one of the country's infamous prisons due to an unfortunate series of events beginning in October 2023. It all started with a visit to the PhyaThai hospital in Sriracha for routine medical check-ups related to his heart condition and diabetes. After his appointment, Søren realised he had forgotten where he parked his car. Despite searching the area thoroughly the next day with the help of a tuk-tuk driver, he failed to locate it and reported the situation to the local police for assistance. Complicating matters, Søren informed his insurance company, suspecting the car might have been stolen. This action would later be twisted against him. Upon revisiting the police with three officers, they strangely directed him far from the suspected parking area, eventually growing agitated and accusing him of lying. Consequently, they charged him with perjury and coercively made him sign documents he scarcely understood. Miraculously, Søren found his car the following day with the assistance of a motorcycle taxi. However, instead of resolving his predicament, this fortunate discovery compounded his woes. The police continued to hound him, even accusing him of planning insurance fraud worth one million baht (about £22,000). Søren Nyholm Larsen with his wife. Private photo via Ekstrabladet Despite clear evidence from the insurance company, Roojai Group, confirming the claim's cancellation after the car was found, the accusations persisted. Søren's initial court proceedings did not favour him. His unsatisfactory legal representation and language barriers worsened his predicament, leading to a conviction and the looming threat of prison. According to Ekstra Bladet's documents, Søren's appeal, spearheaded by a new lawyer from Champ Lawfirm, is currently in process. Until a decision is reached, Søren remains out of prison but under significant stress, facing an uncertain future in the Thai legal system, reported Ekstrabladet. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms its involvement but remains tight-lipped due to the private nature of the case. Meanwhile, Søren's ordeal underscores the severe consequences of simple mistakes and cultural misunderstandings in foreign lands. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Restaurant Owner Accused of Slapping Foreign Tourists File photo for reference only A Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant in Bangkok finds itself embroiled in controversy as its owner faces accusations of attempting to slap foreign tourists following a reservation dispute. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336337-bangkok-restaurant-owner-accused-of-slapping-foreign-tourists/

File photo for reference only A Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant in Bangkok finds itself embroiled in controversy as its owner faces accusations of attempting to slap foreign tourists following a reservation dispute. The incident came to light after Burapa Seiko, a Thai tour guide, detailed the altercation on the Facebook page พวกเราคือผู้บริโภค (“We Are Consumers”) on 22nd August. According to Burapa, the debacle began on the evening of 21st August. He arrived at the restaurant on Banthat Thong Road at roughly 6:30 PM to reserve a table for his five foreign clients. The restaurant staff declined his request, insisting that the tourists make their own reservations. Burapa informed them that he would be dining with the group, and they finally assigned him a queue number. When the foreigners arrived at 6:50 PM, they waited outside until their queue number was called at 8:10 PM. The group then entered the restaurant and placed their orders. However, Burapa briefly left to buy some snacks from a store across the street at his clients' request. Shortly thereafter, Burapa received a distress call from the tourists, stating that the restaurant had refused to serve them and asked them to leave. He rushed back to find out what had transpired. The restaurant accused him of violating its policies by supposedly selling the reservation to the foreigners. Burapa argued that he only made the booking on their behalf and waited outside with them. Despite Burapa's pleas to review security footage for clarity, the staff refused. He recounted that the owner, unable to communicate in English, yelled in Thai at the tourists, “What the f*ck! I’ll slap you now if you don’t leave. I’ll call the police to drag you all out!” She reportedly raised her hand as if about to strike one of them. In the aftermath, Burapa and his clients left the restaurant, deeming the treatment unfair and violent. The story sparked public outrage, with many netizens sharing similar negative experiences at the restaurant. Criticisms ranged from poor service to allegations that the restaurant had illegally occupied public footpaths. The restaurant owner has yet to address these accusations publicly. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

French Man Robbed by Transgender Thief in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn A French man in Pattaya was robbed by a transgender individual who slashed his bag and stole his mobile phone before fleeing the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336336-french-man-robbed-by-transgender-thief-in-pattaya/

A French man in Pattaya was robbed by a transgender individual who slashed his bag and stole his mobile phone before fleeing the scene. At 2:00 AM on August 23rd, 2024, Mr. Pascat Gaston Pair Francais, a 71-year-old French national, filed a complaint with Pattaya police. He reported that while he was riding a songthaew from Soi Buakhao to Soi 6, somebody secretly slashed his bag and stole his belongings. Mr. Francais said while he was on a songthaew, a transgender individual was also a passenger. Upon arriving at Soi 6, Mr. Francais disembarked and discovered that his black bag had been slashed with a knife, and his Samsung Galaxy A34 mobile phone was missing. He immediately reported the incident to the police. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Phuket Landslide Death Toll Raised to 10 By Goongnang Suksawat Ten people have been found dead including two Russian nationals while one person is believed to be still missing after a landslide in Karon on Friday early in the morning (August 23rd). The Phuket City District Chief Mr. Worasit Putjeep told the Phuket Express that at 4:30 P.M. rescue workers found one more body who was identified only as a female Thai, with further information withheld pending contacting her relatives. The death toll has subsequently been raised from 9 to 10. One person is believed to be still missing. However, the search has been paused at 8:00 P.M. due to the lack of light and will be continued again in the daytime Saturday (August 24th). Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe 83334d05a8579a51a6ee244864e3d3f0.mp4

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 24 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1336335-thailand-live-saturday-24-august-2024/

Massive oil slick threatens Sattahip’s pristine shores Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail A massive oil slick has been discovered just 4 nautical miles from Bang Saray Beach, sending shockwaves through the local community and environmental groups. The slick, stretching over 2 kilometres, was first reported in the afternoon, igniting fears of its devastating impact on marine life and the booming tourism industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336315-massive-oil-slick-threatens-sattahip’s-pristine-shores/

The death toll from the flash flood and landslide in Phuket rose to nine, with two of the deceased being Russian nationals. Ten people were injured while dozens remain missing. Death toll in Phuket landslide rises to 9, including 2 Russians Photo by Andaman top news via Phuket Times Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336269-heavy-rains-cause-landslides-in-phuket-1-dead/?do=findComment&comment=19174008

Indian man attacked by fellow countrymen in Pattaya (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ แม็ก นาเกลือ An Indian man lost consciousness on a footpath along Pattaya Tai Road after being attacked by a gang of fellow countrymen in the early hours of yesterday. A video of the physical assault went viral on Thai social media yesterday, August 22. The footage showed the Indian victim running away from a group of fellow countrymen along Pattaya Tai Road but he was unable to get far. One Indian attacker in a dark blue suit waited for him outside Mueang Pattaya School. The attacker approached the victim, before choking, kicking and pushing the victim to the ground. Other attackers then arrived at the scene and continued the assault. Some Indian men did not join the assault but recorded a video of the incident. Thai people in the area intervened in the physical assault, prompting the Indian attackers to leave the scene on their motorcycles. A Thai motorcycle taxi rider, La-ong, told Channel 7 that he only witnessed the arrival of the rescue team, who provided first aid to the Indian man and took him to hospital. He had no clue about the cause of the attack. Another motorcycle taxi rider, Yut, stated that the attack shocked people who had just finished their night shifts and were travelling home. However, he was not surprised, as many similar incidents have previously occurred in the area. Police have not yet intervened in the matter, while locals have urged officials to take action as this violent incident could negatively affect Pattaya’s reputation. In a related report, two groups of Kuwaiti nationals clashed in Soi Yensabai in Pattaya on the night of August 7. Fortunately, officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station managed to intervene before the argument turned into a physical altercation. Another violent altercation occurred between a Thai motorcycle rider and a Polish driver in Chon Buri on August 20. The Thai man stabbed the Polish man in the neck after a traffic dispute. Friends of the Thai national later arrived at the scene attempting to gang-attack the foreigner but the police intervened in time. Another clash took place at a bar in Pattaya when a drunk, unidentified foreigner attacked a German man and his Thai wife after the German man intervened in an argument between the foreigner and some Thai women at the bar. Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-23 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand concludes major anti-terrorism drill by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Counter Terrorist Operations Centre under the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters is wrapping up a five-day anti-terrorism drill today in Chiang Rai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336271-thailand-concludes-major-anti-terrorism-drill/

The Counter Terrorist Operations Centre under the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters is wrapping up a five-day anti-terrorism drill today in Chiang Rai. The Crisis Management Exercise 2024 (C-MEX24) at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University saw participation from over 500 individuals representing 60 agencies. This comprehensive exercise included officers from the army, navy, air force, and police, aiming to assess their preparedness for counter-terrorism operations. The event also featured international collaboration, with participation from the US 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), the US Department of Energy, and the UK’s Joint Counter Terrorist Training and Advisory Team. “These exercises are crucial for ensuring that all participating agencies are ready to respond effectively to terrorist threats.” The C-MEX24 drills were designed to simulate real-world scenarios, providing a high-pressure environment for testing the coordination and response capabilities of the involved forces. Participants engaged in various tactical exercises, including hostage rescue operations, bomb disposal activities, and crisis negotiation strategies. “Working alongside international experts enhances our ability to handle complex situations and improves our overall readiness.” As the drill concludes, the participating agencies will conduct a thorough review of the exercise outcomes to identify areas for improvement and enhance their operational strategies, reported Bangkok Post. “The feedback from these drills is invaluable for refining our tactics and ensuring we are prepared for any eventuality.” In related news, the RTA sentenced two soldier drill sergeants to 45 days of imprisonment and revoked their pensions for ordering 10 conscripts to stand naked in the rain. Their commander was also punished with 15 days of confinement. A younger sister of one of the conscripts urged the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to seek justice for her brother and the other conscripts. She also shared a picture of the conscripts standing naked in the rain to the public, which went viral on social media in Thailand. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-23 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe