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Belgian MMA Fighter Tackles Indian Gang in Pattaya Brawl Photo via Channel 8 A Belgian mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiast, Maxim Arbille, found himself in an unexpected showdown this past weekend, when a parking dispute escalated into a brawl outside his Pattaya condominium. The 22-year-old's martial prowess turned the tide against four Indian men, who allegedly attacked him with both fists and foreign objects. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355108-belgian-mma-fighter-tackles-indian-gang-in-pattaya-brawl/

Photo via Channel 8 A Belgian mixed martial arts (MMA) enthusiast, Maxim Arbille, found himself in an unexpected showdown this past weekend, when a parking dispute escalated into a brawl outside his Pattaya condominium. The 22-year-old's martial prowess turned the tide against four Indian men, who allegedly attacked him with both fists and foreign objects. The incident unfolded on Sunday, March 16, when Arbille and his Thai girlfriend encountered the gang's car blocking their entry into the condominium’s parking area. Arbille approached two men in the car to request they relocate their vehicle, but the attempt at civility devolved into conflict as the men refused and tempers flared. Skilled in self-defence, the young Belgian fended off his attackers. When the situation prompted the two men to summon backup, calling in two more friends armed with a wooden stick and rocks, Arbille's training again proved invaluable, as he held his own against the increased threat. A condo security guard tried to break up the fight but couldn't, so the police had to step in. Arbille's girlfriend quickly called the police, who arrived to calm things down and separate everyone involved. Surprisingly, Arbille chose not to press charges against the attackers, even though he took the worst of their anger. His decision was influenced by a mix of compassion and circumstance, as the Indian men sustained more severe injuries. In a surprisingly conciliatory turn, they apologised during discussions at the police station, leading to an amicable resolution. Photo via Channel 8 The Belgian’s girlfriend revealed to Channel 8 that the four assailants spoke fluent Thai, suggesting long-term residence in the country. She conjectured they could be involved in illicit activities, presuming mafia ties given their boldness and coordinated aggression, reported The Thaiger. In a broader context, this incident echoes a similar altercation in February, where a parking dispute in Krabi escalated to violence. There, a former Thai boxer, Narong, known as Saddam Kietyongyuth, became embroiled in a gang attack at a bus terminal following a parking disagreement. Arbille’s experience and decision to forgive show how complicated handling tense situations in Thailand can be. Even though things could have gotten worse, the situation ended without legal action, showing his calm and thoughtful response despite the aggression. The value of discipline and training shone through, not only in physical defence but in the diplomacy demonstrated afterwards. For those amid the hustle of Thai urban life, such incidents may serve as a cautionary tale of both the risks and unexpected opportunities for understanding. -- 2025-03-19

German Models Caught in Koh Pha Ngan Shoplifting Scandal Picture via Facebook/ Satika Oz A seemingly routine moment in a Koh Pha Ngan shop spiralled into controversy after two German men, presumed to be models, were caught shoplifting twice in one day. The incident unfolded at Sprout, a handcrafted home goods store run by Ploy, who resolutely took a stand against the culprits. The debacle began on March 18 when the suspects first entered Ploy's store at around 1:30 p.m., discreetly taking a bottle of body oil valued at 550 Thai Baht (£12). Emboldened, they returned just hours later, snatching a 650 Thai Baht (£14) roll-on deodorant at 4:30 p.m. But their brief spree of alleged thievery did not go unnoticed. Determined to hold them accountable, Ploy shared CCTV footage capturing their actions on her social media accounts. In a strategic move, she tagged their Instagram accounts, encouraging public scrutiny. By uniting Thai and English-speaking netizens in outrage, Ploy helped bring the incident to light. Observers noted that given their apparent modelling careers and possession of designer items, financial necessity seemed an unlikely motive, making their actions all the more perplexing. Following their discovery, one of the men reached out to Ploy, incredulously denying any wrongdoing even after she presented them with clear evidence. Upon further engagement, they admitted to the theft but showed no signs of remorse, which galvanised Ploy to pursue justice. Reporting the incident to Koh Pha Ngan Police, she brushed aside suggestions to settle the matter privately and elected instead to press charges, seeking to set an example for tourists thinking of breaching local laws. Plans to advance legal proceedings may pose severe consequences for the pair. If their failure to appear in court results in a conviction, they could face a ban from returning to Thailand. Meanwhile, their attempts to evade public scrutiny appear futile as they made their Instagram profiles private amidst mounting criticism. As the saga unfolds, there are calls for Ploy to inform the modelling agencies linked to the duo, which could further jeopardise their professional standing, as integrity remains a key criterion in the fashion industry. This incident underlines the critical importance of respecting local customs and laws, reminding foreign visitors that actions abroad carry tangible consequences. Ultimately, Ploy’s unyielding pursuit of legal action sends a potent message about accountability and respect, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

TikTok Users Fascinated by German Tourist’s Passion for Thai Salted Mackerel Photo via TikTok/ @manuelcalumet A German tourist's culinary adventure in Thailand has captured the hearts of Thai TikTok users, as Manuel Calumet’s video featuring his newfound love for a traditional Thai dish, salted mackerel, went viral. Whilst exploring a local market in Krabi, Calumet documented his quest to uncover the identity of a fish that had left him and his family smitten. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355096-tiktok-users-fascinated-by-german-tourist’s-passion-for-thai-salted-mackerel/

Photo via TikTok/ @manuelcalumet A German tourist's culinary adventure in Thailand has captured the hearts of Thai TikTok users, as Manuel Calumet’s video featuring his newfound love for a traditional Thai dish, salted mackerel, went viral. Whilst exploring a local market in Krabi, Calumet documented his quest to uncover the identity of a fish that had left him and his family smitten. In his viral TikTok post from March 14, Calumet, clutching his daughter, passionately narrated his experience in English, asking Thai netizens to help him identify the delightfully tasty fish. "Yesterday, I bought a fish at this market, and it tastes so good," he exclaimed, expressing a desire to purchase more, and calling upon the Thai community for assistance in naming his newfound favourite food. The video quickly garnered attention, with many Thai viewers playfully speculating about the dish, initially guessing grilled fish, a staple of Thai market cuisine. To their surprise, Calumet’s beloved dish turned out to be salted mackerel, or Pla Too Khem — a humble, regional delicacy marinated in salt and sun-dried, typically enjoyed with chilli, shallots, and lime. In the video, Calumet was seen eagerly buying up the entire stock of six mackerels, despite his unsuccessful attempts to glean the dish’s name from the vendor. Thai TikTok users soon flooded the comments with the correct name of the dish, both in Thai and English, amidst heartwarming anecdotes about their foreign family members' fondness for this traditional treat. "My older sister’s German husband buys Pla Too Khem every time he comes to Thailand. He even packs them to take back to Germany," shared one user, echoing the cross-cultural appreciation for the dish. Another comment noted, "My Chinese husband loves it too!" while a third added, "My Norwegian husband likes this fish very much. He also loves eating fermented fish with sticky rice." The TikTok sensation has not only highlighted the universal appeal of Thai cuisine but has also sparked a sense of shared joy across cultures, bringing a touch of humour and warmth to the vibrant online community. As Calumet’s culinary curiosity continues to enthral, his video stands as a delightful reminder of the delicious surprises travel can offer, reported The Thaiger. Photo via TikTok/ @manuelcalumet -- 2025-03-19

Python in the Pot: Giant Snake Visits Thai Chicken Shop Picture courtesy of Thai Rath A giant python nearly four metres long slithered into a chicken stew restaurant in Chanthaburi, with the shopkeeper opting to let it be instead of causing a scene—jesting that it might bring her true love. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355087-python-in-the-pot-giant-snake-visits-thai-chicken-shop/

Picture courtesy of Thai Rath A giant python nearly four metres long slithered into a chicken stew restaurant in Chanthaburi, with the shopkeeper opting to let it be instead of causing a scene—jesting that it might bring her true love. On 18 March 2025, Chanthaburi rescue unit Sawan Kattanyu Thammasathan received a call from a chicken stew vendor, reporting a massive python at her roadside shop near Highway 317. Responders coordinated with the shop owner, Ms. Pojarin Aunsiri, 48, guiding them to where the snake had coiled beneath a steel frame at the shop’s base. Rescue workers faced a tricky situation; capturing the python proved challenging due to the narrow, low base. However, they managed to carefully manoeuvre and extract the snake within about 15 minutes. The python, a male, was about four metres long and weighed roughly 15 kilograms. It had a slight cheek injury, which the rescue team treated before bagging it for release in a sparsely populated forest area. Ms. Pojarin recounted how the python entered from a drainpipe behind the shop. She hesitated to chase it away, fearing it might get run over on the main road. Instead, she called for help, joking that its visit might hint at romance, given her single status. She dismissed the idea that the snake was drawn by the smell of chicken or pork as all dishes are prepared at home and brought to the shop ready-cooked each day, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-03-19

File photo courtesy: Siam Rath Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in the spotlight as questions loom over her potential inclusion on a U.S. visa ban list. The speculations emerged following Thailand's recent deportation of forty Uyghur detainees to China, a move that has sparked international debate. Reports suggest that in response, Washington might have restricted visas for certain Thai officials. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Ms Paetongtarn stressed the absence of official confirmation regarding her status on any restricted list, saying, "There's no confirmation yet. I still don't know." The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Foreign Affairs Ministry would soon provide clarity on the matter and downplayed any serious repercussions, affirming that Thailand has no underlying conflicts with the United States. According to Paetongtarn, the deportation was in line with the kingdom’s obligations, following a prolonged period of holding the Uyghurs in Thailand. Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong defended the decision, countering criticism by explaining the multitude of complaints received, particularly by the Immigration Bureau. He highlighted that the actions were compliant with laws prohibiting torture and enforced disappearance. Pol Col Tawee underscored that Thailand carefully navigates legal constraints, ensuring deportees would not face harm in China. The Thai government reportedly received assurances from China guaranteeing humane treatment for the Uyghurs and promised Thai officials would periodically monitor their situation. The minister, along with a high-profile delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Kraibun Thuadsong, plans to visit the city of Kashgar in Xinjiang, China. This visit, scheduled for Wednesday, aims to assess firsthand the wellbeing of the deportees, substantiating the commitment to international obligations and human rights standards. Pol Col Tawee also clarified that the upcoming visit should not be perceived as connected to any potential U.S. visa restrictions, indicating that the two issues are independent. He dismissed notions of a comprehensive visa ban from Washington, expressing optimism in ongoing diplomatic engagements. The diplomatic row spotlights Thailand's challenges at the intersection of human rights and international relations, as it navigates pressures from global actors whilst adhering to domestic and international legal frameworks. Any imminent developments regarding the visa status of Thai officials remain to be seen, but the conversation around human rights adherence is sure to continue. Meanwhile, the government's handling of this diplomatically sensitive case will remain under the microscope of international observers, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

UPDATE: German Man Arrested for Attacking Dentists in Thailand Picture courtesy of THai Rath A 46-year-old German man has been arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima after allegedly assaulting several female dentists in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354899-german-man-behind-violent-tirade-in-korat-dental-clinics/page/2/#findComment-19668848

Thai PM Responds to US Visa Ban Uncertainty Amid Uyghur Deportation File photo courtesy: Siam Rath Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is in the spotlight as questions loom over her potential inclusion on a U.S. visa ban list. The speculations emerged following Thailand's recent deportation of forty Uyghur detainees to China, a move that has sparked international debate. Reports suggest that in response, Washington might have restricted visas for certain Thai officials. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355082-thai-pm-responds-to-us-visa-ban-uncertainty-amid-uyghur-deportation/

UPDATE: German Man Arrested for Attacking Dentists in Thailand Picture courtesy of THai Rath A 46-year-old German man has been arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima after allegedly assaulting several female dentists in the area. The suspect, known as Matthias Ebner, is married to a Thai woman and had reportedly been causing havoc in dental clinics throughout the city since November 2024. His aggressive behaviour at six locations included damaging property, invading private dentist office spaces, and physically attacking dentists—such as head-butting walls and biting a dentist's lip. On 18 March 2025, local law enforcement from Chor Hor Police Station identified Ebner as the perpetrator sought under an arrest warrant. He was apprehended in a shopping centre car park on Suranaree Road, following an attempted escape in a pickup truck from Don Chomphu, Non Sung District. Ebner confirmed his identity when confronted by police, complying with the arrest following the presentation of the warrant issued by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court. The arresting officers have coordinated with immigration and a German interpreter for further interrogation and are proceeding with legal action against him, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-03-19

Police Raid in Nonthaburi Uncovers Vast Vape Smuggling Network Picture courtesy Thai Government House //via Bangkok Post In a meticulously planned raid dubbed "Operation Smoke Out," police authorities in Nonthaburi launched a successful offensive against a massive underground vape supply network, seizing contraband worth approximately 130 million Thai Baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355061-police-raid-in-nonthaburi-uncovers-vast-vape-smuggling-network/

Phuket Hotels Unfazed by Potential 30-Day Visa Limit Change File photo for reference only Phuket hoteliers remain calm amidst possible reductions in Thailand’s visa-free period from 60 to 30 days. This strategy, devised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aims to mitigate the misuse of visa privileges by foreigners engaging in illicit activities. While this change may rattle some sectors, hotel operators in Phuket maintain an optimistic outlook grounded in current travel patterns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355059-phuket-hotels-unfazed-by-potential-30-day-visa-limit-change/

Crackdown Fails to Free 100,000 From Myanmar's Illicit Scam Centre Operations Picture courtesy of Thai Army In the wake of an extensive multinational crackdown, significant scam centres remain operative along the Thai-Myanmar border with up to 100,000 individuals thought to be entangled in their web, according to the leading Thai police general overseeing this regional effort. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355057-crackdown-fails-to-free-100000-from-myanmars-illicit-scam-centre-operations/

Thaksin's Debt Proposal Stirs Debate as PM Paetongtarn Defends Plan FILE PHOTO - (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come to the defence of a controversial proposal put forth by her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, intended to tackle Thailand's persistent household debt troubles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355056-thaksins-debt-proposal-stirs-debate-as-pm-paetongtarn-defends-plan/

Thai Delegation Arrives in China for Uyghur Meeting amid Tensions Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons In a recent controversial move, Thai officials are making their way to the Xinjiang region of China, aiming to meet a select number of Uyghurs deported from Thailand. The group led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachai, together with Justice Minister Tawee Sodswong and senior military officials, is set to engage with only a fraction of the deported individuals, precisely five out of the 40 sent back to China on 27th February. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355055-thai-delegation-arrives-in-china-for-uyghur-meeting-amid-tensions/

FILE PHOTO - (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has come to the defence of a controversial proposal put forth by her father, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, intended to tackle Thailand's persistent household debt troubles. Thaksin’s plan suggests transferring debts from banks to private corporations, a strategy designed to alleviate the financial burden on individuals without government expenditure. At a campaign event in Phitsanulok province, Thaksin, unofficial leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, emphasised the crippling effect of household debt. His solution involves private entities purchasing the debts, allowing debtors to repay gradually and thereby escape the credit bureau blacklist. "This would require no government funding," he argued, positing that the plan could offer a fresh financial start for many. Prime Minister Paetongtarn urged the public to see the initiative as intended for national welfare, rather than a power play. "It's an idea proposed by someone with the nation's best interests at heart. Let's not politicise it," she urged. The proposal, however, arrives amid heated political scrutiny. Paetongtarn is set to face a censure debate, where her administration's actions will be examined, including the significant influence Thaksin is perceived to retain. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira acknowledged the merit in exploring debt restructuring, which could lower repayments via reduced interest or principal amounts. He drew parallels with the "good bank-bad bank" strategy implemented post the 1997 financial crisis, which entailed separating non-performing assets — suggesting that a similar framework could be established now. Yet, concern over the proposed approach echoes in the financial community. Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala, a former finance minister, critiqued the suggestion, warning that the solution merely relocates debt rather than resolving its root causes. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, an ex-election commissioner, added skepticism by highlighting the logistics of the plan. He estimated that for private firms to buy all the household debt — totalling 16.3 trillion baht last year as per Kasikorn Research Centre data — around thirty-two companies would each need over 500 billion baht. As this bold proposal stirs varied reactions, the path forward involves considerable consultations with stakeholders, including the Thai Bankers’ Association. The government’s challenge lies in balancing innovative solutions with feasible economic strategies to manage the nation’s debt crisis effectively, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

File photo for reference only Phuket hoteliers remain calm amidst possible reductions in Thailand’s visa-free period from 60 to 30 days. This strategy, devised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, aims to mitigate the misuse of visa privileges by foreigners engaging in illicit activities. While this change may rattle some sectors, hotel operators in Phuket maintain an optimistic outlook grounded in current travel patterns. Suksit Suvunditkul, the president of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), highlights that European visitors generally book two-week stays. Guests looking for extended residencies tend to prefer condominiums over hotels. Consequently, Suksit suggests the proposed visa adjustment will more significantly influence the condo rental market than the hotel industry. In fact, this move aligns with calls from the Phuket Tourist Association. Its president, Thanet Tantipiriyakit, endorses the reduction to a 30-day visa-free period, emphasising there are still other avenues available for those interested in longer stays. Data from the Immigration Bureau points to a stable demand for visa extensions, numbering around 10,000 monthly applications—a figure consistent since pre-pandemic trends. Despite these changes, Suksit argues the focus should remain on suitable measures to screen tourists. To this end, Thanet suggests enhancing the new digital TM6 form, which will become mandatory on May 1st, to aid in identifying and managing visitor activities more effectively. Proposals to link this form with technology like Google Maps could authenticate visitor addresses, while connection to existing TM30 data would help verify property hosting arrangements. Tourism officials like Siripakorn Cheawsamoot have voiced concerns regarding the visitor pool's potential impact. Last year, approximately 200,000 tourists applied for tourist visas following the 60-day scheme’s implementation. A rollback to 30 days could affect these groups who have benefited from the longer periods since July. Looking at the broader picture, the hospitality sector remains hopeful for a balanced solution that sufficiently addresses national security while catering to tourism's needs. The key lies in integrating technology with existing systems to streamline operations and ensure all parties benefit from any changes. In converting documents and processes to digital formats with intelligently integrated systems, Thailand aims to balance welcoming visitors with safeguarding against any unlawful activities—a quest for preserving the integrity of Thailand's tourism while curating an environment conducive to genuine, long-term visitors. Hence, the Phuket hotel industry looks set to weather any challenges ahead with confidence, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons In a recent controversial move, Thai officials are making their way to the Xinjiang region of China, aiming to meet a select number of Uyghurs deported from Thailand. The group led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechachai, together with Justice Minister Tawee Sodswong and senior military officials, is set to engage with only a fraction of the deported individuals, precisely five out of the 40 sent back to China on 27th February. The deportation, shrouded in secrecy and conducted under the cover of dawn, has sparked widespread criticism from international bodies. Concerns for the Uyghurs arose after the United Nations human rights experts cautioned against the risk of torture and ill-treatment that deportees might face upon their return to China. The incident has furthermore invited diplomatic repercussions, with the United States imposing visa restrictions on unnamed Thai officials, while the European Parliament has called for leveraging free trade discussions to avert future occurrences. Rights organisations have long accused Beijing of perpetrating human rights violations against the Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim ethnic minority of approximately 10 million inhabitants in Xinjiang. China, however, sharply rebuffs these allegations, asserting that they stem from unfounded accusations by Western nations. During their visit, the Thai delegation will receive a concise briefing by representatives from the Xinjiang autonomous region and are scheduled to return home by Thursday. This comes as Thailand continues to reiterate that it procured formal assurances from China regarding the welfare of the Uyghurs. In an effort to underline transparency, Mr. Phumtham, who also holds the position of defence minister, emphasised the absence of any ulterior motives behind the delegation’s visit. According to government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub, this visit aims to showcase Thailand's direct and honest approach, clearing any misconceptions about refugees being deported under covert agendas. Interestingly, countries like Canada and the United States had reportedly extended offers to resettle the deported Uyghurs. Despite such proposals, Thailand chose to proceed with the deportation, citing potential retaliatory measures from Beijing as a key deterrent, as explained by Russ Jalichandra, the vice minister for foreign affairs. As the Thai delegation attempts to navigate the diplomatic intricacies of this matter, observers worldwide are keenly watching, eager to see how this visit might impact future interactions between China and Thailand. The case of the deported Uyghurs continues to highlight the complex interplay between international human rights obligations and geopolitical alliances, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

Picture courtesy of Thai Army In the wake of an extensive multinational crackdown, significant scam centres remain operative along the Thai-Myanmar border with up to 100,000 individuals thought to be entangled in their web, according to the leading Thai police general overseeing this regional effort. Thailand is spearheading a strategic initiative to dismantle these illicit hubs, which the United Nations identifies as a significant component of Southeast Asia's sprawling illegal network, raking in billions annually. Many individuals are trafficked into these centres by organised gangs. Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot of the Royal Thai Police highlighted that early evaluations of approximately 5,000 individuals rescued from scam dens in the Myawaddy area revealed that hundreds had entered of their own volition. However, careful scrutiny is vital to differentiate between the criminals and the victims among those liberated. "Many exploit Thailand as a gateway into Myawaddy seeking work opportunities," Pol Gen Thatchai elaborated, indicating that individuals are drawn not only into scam call centres but also into online gambling and other illicit professions. His insights challenge prevailing reports suggesting workers in these scam centres were forcibly lured rather than arriving consensually. Jason Tower, an expert from the US Institute of Peace, clarified that many who willingly ventured to Myawaddy were subsequently trapped in deceitful operations, creating a murky grey area between voluntary migration and human trafficking. Some rescued individuals disclosed harrowing tales of coercion, being forced to defraud strangers by posing as romantic interests online, tricking them into transferring significant sums of money. The region's scam hubs have long operated under the radar but were thrust into the spotlight after the abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing from Thailand in January. Following his dramatic rescue from Myawaddy, there was an eruption of social media outrage in China, prompting Beijing to engage with Thai authorities, seeking the liberation of its citizens and disruption of these deceitful operations. Despite these efforts, Pol Gen Thatchai reports that a comprehensive evaluation at the Mae Sot district checkpoints discovered no evidence of coercion among 3,600 foreigners between Thailand and Myawaddy since the Wang incident. Additionally, a batch of 260 individuals from 20 countries, repatriated in February, were also found to have travelled voluntarily, though further data from China and India is awaited to confirm trafficking claims. Even with these ongoing interventions, a colossal network still remains at large, potentially involving 50,000 to 100,000 individuals, Pol Gen Thatchai confirmed. This artisanal network continues to operate across a narrow stretch of the Moei River. Since February, over 5,200 individuals have been extracted from these facilities, supported by efforts including cutting off utilities to the region. The primary objective of Thai authorities remains the coordination of repatriation and prosecution of criminals in cooperation with their home countries. A strong call for a multinational cooperation centre has been made to streamline investigations and support victims, as former workers linger at the Thai-Myanmar border, often financially stranded. Pol Gen Thatchai underscored the urgency of expediting repatriations, enabling continued crackdowns by Myanmar authorities and ethnic armed factions, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

Picture courtesy of Thai Government House //via Bangkok Post In a meticulously planned raid dubbed "Operation Smoke Out," police authorities in Nonthaburi launched a successful offensive against a massive underground vape supply network, seizing contraband worth approximately 130 million Thai Baht. This decisive action unfolded on Tuesday across ten different locations, including five warehouses and as many houses, revealing the scale of the smuggling operation believed to be orchestrated by a single Thai mastermind who remains elusive. The crackdown, which took eight months of diligent undercover investigation, targeted a mixture of online and physical retail outlets that operate under the radar, hawking illegal vape paraphernalia nationwide. At a seized warehouse in the Bang Bua Thong district, Pol Maj Gen Samran Nuanma, assistant national police chief, presented the findings, stressing the scope of the operation's breakthrough. "The arrests pertain only to warehouse supervisors, employed at a monthly rate of 20,000 Baht. Our primary suspect, the custodian of these illegal assets, is yet to be apprehended but remains somewhere within the country," Pol Maj Gen Samran elaborated. Police captured an astounding array of 260,000 e-cigarettes and associated products imported unlawfully via Laem Chabang port from China. These stocks were meticulously distributed among over 100 outlets nationwide, catering predominantly to online clientele. Pol Lt Gen Sayam Boonsom, head of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, chronicled the unraveling of this clandestine operation, highlighting its dependency on both digital platforms and personal networks for product dissemination. Partnering with logistics channels, the contrived merchandise made its way through postal services before being distributed to storefronts across multiple regions. Scrutiny during the briefing focused on possible internal police complicity, particularly given one warehouse’s close proximity to the Bang Bua Thong police station. However, further investigation has revealed a strategic leasing arrangement, with the property owner, an ex-officer's former spouse, purportedly unaware of the misdemeanour operated within her premises. An additional highlight of the raid was the involvement of "vapequeenzstore.com," revealed as a significant online player presently defunct and "under maintenance." A vendor by the name "Pat" has been linked to this illegal enterprise. While the operation marked a significant stride in stemming the tide of illicit vape distribution in Thailand, authorities concede that portions of the contraband might have traversed through southern corridors, suggesting a broader smuggling architecture still to be dismantled. As investigations continue, the police urge the public for vigilance and any information that could further corner this rampant enterprise, restoring order and compliance in vape product distribution within the region, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

UPDATE: Manhunt for German Accused of Assaulting Dentists in Thailand Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Police in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, have issued an arrest warrant for a 41-year-old German man after a series of assaults on dentists in the Muang district. Identified only as Heffner, the suspect allegedly attacked multiple dentists and damaged equipment over three-and-a-half months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354899-german-man-behind-violent-tirade-in-korat-dental-clinics/page/2/#findComment-19667900

Speeding Car Claims Life of Irishman in Thailand's Khao Lak Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News Tragedy struck last night in Khao Lak, Thailand, as a 54-year-old Irishman, Neil Christopher More Oferrall, lost his life after being hit by a speeding vehicle. The accident occurred around 9pm on Phetkasem Road near Sangsawan Resort. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355031-speeding-car-claims-life-of-irishman-in-thailands-khao-lak/

British Pedophile Captured After 27-Year Manhunt Pictures courtesy of Liverpool Echo Richard Burrows, an infamous British pedophile, has finally faced justice after evading capture for nearly three decades. He was living under a fake identity in Thailand. The 80-year-old was found guilty at Chester Crown Court of 54 horrendous crimes against young boys. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355014-british-pedophile-captured-after-27-year-manhunt/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 19 March 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1355012-thailand-live-wednesday-19-march-2025/