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Pattaya Tourist Police are stepping up safety measures for the high season, with a special focus on Christmas and New Year 2025. Pol. Col. Man Rotthong, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 2, chaired a meeting of the Pattaya Tourist Police on October 24th to discuss safety measures during the upcoming high season in Pattaya. The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Strong Tourism Community (S.T.C.) project and discussed safety plans for the Christmas and New Year 2025 celebrations. Pol. Col. Man said that the Pattaya Tourist Police, along with Thai and international Tourist Police volunteers, will be responsible for maintaining security for international visitors, especially at busy tourist areas like Walking Street. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-10-26

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 26 October 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1341714-thailand-live-saturday-26-october-2024/

Bangkok Braces for Rising PM2.5 Levels Amid Cool Weather Bangkok is set to experience increased pollution levels over the weekend as PM2.5 particles hang heavy in the air, exacerbated by cool weather and poor circulation, according to the Pollution Control Department. Unsafe PM2.5 concentrations were recorded in 36 areas across the city, with Nong Khaem district leading the pack at 51.1µg/m³. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341709-bangkok-braces-for-rising-pm25-levels-amid-cool-weather/

Thailand pumps the brakes on private sector traffic perksThe Ministry of Transport firmly dismissed allegations from the opposition that its proposed traffic congestion fees will disproportionately benefit the private sector, asserting that the policy is designed with accountability in mind. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341699-thailand-pumps-the-brakes-on-private-sector-traffic-perks/ Image courtesy of The Nation

Bangkok, Chiang Mai Listed Amongst Most Polluted Cities Globally Picture courtesy: it24hrs via Rangsit University Bangkok and Chiang Mai have recently emerged as two of the world's top 50 cities facing significant air pollution challenges, as per the latest IQAir data. Early on Friday, Bangkok ranked 13th globally for air pollution with an air quality index (AQI) of 101. Earlier the same day, it even touched the 7th spot. Chiang Mai followed closely behind at 43rd, with an AQI of 66. These figures paint a grim picture for these Thai cities, as they continue their recovery from recent floods, particularly in Chiang Mai, which struggled with overflowing waterways from the Ping River. Currently, Bangkok remains under an 'orange' alert, signalling unhealthy air, while Chiang Mai finds itself in the 'yellow' zone, indicating moderate conditions. Globally, Delhi, India, maintains the highest pollution levels with an AQI of 287. In Southeast Asia, Hanoi, Vietnam ranks 4th, marked by an AQI reading of 174. Specific districts in Bangkok, including Nong Khaem, have alarmingly high pollution levels, with PM2.5 particles registering at 53.1 microgrammes per cubic metre. Sathon and Bangkok Yai also face similar challenges, with PM2.5 levels at 49.8 and 49.3 respectively. The city's average stands at 35.5µg/m³. In a bid to combat these pollution levels, Bangkok's governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, announced via the BMA's Facebook page that measures are underway. These measures focus on curbing emissions from vehicles and construction activities, with an emphasis on regulating construction truck movements, reported Bangkok Post. As these cities navigate the dual challenges of managing air quality and post-flood recovery, strategic interventions are crucial. The combined effects of climate and urban factors underscore the pressing need for comprehensive environmental strategies in the region. -- 2024-10-25

Buriram gears up for MotoGP 2024 with travel incentives by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of MotoGP Buriram is set to host the prestigious MotoGP event, PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024, from today, October 25 to 27, at Chang International Circuit. Atthawit Rakjamroon, acting managing director of Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor), announced initiatives to boost travel and attendance for the event. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341663-buriram-gears-up-for-motogp-2024-with-travel-incentives/

Buriram is set to host the prestigious MotoGP event, PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024, from today, October 25 to 27, at Chang International Circuit. Atthawit Rakjamroon, acting managing director of Transport Company Limited (BorKorSor), announced initiatives to boost travel and attendance for the event. In conjunction with the MotoGP event, BorKorSor introduced a campaign titled Register for Souvenirs… Get Close to the MotoGP 2024 with BorKorSor. Passengers purchasing tickets for travel to or from Buriram on three specific routes: Bangkok-Buriram, Bangkok-Surin, and Bangkok-Rattanaburi, between October 25 and 31, can register to receive a free souvenir. The first 100 passengers to meet the registration criteria will be eligible for a complimentary BorKorSor bag. This initiative aims to encourage public transport usage, increase revenue during the MotoGP event, and enhance awareness of BorKorSor’s services. To participate, passengers must register via QR code through BorKorSor’s various online platforms, including Facebook, Line Official Account, TikTok, and the company’s website. Compliance with the terms and conditions is required to receive the free souvenir, limited to one per person, reported KhaoSod. The campaign is designed to not only promote the use of public transportation but also to provide an engaging experience for MotoGP attendees. In addition to the souvenir campaign, BorKorSor offers benefits for its members. Passengers who are BorKorSor Card members and purchase tickets online for the specified routes during the campaign period will receive a 5% discount on their fare. They will also earn double the reward points for their travel between October 25 and 31. The PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2024 is anticipated to draw significant crowds, contributing to the local economy and tourism in Buriram. The Chang International Circuit has been a renowned venue for international motorsport events, and the upcoming MotoGP race is expected to further solidify its reputation. With the anticipation building, both BorKorSor and MotoGP organisers are gearing up to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and travellers alike. The integration of travel incentives and the high-energy atmosphere of the MotoGP will undoubtedly close off October with a standout moment for Buriram. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of MotoGP Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-25

Thailand’s vehicle production hits the brakes in a sharp downturn by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Thailand Business News The automotive industry in Thailand has experienced a significant downturn in vehicle production, with September 2024 seeing a total of 122,277 units produced, marking a 25.48% decrease from the same period last year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341655-thailand’s-vehicle-production-hits-the-brakes-in-a-sharp-downturn/

The automotive industry in Thailand has experienced a significant downturn in vehicle production, with September 2024 seeing a total of 122,277 units produced, marking a 25.48% decrease from the same period last year. This decline reflects a 15.78% reduction in vehicles manufactured for export, totalling 87,666 units, and a 42.31% drop in vehicles produced for domestic sales, amounting to 34,611 units. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, an advisor to the Chairman of the Automotive Industry Group and spokesperson for the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), highlighted these figures, noting that the domestic sales figures for September 2024 were the lowest in 53 months, at 39,048 units, showing a 37.11% year-on-year decline. The primary reason behind this drop is the stringent loan approval criteria for car buyers due to the high levels of special mention (SM) loans, which stood at 208.575 billion baht, and non-performing car loans which reached 259.330 billion baht in July 2024. The country’s economic growth in the second quarter of 2024 was a modest 2.3%, with projections for the entire year at only 2.7% to 2.8%. This slow economic growth has further exacerbated the decline in vehicle production and sales. The automotive export market has also been affected, with completed vehicle exports dropping by 17.67% from the previous year to 80,254 units. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to fewer shipping voyages and reduced spending in several key trading partners, resulting in lower vehicle sales across all markets except Australia, which saw an increase. Over the first nine months of 2024 (January to September), the total number of vehicles produced for export was 774,175 units, a 4.42% decrease from the previous year. Meanwhile, domestic production fell by 38.57% to 353,851 units. Surapong spoke on the current state of vehicle production. “The current state of vehicle production this year is concerning, the FTI will discuss revising the 2024 vehicle production estimates again in November, down from the current target of 1.7 million units. “The export production target might be reduced by 50,000 to 100,000 units from the current 1.15 million units, and the domestic production target might be lowered by 20,000 to 30,000 units from 550,000 units.” Financial institutions’ continued strict lending practices and the decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales also contribute to the industry’s challenges. Surapong explained that customers are hesitant to purchase EVs due to price uncertainties. The global drop in lithium prices has led to a reduction in battery prices, but there are concerns that battery prices might surge again in 2025, reported KhaoSod. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Thailand Business News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-25

UPDATE: Bail granted to Big Joke’s wife amidst theft and affair accusation by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Phra Khanong Police Station officers granted bail to the wife of former police chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, after four hours of questioning regarding a theft accusation yesterday, October 24. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341614-big-joke’s-on-her-police-wife-caught-in-affair-and-burglary-storm/?do=findComment&comment=19328970

Bail granted to Big Joke’s wife amidst theft and affair accusation by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Phra Khanong Police Station officers granted bail to the wife of former police chief, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, after four hours of questioning regarding a theft accusation yesterday, October 24. The wife of a police officer, 50 year old Thanattha, filed a complaint against Big Joke’s wife, Sirinatda Hakparn, accusing her of stealing valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht from Thanattha’s condominium in Bangkok on October 18. Thanattha alleged that the theft stemmed from an affair between Sirinatda and her police officer husband. She claimed Sirinatda committed the theft after Thanattha discovered their secret relationship. Thanattha added that she possessed security camera footage showing the two engaging in sexual activity in the condominium. The Phra Khanong Police Station issued an arrest warrant for Sirinatda, who later turned herself in yesterday, accompanied by her lawyer. During a brief interview with the media, Sirinatda maintained her innocence and proceeded to a police questioning. After four hours of questioning and other legal procedures, Sirinatda left the police station with her lawyer. She informed the media that she had surrendered to the police only to acknowledge the charge, not to admit to the alleged criminal action. Sirinatda declined to share the details of her statement to the police with the media. Her lawyer stated that Sirinatda would file complaints against anyone who had damaged her name and reputation. According to a report on Channel 3, Sirinatda hurried to her Lexus sedan parked at the rear of the police station. A policewoman was seen shielding Sirinatda with a black umbrella to prevent her from being filmed by journalists. The Superintendent of Phra Khanong Police Station, Chaiwat Pradapthai, stressed that the investigation would focus on the facts of the case and proceed according to the law, regardless of the identity of the alleged perpetrator. According to multiple Thai news agencies, Thanattha has so far only pursued legal action against Sirinatda for theft, with steps regarding the adultery case yet to be processed. UPDATE 1: Big Joke’s on her: Police wife caught in affair and burglary storm The wife of former Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, has surrendered to Phra Kanong Police Station following allegations of an affair and the theft of 5.7 million baht. These allegations, concerning an extramarital affair and the theft of valuables worth approximately 5.7 million baht, surfaced after a complaint was filed with the police on October 20 by a 50 year old woman named Thanattha. Thanattha accused the wife of the former police chief of being involved. Thanattha claimed that the woman had an affair with her police officer husband and used a spare key to enter her condominium in Soi Sukhumvit 101 in Bangkok, where she allegedly stole valuables, including 600,000 baht in cash and 5.1 million baht in gold. The name of the accused woman remained undisclosed until today, October, 24 when Big Joke‘s wife, Sirinatda “Kubkip” Hakparn, also known as Madam Kubkip, turned herself into the police. Thanattha further claimed that Sirinatda left five bags of cash in her condominium but she did not check the amount of money in them. She took the bags to the police station for further examination. Officers intend to conduct a DNA test on the bags to determine the true owner of the cash. Big Joke himself did not accompany his wife to the police station today and has not yet spoken to the media regarding the matter. According to Matichon, Sirinatda gave a brief statement to reporters, denying the allegations. “It’s not true. I will assign my lawyer to handle anything that damages my reputation.” It is also unclear whether Sirinatda will be granted bail. Big Joke and the police officers working closely with him were previously suspended from their positions following alleged involvement in an online gambling ring. The case remains under investigation, and there have been no recent developments. ORIGINAL STORY: Gold-digging: Ex-cop’s wife accused of affair, burglary in Bangkok A Thai woman accused the wife of a former police chief of having an adulterous affair with her husband and stealing approximately 5.7 million baht worth of cash and gold accessories from her condominium in Bangkok. The 50 year old woman, Thanattha, filed a complaint at Phra Khanong Police Station on October 20, alleging that the wife of the former high-ranking police officer, an unidentified police general, stole her valuables on August 18. She attempted to contact the woman to retrieve her valuables peacefully but was unsuccessful. Thanattha explained that the woman was her husband’s ex-girlfriend but they remained in contact, claiming they were friends. Suspecting their relationship, Thanattha hid a camera in her condominium room on Soi Sukhumvit 101 in the Bang Chak district of Bangkok and witnessed them engaging in sexual activity. Thanattha stated that she and her husband then moved to another condominium in Nakhon Pathom province, near Bangkok, to be closer to their workplaces. This allowed the woman, who had a key to their new room, to enter and steal the valuables. According to Thanattha, she asked her nephew to check on her room, and he witnessed her husband’s lover entering. She rushed to the condominium, hoping to catch her, but by the time she arrived, the woman had already left. Thanattha revealed that some of the stolen valuables were intended for their wedding, which was planned for February next year. However, the theft and infidelity have disrupted these plans. Officers at Phra Khanong Police Station intend to question Thanattha in greater detail and will summon the accused thief and lover for questioning if she is found guilty. Following updates on the Facebook news page Jay Moy V+, the accused woman has contacted the police and has already scheduled a date to turn herself in. In a related report, a Thai woman shared with news agencies that her police officer husband had an affair with an online vendor on the TikTok application. The police officer and his alleged lover denied the accusation, claiming the officer was only working for the woman to pay off a debt. However, the two were seen close to each other in TikTok videos, prompting the wife to sue both for 500,000 baht in compensation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-25

Rain check: Bangkok drizzles, South Thailand braces for down pour by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Daniel Lerman, Unsplash The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning, highlighting light rain in Bangkok and its vicinity, the central region, and the east, while the south braces for heavy rainfall affecting 60% of the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341651-rain-check-bangkok-drizzles-south-thailand-braces-for-down-pour/

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning, highlighting light rain in Bangkok and its vicinity, the central region, and the east, while the south braces for heavy rainfall affecting 60% of the area. The TMD forecasts the next 24 hours, noting that the high-pressure area or cold air mass covering the upper northern and northeastern regions has weakened. However, it continues to bring cool morning temperatures to these areas, resulting in minimal rainfall across upper Thailand. Residents in these regions are advised to take care of their health due to the fluctuating weather conditions. In the northern region, the mornings remain cool, especially in the upper part, with light rain expected in 10% of the area. The provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Tak are likely to experience these conditions. The minimum temperatures will range from 21 to 24 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperatures are expected to be between 32 and 35 degrees Celsius. The northeastern region will also see cool mornings with light rain in certain areas, mainly in Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Ratchasima. Minimum temperatures will be between 19 and 23 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures will range from 32 to 34 degrees Celsius. In the central region, thunderstorms are predicted in 10% of the area, particularly in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram. The minimum temperatures are expected to be between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures will range from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius. The eastern region will experience thunderstorms in 10% of the area, especially in Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chanthaburi. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to be between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures ranging from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius. Northeastern winds are expected to blow at speeds of 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves reaching about 1 metre in height, and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Weather warning In the southern region, the eastern coast will see thunderstorms affecting 60% of the area, mainly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Yala. Minimum temperatures will range from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius. The sea will have waves approximately 1 metre high, increasing to over two metres in areas with thunderstorms. The western coast of the southern region will also experience thunderstorms affecting 60% of the area, with some heavy rainfall expected in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to be between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, and maximum temperatures will range from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius. The sea will have waves between 1 and 2 metres high, rising to more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod. Bangkok and its vicinity will have thunderstorms in 10% of the area, with minimum temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius and maximum temperatures ranging from 33 to 35 degrees Celsius. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Daniel Lerman, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-25

Indonesian Man Arrested for Stealing 1 Million Baht from Pickup Truck Picture courtesy: Daily News Hat Yai police arrested Indonesian national Erwin Apri Anto, aged 45, for stealing 1 million baht in cash from a pickup truck in Songkhla. The money had just been withdrawn by the truck’s owner. Authorities believe this theft is linked to an international gang targeting Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341645-indonesian-man-arrested-for-stealing-1-million-baht-from-pickup-truck/

Hat Yai police arrested Indonesian national Erwin Apri Anto, aged 45, for stealing 1 million baht in cash from a pickup truck in Songkhla. The money had just been withdrawn by the truck’s owner. Authorities believe this theft is linked to an international gang targeting Thailand. The crime took place on 21 October when the victim withdrew 1 million baht from a Hat Yai bank and placed the money in the backseat of his truck. After making several stops, the victim parked in front of a restaurant on Sakornmongkol Road, Hat Yai, and briefly left the vehicle. Upon returning, he discovered that the truck's left door was slightly ajar, and the cash envelope had disappeared. The victim immediately reported the theft to Hat Yai Police. Investigators collected witness statements, including one from a Myanmar worker, who saw a gold Honda Civic parked 20 metres from the victim's truck. Surveillance footage confirmed that this car had been trailing the victim’s truck before the robbery. Picture courtesy: Daily News The police tracked the Honda Civic to a hotel in Nakhon Si Thammarat, where they arrested the suspect as he was about to leave. During the arrest, police recovered only 400,000 baht from the original 1 million. Erwin claimed he had followed the victim from the bank, noticing a large cash withdrawal, and seized the opportunity to steal the money when the truck was left unattended. However, police suspect his involvement in a larger foreign criminal syndicate operating across multiple provinces in Thailand. Erwin remains in custody, and further investigations are underway to identify any accomplices and fully understand the scope of this criminal operation. Police have charged him with theft, and the case is being processed by Hat Yai Police, reported Daily News. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-10-25

Restaurant Owner Exposes Corrupt Officials, Left with Only 2,000 Baht Picture courtesy: Daily News A 37-year-old restaurant owner from Nakhon Ratchasima, known by the alias "Mr. Berm," has filed a formal complaint accusing local officials of years-long extortion, which has left him with only 2,000 baht. Berm claims he had been forced to pay monthly bribes to both police and administrative officers, a practice that eventually bankrupted him and led him to seek legal help. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341643-restaurant-owner-exposes-corrupt-officials-left-with-only-2000-baht/

A 37-year-old restaurant owner from Nakhon Ratchasima, known by the alias "Mr. Berm," has filed a formal complaint accusing local officials of years-long extortion, which has left him with only 2,000 baht. Berm claims he had been forced to pay monthly bribes to both police and administrative officers, a practice that eventually bankrupted him and led him to seek legal help. On 24 October, Berm presented evidence to lawyer Ronnarong Kaewphet, the chairman of the Justice for All Foundation in Nonthaburi, asking for assistance in exposing the corrupt officials. Berm brought along documents, chat logs, bank transfer slips, and audio recordings, all of which allegedly show how police and local authorities collected money from him. The payments, which he said ranged from 5,000 to 30,000 baht each month, started in October 2022 and continued until April 2024. Despite obtaining verbal permission from district and provincial offices to operate his restaurant-bar without a business licence, Berm was regularly harassed for payments by law enforcement officers under the pretext of licensing issues. He further revealed that his business was also burdened by the police demanding free alcohol, sometimes up to two or three bottles a month, each worth around 300 to 400 baht. This additional financial strain contributed to his restaurant's eventual closure. Facing continuous threats of arrest, Berm said he had no choice but to comply with their demands to keep his business running, making payments three times a month. With his business collapsed and left with only 2,000 baht, Berm and his family travelled from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nonthaburi to meet with lawyer Ronnarong. He stated that, although he risks being charged for participating in the bribery, he decided to come forward because he has nothing left. Berm is determined to expose the corruption that destroyed his livelihood, even if it means facing legal consequences. Lawyer Ronnarong affirmed that the evidence provided, including conversations and money transfers, clearly points to systemic corruption involving both police officers and local administrative officials, reported Daily News. He stated that the Justice for All Foundation plans to take the case to the Crime Suppression Division for further investigation and legal action against the implicated officials. However, Ronnarong acknowledged that Berm himself could also face legal repercussions for his role in paying bribes to law enforcement. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-10-25

Taxi Driver Arrested for Attacking Australian Tourist Picture courtesy: Daily News A Bangkok taxi driver was arrested for attacking an Australian tourist after an argument over a slammed car door and fare dispute. The incident occurred on 23 October at 3:30 a.m. near Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 9 in Sathorn District. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341641-taxi-driver-arrested-for-attacking-australian-tourist/

Picture courtesy: Daily News A Bangkok taxi driver was arrested for attacking an Australian tourist after an argument over a slammed car door and fare dispute. The incident occurred on 23 October at 3:30 a.m. near Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Soi 9 in Sathorn District. The 39-year-old Australian was injured with a cutter knife, suffering a wound to his right abdomen. Rescuers transported him to the hospital for treatment. According to the initial investigation, the victim was travelling in a pink Toyota taxi when an argument broke out with the driver, identified as Mr. Somron, aged 49. The altercation escalated when the driver demanded the fare, and the passenger slammed the car door. In response, the driver retrieved a cutter from the glove box and, during the confrontation, slashed the tourist. Authorities from Thung Mahamek Police Station reviewed CCTV footage from the area and identified Mr. Somron as the perpetrator. He was later arrested and confessed to the crime. He explained that he had picked up the Australian tourist and a Thai man from Silom Soi 2 and drove them to a hotel on Narathiwat Road. When the passenger slammed the door, it led to a heated exchange, resulting in the attack. Mr. Somron was charged with assault causing injury, and legal proceedings are underway, reported Daily News. -- 2024-10-25

Pakistani Gang Arrested in Pattaya for Scamming Indian Tourists Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Authorities in Chonburi Province have arrested five individuals for operating an illegal herbal product business that targeted Indian tourists. The suspects, led by Pakistani nationals, allegedly pressured tourists into purchasing overpriced herbal remedies under the threat of violence if they refused. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341637-pakistani-gang-arrested-in-pattaya-for-scamming-indian-tourists/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Authorities in Chonburi Province have arrested five individuals for operating an illegal herbal product business that targeted Indian tourists. The suspects, led by Pakistani nationals, allegedly pressured tourists into purchasing overpriced herbal remedies under the threat of violence if they refused. The arrests were made on 22 October at 10:49 p.m., following a joint operation between Pattaya's Tourist Police and the Chonburi Provincial Public Health Office. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath The authorities raided a shop selling herbal products in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The arrested individuals include Mr. Ullah Ehsan, 22, Mr. Najeebullah Khan, 39, Mr. Jalil Khan, 24, Mr. Bacha Khan, 23, all from Pakistan, and Ms. Riya, 22, from Myanmar. The first suspect, Ullah Ehsan, faces multiple charges, including selling unauthorised modern medicines and herbal products, as well as working without a valid work permit. The other four individuals were charged with working without the proper permits, reported Siam Rath. All suspects and the confiscated herbal products, totalling 17 items, have been handed over to Pattaya Police for further legal action. -- 2024-10-25

DSI criticised for seizing fake luxury watches from iCon Group CEO by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ DSI กรมสอบสวนคดีพิเศษ and Instagram/ @paultheicon Netizens and watch experts criticised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for being deceived by the iCon Group CEO into seizing fake luxury watches from a rented room near the company office in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341633-dsi-criticised-for-seizing-fake-luxury-watches-from-icon-group-ceo/

Netizens and watch experts criticised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for being deceived by the iCon Group CEO into seizing fake luxury watches from a rented room near the company office in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. Following the arrest of iCon Group CEO Waratphol “Paul” Waratworakul and 17 other leading members, the DSI investigated each suspect’s assets to temporarily seize them for further legal proceedings and to prevent the suspects from hiding their valuables. A tip-off about the presence of Paul’s car at a rented room in Soi Ram Indra 9 led to a raid on the room on October 22. According to a witness, Paul was suspected of hiding some of his valuables and belongings in the room on October 1, before his arrest. A witness reported to the police that Paul arrived at the apartment in his yellow luxury car before his arrest. Another leading member, known as Boss Off, later came on another day to rent the room. Many boxes were transferred to the location before Paul’s arrest. DSI officers raided the room and managed to seize multiple luxury watches, gold necklaces, valuable amulets, designer brand shoes, and other items, which were estimated to be worth over 40 million baht. Pictures of the seized valuables were shared on social media platforms, raising suspicions among the public about their authenticity. Many netizens, especially watch lovers and experts, agreed that all of the seized watches were counterfeit. These suspicions led to criticism of the DSI’s operation. Some expressed their disappointment that the officers were misled by the suspect into seizing fake products, while others demanded that the DSI hire specialists to investigate the authenticity of the seized valuables. October 23, the Deputy Director and Acting Director of the DSI, Yutthana Phaedam, came forward to clarify the matter to the public. Yutthana explained that DSI officers acted on the tip-off and seized the items regardless of whether they were genuine or not for further investigation. According to Yutthana, a specialist would later investigate each item, and the details of the investigation would be reported afterwards. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ DSI กรมสอบสวนคดีพิเศษ and Instagram/ @paultheicon Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-25

California doctor claims spicy Thai dish left her with chemical burns Photo courtesy of New York Post A California neurologist is suing a Thai restaurant, claiming she suffered permanent injuries after eating a spicy dish that she described as “unfit for human consumption.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341598-california-doctor-claims-spicy-thai-dish-left-her-with-chemical-burns/

PM: No Extension for Tak Bai Litigation Period Despite Calls Paetongtarn Shinawatra. File photo courtesy: Siam Rath Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced today that there will be no executive decree to extend the 20-year litigation period for the infamous 2004 Tak Bai incident in Thailand’s Deep South. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341622-pm-no-extension-for-tak-bai-litigation-period-despite-calls/