webfact

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/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 25 October 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1341616-thailand-live-friday-25-october-2024/

Photo via KomChadLuek 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. Big Joke’s on her: Police wife caught in affair and burglary storm Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341614-big-joke’s-on-her-police-wife-caught-in-affair-and-burglary-storm/

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/

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. The period, which expires tomorrow, concerns the tragic deaths of 85 protesters, where 78 individuals suffocated in overcrowded army trucks during transport from outside the Tak Bai police station in Narathiwat to an army barracks in Pattani. During a press briefing at Government House, Paetongtarn expressed her condolences to the victims' families. She also noted that the legal timeframe could not be extended to prosecute the 14 suspects linked to the incident due to legal constraints. This conclusion came after consultations with the Council of State, which determined that no executive decree could legally prolong the window for litigation. This incident occurred during the leadership of Paetongtarn's father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was the Prime Minister at the time and is now the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Most notably, former Fourth Army Region commander Pisal Watanawongkhiri, viewed as the central figure among the suspects, is believed to have fled the country and recently resigned as a Pheu Thai MP. In response to the looming deadline, police launched a last-minute effort to locate some of these suspects, extending their search to distant provinces such as Chiang Rai, but no arrests were made, reported Thai Newsroom. The decision not to extend the litigation period has been met with disappointment from those seeking justice. However, the government maintains that the boundaries of the law must be respected, despite public and political pressures to take further action. This decision raises questions about accountability and justice concerning historic cases. -- 2024-10-24

New SMS Rule: Annual Registration for Link-Senders to Combat Scams An example of a phishing attack through SMS, showing a fake message and URL claiming to be from Apple. Picture: Wikipedia In a decisive move to curb the rise of SMS-based scams, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has mandated that all senders who include links in their messages must register annually. This regulation seeks to thwart fraudulent tactics used by scammers to steal personal data and money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341619-new-sms-rule-annual-registration-for-link-senders-to-combat-scams/

An example of a phishing attack through SMS, showing a fake message and URL claiming to be from Apple. Picture: Wikipedia In a decisive move to curb the rise of SMS-based scams, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has mandated that all senders who include links in their messages must register annually. This regulation seeks to thwart fraudulent tactics used by scammers to steal personal data and money. Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced this new requirement, designed to address the growing problem of phishing links embedded within SMS messages. The initiative stems from the collaboration between the ministry, the police, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and major telecom service providers. Dubbed the "Cleansing Sender Name" system, this measure mandates yearly registration, allowing authorities to effectively identify not only senders of these SMS messages but also the providers facilitating these communications. This registration process requires senders to include message details and links, which mobile operators can then review and verify before they are dispatched to recipients. Should any sender fail to comply, the consequence would be the blocking of their sender name, coupled with potential legal repercussions, Minister Prasert warned. The Ministry’s spokesman indicated that this measure is anticipated to come into effect early next year. However, before its implementation, detailed discussions are needed amongst involved parties to iron out the operational specifics of how this system will work in practice, reported Bangkok Post. This proactive approach aims to safeguard citizens against growing cyber threats, ensuring that the simple act of receiving an SMS is not laced with potential fraud. It's not just a deterrent but also a protective barrier for the public in an increasingly digital world. -- 2024-10-24

Dessert storm: British man gets burned for smoking at sweet stall (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via TikTok/ @ketar_nk Two Thai dessert vendors in Chiang Mai clashed with an ignorant British man after he smoked outside their stall, despite a no-smoking sign and warnings from the vendors. The altercation between the Thai vendors and the Brit garnered public attention after a witness shared a video of the incident on her TikTok account, @ketar_nk, on October 23. In the caption, the TikToker stated… “Don’t know what had happened before. I arrived at the spot and saw them arguing.” In the video, the British man is seen arguing with two vendors at the stall. One of the vendors, wearing a black shirt, suddenly threw a bucket at him, while another vendor followed him and poured water over him. The British man was accompanied by friends, who stood on the left lane of the road outside the shop. According to the name of the shop shown in the video, the incident took place at Suang Bua Loy in Chiang Mai. The stall sells the traditional Thai dessert, Bua Loy, which consists of rice flour balls floating in coconut milk. Many Thai netizens criticised the vendors for their aggressive actions, saying that such behaviour would harm both the image of Thai tourism and the reputation of their stall. Others demanded that the stall owners clarify the matter publicly. The stall owners, who are siblings, later shared their version of events on the shop’s official TikTok account to provide more context. One of the owners revealed that the root cause of the altercation was smoking. Right to smoke in public? The group of foreigners approached her to ask for directions to a nearby bathroom. While one of his group went to use the bathroom, the others waited outside the stall. The man involved in the argument then began to smoke, despite a clear warning sign in English. The vendor asked him not to smoke in the area, which made the foreigner angry. He reportedly claimed that smoking was his personal right and complained to the vendor using vulgar language. Another vendor rushed to inform her older sister, which the foreign man misinterpreted as a threat. He then threw his cigarette at the vendors and damaged their desserts and equipment. This prompted one of the owners to throw a bucket and water at him, as seen in the video. The vendors admitted that they were angry and acknowledged that their actions might negatively impact their business. The incident concluded when the British man’s friend returned from the bathroom and reprimanded him for violating the rules, given the presence of a clear sign. Many netizens sided with the vendors, arguing that the foreigner infringed on others’ rights by smoking in a public area. Some even remarked that the vendors had shown restraint by not throwing boiling water or coconut milk at him. The vendors did not pursue any legal action against the foreigner. They urged anyone with questions about the situation to approach them directly, stating that they were willing to provide all the details. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-24

Pattaya bike thief pedals away with a full plate, leaves sticky rice by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod A bicycle worth 15,000 baht was stolen from a Pattaya journalist, with the thief casually inflating the tyres before riding away, leaving a bag of sticky rice and pork behind. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341561-pattaya-bike-thief-pedals-away-with-a-full-plate-leaves-sticky-rice/

A bicycle worth 15,000 baht was stolen from a Pattaya journalist, with the thief casually inflating the tyres before riding away, leaving a bag of sticky rice and pork behind. CCTV footage from an apartment in Soi Thetsaban 1, Moo 1, Huai Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province, captured the thief in action. The individual, identified as a Thai man, was seen wearing a black shirt and shorts and carrying a black backpack. He also had a bag of sticky rice and pork in hand as he scoped out the area under the apartment stairs before dragging the bicycle outside. The man then used a pump left next to the bicycle to calmly inflate the tyres before making his getaway. A journalist residing in Pattaya, 61 year old Prasert Phrainangkoon, who owns the bicycle recounted that he usually parked it under the apartment for exercise purposes. The mountain bike, a brand named Twitter, was purchased for 15,000 baht. However, due to work commitments, he has not been able to use it as often lately. On the night of October 17, while he was asleep in his room, the CCTV captured the thief entering the premises at 4am and making off with the bike. Notably, the thief left behind a bag of sticky rice and pork, seemingly as a taunt. Upon discovering the theft, Prasert immediately reported the incident to the Huai Yai Police Station, seeking justice and the return of his bicycle, reported KhaoSod. Police in Pattaya have launched an investigation, examining the CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the suspect. The casual manner in which the thief operated, even taking the time to inflate the tyres, has raised eyebrows and added a peculiar twist to the incident. In similar news, a brazen thief stole a schoolboy’s sports kit from a house in Pattaya and dared to change into it right in front of a security camera! by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-24

Police seize 68 motorcycles in Bangkok street racing crackdown by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Bangkok apprehended a large group of motorcycle riders racing on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, seizing 68 motorcycles and detaining both racers and their supporters. The operation followed reports on social media about the planned gathering. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341558-police-seize-68-motorcycles-in-bangkok-street-racing-crackdown/

Police in Bangkok apprehended a large group of motorcycle riders racing on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, seizing 68 motorcycles and detaining both racers and their supporters. The operation followed reports on social media about the planned gathering. At 12.30am yesterday, October 23, Phuchong Mae-thung, a traffic control officer from the Vibhavadi Rangsit Traffic Control Centre, led over 60 traffic police officers in an operation to intercept and capture motorcyclists. The racers had been spotted on Ratchadamnoen Road before moving to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Din Daeng district, Bangkok. Police had been monitoring various locations following tips from social media. The officers discovered the motorcyclists engaging in high-speed races on the main road and swiftly closed off Vibhavadi Rangsit Road to apprehend the offenders. A total of 68 motorcycles were confiscated and handed over to investigators at the Vibhavadi Police Station. Phuchong stated that 68 motorcycles were seized, with 22 of them involved in offences such as ‘attempting to race on public roads and driving without regard for safety.’ The offenders, a mix of juveniles and adults, are set to be prosecuted. The remaining 46 motorcycles were subject to fines under the Road Traffic Act. Issues included the absence of license plates and vehicle modifications, primarily involving the supporters of the racers rather than the racers themselves. Phuchong mentioned that the offenders would be sent to court to face charges, while the supporters would be fined for lesser violations, reported KhaoSod. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-24