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Himalayan giant honey bees spotted in Chiang Mai by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Himalayan giant honey bees have been spotted in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai province, a first-time occurrence, evidencing that the nation’s ecological system is ideal for unique species. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325553-himalayan-giant-honey-bees-spotted-in-chiang-mai/

Himalayan giant honey bees have been spotted in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai province, a first-time occurrence, evidencing that the nation’s ecological system is ideal for unique species. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, together with a team of biology researchers from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Sciences, made the announcement yesterday. The unexpected discovery took place last May. A group of biologists had been tracking the Kaiser-I-Hind, a scarce butterfly species previously sighted within the boundaries of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. During their exploration, they encountered a swarm of bees, distinguishable by their entirely black abdomen, golden yellow fur on the thorax, and muted wing colour. The team collected three specimens for comprehensive analysis. Nattapot Warrit, a researcher from the team, highlighted that this find substantiates the existence of the rare species via DNA testing. This comes after a photograph, believed to be the first of the Himalayan giant honey bee in Thailand, was posted on the iNaturalist website in 2020. Nattapot explained that these giant bees generally inhabit chilly landscapes at altitudes of 1,000 to over 4,500 metres, where temperatures are below 25 degrees celcius. Previous sightings have been recorded in China, Nepal, India, Myanmar, and Vietnam, but never in Thailand. “This discovery proves that Thailand has a perfect ecological system for the cave bee. This pollinator plays a significant role in increasing the population of specific plants that grow in a low-temperature environment.” About 95% of its hives are found in caves, earning it the moniker, cave bee. With individual colonies ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 bees, it is considered one of the most significant honey producers globally. Its presence is crucial in mountainous regions due to its ability to aid in plant territorial expansion. Climate change However, Warrit voiced concern over the potential impact of climate change on the giant bee population. Increasing temperatures could lead to a decline in their numbers. “Our study found the giant bee migrates to Thailand in March and leaves in July. But if the temperatures on high mountains aren’t cold enough, they might not come back.” The team discovered three hives within the national park and is optimistic about finding more in other national parks in Chiang Mai province and the northeastern region, reported Bangkok Post. Department’s deputy chief, Songkiat Tatiyanond, hailed the discovery as a testament to the department’s successful efforts in preserving the forest’s delicate ecological system. He assured further support for the ongoing study of this rare bee species. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman assaulted in Bangkok gym after rejecting man’s advances (video) by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Facebook In a shocking incident in Bangkok, a muscular man, angered by a failed flirtation attempt, violently threw a woman to the ground, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325552-woman-assaulted-in-bangkok-gym-after-rejecting-man’s-advances-video/

In a shocking incident in Bangkok, a muscular man, angered by a failed flirtation attempt, violently threw a woman to the ground, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system. The altercation, captured on CCTV and shared on the Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ Retrain part 6, occurred at a gym in the Sukhumvit area. The man’s aggressive behaviour has sparked a warning to local gyms about the potential danger he poses. The post, which has been widely circulated, shows the man’s disproportionate reaction after the woman, a Chinese national, rejected his advances. The victim filed a report with the police but her quest for justice seems to be in jeopardy. The officers suggested that the assault was too minor to merit a severe response, proposing a mere 20,000 baht (US$540) settlement. However, the case is far from concluded, as the woman plans to seek further medical evaluation on April 23. This statement from the police has caused outrage among the public, with many calling for a more just handling of the situation, reported KhaoSod. The man, who had been training the woman for free, seemingly expected a romantic relationship in return. When she instead sought training with friends, his frustration boiled over, leading to the assault. As the story unfolds, the victim fears the police may not take her side, especially if the man claims he has been attacked in retaliation. In related news, a beauty salon owner in Lopburi province narrowly escaped an assault after a man repeatedly walked past her shop before attempting to force himself upon her. The incident was later brought to public attention through a cautionary post on the Facebook page Social Hunter Reborn V3. The Facebook post included an image of the alleged perpetrator, who was dressed in a blue sports shirt covered with a long-sleeved black jacket, a black side bag, and white sports trousers, and was notably not wearing underwear. He also wore a helmet and a face mask, concealing his identity, while holding a mobile phone. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Facebook Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Transgender fugitive caught after 2-years hiding in meditation centre by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A two-year fugitive, a transgender woman, was finally apprehended by the police after a long period of evading law enforcement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325551-transgender-fugitive-caught-after-2-years-hiding-in-meditation-centre/

A two-year fugitive, a transgender woman, was finally apprehended by the police after a long period of evading law enforcement. The individual was wanted for snatching a gold necklace from a noodle vendor during an opportune moment and had since been hiding in a monastery. The arrest also unearthed an existing warrant for drug-related charges. Today, April 21, Thai law enforcement officers successfully concluded a long-standing manhunt with the capture of 29 year old Amornthep Ata, a cunning thief who had been on the run for over two years. Amornthep was wanted by the Srisaket Provincial Court for a theft involving a vehicle to facilitate escape and avoid arrest. The arrest took place in a monastery in Nong Sarai sub-district, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, marking the end of a fugitive’s lengthy evasion of justice. The incident that led to Amornthep’s arrest occurred on April 29, 2022, when he rode a green Honda Wave motorcycle, borrowed from his sister, to a noodle shop in Ban Ngieng village. While pretending to buy noodles, Amornthep noticed the vendor wearing a gold necklace weighing approximately 1 baht (a traditional Thai unit of weight). Seizing a moment of distraction, he snatched the necklace and fled the scene on the motorcycle. During the investigation, Amornthep confessed to the theft of the gold necklace from the noodle vendor. A background check revealed a prior arrest warrant from the Pathumwan District Court, dated October 19, 2020, for drug consumption. Following his confession, Amornthep was taken to the Uthumphon Phisai Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod. Teeradech Thamsuthee, an officer involved in the operation, emphasised the importance of not abusing religious institutions to hide criminal activity. He stated that those who commit crimes and then seek refuge in monasteries, feigning righteousness, cannot escape their karma. He urged individuals not to use temples or meditation centres as sanctuaries to cleanse their sins, but instead to contribute positively to the community’s faith and trust. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ladyboy Arrested For Throwing Glass Bottle At Tourist In Pattaya by TNR Staff The transgender after being arrested and the motorcycle he rode to attack the tourist. Photo: TV Channel 7 A THAI transgender was arrested in Pattaya this afternoon (Apr. 20) after riding past a beer bar and throwing a glass bottle at a foreign tourist leading to his lips being cut and startling other tourists in the vicinity, TV Channel 7 said this evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325550-ladyboy-arrested-for-throwing-glass-bottle-at-tourist-in-pattaya/

Pattaya Tourist Police Arrest Transgender Person for Alleged Assault on Foreign Tourist By Kittisak Phalaharn Pattaya—At 2:06 PM, on April 20th, 2024, Pattaya tourist police arrested a transgender person who allegedly threw a glass bottle at a foreign tourist in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, on April 16th. According to the police report, on the night of April 16th, a suspect identified only as Mr. Saksit, a 26-year-old transgender person, allegedly threw a glass bottle at a foreign visitor who was enjoying their time during the Songkran holidays at a bar in Soi Buakhao. As a result, the victim suffered a busted lip, and other pubgoers were panicked from the ruckus. The incident negatively affected the world class family friendly tourism image of Pattaya City, according to the police report. In response to the incident, the officers worked proactively and inspected local CCTV to find the suspect’s escape route. The police later successfully tracked down and captured the suspect at their residence in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

A THAI transgender was arrested in Pattaya this afternoon (Apr. 20) after riding past a beer bar and throwing a glass bottle at a foreign tourist leading to his lips being cut and startling other tourists in the vicinity, TV Channel 7 said this evening. At 2 p.m. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, head of Sub-Division 2 Tourist Police Division 1, and his team arrested Mr. Sak (surname withheld), 26, a transgender from Nong Bua Lamphu province for attacking the unidentified tourist on Apr. 16. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong said police had not been idle with teams having inspected the area where the attack took place and had also gone through video clips from surveillance cameras along the route the suspect fled. by TNR Staff TOP: The transgender after being arrested and the motorcycle he rode to attack the tourist. Photo: TV Channel 7 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Canadian National Arrested for Cocaine Possession and Illegally Working in Phuket By Tanakorn Panyadee Patong, Phuket — A 41-year-old Canadian man was arrested in Patong, Phuket, for possessing ecstasy and cocaine and working without a work permit on April 19th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325549-canadian-national-arrested-for-cocaine-possession-and-illegally-working-in-phuket/

Patong, Phuket — A 41-year-old Canadian man was arrested in Patong, Phuket, for possessing ecstasy and cocaine and working without a work permit on April 19th, 2024. The arrest was announced to the public by Patong police led by Pol. Col. Chalermchai Hirsawat, Superintendent of the Patong Police Station, on April 21st. The arrest was the result of an undercover operation conducted by the Patong police. The suspect was apprehended at his hotel room on the Thawiwong Road in Patong, Phuket. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 22 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325548-thailand-live-monday-22-april-2024/

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE TO deter future coup attempts, legislation has been prepared to empower a Prime Minister to suspend any military commanders from duty if suspected of hatching one. Legislation Prepared For PM To Suspend Commanders Suspected Of Hatching Coups By Thai Newsroom Reporters Picture: Soldiers rapidly taking control in Bangkok during Thailand’s last coup in 2014. Reuters and published by BBC Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325547-legislation-prepared-for-pm-to-suspend-commanders-suspected-of-hatching-coups/

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE TO deter future coup attempts, legislation has been prepared to empower a Prime Minister to suspend any military commanders from duty if suspected of hatching one. The Defence Council, chaired by Pheu Thai-attached Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang, has endorsed legislation to bestow the Prime Minister with the sole authority to immediately suspend any army, navy or air force officers at any ranks or in any positions from duty, given suspicion that those military officers might possibly be mapping out a coup with use of force to overthrow an elected government and tear up the constitution, said Jamnong Chaimongkol, assistant to the civilian defence minister. The Prime Minister’s legal power to counter future coup attempts is yet to be endorsed in advance by his cabinet of ministers in accordance with the legislation steered by the ruling Pheu Thai after 13 coups had successfully occurred in Thailand since 1933 with the latest one orchestrated in 2014 by army chief-turned-prime minister/now privy councillor/de facto Ruam Thai Sang Chart boss Prayut Chan-o-cha. The unprecedented bill, which aside from the necessity of being endorsed by the Pheu Thai-led cabinet of ministers also needs the approval of lawmakers to be turned into law, is primarily designed to preclude a coup attempt which might possibly otherwise be orchestrated by chiefs of the armed services as had been the case of the Prayut coup. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Picture: Soldiers rapidly taking control in Bangkok during Thailand’s last coup in 2014. Reuters and published by BBC Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thailand’s tumble: Is the British love affair fading? Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal FILE PHOTO: Tourists walk on a beach in Mombasa, Kenya, August 5, 2017. REUTERS/Siegfried Modola/File Photo; Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In 2011, Thailand witnessed the zenith of British affection, with nearly 900,000 entries logged by British passport holders, as per Thai immigration data. Yet, this figure might have swelled by accounting re-entries, diluting the actual count. Sadly, the Thai immigration bureau has ceased its detailed country-specific data release, leaving a void. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325446-thailand-faces-a-decline-in-british-tourists-and-expats-causes-and-consequences/?do=findComment&comment=18856825

Thailand’s tumble: Is the British love affair fading? Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal FILE PHOTO: Tourists walk on a beach in Mombasa, Kenya, August 5, 2017. REUTERS/Siegfried Modola/File Photo; Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In 2011, Thailand witnessed the zenith of British affection, with nearly 900,000 entries logged by British passport holders, as per Thai immigration data. Yet, this figure might have swelled by accounting re-entries, diluting the actual count. Sadly, the Thai immigration bureau has ceased its detailed country-specific data release, leaving a void. Meanwhile, the UK government’s once sensational annual report, British Behaviour Abroad, ceased publication, possibly due to its juicy tales of debauchery. Fast forward to the mid-2020s, and the Brit brigade in Thailand has halved from its 2011 peak. Despite the pandemic, Thailand’s tourist numbers are rebounding, now nearing the pre-pandemic figure of 40 million, with China, Russia, and India leading the charge, enjoying visa-free privileges. In contrast, Brits show scant interest in long-stay visas, like the 10-year Long Term Residence, aimed at attracting affluent expats. Multiple factors contribute to the British exodus from Thai shores. Competition from Eastern Europe and neighbouring sun-soaked destinations, coupled with soaring airfares and bureaucratic hurdles like the infamous TM30 form, dampen the allure. Reports of Brits landing in Thai jails or facing hefty medical bills post-accidents add to the waning enthusiasm. The once-held notion of Thailand as a lawless haven now lies six feet under. The expat landscape has shifted, with fewer Brits making Thailand their home. Even traditional expat magnets like the oil and gas industry offer fewer opportunities, while newer sectors see dominance from other foreign players. For retirees, inflation and soaring healthcare costs, exacerbated by frozen British pensions, paint a bleak picture, reported Pattaya Mail. Discussions in expat circles buzz with discontent over Thai tax policies, prompting musings of relocating to greener pastures in Cambodia or Vietnam. Early morning in Karon, Phuket, saw a British tourist sustain a knife injury following a dispute over money with three local ladyboys in his condominium, located near the base of Kata Hill. The incident was reported at 4am on February 22 to Police Lieutenant Surasak Sudmuang of the Karon Police, who promptly arrived at the scene with his team to initiate an investigation. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Prime Minister urges police to crack down on influential figures Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed the Provincial Police Region 8 Commander in Phuket Province to intensify efforts in apprehending individuals with bad influence who continuously violate the law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325458-prime-minister-urges-police-to-crack-down-on-influential-figures/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed the Provincial Police Region 8 Commander in Phuket Province to intensify efforts in apprehending individuals with bad influence who continuously violate the law. During a meeting to review the police operations at the Provincial Police Region 8 Headquarters, the Prime Minister delivered policy directives, stating that over the past six months, there have been numerous arrests related to drug offenses. Appreciation was expressed for the rigorous enforcement efforts. Various measures should be employed to apprehend offenders to address the issues more effectively, including continuous management and addressing the issue of online gambling, which has caused distress to the public. Acknowledging the importance of morale-boosting incentives for the police force, especially regarding housing, it is imperative to ensure adequate and continuous construction of police residences. The government will take care of improving the living conditions of police personnel. Regarding the development of Phuket province, strict measures should be enforced concerning illegal hotel businesses, ensuring that licenses are issued strictly and that no one operates above the law. This includes stringent oversight of tourism activities and preventing exploitation of tourists for personal gain. Source: NNT 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Lopburi salon owner narrowly avoids sexual assault by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A beauty salon owner in Lopburi province narrowly escaped an assault after a man repeatedly walked past her shop before attempting to force himself upon her. The incident was later brought to public attention through a cautionary post on the Facebook page Social Hunter Reborn V3. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325457-lopburi-salon-owner-narrowly-avoids-sexual-assault/

A beauty salon owner in Lopburi province narrowly escaped an assault after a man repeatedly walked past her shop before attempting to force himself upon her. The incident was later brought to public attention through a cautionary post on the Facebook page Social Hunter Reborn V3. The Facebook post included an image of the alleged perpetrator, who was dressed in a blue sports shirt covered with a long-sleeved black jacket, a black side bag, white sports trousers, and was notably not wearing underwear. He also wore a helmet and a face mask, concealing his identity, while holding a mobile phone. The accompanying message warned of a man, sans underwear, who had been loitering around the beauty salon several times. He initially pretended to engage in conversation with the female shop owner but swiftly removed his trousers in an attempt to overpower her. Fortunately, the salon owner managed to flee and save herself from the assailant. The incident has sparked concerns among locals, in particular women, who are reminded to remain vigilant and cautious of their surroundings. The image and description of the man have been widely circulated on social media in an effort to alert the community and potentially aid in the apprehension of the individual. Community members are encouraged to report any sightings or information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect to ensure the safety of others and prevent any further such occurrences. The police in Lopburi are currently investigating the incident, seeking to identify and locate the man responsible for this alarming attempt, reported KhaoSod. They urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the case. In related news, a 40 year old man was arrested last Saturday for luring and assaulting a 16 year old girl in a harrowing Songkran holiday incident. Thai police apprehended the suspect, who has an extensive criminal background, including prior offences related to drug trafficking. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok e-cigarette raid seizes 10,000 products by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thai authorities have swooped on five e-cigarette outlets in the vicinity of Bangkok’s universities and residential properties, confiscating 10,000 e-cigarette products valued at 3 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325456-bangkok-e-cigarette-raid-seizes-10000-products/

Thai authorities have swooped on five e-cigarette outlets in the vicinity of Bangkok’s universities and residential properties, confiscating 10,000 e-cigarette products valued at 3 million baht. The operation was headed by Puangpet Chunlaiad, a minister from the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday in collaboration with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and officers of Lat Phrao Police Station. The raid spanned across five shops located in the Lat Phrao and Ramkhamhaeng areas. Among the seized items were 10,000 e-cigarettes of varying types, including standard shaped e-cigarettes and toy pods, which are nicotine vaping devices fashioned to resemble cartoon characters. The total value of these items was estimated at 3 million baht. The largest shop implicated in this operation is situated in Soi Lat Phrao 107, in close proximity to a renowned private university. Two employees managed this shop and they professed ignorance about the owner’s identity. This shop reportedly made around 10,000 baht daily from e-cigarette sales, mainly targeting university students, while allegedly refraining from selling to those under 20 years old. Lertsak Raktham, who serves as the deputy director of the OCPB’s Special Operations Center, has stated that all the shop owners will be apprehended. In the meantime, Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit, the executive secretary of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation, is closely observing the government’s actions against e-cigarettes. This comes after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently instructed several agencies to crack down on e-cigarettes for the first time. Dr Prakit pointed out that countries such as England, France, and Belgium, where toy pods were initially available before they made their way to Thailand, now have legal regulations prohibiting their sale, reported Bangkok Post. He also revealed that a survey of Thai students indicated that the region with the highest number of minor e-cigarette smokers is the Northeast, followed by the South, North, and Central region. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cadmium scandal sheds light on loopholes in Thai law on hazardous waste After more than 1,000 tons of carcinogenic cadmium waste from Tak went missing, concerns are growing that loopholes in Thailand’s hazardous waste controls could be fatal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325455-cadmium-scandal-sheds-light-on-loopholes-in-thai-law-on-hazardous-waste/

After more than 1,000 tons of carcinogenic cadmium waste from Tak went missing, concerns are growing that loopholes in Thailand’s hazardous waste controls could be fatal. Exposure to cadmium and its compounds can lead to fever, headache, and breathing difficulties. Worse still, it is known to cause cancer and also exacerbate diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Health checks on locals living near a Samut Sakhon-based foundry where 6,492 tons of smuggled cadmium waste was found earlier this month showed unusually high levels of the poisonous metal in 16 people’s urine. They require medical treatment. The foundry’s operator, J&B Metal Co Ltd, was listed as the buyer and recycler of 13,882 tonnes of cadmium waste from Tak-based Bound and Beyond Public Co Ltd (BEYOND), previously known as Padaeng Industry. However, only half of that amount was found when the foundry was searched by officials from the Department of Industrial Works and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division. A further probe led to the discovery of 6,043 tons of cadmium waste in four other locations, including Samut Sakhon-based Cin Hong Check Inter Tech Co Ltd. A co-owner of Cin Hong said he had bought 5,000 tons of cadmium waste from J&B Metal for 8,250 baht per ton to sell to another Chinese businessman, whose factory is located in Chon Buri. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Elderly rice farmer dies in field blaze in Udon Thani by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic incident occurred yesterday in Udon Thani province where a 73 year old rice farmer perished in a blaze that swept through his field. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325454-elderly-rice-farmer-dies-in-field-blaze-in-udon-thani/