webfact

Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Image courtesy: Thai Post The Thai government has unveiled a new "digital wallet" scheme aimed at bolstering local economies and benefiting smaller retailers. However, 18 specific products and services have been excluded from being purchased through this initiative, Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed today. The "digital wallet" scheme permits citizens to make transactions using government-provided benefits aimed at encouraging spending within communities. Yet, to ensure the scheme is utilised for essential, everyday needs and not for luxury or non-essential items, the government has outlined a list of excluded products. These include lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, cannabis, kratom, and their derivatives. Also on the exclusion list are souvenirs, cash vouchers, gold, diamonds, gemstones, fuel oil, natural gas, electrical appliances, electronic equipment, and communication devices. Minister Phumtham emphasised that while these exclusions are firmly in place, the list is not set in stone and may be revisited. "If we find that certain excluded products are essential for daily life or job creation, we will review and adjust the list as needed," he said. In response to concerns that the scheme might disproportionately benefit large corporate retailers, Phumtham assured the public that the focus would be on smaller, community-based businesses. The scheme aims to uplift independent retailers, grocery stores, community shops, Blue Flag chains, and cooperative stores, deliberately excluding major retail giants and wholesale outlets. To prepare for the launch, Thailand's Commerce Ministry, along with other relevant departments such as Internal Trade and Business Development, the Interior, and Agriculture ministries, are finalising their processes. Businesses interested in joining the scheme will soon be able to register. Currently, about 146,000 Blue Flag outlets, 5,000 Blue Flag eateries, and approximately 400,000 retail outlets including food shops are eligible to participate. The registration process for both businesses and individuals is slated to start in August. -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Tourist Dies After Falling From Songthaew In Pattaya by TNR Staff The songthaew passenger vehicle from which the Chinese tourist fell. Photo Amarin TV A CHINESE man holidaying in Pattaya who fell from a songthaew passenger vehicle early this morning (July 22) later died from his injuries after being rushed to a hospital, TV Channel 7 and Amarin TV said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333594-chinese-tourist-dies-after-falling-from-songthaew-in-pattaya/?utm_source=240723-03

The songthaew passenger vehicle from which the Chinese tourist fell. Photo Amarin TV A CHINESE man holidaying in Pattaya who fell from a songthaew passenger vehicle early this morning (July 22) later died from his injuries after being rushed to a hospital, TV Channel 7 and Amarin TV said. The tourist, identified as Mr. Chi Fai Lam, 48, was seriously injured after falling from the songthaew on Pattaya Sai Song road at around 8.30 a.m. with the driver not stopping to help him. Ms. Sri Phai Panthongdi, 56, a motorcycle taxi rider who was waiting for a passenger at a nearby stand, said someone called out that a tourist was lying injured on the road after falling from the public vehicle with the driver zooming off without helping him so she quickly called the authorities to come and help and investigate. by TNR Staff Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

American Arrested for Stabbing Australian to Death in Thailand Near Noppharat Thara Beach, Krabi. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a tragic incident in Krabi, Thailand, an American man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing an Australian man to death following a drunken altercation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333592-american-arrested-for-stabbing-australian-to-death-in-thailand/

Near Noppharat Thara Beach, Krabi. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a tragic incident in Krabi, Thailand, an American man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing an Australian man to death following a drunken altercation. Shortly after 2:00 AM on July 22, Lt. Wichote Meepop, Deputy Inspector of Ao Nang Police Station, received a distress call about a brawl near Noppharat Thara Beach, opposite the Razorback Conch Sculpture. Officers soon arrived to find Mr. Liam Michael Ross, a 35-year-old Australian national, gravely injured with stab wounds to his abdomen, leg, and arm. Despite prompt medical attention and being transferred from Wattana Hospital in Ao Nang to Krabi Hospital, Mr. Ross succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old American Randall Owen Johnson, was apprehended at the scene. Still under the influence of alcohol, he was in possession of a folding knife and did not attempt to flee. He was taken to Ao Nang Police Station, where detailed questioning will take place with legal and linguistic assistance. Eyewitnesses revealed that both men had been drinking at a nearby restaurant before the incident. Their paths crossed again as Mr. Ross walked back to his hotel, leading to a confrontation. What started as a verbal spat quickly escalated into a physical fight, during which Mr. Johnson allegedly drew a knife and inflicted multiple stab wounds on Mr. Ross. Preliminary investigations suggest that the two men were strangers who may have had a disagreement at the restaurant. However, further inquiries are needed to determine the precise motive and sequence of events leading to the fatal encounter. -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 23 July 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1333591-thailand-live-tuesday-23-july-2024/

A large billboard in Bangkok, advertising foreign passports for sale, has sparked significant concern among locals and officials alike. Move Forward Party list-MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn highlighted the alarming presence of the Chinese-language advertisement located at the Din Daeng intersection. Bangkok Billboard Offering Foreign Passports for Sale Raises Concerns Chinese language billboard. Picture courtesy: Prachathai Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333590-bangkok-billboard-offering-foreign-passports-for-sale-raises-concerns/

Chinese language billboard. Picture courtesy: Prachathai A large billboard in Bangkok, advertising foreign passports for sale, has sparked significant concern among locals and officials alike. Move Forward Party list-MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn highlighted the alarming presence of the Chinese-language advertisement located at the Din Daeng intersection. Targeting primarily Chinese nationals who reside or conduct business in Bangkok's Din Daeng and Huai Khwang districts, the billboard offers passports from various countries at different prices. The advertisement lists rates such as 30,000 yuan for an Indonesian passport, 70,000 yuan for Vanuatu, 150,000 yuan for Cambodian, and 150,000 yuan for a Turkish passport. It assures potential buyers of the authenticity of the passports and guarantees delivery within 30 days, promising confidentiality throughout the process. Payments are to be made when the passports are ready. Wiroj conveyed that, due to the advertisement being in Chinese, it might not have caught the attention of the government or police. Nevertheless, he warned that if these claims were legitimate, Thailand could become a haven for transnational criminals seeking foreign passports. He also pointed out that several criminal elements from China are exploiting Thailand's lax immigration policies and, aided by corrupt officials, are engaging in illicit activities within the country. Pol Maj-Gen Panthana Nutchanart, the deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, stated that the advertisement is not illegal since it does not offer Thai passports. He remarked that the sale of foreign passports is a common practice in several countries. Following public uproar, the billboard has since been taken down by the advertising agency responsible for its installation. A representative from the local advertising company explained that they were contacted by a Singaporean firm to put up the billboard and did not thoroughly verify its content, assuming the source was credible. The agency has since informed the Singaporean company about the removal. -- 2024-07-23 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Official Spreads Fake News About Football Star Lamine Yamal Lamine Yamal. Picture courtesy: 3Plus NEWS Professor Charoen Watthanasin, Vice Chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee, has caused a social media uproar by sharing incorrect information about Spanish football star Lamine Yamal. The controversy began when Charoen tweeted an image of the 17-year-old, who recently played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, along with claims of his Thai origins. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333523-thai-official-spreads-fake-news-about-football-star-lamine-yamal/

Lamine Yamal. Picture courtesy: 3Plus NEWS Professor Charoen Watthanasin, Vice Chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee, has caused a social media uproar by sharing incorrect information about Spanish football star Lamine Yamal. The controversy began when Charoen tweeted an image of the 17-year-old, who recently played a key role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory, along with claims of his Thai origins. Charoen's tweet read, "I am proud to be born in Thailand, under the royal grace of the king. Though my physical form is Catalan, my blood is always blue-red-white (Lamine Yamal – Spanish national football player, European Cup champion, Thai born in Yala)." The post quickly gained attention, being widely retweeted and liked. However, it soon became apparent that the story lacked any basis in truth. Reliable sources confirmed that Yamal was not born in Thailand, and the claim was debunked as fake news. Lamine Yamal's actual full name is Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana. He was born on July 13, 2007, in Mataro, Catalonia. His father, Munir Nasraoui, hails from Morocco, while his mother, Sheila Ebana, comes from Equatorial Guinea. Both parents emigrated to Spain before his birth, making the claim of his Thai origins entirely false. Despite these facts, Charoen's tweet remains online, though he has since issued an apology. In a follow-up message, he said, "I deeply apologise if it is fake news," acknowledging the misinformation he had spread. This incident highlights the broader issue of fake news in Thailand. In related news: The Thai Government, led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), has mobilised 400 agencies to combat the growing problem of misinformation and online scams. -- 2024-07-22 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Electricity price for September-December to remain at the current rate The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and PTT have agreed to freeze the electricity price for September through December at 4.18 baht/unit, as requested by the Ministry of Energy to ease the burden on consumers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333522-electricity-price-for-september-december-to-remain-at-the-current-rate/

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and PTT have agreed to freeze the electricity price for September through December at 4.18 baht/unit, as requested by the Ministry of Energy to ease the burden on consumers. The Energy Regulatory Commission said earlier that the price during the last four months of the year may rise to between 4.65 and 6.01 baht/unit, due to a weakening of the baht against the greenback from May to August and the increase in the spot price of LNG, the main fuel used for electricity production, by US$3.2 per million BTU. The fuel tariff (FT) for the last quarter may be adjusted to between 46.83 and 182.99 satang/unit, which means the electricity price will have to be adjusted to 4.65-6.01 baht/unit. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-07-22 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Officer Killed, Hostages Freed After 8-Hour Standoff in Bangkok Suburb Hostage standoff with police in Bangkok. Picture courtesy: Thai PBS After an intense eight-hour hostage standoff with police in Bangkok, a man was found dead in a house, with the confrontation tragically resulting in the death of one officer and the injury of another. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333521-officer-killed-hostages-freed-after-8-hour-standoff-in-bangkok-suburb/

Move Forward MP Advocates for Legalising AVs and Sex Toys Taopiphop Limjittrakorn. File photo courtesy: Daily News Move Forward MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn has announced his intention to propose a bill to decriminalise and regulate adult videos (AVs) and sex toys in Thailand, sparking debates across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333520-move-forward-mp-advocates-for-legalising-avs-and-sex-toys/

Hostage standoff with police in Bangkok. Picture courtesy: Thai PBS After an intense eight-hour hostage standoff with police in Bangkok, a man was found dead in a house, with the confrontation tragically resulting in the death of one officer and the injury of another. The ordeal began last night at 9.35pm, when police from the Tha Kham police station responded to reports of a man, named Boonma, holding his family hostage at a house on Kanchana-Rama 2 Road. Boonma, who had known mental health issues, struck his daughter with a pistol, setting off a chain of distressing events. Upon arrival, Pol Lt-Col Kitchon Chanyarom and Pol Snr Sgt-Maj Chaiwat Attasophonwattana approached the residence. They were met with gunfire, allegedly from inside the house, resulting in Kitchon’s fatal injury and Chaiwat’s serious wounding. Both were transported to a nearby hospital where Kitchon was later pronounced dead. As the severity of the situation became clear, a SWAT team and additional officers were deployed, cordoning off the area. Negotiations ensued, with officers using a bullhorn to implore Boonma to surrender and release his family. Around 2am, Pol Lt-Gen Thiti Saengsawang, Metropolitan Police commissioner, took charge. Despite intermittent gunfire from the house, the police refrained from returning fire. By 5am, the tension peaked as police launched three stun grenades into the house and stormed it. Inside, Boonma was discovered deceased, though authorities did not reveal the cause of his death. The four hostages, including the injured daughter, were safely rescued. They received medical attention immediately. Lt-Gen Thiti affirmed that the operation adhered strictly to rules of engagement, ensuring minimal harm to the hostages. He also assured full compensation for the family of the deceased officer, Pol Lt-Col Kitchon. Boonma, known to be a gun enthusiast, had an arsenal of weapons, including four pistols and a shotgun. Police and emergency workers had previously encountered difficulties transporting Boonma for mental health treatment due to his aggressive behaviour. The community now mourns the loss of an officer while grappling with the trauma of an unexpected and terrifying night. -- 2024-07-22 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Move Forward MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn has announced his intention to propose a bill to decriminalise and regulate adult videos (AVs) and sex toys in Thailand, sparking debates across the country. Taopiphop, representing Bangkok, shared his plans in a Facebook post this morning. The lawmaker is already well-known for advocating the liberalisation of the alcoholic beverage industry. He now aims to challenge Thailand's stringent regulations on AVs and sex toys, specifically targeting Section 287 of the Criminal Code. This section currently enforces a total ban on these items. The MP's proposal seeks to amend this law to allow controlled access to AVs and sex toys for adults over the age of 20. He insists that this move will not only legalise these products but also establish a framework to regulate their use responsibly. His bill includes strict measures against the portrayal of simulated or actual sexual violence in AVs, ensuring that the content adheres to ethical standards. To ensure product safety and quality, Taopiphop proposes empowering the Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) and the Thailand Industrial Standards Institute (TICI) with regulatory oversight. These bodies would be responsible for issuing the necessary edicts to control the quality of AVs and sex toys available in the market. Taopiphop acknowledges the controversial nature of his proposal and the significant moral and cultural sentiments surrounding the issue in Thailand. He appreciates that the bill will likely face staunch opposition and criticism. Nevertheless, he expresses readiness to confront detractors head-on and is prepared to handle any repercussions that arise from his advocacy. The forthcoming parliamentary debate on this bill is expected to ignite widespread discussion and could mark a significant shift in Thailand's approach to adult entertainment and personal freedom. TOP: Taopiphop Limjittrakorn. File photo courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-07-22 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin And Anutin Getting Together ‘Not An Attempt To End Row Over Marijuana’ De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter/Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister-cum-Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul singing a song together at Khao Yai today, July 21, 2024. Photo: TV Channel 7 shared on X AFTER a photo of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra singing a song together with Interior Minister-cum-Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul at Khao Yao circulated today (July 21), government whip Visuth Chainaroon denied this is an attempt to patch up differences over as relisting marijuana as a narcotic by the end of this year, Naewna newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333518-thaksin-and-anutin-getting-together-‘not-an-attempt-to-end-row-over-marijuana’/

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter/Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Interior Minister-cum-Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul singing a song together at Khao Yai today, July 21, 2024. Photo: TV Channel 7 shared on X AFTER a photo of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra singing a song together with Interior Minister-cum-Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul at Khao Yao circulated today (July 21), government whip Visuth Chainaroon denied this is an attempt to patch up differences over as relisting marijuana as a narcotic by the end of this year, Naewna newspaper said. The decriminalisation of marijuana was the brainchild of Anutin with the liberal marijuana policy becoming effective on June 9, 2022 when he was public health minister during the previous government headed by Prayut Chan-o-cha who is currently de facto Ruam Thai Sang Chart boss and privy councillor. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has said that he wants the Public Health Ministry to amend the rules and re-list cannabis as a narcotic in a stunning U-turn just two years after Thailand became one of the first countries in Asia to decriminalise its recreational use. A network opposing the Pheu Thai-led government’s move to relist marijuana as a narcotic by yearend held a demonstration in front of the Government House earlier this month and submitted a proposal that a joint study be conducted on this step. by TNR Staff Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-07-22 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nigerian Man Arrested in Thailand for Cocaine Possession and Visa Overstay Arrest on Koh Pha Ngan. Picture courtesy: Khaosod Thai police have arrested a 47-year-old Nigerian man on charges of drug possession and overstaying his visa in a dramatic crackdown on Koh Pha Ngan island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333517-nigerian-man-arrested-in-thailand-for-cocaine-possession-and-visa-overstay/

Arrest on Koh Pha Ngan. Picture courtesy: Khaosod Thai police have arrested a 47-year-old Nigerian man on charges of drug possession and overstaying his visa in a dramatic crackdown on Koh Pha Ngan island. The individual, identified as Kenneth, was found with a significant quantity of cocaine and had overstayed his visa by several years. The operation was spearheaded by Tourist Police Chief Saksira Puek-am as part of a broader initiative aimed at curbing illegal activities, ranging from drug trafficking to unauthorised foreign workers. The campaign, which ran from July 19 to July 23, saw coordinated efforts from various local law enforcement agencies. When police raided Kenneth's room in a luxury hotel, they discovered two packages of cocaine hidden in his jeans pocket, one weighing 21.4 grammes and the other 10.1 grammes. His visa records showed that he entered Thailand on March 17, 2015, through the Padang Besar checkpoint in Songkhla Province, with permission to stay until October 1, 2015. He had not applied for any extensions, effectively overstaying his visa by over 3,214 days. During the arrest, Kenneth made an odd claim that he used magical practices to evade detection during his drug transactions. Authorities revealed that he was a member of a well-organised Nigerian drug trafficking network. Each network member had specific roles, ranging from financial transactions to drug distribution. For communication, the group relied solely on WhatsApp Business, which auto-deletes messages within a minute, making it difficult for authorities to trace them. The police discovered that Kenneth’s role was to place cocaine at various drop points on the island and send the location to buyers. He had been residing in the high-end hotel while carrying out his illicit activities. Following his arrest, Kenneth was charged with both visa overstaying and illegal possession of class 2 narcotics. He has been transferred to the Koh Pha Ngan Police Station for further legal proceedings. This incident sheds light on the continuing challenges that Thai authorities face in combating drug trafficking and immigration violations. -- 2024-07-22 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 22 July 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1333516-thailand-live-monday-22-july-2024/

Thailand's Prime Minister has been named the most popular politician based on job performance, according to a recent Line Today opinion poll. The survey, which took place from 1st to 20th July, measured the opinions of users of the Line app. PM Srettha Most Popular Politician, says Line Today Poll Picture: Srettha Thavisin. Courtesy: Facebook Srettha Thavisin https://aseannow.com/topic/1333515-pm-srettha-most-popular-politician-says-line-today-poll/

Srettha Thavisin. Picture courtesy: Facebook Srettha Thavisin Thailand's Prime Minister has been named the most popular politician based on job performance, according to a recent Line Today opinion poll. The survey, which took place from 1st to 20th July, measured the opinions of users of the Line app. Srettha Thavisin garnered an impressive 40.13% of the votes, amounting to 8,742. The poll results reflect a significant public endorsement of his leadership. Pita Limjaroenrat, the chief advisor of the Move Forward Party, came a close second with 7,427 votes, accounting for 34.09% of the total. In terms of other notable figures, Chalermchai Sri-on, the leader of the Democrat Party, received 9.02% of the votes with 1,966 people showing their support. Meanwhile, Move Forward's MP Sirikanya Tansakul earned 2.59% with 565 votes, and Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin captured 2.2% with 479 votes. Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga snagged 471 votes, making up 2.16% of the poll. Pheu Thai MP Jiraporn Sindhuprai, former Thai Civilized Party leader Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, and Democrat chief advisor Chuan Leekpai received 0.94%, 0.88%, and 0.87% of the votes, respectively. Lastly, Move Forward MP Rangsiman Rome rounded out the top ten with 0.84% of the votes, totalling 182. The poll's findings highlight a diverse range of political support, with Srettha Thavisin leading prominently. The results reflect the current landscape of Thai politics and reveal public sentiment towards various political leaders. This strong showing for Srettha indicates that his policies and leadership style have resonated well with a significant portion of the Thai population. As political dynamics continue to evolve, these poll results will likely influence ongoing public discourse and future political strategies. -- 2024-07-22 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Four Colombian men arrested for Bangkok area home burglaries by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Four Colombian men have been apprehended in Nonthaburi and Chon Buri for a series of home burglaries targeting housing estates in Bangkok and nearby provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333427-four-colombian-men-arrested-for-bangkok-area-home-burglaries/

Four Colombian men have been apprehended in Nonthaburi and Chon Buri for a series of home burglaries targeting housing estates in Bangkok and nearby provinces. Immigration officers and police arrested three suspects at a condominium in Mueang district, Nonthaburi, and the fourth at a hotel in South Pattaya, Chon Buri, according to Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau. The arrests took place on Thursday, July 18. Charged with colluding in theft, the suspects were found in possession of screwdrivers and other tools used for break-ins, rented motorcycles, and 125 stolen valuables worth around 3 million baht. The seized items included cash, gold necklaces, gold rings, and watches. Recent reports of home burglaries prompted a joint investigation by the Immigration Bureau and police officers from Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan. The investigation identified four foreign suspects, leading to the arrests, Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana confirmed yesterday, July 19. The gang’s activities were traced to several incidents: a break-in in Bang Pakong district, Chachoengsao, on July 7 an intrusion in Mae Nang subdistrict, Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi, on July 8 a burglary in Bang Kaeo district, Samut Prakan, on July 9 a theft in Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya, on July 16 break-ins in Bang Khen and Khannayao districts, Bangkok, on July 17 The stolen items were valued in the millions of baht. The suspects reportedly used rented motorcycles to approach the targeted houses and carried out the burglaries before the homeowners returned. Police Lieutenant General Jirasant Kaewsaeng-ek, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 1, stated that although the suspects denied involvement in the burglaries, evidence found by the arresting team implicated them. The suspects have been identified as 52 year old Fredy Alexander Velasquez Fruiz, 47 year old Jhon Edwin Suarez Calderon, 29 year old Andres Felipe Velasquez Pira, and 51 year old Marco Tulio Pinzon Torneros, reported Bangkok Post. “Three of the four arrested Colombian suspects are shown with the motorcycles that police say were used for the home break-ins. Immigration police display stolen items, tools used for home break-ins, the suspects’ clothes and motorcycles at a briefing today.” by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-20 - Cigna offers a range of plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe