webfact

On the late evening of 16 July 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed the media following a distressing incident where six foreign tourists were found dead in a luxury hotel in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area. During his visit to the scene, Mr. Anutin stressed the need for patience, urging the public and media not to jump to conclusions about the cause of death until the autopsy results are revealed. ### Official Investigation Ongoing Mr. Anutin reported that although preliminary information from the Metropolitan Police Commissioner is available, an official conclusion remains pending. "We must wait for the police to make an official announcement after a thorough investigation," he insisted. When asked if Prime Minister Settha Thavisin had issued any special directives, Mr. Anutin noted that the Prime Minister was concerned about the incident. However, he clarified that the procedures would follow standard procedures, as the incident's nature requires meticulous investigation. ### Cause of Death Still Unknown While early speculation might suggest self-harm, Mr. Anutin cautioned against premature conclusions. "At this moment, it looks like self-harm, but before saying anything definitive, let the police examine the evidence and make an official statement." ### Impact on Thailand's Image Concerns about the incident damaging Thailand's image as a tourist destination were addressed, with Mr. Anutin emphasising the importance of context. "The deceased were tourists, not harmed by Thais. We must separate this incident from general safety perceptions of our country," he stated. He reassured that Thailand continues to be a safe and popular destination for tourists, contributing significantly to the economy. ### Awaiting Autopsy Results Stressing the importance of waiting for forensic evidence, Mr. Anutin mentioned, "Once the bodies are sent for autopsy, many truths will begin to emerge. The police will then make an official announcement." He reiterated that there is no immediate threat to public safety and no indication of terrorist activities. ### Final Thoughts In his concluding remarks, Mr. Anutin urged everyone to remain calm. "The situation is under control, and there is no cause for public panic," he assured. As the investigation continues, Mr. Anutin's emphasis on patience and procedure highlights the importance of basing conclusions on verified facts, ensuring a thorough and accurate understanding of this tragic event. Source: Daily News -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Six Bodies Discovered at Luxury Hotel: Detailed Timeline Revealed Picture courtesy: Daily News Tragedy struck on July 16, 2024, when six bodies were found in a luxury hotel room in central Bangkok. The shocking discovery has left authorities scrambling to piece together the events leading up to their deaths. Initially, a mysterious powder was found in a tea cup, suggesting possible poisoning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333132-police-investigate-6-deaths-in-bangkok-hotel-inspect-8-suitcases/

Tragedy struck on July 16, 2024, when six bodies were found in a luxury hotel room in central Bangkok. The shocking discovery has left authorities scrambling to piece together the events leading up to their deaths. Initially, a mysterious powder was found in a tea cup, suggesting possible poisoning. Here's a detailed timeline from their check-in to the discovery: ### July 15, 2024, Hotel Room 502 **10:14 am**: A staff member enters room 502 to deliver items. **11:20 am**: More items are delivered, and staff leave shortly after. **12:00 pm**: Mr. Tran Dinh Phu exits the room with a white plastic bag. **1:01 pm**: Cleaning staff enter and exit room 502 several times, attending to housekeeping duties. **1:53 pm**: Room service delivers three food trays to the room. **2:04 pm**: Mrs. Thi Nguyen Phuong arrives with a pink suitcase. **2:05 pm**: Mr. Pham Hong Thanh enters with a black suitcase. **2:09 pm**: Mrs. Thi Nguyen Thuong Lan follows, dragging another pink suitcase. **2:09 pm - 2:11 pm**: Mr. Hung Dang Van, carrying multiple bags, enters the room. Soon after, he steps out and re-enters with Mr. Tran Dinh Phu. **2:17 pm**: Mrs. Sherine Chong, Mr. Pham Hong Thanh, and Mrs. Thi Nguyen Thuong Lan enter the room with Mr. Hung Dang Van. ### Evening of July 16, 2024 The cleaning staff come to check the room after the guests missed the check-out time. All six individuals are found dead. The estimated time of death is shortly after 1:53 pm on July 15, as the delivered food remained uneaten. The group had checked in over two days, staying in five separate rooms. CCTV footage confirms six people entering the hotel, but the identity and whereabouts of a possible seventh person remain unknown. The police continue to investigate the cause of death, focusing on potential poisoning. The short duration of their stay in Bangkok adds an element of mystery. Authorities are collecting evidence to clarify these tragic events. Source: Daily News -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Investigate 6 Deaths in Bangkok Hotel, Inspect 8 Suitcases Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Police investigate the deaths of six Vietnamese tourists found in a hotel in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area. The investigation saw intense overnight efforts by police, questioning five witnesses, including relatives and embassy staff, and inspecting the deceased’s belongings for clues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333132-police-investigate-6-deaths-in-bangkok-hotel-inspect-8-suitcases/

Police investigate the deaths of six Vietnamese tourists found in a hotel in Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area. The investigation saw intense overnight efforts by police, questioning five witnesses, including relatives and embassy staff, and inspecting the deceased’s belongings for clues. The six victims, comprising three men and three women, were discovered in their hotel rooms with packed suitcases, seemingly ready to check out. Authorities transported their eight suitcases to Lumpini Police Station for a thorough examination late at night. The inspection found common medications, now sent to the Forensic Science Division to determine their significance. Investigators focused on understanding the specific circumstances of their deaths. Pol. Maj. Gen. Witwat Chinkam, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5, revealed that the questioning involved the Vietnamese ambassador's secretary and a friend of one victim’s sister, who resides in Thailand. These witnesses provided essential translations for documents found in the suitcases. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Autopsies are being performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. Initial reports indicate the victims hold both Vietnamese and American citizenships and entered Thailand on tourist visas at different times, flying in from Vietnam. Pol. Maj. Gen. Witwat Chinkam noted that discovering whether the deaths are due to natural causes or foul play is of urgent importance. An official update on the case will be provided by Pol. Lt. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, later today to clarify the situation further. As investigations continue, authorities are piecing together the puzzle surrounding these mysterious deaths, examining every detail to understand whether these deaths were accidents or deliberate acts. TOP Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 17 July 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333130-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-17-july-2024/

6 vietnamese nationals were found dead at a central bangkok hotel, yesterday evening, the three men and three women have been identified, Two of the dead were Americans of Vietnamese descent and four were Vietnamese nationals. At a late night press conference Police said the cause of death was suspected poisoning, by a third party. At least One person, a tour guide, had been detained for questioning. Prime minister Sretha Thavasin arrived at the scene in the Grand Hyatt hotel last night and ordered all agencies to urgently take action to avoid an impact on tourism. The Department of Narcotics Suppression claimed it can eradicate drugs and trafficking in 25 of the country's worst-affected provinces within 3 months, followed by continuous work to crack down on drug dealers. The announcement follows a statement from the prime minister that drug eradication is a national priority. The Ministry Agriculture has vowed to eradicate blackchin tilapia fish as a priority, This species are predators and native to West Africa, the derpartment says they pose a great risk to underwater biodiversity. It’s not known how they arrived in this region. Residents in Chaingmai experienced an earth tremor last night, the 3.3 shaker was east of the city towards the border with Myanmar, Authorities were this morning checking the area for damage. Around the region. Singapore police are still pursuing Malaysian fugitive Low Taek Jho for his alleged role in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB corruption scandal. The U.S. Department of Justice has reportedly signed a confidential agreement with Low regarding the forfeiture of 1MDB assets as part of a global settlement. The scandal led to the imprisonment of former Malaysian premier Najib Razak. Jho Low maintains his innocence, while Malaysia seeks to recover over $4.5 billion believed to have disappeared from the state fund. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Thunderstorms 33C degrees celsius Bangkok: cloudy thundershowers 31 Pattaya: Cloudy, thundershowers 30 Phuket and the south: cloudy with thundershowers 30 Hua Hin: Cloudy with showers, clearing, but returning later in the day. 30 Much the same over the weekend . AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-07-17 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Rice Department Scandal: Five Charged with Extortion File photo for referece only. Source: Wikimedia Police have completed their investigation into a high-profile extortion case, involving the Director-General of Thailand’s Rice Department, Nattakit Kongthip. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333128-thai-rice-department-scandal-five-charged-with-extortion/

Police have completed their investigation into a high-profile extortion case, involving the Director-General of Thailand’s Rice Department, Nattakit Kongthip. They have forwarded the extensive case file, totalling 11 folders and 4,490 pages, to the Office of the Attorney General for further review. Five individuals are charged with extorting 1.5 million baht from Nattakit, involving allegations of corruption and abuse of power. The investigation, led by Deputy Commander of the Crime Suppression Division, Police Colonel Anek Taosupap, concluded that the accused allegedly forced Nattakit to pay the sum between December 20 and January 26. These incidents reportedly took place across various noteworthy locations, such as the Parliament, the Rice Department in Chatuchak, Bangkok, and Lat Sawai in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani. The accused, including the well-known figure Yoswarit Chooklom, also known as Jeng Dokjik, have been charged with abusing their positions as state officials, unlawfully accepting money or benefits, and using threats to coerce others into providing these benefits. Jeng Dokjik firmly denied the allegations, stating, “I am not part of an extortion gang. If I am guilty, I will face the consequences.” Another accused, Srisuwan Janya, also denied any involvement, claiming to be unaware of the suspicious money, which he discarded. Srisuwan insists he is being targeted to halt his calls for further investigations. Prosecutors now hold the responsibility to decide the next legal steps based on the 4,490 pages of collected evidence. The Crime Suppression Division, under Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, arrested the suspects, who have been under scrutiny since January 27 and were formally charged on February 15. The other accused individuals include 34-year-old Pimnattha Jiraputthipak, 47-year-old Ekalak Waree, and 43-year-old Napatchapapa Janya, all facing similar serious charges. This high-profile case continues to unfold, drawing significant public and media attention, as the judicial process moves forward. TOP: File photo for referece only. Source: Wikimedia -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Electrical Transformer Explosion Leaves Foreign Tourist Stuck in Pattaya Condo Elevator By Adam Judd Pattaya-Late last night, at approximately 11:30 p.m., an electrical transformer explosion caused chaos in a luxury condominium in Pattaya. A young female foreign tourist found themselves trapped inside an elevator for over 20 minutes as a result of the incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333127-electrical-transformer-explosion-leaves-foreign-tourist-stuck-in-pattaya-condo-elevator/

Pattaya-Late last night, at approximately 11:30 p.m., an electrical transformer explosion caused chaos in a luxury condominium in Pattaya. A young female foreign tourist found herself trapped inside an elevator for over 20 minutes as a result of the incident. The condominium, located in Soi 16, Na Kluea, Banglamung District, Chonburi Province, has a total of eight floors. Residents and condo officials rallied to assist the stranded tourist, working diligently to pry open the elevator door on the ground floor. Inside the elevator was a young female tourist, about 25-30 years old. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Retirement Lottery Receives Thai Cabinet Approval Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The government's draft plan to initiate a pension lottery has received cabinet approval, marking a significant development for future retirees across the nation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333125-retirement-lottery-receives-thai-cabinet-approval/

The government's draft plan to initiate a pension lottery has received cabinet approval, marking a significant development for future retirees across the nation. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul announced that the National Savings Fund, managed by the Ministry of Finance, will introduce the lottery specifically for its registered members, providing them with an opportunity to win cash prizes. However, before the lottery kicks off, an amendment to the National Savings Fund Act must be passed in parliament. The pension lottery is set to run weekly every Friday. It will feature five First Prizes valued at one million baht each and 10,000 Second Prizes worth 1,000 baht each, bringing excitement to thousands of hopeful participants. The tickets, priced at 50 baht each, will be available for purchase 24/7 through the National Savings Fund's dedicated app. In a bid to promote prudent financial habits, there's a monthly cap on ticket purchases: no member can spend more than 3,000 baht on the lottery. This measure aims to prevent excessive spending while still allowing a fair opportunity for all participants. Importantly, the design of the lottery ensures a win-win situation for its participants. Any funds used to buy tickets, alongside other contributions, will be refunded to them upon retirement at 60, regardless of any lottery wins. This ensures that participants' savings are preserved and will be available to support them in their golden years. Membership to the National Savings Fund is open to Thai citizens between the ages of 15 and 59 who do not currently receive government pensions or social security benefits. Members can contribute up to 13,200 baht annually, bolstering their retirement savings. This innovative lottery scheme is seen as a step forward in enhancing retirement security, offering both excitement and financial stability for future retirees. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

10% of Thais Engage in Heavy Drinking, Report Finds Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand A recent report by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has uncovered a worrying trend: about 10% of Thailand's population, which translates to roughly 5.73 million individuals, have engaged in heavy drinking over the past year. Regions in the North and Northeast hold the highest rates of excessive alcohol consumption. Full. story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333124-10-of-thais-engage-in-heavy-drinking-report-finds/

A recent report by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) has uncovered a worrying trend: about 10% of Thailand's population, which translates to roughly 5.73 million individuals, have engaged in heavy drinking over the past year. Regions in the North and Northeast hold the highest rates of excessive alcohol consumption. Alarmingly, this trend has made alcohol the second primary cause of death in Thailand, just behind smoking. The report highlights significant health risks associated with heavy drinking, most notably liver diseases. These include hepatitis, fatty liver infiltration, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer, driven by elevated liver enzymes signaling abnormal liver function. The World Health Organization's December 2023 AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) reinforced the severity of this issue. It found that over 31% of participants were at heightened risk of liver disease. Among these at-risk individuals, nearly 25% had abnormal liver enzyme levels upon consenting to liver function tests. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, Director of ThaiHealth, emphasized the critical need to curb alcohol consumption to minimise liver damage. Symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the eyes, jaundice, and discomfort under the right rib cage signal severe liver damage, potentially leading to cirrhosis if untreated. Despite the grave findings, there is a silver lining. The liver's innate ability to heal itself provides hope. According to ThaiHealth, ceasing alcohol consumption can allow the liver to recover within one to three months, restoring normal function. This report underscores the essential need for public health interventions to reduce alcohol consumption and highlights the significant impact lifestyle changes can have on liver health and overall mortality rates in Thailand. Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Teen Brutally Attacked by Ex-Boyfriend in Chon Buri Photo via Workpoint News CHON BURI - A 17-year-old girl, known as A, was brutally attacked by her ex-boyfriend. The frenzied assault, involving a knife, led to severe injuries, including the amputation of her ears and a finger. Her mother, Malisorn, is now fervently seeking justice and compensation for her daughter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333123-teen-brutally-attacked-by-ex-boyfriend-in-chon-buri/

Photo via Workpoint News CHON BURI - A 17-year-old girl, known as A, was brutally attacked by her ex-boyfriend. The frenzied assault, involving a knife, led to severe injuries, including the amputation of her ears and a finger. Her mother, Malisorn, is now fervently seeking justice and compensation for her daughter. A’s ordeal began after she moved from Rayong to Chon Buri to live in a dormitory and continue her studies. She started dating her attacker, a fellow student, and eventually moved into his family home. However, when she discovered his infidelity and tried to break off the relationship, he refused to let go and began stalking her. The situation escalated on May 3 when he discovered her communicating with a male friend. Infuriated by her attempts to end the relationship, the ex-boyfriend attacked A with a knife, delivering cuts to her forehead, head, and hands as she tried to defend herself. The vicious assault led to torn hand tendons, a missing right little finger, a fractured skull, brain bleeding, and severed ears. Fortunately, doctors managed to reattach her ears and finger. Yet, A had to endure 18-19 days in hospital, with no support from her ex-boyfriend's family during that time. Adding to the family's anguish, A’s mother had to quit her job and borrow a significant amount of money to cover her daughter's treatment costs, totalling 200,000 baht. She had already managed to pay 50,000 baht but sought the attacker’s family to shoulder the remaining expenses. Malisorn also claimed that Sriracha Police Station officers treated her unfairly, refusing to press additional charges or facilitate compensation from the criminal’s parents. Initially, the police appeared dismissive, suggesting that an attempted murder charge was sufficient. However, the story’s prominence in Thai media pressured the authorities to reconsider their stance. Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, founder of the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive, plans to take the case to the Ministry of Justice to seek compensation from the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection. -- 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

6 Vietnamese found dead of suspected poisoning at hotel in central Bangkok Six Vietnamese nationals, three men and three women, were found dead of suspected poisoning in a room in a hotel in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong shopping district on Tuesday night. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was seen arriving at the hotel where the bodies were found. According to an initial police report, four died at a dining table and the two others in the bedroom. The bodies have been taken to the Chulalongkorn Hospital for autopsy. There were no signs of struggle. Tea and coffee cups were found to have been used. Police said that the room was being used by the occupants to pack their luggage before checking out. A tour guide has been taken to Lumpini police station for questioning. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Iranian man and Thai wife murdered in Pattaya restaurant by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online A relative’s dream led to the discovery of the murder of an Iranian man and his Thai wife at their restaurant in Pattaya. The bodies of Mojtaba Ghanbariazad, a 64 year old Iranian, and his Thai wife, Thanaporn Poonprakone, were found in their bedroom on the second floor of their Iranian restaurant yesterday, July 16. Ghanbariazad was lying half-naked in his bedroom. His penis was reportedly swollen. Thanaporn’s body was on the bed and was covered with a blanket. The details of wounds and bruises on her body were not included in the police report. A hammer was found on the floor near her body. Thanaporn’s relative, Phan, revealed to Channel 7 that he dreamt about Thanaporn. In the dream, Thanaporn asked him for help saying she could not get out of her restaurant. He came to check on her at the place and found it was locked. Unable to contact Thanaporn, Phan sought help from Mueang Pattaya Police Station officers to force entry into the restaurant leading to the discovery of their dead bodies. Phan suspected that the couple’s Burmese employee, 21 year old Min, was the murderer. He anticipated that the conflict might be related to the late salary payment or physical punishment as the Iranian man usually beat Min for being slow at work. Thanaporn’s friend, 27 year old Krittaporn, told Channel 7 that the couple engaged in a heated argument with the Burmese employer on July 11 before the Burmese man left the restaurant on the couple’s motorcycle. She did not suspect anything until her friend’s relative arrived and told her about his dream. Channel 7 reported that the reporter team managed to obtain CCTV footage near the restaurant which showed that the Burmese suspect parked a motorcycle outside the restaurant at about 11.19pm on July 11. The media did not reveal further details displayed on the footage to the public. Police are now questioning business operators and residents in the area and ensuring to bring the murderer to justice. Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 17 July 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1333121-thailand-live-wednesday-17-july-2024/

Iranian man and his Thai wife murdered in Pattaya Photo: The Pattaya News A 64-year-old man from Iran and his Thai wife were brutally killed in their restaurant in Pattaya on July 16th, 2024. This devastating news was reported to the Pattaya Police Station around 12:06 PM by Pol. Col. Navin Thirawit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333104-double-homicide-shocks-pattaya-restaurant-owners-found-dead/

Six Vietnamese individuals were discovered dead inside a Bangkok hotel room on Tuesday evening, leading to a police investigation. Six Vietnamese Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel Room Photo courtesy: X@Ittipat_tv via Daily Mail Online Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333115-six-vietnamese-found-dead-in-bangkok-hotel-room/

UPDATE: 6 Vietnamese nationals found dead at hotel in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Six Vietnamese nationals mysteriously died today at a luxury hotel in Bangkok after allegedly drinking tea and coffee mixed with poison. Police believe there may be a seventh Vietnamese but that individual has not been located. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333115-six-vietnamese-found-dead-in-bangkok-hotel-room/?do=findComment&comment=19070363

6 Vietnamese nationals found dead at hotel in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Six Vietnamese nationals mysteriously died today at a luxury hotel in Bangkok after allegedly drinking tea and coffee mixed with poison. Police believe there may be a seventh Vietnamese but that individual has not been located. The deaths of the six foreigners were reported to the Metropolitan Police Bureau at approximately 7.30pm today, July 16. They were reportedly found lifeless in the same room on the sixth floor of the luxury hotel near the Ratchaprasong intersection. The name of the hotel has not yet been confirmed, but some news agencies reported that it was the five-star Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. According to a report on Brick Info TV, they were scheduled to check out today, and all of their belongings were packed up ready to leave. Several Thai news agencies initially reported that all of the foreigners had died in a shooting. However, police later confirmed that there were no traces of fighting or struggling found at the scene. The Commander of the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Teeradate Thammasutee, arrived at the scene at about 8.30pm. Teeradate reported that all of the deceased were Vietnamese nationals, and two of them also held American citizenship. They are identified as below: Sherine Chong (56 years old) Hung Dang Van (55 years old) Thi Nguyen Phuong Lan (47 years old) Hong Pham Thanh (49 years old) Dinh Tran Phu (37 years old) Thi Nguyen Phuong (46 years old) According to Teeradate, police suspected that the victims were poisoned, as leftover tea and coffee were found at the scene. However, officers will transfer the bodies to the Police General Hospital for a thorough autopsy. Regarding the motive for the murders, officers believe it might be related to a business or personal conflict among the deceased. Another possibility is that the deaths were a sacrifice to some cult. The Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Torsak Sukvimol, arrived at the scene at about 8.30pm. According to Torsak, each Vietnamese individual arrived in Thailand at different times and entered the country on tourist visas. The investigation into the cause and motive of their deaths continues. More to follow. Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

BREAKING Six Vietnamese Found Dead in Bangkok Hotel Room Photo courtesy: X@Ittipat_tv via Daily Mail Online Six Vietnamese individuals were discovered dead inside a Bangkok hotel room on Tuesday evening, leading to a police investigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333115-six-vietnamese-found-dead-in-bangkok-hotel-room/