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Thai fugitive’s train escape ends with Kathu condo arrest by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News A daring train escape in Nakhon Si Thammarat ended in the capture of a fugitive in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341116-thai-fugitive’s-train-escape-ends-with-kathu-condo-arrest/

A daring train escape in Nakhon Si Thammarat ended in the capture of a fugitive in Phuket. On the run after fleeing police custody, the fugitive, identified as Ekkachai, was finally nabbed at a swanky condo on Tuesday, October 15, bringing a thrilling two-week manhunt to a close. Ekkachai, originally detained on five arrest warrants for property crimes in Hat Yai, pulled off a jaw-dropping escape on October 3. He was being transported by train under the watchful eye of Region 9 Police when he asked to use the toilet. Seizing the opportunity, he jumped from the moving train in Ron Phibun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and vanished into thin air. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through its Crime Suppression Division (CSD), revealed in a report yesterday, October 17 that Ekkachai contacted his girlfriend after his escape, tricking her into picking him up. But in a shocking twist, he stole her car and fled to Baan Na San district, leaving her to file a complaint. This led to yet another arrest warrant being issued. Police finally tracked him down to the dcondo Creek building in Phuket’s Kathu area, where CSD Division 5 officers swooped in and made the arrest. Ekkachai has since been returned to Ron Phibun Police Station, where he faces further legal proceedings, reported Phuket News. In related news, police apprehended a fugitive on the island of Koh Samui who had been evading capture for 19 years. The 47 year old suspect was only one year away from the statute of limitations expiring for his crimes. Police, under the direction of Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridech, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and led by Major General Montri Theskhan, Colonel Phongpanot Chukaew, and Lieutenant Colonel Thanakorn Uchanarasamee, executed the arrest. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-19

Rubbed the wrong way: New hire turns thief at Phuket massage shop by of Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ An owner of a massage shop in the Patong area of Phuket offered a job to an unemployed woman, who later turned thief and stole money and valuables from the shop on her second day of work. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341115-rubbed-the-wrong-way-new-hire-turns-thief-at-phuket-massage-shop/

An owner of a massage shop in the Patong area of Phuket offered a job to an unemployed woman, who later turned thief and stole money and valuables from the shop on her second day of work. The owner took to social media to issue a warning to other shops and expose the thieving behaviour of her former employee. She shared security camera footage of the theft with the Phuket Times, which clearly showed the identity of the female thief. In the video, the suspect is seen carrying a bag containing the stolen items and cash as she left the massage shop at night. She opened the front door of the shop very slowly and made her escape. The shop owner revealed to the media that the female thief arrived at her shop seeking employment. She claimed to be from the southern province of Songkhla and said she had no personal documents with her but was desperate for a job. The thief shared her difficult life story with the owner, explaining that she had the heavy burden of supporting her entire family in Songkhla. She added that she had experience in massage therapy and possessed a certificate, though she did not bring it with her on the day. Feeling sorry for her, the owner eventually hired the woman as a masseuse. The woman promised to ask her family to send her ID card, house registration, and massage certificate later, after she began working. Everything went well on her first day but the new employee quickly revealed her true colours on the second day. She stole cash and valuables from the shop at night and fled. The value of the stolen items was not disclosed. A Thai woman, commenting on the post, identified herself as the daughter of the shop owner. She mentioned that she and her mother only knew the woman as someone who previously sold flowers outside Illuzion Bar in the Bangla area of Phuket. She also stated that this thief committed similar crimes in other shops before. by of Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-19

Ex-police chief accuses lawyer and dead cop of extortion by Petch Petpailin Photo via Thua Thai News A former chief of police in the southern province of Songkhla filed a lawsuit against a lawyer and a dead cop for extorting more than 10 million baht from him and another police officer in August 2018 and April 2019. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341113-ex-police-chief-accuses-lawyer-and-dead-cop-of-extortion/

A former chief of police in the southern province of Songkhla filed a lawsuit against a lawyer and a dead cop for extorting more than 10 million baht from him and another police officer in August 2018 and April 2019. The former superintendent of a local police station in Songkhla, Police Colonel Surapong Kittithirangkul, complained to the lawyer, identified as Ch., and the late Police Captain W. at Thung Tam Sao Police Station in the Hat Yai district yesterday, October 17. Surapong divided the extortion into two cases. The first case involved the former head of the patrol officers at Hat Yai Police Station in August 2018, and the second case involved himself in April 2019. In the first case, Surapong explained that the head of the patrol officers arrested a Thai man after drugs were found in his system. However, the prosecutor dismissed the case, allowing the suspect to avoid legal punishment. Following this, lawyer Ch. and Police Captain W. accused the patrol police head of issuing a false charge against the man. This matter gained significant attention from the media and local community, leading to a thorough investigation into the patrol officer. The lawyer and the deceased police officer then demanded 5 million baht from the patrol police head in exchange for halting the legal proceedings and ending the media coverage. However, the patrol police head refused to pay and chose to proceed with the legal process, which ultimately led to the court dismissing the case. In the second case, which Surapong experienced personally, he explained that he was sued for alleged adultery. The lawyer and the deceased police officer then leaked the matter to the media and public, even though he maintained his innocence and the case was still under investigation. The lawyer and Police Captain W. demanded between 10 and 20 million baht from Surapong to put an end to the situation. He had not paid the amount by the time the court dismissed the case, clearing him of any wrongdoing. Although these incidents occurred a few years ago, and one of the officers has since passed away, Surapong still wishes for both to be charged for conspiring to extort another person. Tung Tham Sao Police Station has accepted the complaint and has promised to handle the case justly for all parties involved. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Thua Thai News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-19

Australian Tourist Crashes Pickup Truck into Pattaya Drugstore By Adam Judd Pattaya City - At 4:30 a.m. on October 19th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Apinan Srithongrungthip, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of the Banglamung Police Station, was alerted to a pickup truck accident that caused significant damage in Nongprue, near Pattaya. The incident occurred in front of the Sukun Piem drugstore on Soi Khao Talo. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341111-australian-tourist-crashes-pickup-truck-into-pattaya-drugstore/

Pattaya City - At 4:30 a.m. on October 19th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Apinan Srithongrungthip, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) of the Banglamung Police Station, was alerted to a pickup truck accident that caused significant damage in Nongprue, near Pattaya. The incident occurred in front of the Sukun Piem drugstore on Soi Khao Talo. Upon arrival, authorities found a black Ford Ranger with Chonburi license plates that had crashed into a local drugstore. The vehicle then veered into a hotel building and collided with a parked sedan, leaving the front of the truck severely damaged with broken wheels. The driver, identified only as Mr. Pilarinos, a 47-year-old Australian, sustained minor injuries, while his girlfriend, who wasn’t identified, also in the vehicle, was uninjured. Initially, the unidentified girlfriend claimed to be the driver, stating that she was inexperienced and caused the crash. However, a witness and photos taken from bystanders confirmed she was actually not driving, leading her to admit that the Mr. Pilarinos was actually the person behind the wheel. She also acknowledged they had been drinking alcohol prior to the accident, said Police Lt. Apinan. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-10-19

Foreign 'Mafia' Harass Tourists in Pattaya, Taunt Local Police Picture courtesy: Daily News In Pattaya, tensions are rising as foreign mafia members have been harassing restaurant customers and showing blatant disregard for the law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341109-foreign-mafia-harass-tourists-in-pattaya-taunt-local-police/

In Pattaya, tensions are rising as foreign mafia members have been harassing restaurant customers and showing blatant disregard for the law. The latest incident occurred in Soi Pattaya Tai 17, where a foreign man, believed to be of Burmese origin, regularly enters a restaurant demanding money from tourists. When confronted by the restaurant owner, Ms. Saipirun (surname withheld), the man arrogantly replied that he was asking the customers, not her, showing no respect for the local business. Ms. Saipirun explained that this individual has been coming to her restaurant daily, causing discomfort among the patrons. “When I asked him to leave, he just shrugged it off,” she said. “He claimed that he wasn’t afraid of anyone, including the police.” On one occasion, she threatened to call the police, but the man confidently retorted that he wasn’t afraid of the authorities and encouraged her to call them. Local residents have also expressed their frustration regarding the ongoing harassment. A concerned Facebook user recently posted about the situation, asking if any agencies could take serious action against foreign beggars who not only request money but also display inappropriate behaviour. Many have reported similar experiences, noting that these individuals often approach tourists with aggressive tactics, shouting and demanding money in a manner that leaves visitors feeling unsafe. This isn’t an isolated incident. There have been reports of foreign beggars acting like mafia in the area, intimidating both locals and tourists. They often appear intoxicated, shouting for money or food, and have been known to grab doors in an attempt to force entry. Picture courtesy: Daily News Residents recount instances where these individuals aggressively approached diners, particularly at night, causing alarm for both locals and foreign visitors. Despite the frequent harassment, law enforcement has been unable to effectively address the issue. Some locals feel that the police are not taking the situation seriously enough, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unprotected. The ongoing presence of these individuals has led to a decline in the sense of security in what is traditionally a vibrant tourist hub. Local residents and business owners are urging the authorities to take immediate action to resolve the problem and restore safety in Pattaya, a popular global tourist destination. They are calling for increased police presence in the area and a crackdown on these foreign mafia groups to ensure that Pattaya remains a safe and welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike, reported Daily News. TOP Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-10-19

iCon Group Execs Still Stressed, No Smiles: Department of Corrections File photo The Department of Corrections has reported that executives from "The iCon Group," currently detained, remain visibly stressed, showing no signs of smiling. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341105-icon-group-execs-still-stressed-no-smiles-department-of-corrections/

File photo The Department of Corrections has reported that executives from "The iCon Group," currently detained, remain visibly stressed, showing no signs of smiling. The Criminal Court previously denied bail for all 18 company executives, including three actors, who face charges of public fraud and submitting false or misleading information into a computer system. On 18 October, the Department of Corrections confirmed that the detainees had undergone medical and mental health checks. Those with pre-existing conditions have been permitted to continue using prescribed medications. The detainees are currently in a five-day quarantine to prevent the spread of respiratory infections. The final detainee, Mr. Ratthapol Voratayavarakul, also known as Boss Paul, has now been taken into custody at Bangkok Remand Prison. All 18 detainees can communicate with their lawyers and investigators online. Family visits will be allowed after the quarantine period if no infections are detected. The detainees are under close supervision and have been observed to be stressed, with less frequent communication, which is typical when adjusting to a new environment. Male detainees are required to have their hair trimmed short, while female detainees may keep their hair long but must tie it neatly. After quarantine, they will be assigned to respective holding areas until further court decisions are made, reported Daily News. -- 2024-10-19

Thai Customs Seize Unlicensed Goods and Obscene Materials Worth ฿40.7M Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Thailand's Customs Department seized unlicensed goods and obscene materials worth over ฿40.7 million, according to Panthong Loikulnan, an advisor on tax administration and the department's spokesperson. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341103-thai-customs-seize-unlicensed-goods-and-obscene-materials-worth-฿407m/

Thailand's Customs Department seized unlicensed goods and obscene materials worth over ฿40.7 million, according to Panthong Loikulnan, an advisor on tax administration and the department's spokesperson. This action follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s policy to crack down on illegal imports, including substandard goods, to protect public safety. The Ministry of Finance, under Deputy Prime Minister Phichai Chunhavichit and Deputy Finance Minister Julphan Amornwiwat, has directed customs officials to intensify enforcement. Customs Director-General Teerachai Attanawanich has consistently instructed officers to focus on preventing such goods from entering the country. Recent seizures include 169,000 LED light bulbs from China worth ฿549,492, which lacked required certification from the Industrial Product Standards Office (TISI). The confiscation followed a court-authorised warehouse raid. On 10th October, a joint operation with the Bangkok Customs Office and Fisheries Department led to the inspection of a suspicious container. Inside, officials found 10 tonnes of dried shark and stingray parts worth ฿40 million, in violation of various customs and wildlife protection laws, reported Siam Rath. On 17th October, Nakhon Phanom customs officers seized 400 male sex toys worth ฿200,000, which were smuggled to avoid taxes and legal restrictions. Customs officials will continue enforcing compliance with customs and related laws. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath -- 2024-10-19

iCon Group Fraud: 2,170 Victims Report 841 Million Baht in Losses Picture courtesy: Siam Rath In the ongoing iCon Group case, a total of 2,170 victims have filed complaints over nine days, with reported damages exceeding 841 million Baht. Authorities have seized assets worth B210 million, including 24 vehicles, 51 luxury watches, branded bags, and cash. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341102-icon-group-fraud-2170-victims-report-841-million-baht-in-losses/

In the ongoing iCon Group case, a total of 2,170 victims have filed complaints over nine days, with reported damages exceeding 841 million Baht. Authorities have seized assets worth B210 million, including 24 vehicles, 51 luxury watches, branded bags, and cash. On 18th October, Deputy Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sopon Sarapat, announced that the police are continuing to collect evidence. Investigators are coordinating with economic crime specialists to trace digital assets involved in the fraud. The Deputy Commissioner mentioned that charges could be expanded depending on further evidence, and assets are being thoroughly investigated. Some items have been moved, potentially leading to money laundering charges. Additionally, authorities are examining any use of nominees pretending to be victims. If the case qualifies as a special investigation, it may be transferred to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Currently, no money laundering charges have been brought against the 18 suspects, but investigations are ongoing with the involvement of the Attorney General’s Office and the Food and Drug Administration. Investigations also continue into bribery allegations linked to politicians, overseen by Pol. Maj. Gen. Jaroonkiat Pankaew. Further updates are expected, reported Siam Rath. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath -- 2024-10-19

Man Swept Away by Floodwaters near Pattaya Found Dead After Search By Aim Tanakorn Banglamung — A Thai man was swept away by floodwaters in Banglamung district while trying to push his bicycle through a flooded underpass, leading to a search that ended with the discovery of his body the next day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341099-man-swept-away-by-floodwaters-near-pattaya-found-dead-after-search/

Banglamung — A Thai man was swept away by floodwaters in Banglamung district while trying to push his bicycle through a flooded underpass, leading to a search that ended with the discovery of his body the next day. On October 17th, Banglamung police were notified by local residents that a body had been found floating face down in Khlong Baanna in the Banglamung district of Chonburi province. The body was wearing a black shirt and black shorts and is believed to have been deceased for at least 24 hours. According to the police, the man was likely the individual last seen being swept away by strong floodwaters while attempting to push his bicycle through a flooded underpass near Khlong Baanna on October 16th. Despite warnings from nearby teenagers, the man entered the fast-moving waters and was pulled in before disappearing in front of the witnesses. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-10-19

No Thai Workers Held by Hamas, Says Parliament Secretary Picture courtesy: Thai Rath On 18th October 2024, at Parliament House, Mr. Mook Sulaiman, Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed ongoing confusion regarding the status of eight Thai workers believed to be held by Hamas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341098-no-thai-workers-held-by-hamas-says-parliament-secretary/

On 18th October 2024, at Parliament House, Mr. Mook Sulaiman, Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed ongoing confusion regarding the status of eight Thai workers believed to be held by Hamas. He confirmed that there are no longer any Thai workers in Hamas custody but admitted that their current whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Sulaiman emphasized that no Thai workers remain as hostages. Mr. Sulaiman also voiced strong opposition to a recent proposal by some academics who suggested that the Thai government request weapons from Israel to arm Thai workers still in the region for self-defence. He warned that such a move could have serious consequences. If Thai workers were found with weapons, they might be mistaken for mercenaries rather than agricultural workers, potentially damaging Thailand’s reputation. The Secretary urged the government to carefully consider all proposals before implementing any measures. He stressed that both short- and long-term actions must be weighed thoroughly, reported Thai Rath. As for Thai workers choosing to stay in Israel, Mr. Sulaiman advised them to leave high-risk areas. However, he acknowledged that Israel is a small country, and most areas are at risk, even if active conflict has not yet reached them. He called on all parties, especially those working in Israel or planning to do so, to carefully weigh the risks for their safety. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-10-19

EC considers petition to dissolve Pheu Thai over Thaksin's influence The Election Commission (EC) agreed today to consider a petition seeking the dissolution of the Pheu Thai party, for allowing Thaksin Shinawatra, an outsider, to control the party. EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee stated in a press conference that the Commission found the complaint to have merit and will set up an investigative panel. The investigation is expected to conclude in 30 days, but it may be extended for up to 30 days at a time until it is completed. The complaint was filed on August 19 and the petitioner, who requested anonymity, claims that Pheu Thai has, on several occasions, allowed a non-member to direct the party’s activities. Full story: Thai PBS -- 2024-10-19

Indian Tourists Spark Outrage for Littering into Sea at North Pattaya Beach By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A group of Indian tourists sparked outrage online from Thai netizenw after being caught littering into the sea at North Pattaya Beach, despite warnings by a nearby local resident to stop. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341096-indian-tourists-spark-outrage-for-littering-into-sea-at-north-pattaya-beach/

Pattaya — A group of Indian tourists sparked outrage online from Thai netizenw after being caught littering into the sea at North Pattaya Beach, despite warnings by a nearby local resident to stop. An online uproar erupted after TikTok user @yotin224 posted a video showing a group of foreign tourists, identified by the video owner as Indian, drinking and throwing bottles into the sea at North Pattaya Beach. The group, consisting of three men, continued to throw garbage into the sea, despite being warned in English by the video owner to stop. This prompted the local to film the incident as evidence and threaten to call the police, forcing the tourists to eventually leave the scene. However, they reportedly mocked the local and laughed at him before leaving. According to Mr. Yothin, the person who filmed the video, he saw the Indian tourists throwing bottles into the sea and approached them to warn them. He politely told them in English not to litter, but they ignored his warning and continued their behavior. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-10-19

New Species of Crocodile Newt Discovered in Tak Province by Sarut Cotasin TAK (NNT) - A new species of crocodile newt, Tylototriton soimalai, has been discovered on Doi Soi Malai in Tak Province, Thailand. This discovery was made by a collaborative team from Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, Kyoto University, researchers from other institutions, and the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary. The findings were published in the prestigious international journal ZooKeys. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341095-new-species-of-crocodile-newt-discovered-in-tak-province/

TAK (NNT) - A new species of crocodile newt, Tylototriton soimalai, has been discovered on Doi Soi Malai in Tak Province, Thailand. This discovery was made by a collaborative team from Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, Kyoto University, researchers from other institutions, and the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary. The findings were published in the prestigious international journal ZooKeys. The research, led by Associate Professors Dr. Porrawee Pomchote and Dr. Wichase Khonsue of Chulalongkorn University, involved a field survey at an elevation of 1,500 meters. The new species, named in honor of Doi Soi Malai, has distinctive physical traits, including a head that is longer than it is wide and black-and-orange coloration. Molecular analysis of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene confirmed that this species is genetically distinct, with its closest relative being Tylototriton uyenoi. The genetic difference between the two species is 4.1%. Currently, this species is only known to inhabit the Doi Soi Malai area within the Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary. Given its restricted range and the crucial role of roadside waterholes during its breeding season, researchers stress the importance of conserving the habitat to protect this new species from human disturbances. Crocodile newts are amphibians closely related to frogs, toads, and salamanders. They have elongated bodies, long tails, and both front and hind legs. Their skin is dry and rough, with rows of glandular knobs, and they lay eggs in water. Larvae develop in aquatic environments with external gills that shrink or disappear as they mature and move onto land. by Sarut Cotasin Source: NNT -- 2024-10-19