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A Russian man tragically drowned on June 16th after swimming in rough seas at Surin Beach in Phuket, defying a red flag warning signalling dangerous conditions. The incident unfolded around 3 PM when 64-year-old Aleksei Apostolov entered the water alone, despite visible warnings of strong waves. Thai lifeguards, keeping a vigilant eye on the situation, acted promptly, pulling him from the turbulent waters and immediately initiating CPR. Without delay, officers from Cherngtalay Police Station and rescuers rushed to the scene. Despite their best efforts and en route attempts to revive Apostolov while transporting him to Thalang Hospital, he succumbed during the transfer. Reports indicate that Apostolov may not have noticed or chose to ignore the red flags that caution swimmers against entering the water under such hazardous conditions. Lifeguards did not specify whether attempts were made to warn him directly before he entered the sea. This incident is a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and the importance of heeding safety warnings. It follows a similar tragic event at Nai Harn Beach in Phuket last week, where an American man’s body was recovered after he was swept away by strong waves while swimming with his son. The son was rescued by Thai lifeguards and survived. Other recent incidents in Thailand underscore the perils of water-related activities. In May, a 74-year-old Austrian man drowned in a Pattaya condominium pool, and security guards' attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Additionally, two siblings tragically drowned in the Mekong River in Nong Khai, with an elder brother’s brave rescue attempt for his sibling also ending in tragedy. These incidents collectively highlight the critical importance of water safety and adherence to posted warnings, particularly for tourists unfamiliar with local conditions. Picture via Facebook/ Speednews ภูเก็ต -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chumphon Tour Bus Crash Leaves Two Dead, Many Injured Picture courtesy: Siam News A tour bus and a truck carrying rubber wood logs collided yesterday, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The collision took place in Chumphon province, causing significant disruption and distress. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329948-chumphon-tour-bus-crash-leaves-two-dead-many-injured/

A tour bus and a truck carrying rubber wood logs collided yesterday, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The collision took place in Chumphon province, causing significant disruption and distress. Police Lieutenant Colonel Somboon Phumkajorn of Tha Sae Police Station reported the incident happened at 10.30 pm. The tour bus, operated by Sombat Tour travelling from Bangkok to Ranong, collided with a Hino truck at a U-turn on Phetkasem Road, near the Khao Phang Highway Police Station in Tha Kham subdistrict, Tha Sae district, Chumphon province. Emergency services from Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital, Tha Sae Hospital, Thonburi-Chumphon Hospital, and rescue units from Chumphon Charitable Foundation rushed to the bus crash. The bus had 28 people on board, including 24 passengers, two drivers, and two hostesses. The front of the bus was destroyed, with debris and rubber wood logs scattered across the road. The bus driver, identified as Thanakorn Uang-ngan, was found deceased at the wheel, crushed during the impact. A female bus hostess, seated near the front, also succumbed to her injuries. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutters to extract the bodies from the wreckage. Further investigation revealed two Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks were involved in the aftermath of the collision. The first, driven by 45-year-old Sornchat Setthaphakinkin, a resident of Nakatam subdistrict, Chumphon, collided with the rear of the tour bus after the crash. The second, another Isuzu D-Max, was unable to brake in time and crashed into the first pick-up truck. The drivers of both pick-up trucks were unharmed. The 42-year-old truck driver, Manoch Noijiew, transporting the rubber wood logs from Pakchan subdistrict, Kra Buri district, Ranong to Trang province, stated he had signalled properly before making the U-turn to refuel. “I had given all the necessary signals but as I was making the U-turn, I heard a loud crash.” Sornchat, the driver of the first pick-up truck, explained he was travelling in the left lane at a normal speed of approximately 80 kilometres per hour. “The accident happened very quickly. The bus collided with the truck, and the next thing I knew, there was a wheel blocking my path.” Police are currently gathering witness statements and physical evidence from the scene to determine the exact cause of the bus crash. The exact number of injured individuals is still being verified, with many having been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Picture courtesy: Siam News -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Red-shirts rally at court to support Thaksin amid lese majeste case by Ryan Turner Image: AP/Sakchai Lalit Supporters of the red-shirt movement are set to gather at the Criminal Court tomorrow morning to show their support for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is due to hear the Office of the Attorney-General’s (OAG) decision on a lese majeste case against him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329947-red-shirts-rally-at-court-to-support-thaksin-amid-lese-majeste-case/

Supporters of the red-shirt movement are set to gather at the Criminal Court tomorrow morning to show their support for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is due to hear the Office of the Attorney-General’s (OAG) decision on a lese majeste case against him. Despite reports indicating that the 74 year old Thaksin will not be present at the court, as he has been admitted to hospital again, the plan for the rally remains in place. Leader of the red-shirt movement and a former Pheu Thai MP for Samut Prakan, Worachai Hema labelled the lese majeste case against Thaksin a miscarriage of justice. He attributed the case to the actions of the now-defunct National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), which he argued came to power through undemocratic means. Worachai announced that red-shirt supporters would gather at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road from 7am tomorrow to show their respect and support for Thaksin. They will also call for the dismissal of cases initiated by the NCPO, as the council’s authority lacked democratic legitimacy. As the rally plans were revealed, Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom predicted Thaksin would not appear at the court, citing information from a credible source that Thaksin had been hospitalised. Warong did not specify how long Thaksin might remain in the hospital but suggested the hospitalisation was linked to the OAG appointment scheduled for tomorrow. “Last time on May 29, he did not show up. This time the attorney-general made an appointment with him on June 18 but my source told me he was recently admitted to a hospital. That means he’s trying to buy time.” Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan echoed Warong’s perspective, suggesting Thaksin would either claim illness again or flee the country. Nonetheless, Jatuporn urged Thaksin to face the OAG. “I want Thaksin to remember the protests in the past, where many people sacrificed their freedom and lives for him. Now that he’s back, he’s exploiting everyone who’s been fighting for him for a long time.” The upcoming rally underscores the ongoing political tensions and deep divisions within Thailand, as supporters of Thaksin continue to challenge the legitimacy of the charges against him and the actions of the former NCPO, reported Bangkok Post. by Ryan Turner Image: AP/Sakchai Lalit Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

3,000 Candidates Reach National-Level Senatorial Election by TNR Staff The provincial level senatorial election that took place yesterday, June 16, 2024. Photo: Naewna THE second stage of the senatorial election that took place at the district level nationwide yesterday (June 16) saw 3,000 candidates elected to join the final round scheduled for June 26, Naewna newspaper said this morning (June 17). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329946-3000-candidates-reach-national-level-senatorial-election/

THE second stage of the senatorial election that took place at the district level nationwide yesterday (June 16) saw 3,000 candidates elected to join the final round scheduled for June 26, Naewna newspaper said this morning (June 17). Of the 3,000 candidates who reached the national level voting 2,164 were men and 836 women while 497 did not show up from a total of 23,561 after adding/withdrawing names. Altogether 23,645, 15,078 men and 8,567 women, had moved to the second round but after adding/withdrawing names there remained 23,561, 15,021 men and 8,540 women. However 23,064 candidates showed up to vote yesterday, 14,743 men 8,321 women, and of the 497 who did not show up 278 were men and 219 women. by TNR Staff The provincial level senatorial election that took place yesterday, June 16, 2024. Photo: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

RTN Delivers 154 Tons of Water to Drought-Hit Koh Larn Picture courtesy: Siam Rath The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) vessel HTMS Ravi delivered more than 154 tonnes of fresh water to residents of Koh Larn in Pattaya, addressing an ongoing drought. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329944-rtn-delivers-154-tons-of-water-to-drought-hit-koh-larn/

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) vessel HTMS Ravi delivered approximately 154 tonnes (approximately 154,000 litres) of fresh water to residents of Koh Larn in Pattaya, addressing an ongoing drought. This significant delivery occurred yesterday, prompted by Koh Larn’s struggle with water shortages exacerbated by dry weather and a surge in tourist numbers. In response to complaints from residents and tourists regarding insufficient water supplies, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches sought assistance from the Royal Thai Navy’s Fleet Command 1. “The Pattaya administration acknowledges the challenges faced by Koh Larn residents. Therefore, we approached Fleet Command 1 to facilitate the delivery of water and alleviate this situation.” The delivered water aims to fulfill the immediate needs of Koh Larn residents temporarily. Simultaneously, Pattaya officials are actively pursuing long-term solutions to the island’s water scarcity issues. Meanwhile, in related news, Thailand and China finally wrapped up negotiations on the RTN’s much-anticipated purchase of a Chinese-made S26T Yuan-class submarine. RTN Commander-in-Chief Admiral Adoong Pan-iam announced today that the agreement is now awaiting the final nod from the Thai Cabinet. “If approved, we will promptly amend the deal with the Chinese manufacturer.” Admiral Adoong expects the submarine to be delivered in three years. This advanced vessel will significantly enhance the navy’s capabilities, as it will be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, featuring cutting-edge weaponry. The submarine deal has faced numerous delays due to the RTN’s initial insistence on German-made diesel engines, a requirement detailed in the original procurement contract. However, Germany has refused to supply these engines to China, adhering to the European Union’s boycott of the country. Faced with this roadblock, the RTN has decided to abandon its demand for German engines and will instead use the Chinese-made CHD620 diesel engine. Admiral Adoong is confident that this acquisition will make the Thai public proud. “This is a significant milestone for the RTN. We are acquiring our first submarine, and it may be just the beginning, we could see one or two more in the future.” Picture courtesy: Siam Rath -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Enhances Tourism Safety with Comprehensive Lifeguard Training Picture courtesy: Thai News Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS Phuket) is spearheading a workshop to bolster water tourism safety in the Andaman Tourism Development Zone. The Generation 1 project commenced on June 14 and continues today at the Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa and Sirinat National Park. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329943-phuket-enhances-tourism-safety-with-comprehensive-lifeguard-training/

Phuket’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MoTS Phuket) is spearheading a workshop to bolster water tourism safety in the Andaman Tourism Development Zone. The Generation 1 project commenced on June 14 and continues today at the Nai Yang Beach Resort & Spa and Sirinat National Park. Key attendees include Panlop Prajong, a policy and planning analyst at MoTS Phuket, and Sanansin Chalermmuang from the Phuket branch of the Tourism Council of Thailand. Lifeguards from both the public and private sectors are participating in this comprehensive training. “Phuket Province, as the chair of the Andaman Tourism Development Zone, has received budget allocations from the Office of the Permanent Secretary and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to enhance the safety potential of water tourism within the zone,” said Sanansin. The initiative aims to train personnel involved in tourism to effectively respond to water emergencies and provide life-saving assistance, Sanansin added. “This will efficiently address fundamental issues and maximise effectiveness, ultimately promoting the tourism image of Phuket Province and the Andaman Tourism Development Zone.” The training encompasses surf safety, resuscitation techniques, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Lifeguards receive instruction from Phuket’s Life Saving Thailand School, accredited by the Ministry of Education, on water safety in both pools and natural water sources. Participants undergo theoretical and practical training in basic rescue skills, self-survival techniques, floating and treading water, rip current escape techniques, and basic life support. Training sessions are conducted in both pool and sea environments. Kamonphan Chalermsakulrat, Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office, emphasised the significance of tourism image and tourist safety to the lifeguards. “This comprehensive training program aims to equip lifeguard personnel with the necessary skills to ensure the safety of tourists, thereby enhancing the overall safety and attractiveness of water tourism in the Andaman region.” This training initiative follows the tragic incident involving American expat James Everett du Bois, who was pulled out to sea by a strong rip current at Nai Harn Beach on June 9. His body was found washed ashore the following day. Picture courtesy: Thai News -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ancient Skeletons Revealed: Excavations to Resume Post-Rainy Season Picture courtesy: Thai Post Further archaeological excavation is set to continue at a site in downtown Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, where three ancient human skeletons were discovered last month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329942-ancient-skeletons-revealed-excavations-to-resume-post-rainy-season/

Further archaeological excavation is set to continue at a site in downtown Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, where three ancient human skeletons were discovered last month. The Culture Ministry confirmed that the Fine Arts Department (FAD) will oversee the allocation of funds for the excavation, which is currently paused due to the rainy season. Workers unearthed the skeletons while landscaping near the old eastern moat on Assadang Road, now designated as the Non Pol Lan archaeological site. This site holds the potential for more ancient artefacts to be found. Initial estimates suggest the skeletons are at least 1,500 years old. They have been sent to Kasetsart University for dating via the Optically Stimulated Luminescence method. The skeletons were positioned approximately 1.5 metres apart, accompanied by terra cotta utensils and animal bones. The provincial archaeology office previously stated that these skeletons provide evidence that Nakhon Ratchasima served as a human settlement over 1,500 years ago. The Culture Minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, noted that plans to continue the excavation at Non Pol Lan have been delayed due to frequent rain, which hinders digging activities. Excavation efforts are scheduled to resume in October when the rainy season subsides. The FAD will finance the excavation under the supervision of the Provincial Fine Arts Office 10, though the exact budget has not been disclosed. “We want the site to serve the function of a site museum which can generate economic value for local communities.” In a related development, the FAD announced the relocation of a dharma practice centre from Wat Kok Prasart monastery in Huai Thalang. The centre was built over the ancient Baan Lung Takian stone castle. The Supreme Administrative Court recently reversed a lower Administrative Court’s injunction that had suspended the relocation efforts. Tossaporn Srisaman, director of the provincial fine arts office, expressed concerns that parts of the castle underground might have been damaged during the construction of the centre, due to digging and foundation-laying operations. Picture courtesy: Thai Post -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

EC Pushes for Move Forward Party Dissolution Amid Controversy Picture courtesy: Daily News The Election Commission (EC) has stepped up its legal efforts to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by submitting additional documents to the Constitutional Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329941-ec-pushes-for-move-forward-party-dissolution-amid-controversy/

Thailand's Election Commission (EC) has stepped up its legal efforts to dissolve the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) by submitting additional documents to the Constitutional Court. EC Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee revealed that these documents, delivered yesterday, address critical legal issues regarding the case. Sawaeng affirmed that listing witnesses was superfluous because the court's previous ruling on the MFP's stance concerning the lese-majeste law furnished sufficient grounds for the EC to advance its case against the party. MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon has staunchly criticised the EC's actions, asserting that the dissolution of a political party is a monumental step requiring comprehensive fact-finding and meticulous investigation. He stressed the importance of the EC strictly following the legal procedures laid out in the organic law on political parties, rather than making arbitrary interpretations. In light of the EC's clarification issued on June 13, which faced backlash for allegedly bypassing key procedural steps, Sawaeng commented, "Let’s wait for a ruling from the court." The EC's petition, filed in March, urges the court to disband the MFP based on its ruling from January 31. The court had found that the MFP’s attempts to amend Section 112 suggested a motive to subvert the constitutional monarchy. This ruling underpins the EC's claim that the MFP breached Section 92 of the organic law on political parties, which empowers the court to dissolve any party deemed a threat to the constitutional monarchy. Earlier this month, the court accepted the petition for a hearing. The EC has requested the dissolution of the party, the revocation of the rights of party executives to stand for election, and a decade-long ban on those executives from registering or serving as executives of a new party, as per Sections 92 and 94 of the law. The MFP had suggested amending the lese-majeste law to stipulate that only the Bureau of the Royal Household could file lese-majeste complaints. Currently, any person or group can file such a complaint, obligating police to investigate. The MFP asserts that the existing provision permits politicians and authority figures to misuse the law to quash dissenting opinions. Additionally, the party has called for reduced sentences for lese-majeste convictions, which currently range from three to fifteen years. Courts often cite the gravity of the offence as grounds for denying bail to individuals awaiting trial or appealing their convictions. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Raises Concerns Over Ukrainian Food Security Amid Conflict File photo courtesy: Wikimedia Thailand has voiced concerns about the ongoing disruption of food supply chains due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesman Nikorndej Balandura, highlighted these issues in a recent statement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329940-thailand-raises-concerns-over-ukrainian-food-security-amid-conflict/

Thailand has voiced concerns about the ongoing disruption of food supply chains due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by spokesman Nikorndej Balandura, highlighted these issues in a recent statement. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Russ Jalichandra, emphasized the long-lasting repercussions of the war on agricultural land. He pointed out that the degradation of these lands not only affects immediate food production but also threatens long-term food security. "Thailand is exploring ways to support Ukraine in its capacity-building efforts aimed at reviving and restoring agricultural land," he stated in his remarks. Food security emerged as a critical topic at the two-day Global Peace Summit for Ukraine, held at Burgenstock, Switzerland. Leaders and participants from over 90 countries, including Thailand, converged to discuss the key issues brought about by the ongoing conflict. The summit aimed to find collaborative solutions to these pressing concerns, with food security being a significant point of focus. Russ underscored Thailand's support for initiatives that contribute to global food security during crises, explicitly referencing the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This initiative, though disrupted, exemplifies the cooperative efforts needed to maintain global food supplies. Thailand expressed hope for the return of such initiatives or the development of new strategies to restore food security worldwide. The summit also saw participation from representatives of other Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The collective dialogue underscored the global nature of the food security issue and the need for international cooperation to address the challenges posed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Thailand's proactive stance on the matter marks its commitment to fostering global food security and supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing challenges. The summit's discussions underscored the collective drive to seek sustainable and collaborative solutions for food security in times of crisis. File photo courtesy: Wikimedia -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sweden Pitches Gripen Fighter Jets to Thailand File photo courtesy: Wikipedia SAAB, the renowned aviation and defence company, has made a strong case for selling its state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329939-sweden-pitches-gripen-fighter-jets-to-thailand/

SAAB, the renowned aviation and defence company, has made a strong case for selling its state-of-the-art Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). This comes as Thailand looks to replace its ageing fleet of F-16s, aiming for more modern and advanced aircraft. Press Tour Highlights Cutting-Edge Technology To impress their potential buyers, SAAB recently opened the doors of their Stockholm headquarters to a group of Thai reporters. The visit included a tour of the House of Gripen, the dedicated site for the production of Gripen E/F models. The reporters experienced firsthand the advanced capabilities of the Gripen E, including a sophisticated flight simulator. The simulator showcased the fighter jet’s modern nautical control technology, a key selling point for the Swedish manufacturer. Preference Over American F-16s Sources indicate that the Gripen E/F model is currently the frontrunner in the RTAF’s 19-billion-baht fighter jet procurement project. Earlier this month, RTAF commander ACM Phanphakdee Phatthanakul and other key officials visited Sweden to discuss potential deals with SAAB. Technological Edge and Unique Features According to Robert Björklund, Gripen Thailand campaign director, the Gripen E/F jets come with an array of high-tech features. These include fully networked sensor fusion and three types of advanced radars: Raven ES-05-AESA, Skyward G-IRST, and Mode 5-IFF. Importantly, the jets are also compatible with both the Link-16 data link system and the RTAF-developed Link-TH system. Notably, SAAB is proposing that Thailand develop its national datalinks, a radio communication system for the jets, to enhance operational flexibility and secure sensitive data. Strengthening Bilateral Ties Frans Unosson, Director of Industrial Cooperation at SAAB, emphasised the broader impact of this deal. He stated that the procurement would not only bolster Thailand’s defence capabilities but also strengthen economic ties between the two nations. Sweden has already invested significantly in Thailand, contributing at least 128 billion baht to its economy through various exports. Commitment to Long-Term Cooperation Unosson also highlighted that the Gripen procurement aligns with Thailand’s Defence Offset policy, which stipulates that at least 100% of the investment must be returned to the Thai economy. During a meeting with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at the World Economic Forum, SAAB’s CEO Marcus Wallenberg discussed potential investments and technology transfer plans for the maintenance of the jets. In conclusion, SAAB's well-rounded offer positions the Gripen as a formidable contender for Thailand’s next generation of fighter jets, promising not just military superiority but also economic and industrial benefits. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Climbs 11 Spots to 75th in Global Peace Index 2024 Picture courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand's standing in the Global Peace Index (GPI) has seen a notable improvement, with the nation advancing 11 slots to secure the 75th position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329938-thailand-climbs-11-spots-to-75th-in-global-peace-index-2024/

Thailand's standing in the Global Peace Index (GPI) has seen a notable improvement, with the nation advancing 11 slots to secure the 75th position. This progress in the 2024 GPI, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace based in Sydney, offers a fresh perspective on the country's relative peace and stability. The GPI evaluates 163 countries and territories, representing 99.7% of the global population. It uses three main criteria: social safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflicts, and militarisation. Thailand performed decently in social safety and ongoing conflicts but excelled in militarisation, placing among the top 20 globally for military capability, technology, and readiness. Despite this progress, Thailand still trails behind many of its Southeast Asian peers. Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), only the Philippines and Myanmar ranked lower. Singapore emerged as the most peaceful country in the region, ranking 5th globally, followed by Malaysia at 10th. Other ASEAN nations like Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia also ranked ahead of Thailand. Brunei was not included in the survey. The top spot for the most peaceful country in the world went to Iceland, while Yemen was deemed the least peaceful. The Middle East and North Africa, home to four of the ten least peaceful countries, including Sudan and Yemen, were identified as the most dangerous regions globally. The report cautioned about growing global unrest, as 92 countries are now engaged in cross-border conflicts, the highest number since the GPI began in 2008. This trend is attributed to increased rivalry among great powers and the more aggressive stance of middle-level powers within their regions. Thailand’s improved ranking offers a glimmer of hope and progress, but it also underscores the ongoing challenges the country faces both within and beyond its borders. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Filipina Woman Overstays in Thailand for Over 4 Years Picture courtesy: Siam Rath A Filipino woman who had entered and exited Thailand 26 times has been caught overstaying in the country for over four years. Thai police discovered her during a routine inspection aimed at curbing immigration-related offences. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329937-filipina-woman-overstays-in-thailand-for-over-4-years/

A Filipina woman who had entered and exited Thailand 26 times has been caught overstaying in the country for over four years. Thai police discovered her during a routine inspection aimed at curbing immigration-related offences. Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Phuangsombat led an investigation targeting areas in Bangkok where foreigners frequently gather. On June 16, officers inspected a local church and noticed a woman acting suspiciously. When asked to present her passport, she could not provide one, prompting further investigation. The woman, identified as Mary, 42, had last entered Thailand in early 2020, obtaining a 30-day visa exemption on 2nd March 2020, which expired on 31st March 2020. Since then, there had been no record of her applying for a visa extension, meaning she had been illegally staying in the country for over four years. Authorities charged her with "being a foreigner staying in the kingdom after the permission had expired." She was informed of her rights and handed over to the Immigration Office for further legal proceedings and repatriation. Picture courtesy: Talk News Online Lt. Col. Suriya emphasised that foreigners must enter Thailand through legal channels and obtain the correct visas. They must also report their residence to immigration officers as stipulated in Section 37 of the Immigration Act of 1979. Those wishing to work in Thailand must apply for the appropriate work permits. Employers found hiring foreigners without a work permit face hefty fines of up to 100,000 baht according to the Royal Decree on the Management of Foreign Workers’ Employment 2017. Additionally, homeowners are required to notify the Immigration Bureau when a foreigner stays at their property. Thailand’s stringent immigration policies serve as a reminder to adhere to legal entry and residency rules, ensuring that foreigners maintain proper documentation and visa status while in the country. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath -- 2024-06-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 17 June 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329936-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-17-june-2024/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin visited Huahin airport yesterday, saying significant progress has been made towards becoming a Hub for Aviation and Tourism. The PM Posted that he has directed the Minister of Transport,, to accelerate the enhancement of service areas. Work has been carried out to expand the runway and see safety improvements to comply with International Civil Aviation standards. The airport will be renamed "Phetch Hua Hin" airport, with a two-story passenger terminal capable of handling up to 300 passengers per hour and accommodate up to three Airbus A320 aircraft simultaneously. Airport should be fully operational within 2 years. Prime Minister Srettha last night reported he had contracted covid 19, and apologized to all those that had been in close contact. Thailand’s Senate is set to approve a same-sex marriage Bill tomorrow which will bring the country closer to being the first in South-east Asia to guarantee equal rights for gay and lesbian couples. The government plans to kick off a historic celebration tomorrow evening with a parade set to march from the Government House the cultural center, The new law is due to come into effect within 120 days of being published in the Royal Gazette or towards the end of the year. 3 oil smuggling boats along with 18 crew members that disappeared from a police mooring at Sattahip last week have been found off the coast of Malaysia. Authorities had sought cooperation from police in Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam to search for the vessels. Authorities expect all three vessels to be escorted to Songkhla pier in the next day or two. The Ministry of Education has agreed to empower teachers to have the full legal right to confiscate e-cigarettes in schools. Until now police had to be called to make any seizures. Schools may now check students' bags and seize e-cigarettes. Around the region. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy with rain 32C degrees celsius Bangkok: Thundershower 32 Pattaya: Sunny 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny 32 Hua hin: Sunny 35 AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-06-17 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe