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Pattaya Beach Hawker Arrested for Illegal Alcohol Sales and Resisting Officials By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya police and Banglamung District officials arrested a beach hawker for illegally selling alcoholic beverages and resisting officials in the early hours of Friday, June 14th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329829-pattaya-beach-hawker-arrested-for-illegal-alcohol-sales-and-resisting-officials/

Pattaya police and Banglamung District officials arrested a beach hawker for illegally selling alcoholic beverages and resisting officials in the early hours of Friday, June 14th. The operation was carried out at 2:36 AM at Pattaya Beach following a previous incident where Pattaya City officials attempted to apprehend vendors illegally selling alcohol and renting out beach equipment without a license to tourists. One vendor, a thin man approximately 40-45 years old, became agitated and resisted arrest. He attempted to aggressively retrieve the confiscated items from the officers, causing alarm among tourists witnessing the incident. Upon hearing of the incident, Banglamung District Chief Mr. Weekit Manarojkit instructed his deputy to go undercover as a tourist to observe the vendor’s behavior at the beach. The deputy observed that the vendor in question was indeed illegally selling alcohol and renting out chairs and umbrellas to beachgoers without a license to do so. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Woman Killed in Motorcycle-Minivan Crash By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A 33-year-old Thai woman died after she rear-ended her motorbike into a minivan stopped at an intersection in Pattaya in the early hours of Friday, June 14th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329828-pattaya-woman-killed-in-motorcycle-minivan-crash/

Pattaya — A 33-year-old Thai woman died after she rear-ended her motorbike into a minivan stopped at an intersection in Pattaya in the early hours of Friday, June 14th. The accident occurred at 4:36 AM at the Wat Bunkanchanaram Intersection in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. It prompted an immediate response from Pattaya police and emergency responders from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found a yellow-plated minivan, driven by Mr. Kittiphong Hitmorn, 37, parked in the middle of the road. The minivan had minor damage to the rear bumper. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAY NEWS 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Police Conduct Major Drug Sweep on Jomtien Sois 1-3, 24 People Arrested By Adam Judd PATTAYA, June 14, 2024 – In a significant crackdown on the local drug trade, Pattaya City Police, led by Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, and Banglamung District officials, orchestrated a comprehensive operation to dismantle an underground drug network in Jomtien Soi 1-3. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329827-pattaya-police-conduct-major-drug-sweep-on-jomtien-sois-1-3-24-people-arrested/

PATTAYA, June 14, 2024 – In a significant crackdown on the local drug trade, Pattaya City Police, led by Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, and Banglamung District officials, orchestrated a comprehensive operation to dismantle an underground drug network in Jomtien Soi 1-3. The operation commenced at 3:06 p.m. on June 14th, 2024, when authorities, including Mr. Woraphob Kongthanajarat and Mr. Phonchai Sang-iad, Deputy Chiefs of Banglamung District, along with senior police officers from Pattaya City Police Station, closed off Soi Jomtien 1-3. The closure facilitated a targeted raid against known drug hotspots, resulting in the detention of 24 individuals found with drugs in their systems. The decisive action followed numerous reports and complaints from locals and tourists about rampant drug activity within the alleys of Jomtien Soi 1-3. Concerns were raised about the presence of drug users and dealers by local concerned citizens. In preparation for the raid, an undercover operation was conducted the previous day by the police investigative team, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasitbun Bunprasit. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Tackles Homelessness with Targeted Beachfront Initiative Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail Efforts to address homelessness in Pattaya took a significant step forward today. The Peacekeeping Division of Pattaya’s Social Welfare Office, in collaboration with Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre, launched a targeted initiative to assist homeless individuals in the Pattaya Beach area. This joint effort zeroed in on Soi 13/4, the local market vicinity, and Wat Chai Mongkol Temple in South Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329826-pattaya-tackles-homelessness-with-targeted-beachfront-initiative/

Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail Efforts to address homelessness in Pattaya took a significant step forward today. The Peacekeeping Division of Pattaya’s Social Welfare Office, in collaboration with Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre, launched a targeted initiative to assist homeless individuals in the Pattaya Beach area. This joint effort zeroed in on Soi 13/4, the local market vicinity, and Wat Chai Mongkol Temple in South Pattaya. Seven individuals were provided with assistance and relocated to the Homeless Protection Centre in Rong Po. Additionally, one person requiring medical attention was swiftly transferred to Banglamung Hospital. This initiative was sparked by community concerns and numerous public reports urging regular inspections and profiling of homeless individuals across different locales. Residents have been vocal about the need for sustained efforts to identify and assist homeless individuals, addressing the root causes of homelessness. The growing presence of homeless populations has raised concerns about safety, cleanliness, and the overall appeal of Pattaya as a tourist destination. Disturbing encounters have been reported, such as a mentally unstable woman fishing near a storm drain in Soi Buakhao and groups of homeless individuals near Tukcom in South Pattaya, sometimes engaging in disruptive behaviour that disturbs nearby residents. Incidents of theft at Yinyom Beach further highlight public unease. To foster a more liveable and tourist-friendly environment, the community is calling for consistent, proactive measures. Residents urge ongoing collaboration between local authorities and social welfare agencies to develop holistic strategies that provide meaningful support to the homeless while addressing community concerns. These efforts aim to safeguard the city’s reputation and ensure it remains a welcoming destination for residents and visitors. In related news, police apprehended 12 homeless people who had been occupying an abandoned restaurant near Bueng Kaen Nakhon, following numerous complaints from locals about disturbances. Police were alerted by the property owner about the growing number of homeless people occupying an old restaurant, causing distress to nearby residents. Officers were dispatched to control the situation, and the 12 individuals were subsequently arrested for their unlawful residence. -- 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Workshops Aim to Reduce Motorcycle Fatalities Picture courtesy: PR Phuket Phuket authorities launched a series of workshops yesterday to tackle the rising number of fatalities and injuries from road accidents, especially involving motorcycles. The event, held at a Ratsada hotel, saw a significant turnout of district and community leaders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329824-phuket-workshops-aim-to-reduce-motorcycle-fatalities/

Picture courtesy: PR Phuket Phuket authorities launched a series of workshops yesterday to tackle the rising number of fatalities and injuries from road accidents, especially involving motorcycles. The event, held at a Ratsada hotel, saw a significant turnout of district and community leaders. Phuket Vice Governor Sattha Thongkam spearheaded the initiative, under the District Drive Project, calling for enhanced motorcycle riding safety across the province. Organised by the Phuket Provincial Office, these workshops aim to bolster the expertise of district leaders and local government organisations in managing road safety effectively. “Phuket is facing an increasing number of road accidents, leading to significant losses of life and property, which hampers our economic development. The number of injuries and fatalities among motorcycle riders and passengers is particularly alarming. Addressing this issue is an urgent priority for our province,” said Sattha. This effort is part of the Phuket Province Road Safety Action Plan 2024, aspiring to make road travel safer for Phuket’s residents. The action plan incorporates five main strategies: risk district management, law enforcement integration, organisational measures, public relations, and data integration. The objectives are to cut down injuries and fatalities, improve vehicle standards and road conditions, and fortify road safety mechanisms at all levels. Charan Kwankaew, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM-Phuket), shared alarming statistics, illustrating the urgency of the initiative. “Phuket sees over 20,000 general injuries and more than 3,000 serious injuries annually from road accidents. From 2021 to 2023, fatalities rose from 96 to 168 annually. So far in 2024, we’ve had 93 deaths,” he said. National road safety agency ThaiRSC reported 83 deaths and 11,800 injuries in road accidents in Phuket this year, predominantly involving motorcycles. In 2023, the Department of Disease Control classified Mueang Phuket District and Thalang District as very high-risk areas, with Kathu District also considered high-risk. In response, the Phuket Provincial Road Safety Administration Center launched the District Drive Project, supported by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation. Aligned with the Road Safety Master Plan (2022-2027), the initiative incorporates training and support from the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office and local hospitals. The workshops involve 40 participants from 32 agencies, encompassing district secretaries, police, public health officers, hospitals, and local administrative organisations. “The goal is to develop more mentors at district and local government levels to drive road safety management effectively, ultimately reducing motorcycle-related injuries and fatalities in Phuket,” Charan concluded. This proactive approach highlights the urgency to address road safety comprehensively, aiming to significantly improve the well-being and safety of Phuket’s residents. -- 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Community Outrage as News Agency Airs Monk Sex Scandal Videos Picture courtesy: Daily News The Thai victims of a sex scandal involving former monk Phra Ajarn O have blasted a news agency for airing their explicit videos, deepening their trauma and discouraging other victims from reporting abuse. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329823-community-outrage-as-news-agency-airs-monk-sex-scandal-videos/

The Thai victims of a sex scandal involving former monk Phra Ajarn O have blasted a news agency for airing their explicit videos, deepening their trauma and discouraging other victims from reporting abuse. This scandal has unearthed disturbing practices by Phra Ajarn O, who allegedly manipulated followers into group sex, convincing them that it was a form of spiritual healing to regain his energy and alleviate their sufferings. The activities reportedly took place at a monastery in Phetchabun and in a luxury Bangkok residence. Victims A and B, a couple, and their friend C sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to expose their plight, stating they had been coerced into these sexual acts. On June 13, they were set to file a formal police complaint against the ex-monk. However, before they could do so, a news agency aired explicit videos showing the victims in sexual acts with Phra Ajarn O, significantly intensifying their distress. A tearfully recounted her anguish and humiliation upon seeing the videos on television. The victims refuted claims that they were willing participants, vehemently stating they were coerced and manipulated by the monk. They feared that the videos’ release would deter other victims from coming forward, apprehensive that they too might have their privacy violated. The former monk allegedly forced them to smile during these acts to appease a Vajrayana deity named Thep Kuru, adding another layer of manipulation. Phra Ajarn O has denied the allegations, suggesting the victims turned against him due to a business dispute involving over 10 million baht from amulet sales. The monk had amassed assets worth over 100 million baht, which authorities plan to seize amid ongoing investigations. Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, founder of Saimai Survive, condemned the news agency's actions as a form of repeated sexual assault and argued they should have consulted the victims before airing such sensitive material. Police raids on Phra Ajarn O’s properties revealed connections with a police officer serving as his chauffeur, adding another dimension to the investigation. This high-profile case continues to unfold, shedding light on severe manipulative practices hidden under the guise of religious devotion. The victims are calling for justice while navigating the compounded trauma of public exposure and manipulation. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Raid Uncovers Child Prostitution Ring in Bangkok Karaoke Bar Picture courtesy: Khaosod Thai police conducted a raid on a karaoke bar in the Lat Pla Khao area, revealing a child prostitution ring exploiting minors to pay off exorbitant debts. The operation rescued teenage victims aged between 15 and 16 years old. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329821-police-raid-uncovers-child-prostitution-ring-in-bangkok-karaoke-bar/

Thai police conducted a raid on a karaoke bar in the Lat Pla Khao area, revealing a child prostitution ring exploiting minors to pay off exorbitant debts. The operation rescued teenage victims aged between 15 and 16 years old. Special Operations from the Department of Provincial Administration carried out the raid yesterday to rescue the teenage victims of human trafficking within a karaoke establishment located in the Lat Pla Khao area of the Anusawari Subdistrict, Bang Khen District, Bangkok. Authorities became aware that the establishment was using girls aged 15 to 16 for prostitution. The victims were coerced into this situation. One of the girls mentioned that her mother was ill, and she needed money for medical treatment. As a result, she agreed to take on debt, which subjected her to a 10% daily interest rate. The raid led to the rescue of three initial victims. The police arrested the owner of the karaoke bar, charging them with several offences, including engaging in prostitution with individuals aged over 15 but under 18, human trafficking for the purpose of prostitution with individuals under 18, facilitating the sexual gratification of others with minors, persuading minors to engage in inappropriate behaviour, and employing minors under 18 in a service establishment. The Department of Provincial Administration’s Special Operations team acted on verified information about the illegal activities at the karaoke bar. The investigation revealed that the establishment exploited the financial desperation of these minors, who needed money for medical expenses for their sick relatives, by trapping them into a cycle of debt with high interest rates. This exploitation forced them into prostitution against their will. The charges against the karaoke bar owner are serious. They include human trafficking, employing minors in a service establishment, and facilitating prostitution with minors. These charges are in line with Thai laws aimed at protecting minors and cracking down on human trafficking and child exploitation. Picture courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya North Intersection on Sukhumvit Road to Be Closed for Road Resurfacing By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Pattaya — The Pattaya City Administration will be closing two lanes of traffic at the Pattaya North Intersection on Sukhumvit Road from Monday, June 17th, 2024, to Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, to carry out road resurfacing work. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329820-pattaya-north-intersection-on-sukhumvit-road-to-be-closed-for-road-resurfacing/

Pattaya — The Pattaya City Administration will be closing two lanes of traffic at the Pattaya North Intersection on Sukhumvit Road from Monday, June 17th, 2024, to Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, to carry out road resurfacing work. The closure will affect both inbound and outbound lanes on the median strip side of the road. The affected section of the road is around 60 meters long and starts from in front of the water filter shop in the direction of Sri Racha and ends before the Caltex gas station. Drivers coming from Naklua Road will not be able to turn right onto Pattaya North Road but can make a U-turn under Motorway 7 or at Pattaya Central Intersection. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: PRPATTAYA Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Five Foreign Tourists Injured after Truck Crashes into a Minivan in Krabi By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Nuea Klong Rescue Team KRABI - Five foreign tourists and a driver have sustained injuries after a truck collided with a minivan in the Koh Lanta district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329819-five-foreign-tourists-injured-after-truck-crashes-into-a-minivan-in-krabi/

KRABI - Five foreign tourists and a driver have sustained injuries after a truck collided with a minivan in the Koh Lanta district. Emergency responders were notified of the accident at 9:11 A.M. on Friday (June 14th) in the Klong Yang sub-district. They arrived at the scene to find that an ice truck had collided into a passenger minivan. Five foreign tourists in the minivan, although they were not identified by their name or nationality. By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Nuea Klong Rescue Team Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Anutin Comments on Cannabis Reclassification Poll Picture courtesy: Facbook NBT Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, commented today on the public opinion poll initiated by Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, regarding the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329818-anutin-comments-on-cannabis-reclassification-poll/

Picture courtesy: Facbook NBT Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, commented today on the public opinion poll initiated by Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, regarding the reclassification of cannabis as a narcotic. The poll, spanning from 11th to 25th June, seeks to gather the public's views on whether the current legal status of cannabis should be reverted. In his remarks, Anutin, also the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, underscored his respect for the Ministry of Public Health's process, stating he will not interfere. He highlighted the critical role of public opinion in a democratic society but also noted that complex issues, like this one, necessitate a balanced approach that includes expert input. "While public sentiment is invaluable, we must also rely on scientific expertise to guide our policies," Anutin explained. "Decriminalising cannabis has provided regulated access to the public. Reclassifying it as a narcotic would impose significant restrictions, affecting many who currently benefit from its legal status." As a strong advocate for the decriminalisation of cannabis, a key pledge of the Bhumjaithai Party's past campaign, Anutin is aware of the nuanced implications such a shift in policy would entail. He added that while public opinion is essential, elected representatives must make these nuanced decisions with a broader view of the nation's interests. Minister Somsak reported that in the initial two days of the online poll, more respondents have opposed reclassifying cannabis than have supported it. Several public representatives argue that proper legislation regulating cannabis use might be a more balanced approach than outright reclassification. Anutin concludes, "We must listen to our citizens but also ensure that our policies are based on a combination of public input and scientific evidence. I trust Minister Somsak to integrate these principles in his final decision." With the opinion poll ongoing, the Ministry of Public Health will have crucial data to consider while navigating this complex policy issue. -- 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Election Commission Stands By Decision to Dissolve Move Forward Party Picture courtesy: Thai PBS The Election Commission (EC) has defended its decision to seek the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) over its support for amending the lese majeste law, insisting the action was legal and proper. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329817-election-commission-stands-by-decision-to-dissolve-move-forward-party/

The Election Commission (EC) has defended its decision to seek the dissolution of the opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) over its support for amending the lese majeste law, insisting the action was legal and proper. EC member Pakorn Mahannop explained that their move was based on Section 92, which permits the EC to request a political party’s dissolution from the Constitutional Court without conducting an inquiry, provided there is credible evidence of actions against the constitutional monarchy. Pakorn elaborated, stating, “Section 92 mandates that if there is credible evidence that a party has engaged in activities hostile to the constitutional monarchy, the EC must propose its dissolution to the court without an inquiry.” Conversely, Section 93 requires an investigation and an opportunity for the accused to respond. This clarification comes after the Constitutional Court demanded further evidence in the MFP’s dissolution case. The MFP had argued that the EC forwarded their case without prior inquiry. Citing a precedent, Pakorn mentioned the EC's similar course of action in the dissolution of the Thai Raksachart Party before the 2019 election under the same section of the law. The Constitutional Court accepted the petition and ordered the TRC’s dissolution. “The EC cannot agree or disagree; it must respect and follow the law and the court’s decisions,” stated Pakorn. He urged a comprehensive understanding of EC Chair Ittiporn Boonpracong’s comments in a video that suggested the commission did not follow legal procedures. Responding to MFP’s claim that Section 93 should apply, Pakorn reiterated that the EC determined the case fell under Section 92. The EC's decision came after the Constitutional Court’s January 31 ruling, highlighting MFP’s attempts to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, also known as the lese majeste law, as an intention to undermine the constitutional monarchy. Picture courtesy: Thai PBS -- 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Woman Seeks Justice after Violent Assault by Ex-Boyfriend Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In Rayong, Thailand, a 31-year-old woman is seeking aid after a brutal assault by her ex-boyfriend, following months of harassment. She turned to influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after Khao Chamao Police Station officers allegedly ignored her pleas for help. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329815-thai-woman-seeks-justice-after-violent-assault-by-ex-boyfriend/

In Rayong, Thailand, a 31-year-old woman is seeking aid after a brutal assault by her ex-boyfriend, following months of harassment. She turned to influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet after Khao Chamao Police Station officers allegedly ignored her pleas for help. The conflict began when the woman’s ex-boyfriend, an old schoolmate and neighbour, began displaying violent behaviour during their ten-month relationship. Despite learning of his criminal history, including drug use and involvement in a gang rape case, she gave him a chance to reform. Her ex-boyfriend's jealousy soon led to physical assaults, prompting her to end the relationship over a year ago. Since the breakup, the harassment has escalated. The ex-boyfriend allegedly broke into her home, stalked her, and assaulted both her and her new boyfriend. The most violent incident occurred on June 7th at her workplace, where, as a relative of the company's owner, he gained easy access and repeatedly struck her with a keyboard. This attack left her with a deformed face and an inner ear disorder. Despite filing a police report, the officers did not arrest the assailant, citing more pressing cases. As a result, the woman lived in constant fear, prompting her to seek help from Gun. The influencer reached out to the attacker, who admitted to the assault, citing anger and betrayal, but initially refused to apologise. He finally relented after learning about potential legal consequences, promising to cease his harassment. After media coverage drew attention to the case, the superintendent of Khao Chamao Police Station took personal charge, vowing to ensure the victim's safety and apprehend the ex-boyfriend. However, as of now, there has been no confirmation of his arrest. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-06-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cyber Police Bust Loan Shark Charging 3% Daily Interest Picture courtesy: Khaosod In an extensive operation, cyber police arrested an online loan shark who was charging an exorbitant 3% interest rate per day, using threats and public shaming as intimidation tactics. The clampdown revealed numerous incriminating items linked to the illegal venture. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1329814-cyber-police-bust-loan-shark-charging-3-daily-interest/