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General Surachate Hakparn, widely known by his nickname "Big Joke," continues his relentless mission to eradicate corruption in Thailand, invoking the concept of "People Power." Despite being under scrutiny by multiple investigative bodies, including the Criminal Court and a police disciplinary committee, as well as a review by a prime ministerial panel, General Surachate remains steadfast in asserting his innocence. His unwavering stance is accompanied by a strong public persona, and the public still perceives him as a leading candidate for the role of National Police Commissioner. In a bold move to harness public support and foster transparency, General Surachate launched "Operation Clean House" through his website, Hakparn.com. This initiative aims to investigate the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), leveraging a provision under Section 236 of the 2017 Thai Constitution. By gathering 20,000 verified signatures, Big Joke seeks to compel the Parliament President, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, to form an investigative panel overseen by the courts to scrutinize the NACC. The entire saga surrounding General Surachate is complex and riddled with legal conundrums. The top cop's status remains highly uncertain, marked by ambiguities in his official position and the legality of administrative actions taken against him. For example, an order signed by the Prime Minister meant to reassign him back to the police force from the Prime Minister’s Office has been contested, similarly to his earlier dismissal by the acting police chief, General Kittirat Phanphet. Interesting developments suggest that General Kittirat appears to now acknowledge Big Joke's status as a senior police officer, signaling possible procedural missteps in the bid to remove him under the new Police Act (2022). This uncertainty fuels General Surachate's belief in his rightful place within the Royal Thai Police hierarchy. In a dramatic turn, he physically appeared at the Royal Thai Police headquarters on April 25th, confidently proclaiming himself as the best candidate to lead the police force by October 2024. As the narrative evolves, General Surachate's campaign against corruption remains a focal point, demonstrating his attempt to channel public support and legal avenues to combat institutional malfeasance, even as he navigates his own professional uncertainties. TOP File photo: Former deputy police chief Pol. Gen. Surachate Hakparn at the National Anti-Corruption Commission, April 22, 2024. Photo credit: Naewna -- 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese fugitive running luxury scams in Thailand arrested by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Thai immigration authorities nabbed a Chinese fugitive running an illicit tour operation in Bangkok. Following a tip-off about an Asian man suspected of working and residing illegally in Thailand, officers launched an in-depth investigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328224-chinese-fugitive-running-luxury-scams-in-thailand-arrested/

Thai immigration authorities nabbed a Chinese fugitive running an illicit tour operation in Bangkok. Following a tip-off about an Asian man suspected of working and residing illegally in Thailand, officers launched an in-depth investigation. Duan, a 42 year old Chinese fugitive residing in a posh condominium in the Ramkhamhaeng district was apprehended. Duan was already on the radar in China for a significant fraud case. Samut Sakhon Immigration Police began monitoring Duan’s activities and discovered a well-oiled operation. He regularly left his residential compound to escort groups of Chinese tourists to their accommodations, offering bespoke tours that catered to privacy-conscious business travellers, who preferred avoiding mainstream tour companies. With mounting evidence, immigration officers swooped in on Duan as he assisted clients at a luxury hotel in the Ratchadaphisek area. A thorough inspection revealed that his residence permit had expired on February 3. Consequently, the Chinese fugitive was charged with working without authorisation and overstaying his visa. Further investigations revealed a darker side to Duan’s story. Coordination with Chinese security authorities uncovered his criminal past. In January last year, Duan impersonated a regional sales manager for a prestigious wine company, luring several retailers into purchasing high-end rare wines at a supposed 10% discount. He convinced his victims to transfer nearly 2 million yuan (approximately 10 million baht) to his account, only to vanish without delivering the promised goods, reported KhaoSod English. The Public Security Bureau in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, subsequently issued an arrest warrant and revoked his passport. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin denies role in appointment of Phichit as PM’s Office minister Paroled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has categorically refuted any suggestion that the appointment of Phichit Chuenban, his family’s lawyer, as PM’s Office Minister, was a setup to undermine Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328223-thaksin-denies-role-in-appointment-of-phichit-as-pm’s-office-minister/

Paroled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has categorically refuted any suggestion that the appointment of Phichit Chuenban, his family’s lawyer, as PM’s Office Minister, was a setup to undermine Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He claims to be just an old man who has no political position or power whatsoever, adding that his role is to give advice to those younger than him and to help the country as best he can. He maintains that he wants Srettha to remain in office as long as possible, as some problems take a long time resolve. The former prime minister said that the move by 40 senators to seek a Constitutional Court order to remove the prime minister, over his appointment of Phichit, may cause some problems, but will not result in the prime minister being removed. He also denied a suggestion that he might retaliate against the 40 senators. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hundreds of customers test positive for drugs in raid on Pattaya pub Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised led officials of the Provincial Administration Department in a raid on an illegal pub in Pattaya early this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328222-hundreds-of-customers-test-positive-for-drugs-in-raid-on-pattaya-pub/

Deputy Interior Minister Chada Thaised led officials of the Provincial Administration Department in a raid on an illegal pub in Pattaya early this morning. 219 customers tested positive for drugs. The raid, in Soi Kor Pai Pattaya in Bang Lamung district, was in response to complaints from neighbours about loud noises, staying open beyond permissible hours and widespread drug abuse among young customers. About 300 customers, mostly young adults and youths, were found in the pub when it was raided. The officials ordered the pub manager to switch on the lights and cease all the entertainment activity. The customers were separated into males and females, as officials checked their ID cards and took urine samples. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chonburi Immigration Helps Find Missing Maldivian Businessman’s Son By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Chonburi Immigration Chonburi immigration officers successfully located and reunited a missing Maldivian man with his concerned father. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328221-chonburi-immigration-helps-find-missing-maldivian-businessman’s-son/

PHOTO: Chonburi Immigration Chonburi immigration officers successfully located and reunited a missing Maldivian man with his concerned father. According to reports, Mr. Zaeen Ismail Mohamed, a Maldivian citizen, had traveled to Thailand on May 17th, 2024, on flight MH796. However, upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan province, he mysteriously lost contact with his family in the Maldives. His father, who is a prominent businessman in the Maldives, grew concerned over his son’s sudden disappearance. He thought that his son might have been kidnapped, so he contacted the Maldives Embassy in Thailand, who then alerted Chonburi immigration, prompting a search for Mr. Mohamed. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

DPM Anutin Highlights Largest Seizure of Illegal E-Cigarettes Amid Rising Concerns By Kittisak Phalaharn National - On May 24th, 2024, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, alongside relevant agencies, held a press conference detailing a raid on an illegal e-cigarette warehouse in Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon. The operation uncovered contraband worth over 100 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328220-dpm-anutin-highlights-largest-seizure-of-illegal-e-cigarettes-amid-rising-concerns/

National - On May 24th, 2024, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, alongside relevant agencies, held a press conference detailing a raid on an illegal e-cigarette warehouse in Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon. The operation uncovered contraband worth over 100 million baht. Thai national media reported that police had previously targeted six e-cigarette stores illegally selling their products near schools and universities in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom. This initial crackdown led to further investigations and the subsequent raid on the large warehouse, which housed a vast inventory of e-cigarettes and related equipment. Anutin highlighted that the Krathum Baen police, with support from other agencies, launched this significant operation, marking the largest seizure of illegal products under his oversight. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Arrest Belgian National for Allegedly Killing and Burning a Fellow Countryman By Kittisak Phalaharn Bueng Kan - On May 25th, 2024, Seka police officers arrested a Belgian expat for allegedly murdering a fellow countryman with an illegal firearm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328219-thai-police-arrest-belgian-national-for-allegedly-killing-and-burning-a-fellow-countryman/

Bueng Kan - On May 25th, 2024, Seka police officers arrested a Belgian expat for allegedly murdering a fellow countryman with an illegal firearm and burning the victim’s body to try to conceal the evidence in Seka, Bueng Kan. The suspect, publicly identified only as 42-year-old Belgian national Mr. Steve, reportedly confessed to killing 49-year-old Mr. Christophe at a residence in Seka. According to police, Steve admitted to dragging the victim 50 meters from the murder scene and burning the body using two tires in a 2-meter pit. He also reportedly transported the victim’s motorbike to another province. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

John Wick’s Thai adventure: Doppelganger goes viral (video) by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of The Nation A man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Keanu Reeves’ John Wick has become a sensation among Thai social media users, thanks to a series of viral TikTok videos that show him engaging in everyday activities, far removed from his Hollywood hitman persona. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328218-john-wick’s-thai-adventure-doppelganger-goes-viral-video/

A man who bears an uncanny resemblance to Keanu Reeves’ John Wick has become a sensation among Thai social media users, thanks to a series of viral TikTok videos that show him engaging in everyday activities, far removed from his Hollywood hitman persona. Overnight, mainstream and online Thai media buzzed with reports of the mysterious lookalike, captured in videos posted by the TikTok account Tuktiklife. The clips, which range from 106,000 to 4.7 million views, have garnered a plethora of humorous comments from netizens. In nine short clips, the John Wick double can be seen across various locations in Thailand, doing everything from making coffee and selling grilled cuttlefish to washing dishes and visiting Bangkok’s Wat Arun in traditional Thai attire. “John Wick is spending his retirement in Thailand. “He retired as a hitman to become a full-time vendor.” The 2014 blockbuster John Wick tells the story of a retired assassin forced back into action. But in these TikTok videos, the lookalike seems to be on a much more peaceful mission. One particularly popular clip, which has amassed 3.1 million views, shows the lookalike wearing elephant pants and riding a motorcycle to sell grilled cuttlefish, with the caption, “Everything’s got a price.” Another clip titled Barista, featuring him making coffee at a local market, has attracted 4.6 million views. However, the most viewed video, with 4.7 million hits, shows the man at a Thai shopping mall posing with excited locals who eagerly take photos with him, reported The Nation. Speculation abounds in the comment sections, with some users convinced he is Keanu Reeves’ stunt double, while others believe the Hollywood star himself might be in Thailand filming a new instalment of the John Wick series. In related news, an airport mix-up led a pair of British lookalikes to discover they not only shared the same flight but also the same name, sparking an unlikely friendship. by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Charter Court trial of PM makes foreign investors hesitant to invest Foreign investors may hesitate to invest in Thailand due to concerns over the Thai government’s stability, now that the Constitutional Court has accepted for consideration the petition by a group of 40 senators Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328217-charter-court-trial-of-pm-makes-foreign-investors-hesitant-to-invest/

Foreign investors may hesitate to invest in Thailand due to concerns over the Thai government’s stability, now that the Constitutional Court has accepted for consideration the petition by a group of 40 senators, claiming that the court should remove Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin for alleged violation of ethical standards for the appointment of Phichit Chuenban as PM Office minister. Phichit resigned ahead of the court’s decision to accept the petition. Kriangkrai Thiennukul, president of the Federation of Thai Industries (FDI), said that the court’s decision has affected the confidence of corporate executives, to the extent that they may wait and see how the political situation pans out before investing. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UK former mercenary, living in Thailand for 22 years, given a strong warning by police UK former mercenary, living in Thailand for 22 years, fined and warned by Udon Thani police after assault at PTT station. Man agrees to pay full compensation and apologises to the Thai victim’s family. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328216-uk-former-mercenary-living-in-thailand-for-22-years-given-a-strong-warning-by-police/

The 44-year-old was identified by Udon Thani police on Friday as Mr Davis. The UK man offered a profuse apology to 25-year-old Jirawat Sunthorn, or Tum (inset), whom he assaulted on Wednesday morning at a PTT service station in the town. Mr Davis also agreed to pay full compensation to the Thai man. Police Colonel Phattanawong Chanphon (inset) of Udon Thani Police Station brokered a resolution to the case. UK former mercenary, living in Thailand for 22 years, fined and warned by Udon Thani police after assault at PTT station. Man agrees to pay full compensation and apologises to the Thai victim’s family. Police cite prior cooperation with Immigration Bureau for not revoking his visa on this occasion. A UK man, a former mercenary who has lived in Thailand for 22 years, was fined and warned by Udon Thani police on Friday. It came after he was summoned by police for being involved in an assault at a PTT station in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The UK man also agreed to pay full compensation and offered his apologies to the family of the Thai man he assaulted. Police, it is understood, declined to revoke the 44-year-old man’s visa due to his previous cooperation with the Immigration Bureau on Ko Samui and the fact that this was a first-time offence. The foreigner who assaulted a 25-year-old service station employee in Udon Thani in the early hours of Wednesday morning has been fined and booked by police. The man was identified by Udon Thani police as 44-year-old Mr Davis. In brief, a UK national who has lived in Thailand for 22 years. Mr Davis is reported to be a former mercenary or soldier for hire. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Physical Altercation Between Guards and Customers on Soi 6 in Pattaya Goes Viral By Adam Judd PATTAYA – An altercation occurred in Pattaya City on Soi Six over the past weekend involving security personnel working for independent bars from an undisclosed entertainment venue and three foreign nationals. The incident, which took place at 5:26 p.m. on Friday, May 24th, 2024, was captured on video and disseminated through social media, going viral. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328215-physical-altercation-between-guards-and-customers-on-soi-6-in-pattaya-goes-viral/

PATTAYA – An altercation occurred in Pattaya City on Soi Six over the past weekend involving security personnel working for independent bars from an undisclosed entertainment venue and three foreign nationals. The incident, which took place at 5:26 p.m. on Friday, May 24th, 2024, was captured on video and disseminated through social media, going viral. The videos, each lasting approximately one minute, depict the security guards engaging in a physical confrontation with the foreign individuals. The footage shows one unidentified tourist in a white shirt seemingly being attacked by the guards, followed by a second tourist in a gray shirt who intervenes and is subsequently assaulted. As the videos may disturb sensitive readers, we have decided not to show them here, although they are widely available online. One unidentified foreign tourist appears to be kicked in the head by a guard while lying injured on the ground at the end of the fight, which caused significant discourse and commentary on both Thai and English social media. His condition is still to be confirmed by police publicly as of press time. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin's Homecoming Sparks Thousands in Korat Rally Picture courtesy: MGR online Thousands of devoted supporters gathered in Nakhon Ratchasima, often called Korat, as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the northeastern province for the first time in nearly two decades. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328213-thaksins-homecoming-sparks-thousands-in-korat-rally/

Thousands of devoted supporters gathered in Nakhon Ratchasima, often called Korat, as former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the northeastern province for the first time in nearly two decades. Thaksin attended the cremation ceremony of his long-serving driver, Wichai Changlek, who recently passed away. The event turned into a large rally, highlighting the deep-rooted loyalty his followers still feel. Thaksin will lead the religious ceremony at Wat Sangkha Chinaram in Sida district, honouring Wichai, fulfilling his driver's dying wish to have the former leader by his side. Thaksin's visit is marked by his homage to the Thao Suranaree statue in the city, a gesture he last made 17 years ago. One ardent supporter, Kowit Khorhenklang, anticipates a 3,000-strong crowd gathering to greet their revered leader. "Thaksin is still in my heart forever," says Kowit, who keeps a picture of Thaksin in his shop, symbolic of the unyielding bond between the former prime minister and his supporters. Picture courtesy: MGR online Panwadee Tantisirin, a red-shirt leader from Khon Kaen, shared that over 1,000 enthusiasts from nearby provinces are expected to join the ceremony. "May 25 will be the day to show him love and loyalty," Panwadee remarked, emphasising the significance of Thaksin's return to Korat. Thaksin will be welcomed by a host of local politicians, including Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong and Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of the Chart Pattana Party. This homecoming is not just a personal visit but also a political statement. Despite his parole conditions restricting political involvement, Thaksin has maintained an active travel schedule, often seen with influential figures. Arriving by private jet and returning to Bangkok the same day, Thaksin's visit underscores his enduring influence and the unwavering loyalty of his supporters. Picture courtesy: MGR online -- 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Belgian Expat's Illegal Pawn Shop Busted in Phuket Picture courtesy: MGR online In a major bust, Phuket police raided the luxury residence of a Belgian national involved in illegal pawn operations. Law enforcement officials unearthed a trove of motorcycles, national IDs, and a single mobile phone, all allegedly linked to an unauthorised pawn and loan business. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328212-belgian-expats-illegal-pawn-shop-busted-in-phuket/

In a major bust, Phuket police raided the luxury residence of a Belgian national involved in illegal pawn operations. Law enforcement officials unearthed a trove of motorcycles, national IDs, and a single mobile phone, all allegedly linked to an unauthorised pawn and loan business. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thepnom Suwannarat, Superintendent of Investigation Division 3, Province Police Region 8, led the operation. The target: a 63-year-old Belgian man named Philippe, residing in Moo 7, Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket. During the raid, authorities discovered 13 motorcycles and a stash of 15 national ID cards. Philippe faces charges under the Pawn Shop Act of 1962 and the Financial Institution Business Act of 2008, which regulate pawn operations and personal loans in Thailand. The acts aim to safeguard financial integrity, stipulating that loans should not exceed an interest rate of 15% per annum or 1.25% per month. However, Philippe's clandestine activities allegedly flouted these regulations. Philippe and the seized evidence have been taken to Chalong Police Station. His arrest highlights the Thai authorities' ongoing efforts to curb illegal financial operations, ensuring compliance with national laws designed to protect consumers. In a separate incident that also caught headlines, a 32-year-old Myanmar national was arrested in Hat Yai, Songkhla. The man attacked his Belgian partner with a hammer, leaving the victim with severe head injuries. The altercation was reportedly spurred by jealousy and took place in their shared apartment, now the scene of a brutal assault and bloodshed. Both cases underscore the diverse challenges facing law enforcement in Thailand, from financial crimes to violent domestic disputes, illustrating the broad spectrum of illegal activities that occur within expatriate communities in the country. Picture courtesy: MGR online -- 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe