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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

Foreign nationals arrested after bike rampage on Koh Samui (video) by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Chaos erupted on the usually serene holiday island of Koh Samui when two foreign nationals turned the tranquil road leading to Choengmon Beach into their personal racetrack. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328211-foreign-nationals-arrested-after-bike-rampage-on-koh-samui-video/

Chaos erupted on the usually serene holiday island of Koh Samui when two foreign nationals turned the tranquil road leading to Choengmon Beach into their personal racetrack. Equipped with roaring big bikes and an audacious attitude, their disruptive antics soon drew the ire of locals. Residents, living in the northeast corner of the island, initially complained tothe the Bophut Police Station. The names of the offending tourists were not disclosed. The community accused the duo of creating a public nuisance by riding their excessively loud motorcycles at high speeds, zipping through the area a dozen times each day. Additionally, the locals claimed the tourists posed potential threats to public safety. Despite their frustrations, the police required concrete evidence of the flagrant offences to take action. Rising to the challenge, the determined residents captured the rowdy riders on video. The footage included the particularly offensive moment when one of the bikers brazenly flipped the middle finger at them. With this incriminating evidence in hand, the Bophut police chief, Police Colonel Denduang Thingsrisook, swiftly ordered his team to set up a checkpoint near Chaweng Beach. The plan worked, and the troublesome tourists were apprehended yesterday evening. Investigations revealed that both motorcycles had unauthorised modifications and were rented from a shop in Phuket, reported Bangkok Post. The arrest was met with widespread praise from the local community, who lauded the police for their prompt and decisive action in response to the video evidence. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 27 May 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1328210-thailand-live-monday-27-may-2024/

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra greeted by supporters in Nakhon Ratchasima today, May 25, 2024. Photos: Thai Rath DE FACTO PHEU THAI boss Thaksin Shinawatra said today (May 25) he is already too old to fight back against any of his political opponents who may look to put an end to current rule by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Pheu Thai-led government. Thaksin Says He Is Too Old To Fight Back By Thai Newsroom Reporters Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328209-thaksin-says-he-is-too-old-to-fight-back/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI boss Thaksin Shinawatra said today (May 25) he is already too old to fight back against any of his political opponents who may look to put an end to current rule by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the Pheu Thai-led government. The 74-year-old Thaksin told reporters during today’s visit to Nakhon Ratchasima that he would definitely not retaliate against those who may have turned hostile toward the Pheu Thai-attached prime minister or himself because, he said, he is now too old to take revenge. The de facto Pheu Thai boss was responding to criticism that he was looking to fight back against those political opponents, especially the 40 senators who had recently filed an impeachment bid to the Constitutional Court against the prime minister. “I am too old to fight back. Just let it be to each their own,” the billionaire, politically powerful Thaksin said without elaborating. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra greeted by supporters in Nakhon Ratchasima today, May 25, 2024. Photos: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-05-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NACC criticised for redacted Prawit watch case report by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) handed over a report on the controversial watch case involving former deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwon to activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday, following an order by the Administrative Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328131-nacc-criticised-for-redacted-prawit-watch-case-report/

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) handed over a report on the controversial watch case involving former deputy premier Prawit Wongsuwon to activist Veera Somkwamkid yesterday, following an order by the Administrative Court. Despite this, many sections of the report remain heavily redacted, as Veera, head of the Anti-Corruption People’s Network. The court had mandated the NACC to deliver the case details to Veera within 15 days after the order was issued on May 2. Veera had allowed an additional 15 days, but the NACC has yet to provide the complete documents as ordered. On May 2, the court issued the directive along with a 10,000-baht fine after the NACC failed to comply with an earlier order from August 22, 2019. This earlier directive instructed the NACC to reveal three documents related to its investigation into Prawit’s alleged omission of luxury wristwatches from a mandatory assets declaration. The earlier directive was issued by the Office of the Official Information Commission in response to Veera’s petition. Veera expressed his frustration, stating that the NACC continues to disregard the May 2 court order. He has not received the full, unredacted versions of the three documents due to extensive blacked-out sections and missing pages. Redacted portions include the names of the NACC officers involved and other critical details. “This is unacceptable.” Veera pledged to file another petition to compel the NACC to submit all the documents. He also pointed out that none of the 1,000 pages of documents he received bore an official verification signature. He mentioned he is legally restricted from publicising the documents, as doing so could result in a year in jail and/or a maximum fine of 20,000 baht, reported Bangkok Post. “But I don’t mind if I have to be in prison for releasing the paper. I will do so for the public benefit.” by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Woman Missing In Switzerland Found: Embassy by TNR Staff Ms. Nantiwas “Noon” Saejiw with the Thai embassy’s notice and Facebook logo where it was posted next to her. Photo: MCOT THE Thai embassy in Switzerland has been informed by the family of a Thai woman missing in Switzerland that she has now been found, Naewna newspaper and Mcot said this morning (May 25). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328129-thai-woman-missing-in-switzerland-found-embassy/

THE Thai embassy in Switzerland has been informed by the family of a Thai woman missing in Switzerland that she has now been found, Naewna newspaper and Mcot said this morning (May 25). Ms. Nantiwa “Noon” Saejiw, who is travelling on a Swedish passport and went Switzerland with her foreign boyfriend, had not contacted her family since on April 26, 2024 with her older sister, Ms. Fon, posting a message on her Facebook page, Fon’mama Dumbbell, asking the public to help find her. The Thai embassy in Switzerland then posted a message on its Facebook page on May 21 asking the public for information about her whereabouts and help track her. After that one of Nantiwa’s relatives had reported her missing to Interlaken police station. by TNR Staff TOP: Ms. Nantiwas “Noon” Saejiw with the Thai embassy’s notice and Facebook logo where it was posted next to her. Photo: MCOT Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

6,000 Baht Transfer Error Stirs Legal Controversy Picture courtesy Sanook via ViralUnzip A surprising case of a mistaken money transfer has sparked a heated debate in Thailand, with a recipient proposing to repay just 10 to 20 baht per day. This incident has garnered significant public attention, including legal insights from a prominent lawyer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328127-6000-baht-transfer-error-stirs-legal-controversy/

A surprising case of a mistaken money transfer has sparked a heated debate in Thailand, with a recipient proposing to repay just 10 to 20 baht per day. This incident has garnered significant public attention, including legal insights from a prominent lawyer. The story initially broke on a Facebook page named "อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 7" (I will make you famous), which featured a clip of a conversation between the victim and the inadvertent recipient. The victim accidentally transferred 6,000 baht to a woman in Kamphaeng Phet Province. Realising the mistake, the victim contacted the woman, who countered with an offer to repay the amount in small daily payments. The victim recounted that after the erroneous transfer, they promptly reported the incident to Koh Hong Police Station in Hat Yai and notified Bangkok Bank in Songkhla. The bank then provided the phone number of the person who received the funds. When contacted, the woman’s husband answered, saying his wife worked the night shift at a sugar factory. He suggested calling back after 8 pm to speak with her directly. However, subsequent attempts to reach both the woman and her husband proved futile. After several unresponsive calls, the victim’s partner finally spoke to the husband again, who claimed his wife was at the market and hung up abruptly. Further interactions with the bank revealed that the woman had already withdrawn the mistakenly transferred money. Worried, the victim filed a police report and even traveled to Kamphaeng Phet to locate the woman, eventually contacting her mother. In a face-to-face meeting facilitated by her mother, the woman declined to return the 6,000 baht upfront and instead proposed to repay in instalments of 10 or 20 baht per day. Legal expert Decha Kittiwittayanan weighed in on the issue via his Facebook page, stressing the legal consequences. He cited Section 352 of the Criminal Code, which mandates that anyone receiving money mistakenly must return it immediately. Failure to do so qualifies as embezzlement, carrying a penalty of up to one year and six months in prison or a fine up to 30,000 baht, or both. Decha called on the police to issue a summons for the suspect, underscoring the urgency for law enforcement to protect the public and uphold justice without delay. Picture courtesy Sanook via ViralUnzip -- 2024-05-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe