webfact

Thai ladyboy loses cash and phone after one-night stand by Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV and Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 A Thai ladyboy lost 2,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone after a one-night stand with a Thai man at a resort in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327702-thai-ladyboy-loses-cash-and-phone-after-one-night-stand/

A Thai ladyboy lost 2,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone after a one-night stand with a Thai man at a resort in Pattaya. A friend of the transgender victim took to social media to seek help, posting a picture of the thief’s car and urging netizens to help identify the suspect. “Please help. My friend went to a resort with a man. After having sex, he stole my friend’s black bag, containing a purse, credit cards, ID card, and cosmetics, before fleeing in his white Suzuki Swift.” The victim, 19 year old A, later provided details of the incident during an interview with ThaiRath. She recounted in tears that the 21 year old thief named Mike contacted her via the LINE application. They then arranged a meeting on the first day of chatting. According to A, Mike picked her up from her condominium in his Suzuki Swift hatchback and headed to the resort. A was suspicious of Mike’s action when he convinced her to leave her mobile phone in his car, claiming he did not want her to spend time on her phone while they were together. Mike paid 1,000 baht for the room and then took a shower. While waiting for Mike, A asked her friend to stand by, saying Mike displayed suspicious behaviour. After Mike finished showering, she went to shower, bringing all her belongings to the bathroom for safety. After having sex, Mike asked her to clean up in the bathroom. She forgot all about his suspicious behaviour and left her belongings with Mike. While showering, A heard Mike leaving the room and his car engine. She rushed out of the bathroom to find that her bag was gone. A said she attempted to chase after Mike but could not catch him in time. Her bag contained a mobile phone, a credit card, an ID card, a phone charger, and cash worth 2,000 baht. A filed a complaint at Nong Prue Police Station and hoped officers would bring her justice, saying she was very disappointed and sad. A similar theft involving a Thai transwoman was reported in November 2022. In this case, a Thai man murdered a Thai transwoman and stole her mobile phone, a designer brand necklace, and cash. His arrest was made after the dead body of the transwoman was discovered in a canal near Bangkok. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV and Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327700-man-murders-drinking-friend-with-concrete-block-after-argument/

A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal. The incident occurred at approximately 6.05pm yesterday. Police reported that the suspect Thip and the victim Wantong were drinking together when an argument escalated, leading to the fatal assault. Thip reportedly used a concrete block to hit Wantong on the head, then tied a rope around his neck and dragged him with a motorcycle to a bridge between the villages of Ta Mao and Ta Piang, in the Ta Tum sub-district of Sangkha district, Surin province. The body was dumped into the water under the bridge to conceal the crime. Police apprehended Thip shortly after the incident, and he has since been charged with premeditated murder and concealing a body. Today, reporters visited the victim’s home where a sombre atmosphere prevailed as family and friends prepared for Wantong’s funeral ceremonies tomorrow. Funeral rites Wantong’s only daughter, 21 year old Kamkaew along with relatives and monks, performed a ritual at the bridge where the body was found, calling for Wantong’s spirit to return home. “The perpetrator acted with such cruelty. I will never forgive him. He hasn’t even come to ask for forgiveness from my father’s spirit. What did my father do to deserve such a cruel fate? “I urge the police to impose the heaviest penalty possible. We believe my father was still alive when he was dragged, suffering greatly before dying in the water.” A 74 year old homeowner Teuk, recounted that he was unaware of how frequently Thip and Wantong drank together. They rarely drank at his house but had gathered there yesterday afternoon. Teuk was washing dishes when the incident occurred and returned to find the murder scene, with Wantong severely injured with blood covering his face. Shocked, he immediately rushed to inform the village head and the local authorities. Upon his return, Wantong’s body was gone, later discovered under a bridge, approximately 200 metres from Teuk’s home. Smooth investigation Police Colonel Yuthana Jaturarat, head of Sangkha Police Station, revealed that the suspect was taken to reenact the crime scene earlier today, and the process proceeded smoothly. The police are awaiting the autopsy results to confirm whether the victim was alive during the dragging or had already succumbed to the initial assault, reported Khaosod. This gruesome event has left the local community in shock, as they mourn the loss of Wantong and grapple with the brutal nature of his death. The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full details surrounding this tragic incident. by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

1,882 new COVID-19 hospitalisations and 16 deaths in the last week by Dr. Nikhil Prasad Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash Thailand is experiencing a significant but underreported surge in COVID-19 cases, with both public and private hospitals feeling the strain as outpatient and inpatient admissions rise. This trend mirrors situations in other countries like Singapore, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and France, driven by new variants from the KP lineage (e.g., KP.1, KP.2, KP.3). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327690-1882-new-covid-19-hospitalisations-and-16-deaths-in-the-last-week/

Thailand is experiencing a significant but underreported surge in COVID-19 cases, with both public and private hospitals feeling the strain as outpatient and inpatient admissions rise. This trend mirrors situations in other countries like Singapore, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and France, driven by new variants from the KP lineage (e.g., KP.1, KP.2, KP.3). Governments worldwide, including Thailand, are often downplaying the severity of this surge, with some manipulating COVID data. Despite claims from health authorities that new KP variants are not more transmissible or immune evasive, the increasing severity and hospitalisation rates suggest otherwise. From May 12 to 18, 2024, Thailand reported 1,882 new COVID hospitalisations, averaging 269 per day, with many patients requiring ICU care, supplemental oxygen, or mechanical ventilation. The elderly and those with comorbidities are particularly at risk. During this period, there were also 16 new COVID-19 deaths. The actual spread of the virus in Thailand could be more extensive than reported, as there is no data on total infections, positivity rates, ICU admissions, or ventilator use. Private hospital data indicates higher COVID admission rates than official reports, reminiscent of the Delta variant surge. Long COVID poses a significant threat, with potential long-term impacts on Thailand’s healthcare infrastructure. The KP variants are more adapted for viral persistence, potentially leading to severe health issues like organ failure, neurological problems, strokes, blood clots, sepsis, and cancers. Since the start of 2024, 16,819 patients have been hospitalised in Thailand due to COVID complications, with 120 deaths reported. With upcoming holidays and school reopenings, experts predict a continued rise in cases, further stressing the healthcare system. Lax health screenings at airports and borders may also contribute to the spread of new variants. Continued vigilance Continued vigilance and robust response measures are crucial as Thailand navigates this challenging period. For the latest updates, you can visit Thailand Medical News to stay on top of the updates. Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pakistani and Thai wife arrested for murder of Indian in Songkhla Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ หนังสือพิมพ์รายวัน.สยามประชา Police arrested a Pakistani man and his Thai wife for the murder of an Indian man in the southern province of Songkhla. The motive is suspected to be a business conflict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327684-pakistani-and-thai-wife-arrested-for-murder-of-indian-in-songkhla/

Police arrested a Pakistani man and his Thai wife for the murder of an Indian man in the southern province of Songkhla. The motive is suspected to be a business conflict. The dead body of a foreign man was found on the roadside in Songkhla on May 15 with two stab wounds and a gunshot wound. Police later identified the man as a 53 year old Indian national, Poulose Varghese. Officers successfully identified the murders as a 32 year old Pakistani man named Yasir Ashfaq and a Thai woman named Kadijayasi Ashfaq and arrested them on May 18. The deceased and suspects were business partners, leading police to believe the murder stemmed from a business conflict. According to police reports, Varghese and Ashfaq entered Thailand together on April 19 and stayed at Kadijayasi’s condominium in Phuket. Varghese and Yasir ran a business together in Dubai, and Varghese later invested in Kadijayasi’s travel agency in Thailand. Police believed the three argued over their businesses, and on May 14, Yasir and his wife lured Varghese to travel with them from Phuket to Songkhla, where they killed him in the car before abandoning his body on the roadside. Officers discovered a gun and Varghese’s shoes at the couple’s home, and the victim’s belongings and valuables were found at their condominium. Their car also contained the victim’s bloodstains. Despite the clear evidence, the couple denied the allegations, claiming they parted ways with the victim at Kata Beach in Phuket. Based on the evidence, the couple was charged with intentional murder and illegally possessing a gun without a permit. The punishment is up to the death penalty, life imprisonment, or imprisonment from 15 to 20 years. UPDATE 1: Dead body with stab and gunshot wounds identified as Indian man Police successfully identified the nationality of a foreign man found dead in the southern province of Phang Nga as an Indian clothes seller. The identity of the murderer remains unknown. A Thai resident found the dead body of a foreign man on the side of Ban Na Road yesterday, May 15 and reported the discovery to Khok Kloi Police Station. The foreigner sustained a stab wound to his back and wrist, as well as a gunshot wound to the back of his neck. Locals initially suspected the man was a member of the Bangladeshi cloth vendors in the area but police questioning of the group revealed that no one knew him. Further investigation led police to discover that the dead man was a 53 year old Indian man who entered Thailand on a tourist visa but overstayed by more than five years. According to police, the Indian man, whose name remains undisclosed, used to live with a male Indian friend at a rented house in the Thai Mueang district of Phang Nga province. A Thai woman, Autsama Sareerat, is the leader of a community where the Indians used to live. She informed police that the Indian man and his friend entered the community in 2016. The Indian man sold clothes to people and allowed them to pay in instalments. The man reportedly sold clothes door-to-door by riding his motorcycle around and visiting each residence in the area with his goods once a week. He later disappeared from the community in 2017. Local customers were unable to reach him on his mobile phone. Autsama described the man as a good person with good manners. She was confident that he only sold clothes and was not involved in any illegal activities. Autsama also suggested that the man may have been murdered and robbed, as he always wore a diamond ring that was missing when his body was found. Police are currently reviewing security camera footage near the location where the body was found, as well as along the road, to identify and apprehend the murderer. ORIGINAL STORY: Resident finds lifeless body of foreign man in southern Thailand A resident today stumbled upon the lifeless body of an unidentified foreign man on a roadside in the Takua Thung district in the southern province of Phang Nga. Sub-District Chief Yutthanakorn Juanjenkit filed a complaint with officers at Khok Kloi Police Station after a local in the area discovered the dead body. The body was found on the side of Ban Na Road at around 7am today, May 15. Police officers, rescuers, and relevant Thai authorities investigated the scene. According to the DailyNews, the deceased was a foreign man, though his identity has not yet been confirmed. Officers believe he was from a Middle Eastern country. The man was wearing a yellow polo shirt and black shorts. He sustained a stab wound to his back and wrist, as well as a gunshot wound to the back of his neck. His nose and ears were bleeding, and no personal documents were found on him. Residents said they did not recognise the man and had never seen him in the community before. Police suspect he was killed elsewhere and then dumped at the location. The motive for the murder is suspected to be a business conflict or theft. In a related report, the body of an unidentified woman was found on Freedom Beach in Phuket on May 1. No visible wounds were found on her body, and there have been no updates on the case by the police. In the same month, the lifeless body of an unidentified woman was found near the Chi River in the Isaan province of Roi Et. Officers later arrested a Thai man who confessed to killing her because she threatened to expose their secret relationship to his wife. Another similar case occurred in April when a man’s body parts were discovered in Nonthaburi province in Bangkok. Further investigation revealed that the remains belonged to a Japanese man, and the two murderers were members of the yakuza gang. The two Japanese suspects fled Thailand to avoid charges and remain at large. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ หนังสือพิมพ์รายวัน.สยามประชา Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Official Arrested Over 9 Million Baht Bribery Scandal Picture courtesy: Khaosod A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327682-bangkok-official-arrested-over-9-million-baht-bribery-scandal/

Picture courtesy: Khaosod A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process. The arrest was made early this morning during coordinated raids at five locations across Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. The operation, led by Brigadier General Prasong Chelimpun, head of the Anti-Corruption Division, targeted a network of BMA officials implicated in a bribery scheme involving the alteration of road plans to benefit Windsor Park and Golf Club. The primary target was Peemphong, a senior engineer in the BMA’s Rights Management Division, and his wife. Officers conducted a search at their residence in Ban Mai, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, where they discovered a Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Camry, and five Harley-Davidson motorcycles. “We have conducted a thorough search and seized significant evidence,” an officer stated. The investigation uncovered that Peemphong and his associates solicited a 9 million baht bribe to modify the boundary of the Liabwaree Road project, ensuring it did not encroach upon the Windsor Park and Golf Club. This illicit activity was allegedly coordinated to benefit certain private interests at the expense of public infrastructure plans. “Our goal is to root out corruption and ensure transparency in public office,” said Brigadier General Prasong. The raids were initiated based on strong evidence of misconduct, and the luxury items discovered suggest the bribe money was used to purchase high-value assets. Authorities are now delving deeper into financial records and communications to identify any additional parties involved. Thai authorities will hold a formal press conference at 4pm today to present the overall results of the operations at all five locations. The Anti-Corruption Division's actions underscore a broader effort to maintain integrity within government institutions and ensure public projects serve the community’s best interests rather than private entities. -- 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327681-brief-bandit-thief-strips-down-to-underwear-swipes-stash-of-briefs/

An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai. The homeowner, 44 year old Somphop shared CCTV footage on Facebook seeking assistance from the public to identify the perpetrator. The footage shows a black car arriving at his single-story rented row house around 6am. A man, wearing only white underwear and with a pink towel draped over his right shoulder, exited the vehicle and headed straight for the clothesline outside Somphop’s house. He then proceeded to take eight pairs of underwear before returning to the car and driving away. Somphop explained that he was at home and heard the car pull up. However, due to a foot injury, he couldn’t reach the front door in time. By the time he managed to get outside, the car had already left. Reviewing the CCTV footage revealed the bizarre theft. After posting the video on Facebook, Somphop was contacted by the underwear thief, who admitted to the act. The man claimed that he had stolen the underwear as part of a dare from a friend who was with him in the car. Somphop mentioned that he would meet the perpetrator at the Chiang Rai City Police Station tomorrow to discuss the matter further. He clarified that he did not wish to have the stolen underwear returned and would rather buy new ones. “I don’t want the stolen items back. I just hope this person won’t repeat such acts elsewhere.” Somphop’s primary concern is to prevent the perpetrator from committing similar acts in the future, as the actions constituted both trespassing and theft, which could have led to more severe consequences had he confronted the thief at the time, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood Image courtesy of Khaosod Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Suvarnabhumi Airport: Arrive at Airport 3+ hours before international flight from BKK BANGKOK: -- Suvarnabhumi Airport departure passport control area are installing new automatic channel for passport screening to replace the existing system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327663-⚠️-suvarnabhumi-airport-arrive-at-airport-3-hours-before-international-flight-from-bkk/

Over 31,000 apply for Thai Senate as 5-year term ends by Bob Scott Bob Picture courtesy: Wikimedia Over 31,000 people have sought applications to become senators in the Thai Senate as the five-year term of 250 senators, installed by the defunct National Council for Peace and Order, concluded yesterday. The Election Commission (EC) anticipates approximately 100,000 applications for the 200 available senate positions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327679-over-31000-apply-for-thai-senate-as-5-year-term-ends/

Over 31,000 people have sought applications to become senators in the Thai Senate as the five-year term of 250 senators, installed by the defunct National Council for Peace and Order, concluded yesterday. The Election Commission (EC) anticipates approximately 100,000 applications for the 200 available senate positions. Thai nationals born in Thailand, who are at least 40 years old and possess a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, can apply to become senators. Applicants must not be affiliated with any political party, hold a political post, work for government agencies, or be among the current 250 senators. They must also not own any mass media outlets or have a history of drug addiction, bankruptcy, or imprisonment in the past decade. Former politicians or individuals with party positions can apply if they have not held such positions for at least five years. Prospective candidates must select one of 20 professional categories. These categories include state service workers, legal professionals, educators, public health workers, farmers, fishers, cattle farmers and foresters, private sector workers and labourers, environment-related business operators, small and medium enterprise (SME) operators, large enterprise workers, tourism operators, industrial operators, science, technology and innovation professionals, women, seniors, individuals with disabilities, ethnic groups, artists and athletes, civic groups and NGOs, mass media professionals and writers, freelancers, and others. Applicants need to prove they were born in, studied, worked, or lived in the district for at least two years. Applications will be accepted from today, May 20 to May 24, with a fee of 2,500 baht. Voters for the Senate are not the general public but the applicants themselves. They will vote within their chosen category and later select candidates from other categories in a self-selection process, marking the first time this system is implemented in Thailand. Voting will occur at three levels: district, provincial, and national. Voting procedure Each level involves two types of voting. Initially, candidates choose two individuals within their category, with the top five votes proceeding to cross-group voting. If fewer than five candidates exist in any category, all candidates move forward. In the event of a tie, a lucky draw will determine the outcome. For cross-group voting, the 20 categories are divided into four groups. Candidates vote for one person per category within their group, with the top three from each category advancing to the provincial level. Provinces with many districts, such as Bangkok with 50 districts, will face more competition than smaller provinces like Phuket, which has three districts. At the provincial level, the top two candidates of each category move to the national level. National-level voting will determine the top ten candidates in each category to become senators. Following the application deadline on May 24, the EC will take five days to announce the candidate lists for each district on May 29. The district-level election is scheduled for June 9, followed by the provincial level on June 16, and the national level on June 26. The final results will be announced on July 2. Candidates are prohibited from canvassing for votes. They may submit their qualifications on two A4 pages with their application, which will be distributed to other district candidates. Social media can be used to share personal information, but media interviews, public campaigns, posters, brochures, promotional events, and references to the monarchy are banned. Candidates receiving assistance from parties, politicians, or other candidates will face penalties, including revocation of electoral rights. Potential loopholes Political analysts warn that the voting system has potential loopholes, allowing major parties to hire individuals to apply and vote for their candidates, thereby securing senatorial support for passing laws. The Senate plays a crucial role, especially when the House seeks to amend the Constitution, requiring support from at least one-third of senators. Unlike the current 250 senators, the new Senate will not have the authority to vote for the prime minister. However, they will still oversee the appointment of members to independent bodies influencing national politics, including the EC, the Constitutional Court, the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Attorney General. The EC is hopeful that senators with diverse experiences and backgrounds will represent various interests and work towards societal betterment. The election outcome will reveal the influence of conservative or progressive groups and determine whether senators remain free from political influence, reported Bangkok Post. by Bob Scott Bob Picture courtesy: Wikimedia Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Officer Arrested for Involvement in Kidnapping Picture courtesy Facebook: ไสว รุยันต์ A policewoman was arrested on 19 May for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and ransom of an Indonesian man in Phatthalung province earlier this month. According to local authorities, the incident has raised concerns about corruption within the police force. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327678-police-officer-arrested-for-involvement-in-kidnapping/

A policewoman was arrested on 19 May for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and ransom of an Indonesian man in Phatthalung province earlier this month. According to local authorities, the incident has raised concerns about corruption within the police force. On 11 May, 29-year-old Syawana, an Indonesian national, was abducted and assaulted by three Thai men. His captors demanded a ransom of 2.3 million baht from his family, with 800,000 baht already transferred before police intervened. Syawana was rescued on 15 May from a house in Phatthalung by officers from the Mueang Phatthalung Police Station. At the site, police apprehended the three kidnappers, Rusawan, Saidee, and Weerasak, who were allegedly connected to Chaowalit “Paeng” Thongduang, a significant prisoner who recently escaped from jail in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The house where Syawana was held reportedly belonged to Paeng’s wife. During interrogations, suspect Weerasak implicated a police officer, claiming that she orchestrated the kidnapping and directed the suspects to demand money from Syawana’s family. Surveillance footage confirmed the involvement of Police Senior Sergeant Major Ploenpit, aged 45. Ploenpit, arrested in Surat Thani province, has denied all allegations and is not cooperating with the authorities. She intends to contest the charges in court. Meanwhile, the court has denied her bail request, and she remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. Superintendent Jumphon Liamkaew of the Mueang Phatthalung Police Station assured the public that the investigation would be meticulous and thorough. Given the serious nature of the allegations, authorities are keen to ensure justice is served and restore public confidence, while also considering the potential impact on Thailand’s diplomatic relationship with Indonesia. Picture courtesy Facebook: ไสว รุยันต์ -- 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

First-Ever 'Cops Combat' Martial Arts Contest Held in Thailand File photo courtesy: peaceforasia Thailand is set to host its first-ever mixed martial arts event exclusively for police officers on May 28 at the historic Rajadamnern Stadium. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327677-first-ever-cops-combat-martial-arts-contest-held-in-thailand/

File photo courtesy: peaceforasia Thailand is set to host its first-ever mixed martial arts event exclusively for police officers on May 28 at the historic Rajadamnern Stadium. The aptly named Cops Combat event will feature police officers from across the country competing in a high-stakes tournament. This unique contest aims to showcase the physical prowess and combat readiness of Thailand's law enforcement personnel. The competition is inclusive of both male and female officers, categorised into seven weight classes: for men, from 56 kilograms to over 94kg, and for women, from 45kg to 70kg. The event's slogan, "In the ring, there is no rank, only heart and body," underscores the egalitarian spirit of the contest. Officers who wish to participate must apply through their respective bureaus and divisions. Successful applicants will then represent their divisions in the tournament, setting a stage for intra-departmental pride and camaraderie. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the Cops Combat Facebook page, ensuring that a wide audience can witness the spectacle. Police Lieutenant General Jirabhop Bhuridej, commander of the Central Investigation Bureau and the head of the organising committee, emphasised the need for the tournament to adhere to international standards while prioritising the safety of its competitors. A recent meeting chaired by Jirabhop at the Muay Thai boxing stadium further solidified the event's detailed plans, with representatives from both public and private sectors in attendance. The introduction of Cops Combat into the 2024 Police Games reflects the Royal Thai Police’s commitment to enhancing officers’ self-defence skills and promoting physical fitness, essential for their demanding duties. Competitors will don the latest patrol police uniforms along with comprehensive protective gear, including head guards with clear visors, shin guards, dental mouth guards, and groin guards. Each match will last three minutes, and victories can be achieved through knockout, submission, judges' decision, or disqualification. Cops Combat offers a groundbreaking blend of athleticism and professional preparedness, ensuring it will be a landmark event in the realm of police training and martial arts. -- 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Aims to Become Leading Aviation Hub in Asia File photo courtesy: Wikipedia The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has rolled out a major initiative to transform the country into a regional aviation hub. By 2037, Thailand aims to accommodate 270 million air travellers per year and establish itself as a key hub for cargo. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327676-thailand-aims-to-become-leading-aviation-hub-in-asia/

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has rolled out a major initiative to transform the country into a regional aviation hub. By 2037, Thailand aims to accommodate 270 million air travellers per year and establish itself as a key hub for cargo. This ambitious initiative dovetails with the government’s broader “Ignite Thailand” scheme, designed to enhance the nation's standing in tourism, medical treatment, food, logistics, electric vehicles, digital economy, and finance by 2030. The strategy unfolds in three stages: Stage One (by 2025): The first phase involves bolstering airport capabilities to support 1.2 million flights and 180 million passengers annually. Additionally, the minimum connecting time (MCT) for international connections should not exceed 75 minutes. Stage Two (2026-2028): By the end of this phase, Thailand aims for airport capacity to handle 1.4 million flights and 210 million passengers annually. During this period, the MCT will be reduced to under 60 minutes. Stage Three (2029-2037): The final stage will see airports supporting up to 2.1 million flights and 270 million passengers each year. The MCT goal is further reduced to under 45 minutes. By this stage, Thailand aims to rank among the top five countries in the Asia-Pacific region for airfreight volume. To realise these goals, CAAT plans to work closely with relevant bodies such as the Department of Airports, Airports of Thailand, Aeronautical Radio of Thailand, Civil Aviation Training Centre, and Suvarnabhumi Airport hotel. This collaboration is critical to ensuring a cohesive effort in meeting the set targets. If successful, this initiative will position Thailand as a significant player in global aviation, contributing extensively to its economic and infrastructural development. -- 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Rice auction halted for safety tests to resume after a decade Picture courtesy: piptdb Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, has announced the resumption of the 10-year-old rice auction following successful private safety tests. Private lab results have shown no contamination, asserting that the rice is safe for consumption. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327669-rice-auction-halted-for-safety-tests-to-resume-after-a-decade/

Phumtham Wechayachai, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, has announced the resumption of the 10-year-old rice auction following successful private safety tests. Private lab results have shown no contamination, asserting that the rice is safe for consumption. The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) has been instructed to move swiftly but cautiously. Phumtham stated yesterday that tests conducted by an independent company revealed no carcinogens or fumigation residues in the rice. The news comes after reports on Channel 3's 3 Miti news programme and post by Sorrayuth indicated the rice's safety. Further quality checks are ongoing, with the Department of Medical Sciences examining fat content and other substances. Initial results are positive, with a detailed report expected soon. Phumtham emphasised the significance of thorough checks before the auction moves forward. The PWO will enforce measures to ensure the process is both secure and efficient. Ranking bidders from one to five will help avoid the re-opening of bids if the top bidder defaults, reducing delays and additional costs. “All initial indicators suggest that the rice is physically fine and safe for consumption, even after 10 years,” said Phumtham. He stressed the importance of clarity and transparency to counter any public doubts. The auction will feature 150,000 sacks of rice, and bidders will have the opportunity to conduct their tests, ensuring there are no health risks. Phumtham underscored the need for public confidence, stating, “We are not prioritising our lives over those in Africa,” acknowledging Africa as a traditional market for aged jasmine rice. He indicated that he personally consumed the rice without any issues. The aim is to maximise returns from government warehouse stocks, rather than let them go to waste. Phumtham argued that it is better to auction off the rice rather than sell it as spoiled cargo for a mere 5 baht, as was done in previous auctions. Picture courtesy: piptdb -- 2024-05-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 20 May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327667-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-20-may-2024/

More than 31,000 people have requested applications to run for senator after the five-year term of the current 250 senators ended on May 10th. The Election Commission expects about 100,000 applicants for 200 senate positions. Thai nationals aged 40 and over with over 10 years of employment are eligible to apply. The registration period ends on May 24, and a list of candidates will be announced on May 29. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, currently in Europe posted a message to say he discussed with the Formula One Group, about the possibilities of hosting the F1 in Thailand in 2027 or 2028. He also met with Thai British driver Alexander Albon, from the Williams team. and hopes that Alex will inspire Thai youngsters to pursue a career in racing. A Pakistani man and his Thai wife have been arrested for allegedly murdering an Indian man in Phangnga over a business dispute. The man's body was found beside a road on May 15. Police believe the suspects lured the victim into investing in their businesses and, when he discovered the fraud, they planned his murder. A 37 year old man has been arrested for posing as an online fortune-teller with psychic abilities after swindling more than 100 people out of money over a 2 year. period. police found the man had 4 other charges of fraud against him dating back to 2022 Around the region: S korea, Seoul will introduce an all-inclusive transit pass, known as the Climate Card for short term visitors who may stay for up to 5 days, the new travel card will cost around 20 dollars and be available for international visitors from July. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy with thunderstorms, 36 degrees celsius. Bangkok: Cloudy with thundershowers 36. Pattaya: sunny becoming cloudy, 33. Phuket and the south: Cloudy, with heavy thunderstorms 34. Hua Hin: Bright but cloudy could see some showers late afternoon 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 2024-05-20 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe