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Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Police in Thailand have dismantled a sophisticated Chinese call centre gang, primarily involving Chinese nationals, that exploited over 10,000 telephone numbers starting with "02" to defraud citizens. This operation, called the "Bridge-Blasting Measure," uncovered that the gang made over 700 million calls and sent nearly one million fraudulent SMS messages in just three days. On 18 November 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, announced the results of two key operations targeting this gang. The investigations revealed that the fraudulent numbers, initially registered with three companies under a SIP Trunk system, were used to impersonate Thai landlines while operating from neighbouring countries. The authorities identified three companies—Ruan Yun, Yoon, and Prima—linked to over 11,200 phone numbers. Together, these numbers facilitated fraudulent call attempts exceeding 730 million. Notably, all the companies involved had foreign directors, predominantly Chinese nationals, some of whom are now facing arrest warrants alongside Thai collaborators. In another breakthrough, the police arrested a Chinese suspect, Mr. Yang, who used a false base station to send fake SMS messages claiming reward points were expiring, tricking victims into providing sensitive information. The operation involved tampered telecommunications equipment and unauthorised frequencies. This crackdown has led to 10 arrests so far, including nine Thais and one Myanmar national, while international warrants have been issued for other suspects. Charges include fraud, computer crimes, money laundering, and running illegal networks. Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai stated that this operation significantly disrupted the gang's ability to defraud citizens, marking a decline in such crimes over the past three months. Authorities continue collaborating with private and government sectors to tackle online and cross-border crimes effectively, reported Siam Rath. -- 2024-11-19

Election Commission Urged to Probe Thaksin’s Dual Citizenship Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On 18 November 2024, Sondhiya Sawatdee, a former advisor to the House of Representatives' legal, justice, and human rights commission, filed a formal request with Thailand’s Election Commission (EC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343956-election-commission-urged-to-probe-thaksin’s-dual-citizenship/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On 18 November 2024, Sondhiya Sawatdee, a former advisor to the House of Representatives' legal, justice, and human rights commission, filed a formal request with Thailand’s Election Commission (EC). He urged the commission to investigate whether Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, holds dual citizenship in Thailand and Montenegro. This inquiry stems from Thaksin’s involvement in campaigning for a Pheu Thai Party candidate in the Udon Thani provincial administrative organisation (PAO) election last weekend. Sondhiya expressed concerns that Thaksin's dual citizenship, if confirmed, could violate local election laws, party regulations, and the constitution. He referenced Section 68 of the 2019 Local Council and Administrative Organisation Election Act, noting that Thaksin’s prolonged 17-year absence from Thailand and reports of his Montenegrin citizenship raised legal questions. Sondhiya cited Montenegro’s policy prohibiting dual citizenship and questioned whether Thaksin’s actions were in line with Montenegrin law. Efforts to confirm Thaksin’s citizenship status through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were inconclusive. Sondhiya contacted the Montenegrin honorary consulate in Thailand, only to be told that inquiries must be directed to Montenegro’s authorities. Sondhiya added that the EC must clarify whether Thaksin’s campaign activities were lawful. If Thaksin still holds Montenegrin citizenship, his involvement in the election campaign could render it invalid. Thai law prohibits non-Thai nationals from participating in any form of election activities. Additionally, Sondhiya raised concerns over Thaksin’s campaign rhetoric, accusing him of using defamatory and misleading language. The Pheu Thai Party’s involvement, given its logo and endorsement of the Udon Thani PAO candidate, was also flagged for scrutiny. Sondhiya urged the EC to address the issue thoroughly to ensure clarity and accountability. In a related matter, Sondhiya plans to submit a separate inquiry to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He seeks an explanation regarding her absence from the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit in Laos last month, which was noted in Filipino media reports. Sondhiya questioned whether this reflects on the country’s representation on the global stage, urging a clear response for the reassurance of Thai citizens, reported Siam RAth. -- 2024-11-19

12kg Heroin Found Inside Buddha Statues Abandoned in Thailand Picture courtesy: Naew Na In a striking discovery today, Thai authorities uncovered a substantial narcotics haul tucked away in Buddha statues left by a roadside in Nakhon Phanom province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343946-12kg-heroin-found-inside-buddha-statues-abandoned-in-thailand/

Picture courtesy: Naew Na In a striking discovery today, Thai authorities uncovered a substantial narcotics haul tucked away in Buddha statues left by a roadside in Nakhon Phanom province. Acting on a tip-off, the Border Patrol Police, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Rewat Champa, launched extensive patrols in this northeastern region. Their vigilant efforts paid off when they stumbled upon three statues abandoned near a cemetery in Uthen district. Upon closer inspection, the statues revealed a staggering cache. Inside, authorities found 32 small bags, each containing approximately 400 grammes of heroin, amounting to 12kg. Additionally, they uncovered 117kg of crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as Ice. The heroin bore a distinctive stamp featuring a pair of lions and a red globe, while the Ice was cleverly concealed in Chinese tea bags, likely to evade scrutiny. The illicit cargo is valued at over 100 million baht. Investigators deduced that the drugs were smuggled from Laos, evidenced by Mekong river sand clinging to the statues' bases. A cunning smuggling tactic involved using carbon copy paper to shield the drugs from X-ray detection, a hallmark of sophisticated trafficking operations. Picture courtesy: Naew Na The decision to abandon the statues appears to be a hasty move prompted by tightening security measures. Authorities suspect a broker, supervising from afar, tipped off the traffickers about the impending capture, leading them to ditch the contraband in a hurry. This incident underscores the continuing battle against drug smuggling in Thailand, a key transit point in Southeast Asia. The authorities remain on high alert, determined to stem the flow of illegal substances across their borders. This operation marks a significant victory in their ongoing campaign against drug trafficking, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-11-19

Thailand Investigates Increasing Dugong Death Toll in Krabi File photo. Source: Wikipedia Thailand's dugong population is facing a serious decline, prompting an expanded investigation into rising death rates. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343939-thailand-investigates-increasing-dugong-death-toll-in-krabi/

File photo. Source: Wikipedia Thailand's dugong population is facing a serious decline, prompting an expanded investigation into rising death rates. The recent discovery of a dead juvenile dugong on Si Boya Island has heightened concerns about the survival of this vulnerable species. The dugong was found just days after another adult female was discovered dead in Krabi's Khao Thong subdistrict. Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Chalermchai Sri-on, has called for urgent interventions to combat the alarming situation. The critical decline in seagrass, which serves as the primary food source for dugongs, has been identified as a major cause of the increased mortality. This issue is particularly acute in Trang province, a once-thriving habitat for dugongs and seagrass diversity. Reports indicate that the dugong population in the Andaman Sea has lost at least 35 members this year. With seagrass levels only half as plentiful as previous years, the survival of remaining dugongs is in jeopardy. To address this, the ministry has tasked the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, along with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, to implement crisis recovery and protection measures. These include seagrass bed restoration, supplementary feeding, and dugong rescue training courses. Marine expert Thon Thamrongnawasawat has highlighted the urgency of the situation on social media, pointing out that 72 dugongs have died over the past two years. The death rate has escalated from approximately one per month seven years ago to nearly four per month in 2023. Given this trajectory, experts warn that dugongs could face local extinction in the Andaman Sea within the next few years if current trends continue. Minister Chalermchai plans to monitor progress closely and intends to bring this crisis to the international stage at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-11-19

Rare 1-baht coin could fetch up to 100,000 baht Image courtesy of KhaoSod Collectors are buzzing with excitement over the recent discovery of a rare 1-baht coin from the reign of King Rama IX, featuring an unusual double-tail side. A renowned shop has revealed that finding such a coin could fetch up to 100,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343919-rare-1-baht-coin-could-fetch-up-to-100000-baht/

Intoxicated tourist detained after Pattaya restaurant altercation An intoxicated tourist was apprehended in Pattaya following an alleged assault on a restaurant owner’s husband. The incident unfolded at a restaurant in Soi Pratumnak 4. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343900-intoxicated-tourist-detained-after-pattaya-restaurant-altercation/

Porsche-paced: Thai woman taken for a ride in surprise luxury Grab Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In the most thrilling ride of her life, a Thai woman was left gobsmacked when a luxury Porsche showed up for her ordinary Grab booking. The surprise pickup, which has since become an Internet sensation, was all thanks to the driver’s usual vehicle being in the shop, leaving him to earn points in style with his flashy substitute. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343923-porsche-paced-thai-woman-taken-for-a-ride-in-surprise-luxury-grab/

Gas-Powered Bus Safety Checks Urgent as Deadline Approaches Picture courtesy: Thai Rath As the end-of-the-month deadline approaches, Thailand's Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a firm reminder to operators of CNG buses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343907-gas-powered-bus-safety-checks-urgent-as-deadline-approaches/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 19 November 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1343916-thailand-live-tuesday-19-november-2024/

FILE - Leader of Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, wave before press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) In a strategic move, Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly engaged in secret discussions with influential figures, aiming to prevent his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from facing suspension as Thailand's Prime Minister. This development follows a comprehensive lawsuit against Thaksin and his Pheu Thai Party, which is currently the largest ruling party in Thailand. The highly confidential negotiations seek to secure what insiders describe as "conditional mercy," allowing Paetongtarn to remain in power ahead of a crucial Constitutional Court verdict expected soon. An anonymous source close to the party suggests that Thaksin's negotiation skills might protect his daughter's political career, despite their fraught legal challenges. The urgency stems from the potential fallout from the Constitutional Court, which may accept a lawsuit alleging Thaksin's undue influence over the party. Observers are keenly watching whether Thaksin's manoeuvring will spare Paetongtarn from a suspension similar to the one that previously sidelined her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was ultimately impeached and removed from office last August. At the heart of the allegations is the charge that Paetongtarn's leadership is subject to Thaksin's control, which could lead to her temporary removal from office. The lawsuit claims Thaksin holds significant sway within Pheu Thai, influencing policies, coalition dynamics, and even international engagements. Key accusations include Thaksin's alleged interference with party activities, purported strategic decisions like excluding the Palang Pracharath Party from the coalition, and pushing for a Thai-Cambodian resources project following private talks with Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen. These varied allegations, if proven, could not only dissolve the Pheu Thai Party but also decisively end Paetongtarn's tenure as Prime Minister, pending the court's final decision, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-11-19

FILE - Leader of Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, wave before press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Thaksin Negotiates for Paetongtarn Amid Potential PM Suspension In a strategic move, Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly engaged in secret discussions with influential figures, aiming to prevent his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, from facing suspension as Prime Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343914-thaksin-negotiates-for-paetongtarn-amid-potential-pm-suspension/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath As the end-of-the-month deadline approaches, Thailand's Department of Land Transport (DLT) has issued a firm reminder to operators of CNG buses. In response to a horrific incident that claimed the lives of 20 students and three teachers on 1st October, the DLT mandated safety inspections for these buses. Yet, nearly half of the nation's 13,426 registered CNG buses remain unchecked. The far-reaching safety directive, initiated on 4th October, has seen just 7,501 buses comply, leaving a staggering 5,925 still due for examination. The gravity of the situation is compounded by 59 buses failing safety tests, leading to their temporary removal from service. With the holiday season approaching, the DLT advises passengers only to board buses proudly displaying the “passed safety inspection” sticker. Ignoring the 30th November deadline could result in severe consequences for bus operators, such as a 50,000 baht fine and removal of vehicles from service. Additionally, continuing to operate a bus that has failed inspection invites further fines. The department will formally notify operators who miss this critical deadline. A 15-day grace period allows a final opportunity for compliance. Failure to act promptly will result in the revocation of the public transport licence, requiring operators to surrender their licence plates. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a strict stance against non-compliance, the DLT has stated that bus operators caught running their services with a revoked licence face severe penalties. These penalties could extend to five years' imprisonment or a fine ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht. As the intensive inspection deadline nears, authorities emphasise that these measures are crucial in safeguarding public safety and preventing tragic incidents in the future, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-11-19

Two Aussie women are left fighting for life after methanol poisoning at a Laos hostel Two Aussies on life support in Thai hospitals By MAX ALDRED FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Two young women from Melbourne are fighting for life in Thailand, suspected of drinking poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of 'vodka' while holidaying in Laos. The best friends, both believed to be aged 19, were rushed to hospital from the Laotian capital, Vientiane - near Thailand's northern border - after their drinks were reportedly spiked with methanol. The young women are believed to have finished school in 2023 and had been travelling Asia during their summer university break. It understood they attended Mentone Girls Grammar and Beaumaris Secondary College in Melbourne's Bayside suburbs. They are both now on life support in separate hospitals in Udon Thani and Bangkok with their parents now making a mercy dash to be at their bedsides. Full story: Daily Mail Online -- 2024-11-18

UPDATE: 10 year old homeless boy steals 3.5 million baht from Aussien woman in Pattaya Police yesterday arrested a 10 year old homeless Thai boy for stealing valuables worth 3.5 million baht from an Australian businesswoman staying in a rented house in Pattaya on Saturday, November 16. The victim, 40 year old Toni Anne Hughes, filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station on Saturday, reporting that she left her rented house on Friday, November 15, and returned the following day to find all her valuables missing. Hughes discovered signs of a break-in and noticed that the back door of her house was left open. The stolen valuables included: Two Cartier rings worth 1 million baht A Cartier watch worth 300,000 baht A Rolex watch worth 600,000 baht Two gold necklaces worth 800,000 baht A gold ring worth 45,000 baht A pair of gold earrings worth 100,000 baht Designer handbags Valuable Buddhist amulets Other accessories Anne checked CCTV footage and spotted a young boy wearing a T-shirt and shorts, carrying a backpack. Police reviewed the footage and identified the suspect as a 10 year old boy, identified only as A, who was known to them. According to the police report, the boy is homeless and usually sleeps on an abandoned plot of land near Nong Or Temple. Officers located him at the site and arrested him with all the stolen items in his backpack. The valuables were returned to the Australian victim. The boy admitted to the theft and was questioned at Mueang Pattaya Police Station before being transferred to a shelter for children and families. He will be questioned again by specialists. Details regarding any legal action were not included in the report. In a related incident earlier this month, three Thai boys stole food from a som tam restaurant in Trat Province. One of them, aged 16, was caught by a good Samaritan. The boy admitted to stealing chicken eggs, peanuts, and snacks because he and his friends had not eaten for four days. He explained that he ran away from home due to family issues and had been living with friends since then. The shop owner, moved by his situation, decided not to press charges and instead provided him with food and drink. The boy expressed his gratitude with tears of thanks. By Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-11-18

Two Australian women critically ill after drinking cocktails containing methanol while on holiday in Thailand The young women, from Melbourne, were travelling in Southeast Asia after graduating from school. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343874-methanol-cocktails-leave-two-australian-women-critically-ill-in-thailand/

The young women, from Melbourne, were travelling in Southeast Asia after graduating from school. By Molly Magennis It’s understood the girls had been travelling as part of a wider group who had also visited Laos. Two young Australian women, believed to be about 19 years old, are critically ill after consuming cocktails suspected to be laced with methanol while on holiday in Southeast Asia. The women, who graduated from Beaumaris Secondary College in Melbourne last year, first became ill after drinking the beverage on Friday while staying at a hostel near the border of Thailand and Laos. One of the women has been flown to a hospital in Bangkok, with her family now by her side. It’s understood the women had been travelling as part of a wider group who had also visited Laos. Methanol is often deliberately added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, which is the normal alcohol used in alcoholic drinks. Full story: 7NEWS -- 2024-11-18

Storm warning: Thailand’s weather is about to rain on your parade by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather forecast for tomorrow, November 19, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain in certain areas. Bangkok and central regions are expected to experience the most severe conditions, affecting 22 provinces in total. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343863-storm-warning-thailand’s-weather-is-about-to-rain-on-your-parade/

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather forecast for tomorrow, November 19, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rain in certain areas. Bangkok and central regions are expected to experience the most severe conditions, affecting 22 provinces in total. An influx of moderately cold air from China is currently covering the upper northern region, the upper northeastern region, and the South China Sea. This, combined with easterly and southeasterly winds affecting the lower northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and upper southern regions, is set to bring thunderstorms and heavy rain to these areas. TMD has updated the path of Typhoon Man-yi, advising that temperatures will drop by as much as 5 degrees Celsius (°C) from today until November 22. Typhoon Man-yi, currently located east of the Philippines, is expected to pass over Luzon Island today before moving into the northern South China Sea. The storm is predicted to approach Hainan Island, China, between tomorrow and the following day, with a likelihood of weakening. In the north, conditions will be cool with morning fog and thunderstorms expected in 20% of the area, particularly in Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, and Phetchabun provinces. Temperatures will range from a low of 19 to 24°C to a high of 31 to 34 °C. Mountainous areas will experience cool to cold weather with temperatures dropping to between nine and 16 degrees Celsius. Northeasterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour (km/h). Cool mountainous weather In the northeastern region, cool weather in the morning will give way to thunderstorms in 10% of the area, mostly in Loei, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. After the rain, temperatures will fall by one to three degrees Celsius, with strong winds expected. Temperatures will range from 20 to 23 °C to highs of 31 to 36°C. Cool to cold weather will prevail in mountainous areas, with temperatures dipping to 13 to 17°C. Winds will blow from the northeast at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h. In the central region, 40% of the area will experience thunderstorms, with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram provinces. Temperatures will vary from 23 to 26 °C to highs of 30 to 34 °Cs, with northeasterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 km/h. In the eastern region, 40% of the area will have thunderstorms, with heavy rainfall in some areas, notably in Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong provinces. Temperatures will range between 23 to 26°C and 32 to 34°C. Easterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h. The sea will have waves lower than 1 metre, but areas experiencing thunderstorms may see waves over 2 metres high. In the southern region (eastern coast), thunderstorms are expected in 30% of the area, with heavy rain, particularly in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26°C to highs of 31 to 34°C. Easterly winds will blow at speeds of 10 to 30 km/h. The sea will have waves lower than 1 metre, but thunderstorms may cause waves to exceed 2 metres. In the southern region (western coast), 30% of the area will experience thunderstorms, mostly in Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Temperatures will vary from 24 to 26°C to highs of 33 to 35°C. Easterly winds will blow at 10 to 30 km/h. The sea will have waves lower than 1 metre, though thunderstorms may cause waves to exceed 2 metres. In Bangkok and its surrounding areas, thunderstorms are expected in 40% of the area, with heavy rain in some places. Temperatures will range from 25 to 27°C to highs of 31 to 33°C, with easterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 km/h. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-11-18

Thailand’s debt drive: Putting the brakes on cars and homes by Bob Scott Bob Picture courtesy of Invest Asian The financial woes of Thailand have taken centre stage as crippling debt levels put the brakes on car sales and curb the housing market, particularly among low-income households. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343860-thailand’s-debt-drive-putting-the-brakes-on-cars-and-homes/

The financial woes of Thailand have taken centre stage as crippling debt levels put the brakes on car sales and curb the housing market, particularly among low-income households. With banks wary of non-performing loans (NPLs), many hopeful borrowers are seeing their applications for mortgages and car loans hit the skids. In response, the government is steering new initiatives to tackle this economic roadblock. The Finance Ministry, teaming up with the Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Thai Bankers’ Association, is revving up a plan to ease the debt load on beleaguered individual borrowers and SMEs. The strategy? A clever debt restructuring scheme that puts a lid on interest payments while borrowers focus on repaying the principal. Meet the requirements, and the suspended interest might even get waved away as an added incentive to keep repayments on track, said Pornchai Thiraveja, the Fiscal Policy Office Director-General. “This programme aims to support small borrowers who intend to reduce their debt and are expected to resume normal repayments once their incomes recover,” The programme hopes to fix structural flaws by linking government and bank data, offering a clearer picture of debt loads and repayment capabilities. While finer details are still in the pipeline, the initiative is expected to cover borrowers with loan agreements signed before January 1, 2024, who’ve faced financial turbulence as of October 31, 2024. Household debt currently stands at a hefty 89.6% of GDP, down slightly from earlier figures, prompting government action. Previous efforts included low-interest loans and debt suspensions for some state institution clients. Thitima Chucherd from SCB EIC noted that the interest suspension helps vulnerable borrowers tackle their debt head-on. Debt relief Targeting those grappling with mortgages, car, and small business loans, the new scheme draws input from crucial players in both private and public sectors, with plans to roll out early next year. By providing debt relief, the programme aims to cut down on repossessions, allowing borrowers to keep using their vehicles for work, said Suphan Mongkolsuthree, ex-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries. “Banks remain cautious due to NPLs. New solutions are needed for both lenders and borrowers.” This debt burden has spilt over into the manufacturing domain, depressing car sales and scaling back 2024 car production targets. Issara Boonyoung from the Thai Chamber of Commerce points out that the temporary relief could help prevent vehicle repossessions, keeping people on the road for work. While these measures won’t directly boost new home buying, they aim to cool economic pressures caused by mounting debt. SMEs particularly stand to benefit from the interest payment pause, helping them stay afloat and stave off layoffs, said Jesada Techahusdin, an analyst at Maybank Securities. “While the new debt relief measure could reduce sector NPLs, measures to increase household income are necessary for long-term solutions,” This initiative paves the way for deflating Thailand’s towering debt problem, with more strategies likely to follow to boost household incomes. The hope? A financial turnaround hitting top gear. by Bob Scott Bob Picture courtesy of Invest Asian Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-11-18

American arrested for alleged sexual assault of Chinese woman by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Hat Yai police have arrested a 39 year old American man following serious allegations of sexual assault against a 35 year old Chinese woman. The case unfolded after the victim, known publicly as Chang, bravely came forward to report the distressing incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343858-american-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-assault-of-chinese-woman/

Hat Yai police have arrested a 39 year old American man following serious allegations of sexual assault against a 35 year old Chinese woman. The case unfolded after the victim, known publicly as Chang, bravely came forward to report the distressing incident. The drama began on November 2 when Chang and the suspect, identified as Christian, first crossed paths at a local restaurant in the bustling city of Hat Yai, Songkhla. The two quickly struck up a relationship, often meeting in the privacy of Chang’s hotel room. However, Chang made it clear that any intimate encounters would require protection. Things took a dark turn on November 7 when Chang alleges Christian refused to use protection. When she opposed his advances, the situation reportedly escalated, ending in a violent assault before Christian fled the scene. Acting swiftly on Chang’s report, Hat Yai police wasted no time in gathering evidence before acquiring an arrest warrant from the Songkhla Provincial Court. With the cooperation of tourist officials, authorities tracked Christian down on the very same day at a different hotel within Hat Yai, where they promptly arrested him. Christian now faces the serious charge of sexual assault under Thai law, which condemns the use of threats or physical force against someone unable to resist. The police are leaving no stone unturned as they continue their relentless investigation to build a watertight case. As of now, Christian has remained silent, refraining from making any statements to the Thai media. It also remains uncertain whether he has secured legal representation. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-11-18