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British Tourist Warned Over Criticism of Thailand Online Photo: Naewna The Tourist Police in Thailand have warned a British tourist identified as Mr. Thomas, against posting videos criticising the country on social media, citing the potential harm to the nation's image and security. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326342-british-tourist-warned-over-criticism-of-thailand-online/

The Tourist Police in Thailand have warned a British tourist identified as Mr. Thomas, against posting videos criticising the country on social media, citing the potential harm to the nation's image and security. The deputy inspector of Mae Hong Son Tourist Police, Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit Boonyaphen, stated that Mr. Thomas's videos were critical of Thai public and private agencies. Mr. Thomas was tracked down at his residence in Pai district where police urged him to understand the potential consequences of his actions. He was ordered to delete all his videos hosted on YouTube and other social media platforms and was taken to the police station for recording the incident. Mr. Thomas was informed that if he continues posting potentially harmful material about Thailand online, he could face prosecution under Thai law. Nevertheless, a senior officer from the national Tourist Police headquarters stated the existing evidence would be forwarded to the Immigration Police for further action, implying that Mr. Thomas has already violated Thai law. Mr Thomas has now apologized on YouTube: TOP Picture: Naewna -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 2 May 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1326341-thailand-live-thursday-2-may-2024/

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS Former Prime Minister of Thailand, Thaksin Shinawatra, paid a visit to Phuket Island, which turned out to be his second trip after being released on parole from three corruption charges in February. Thaksin Enjoys a Busy Walking Street in Phuket Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326313-thaksin-enjoys-a-busy-walking-street-in-phuket-on-monday-night/

Former Bangkok Teacher Arrested for Assaulting Student Picture courtesy of Khaosod A 44-year-old ex-primary school teacher, identified as Somkiat, has been apprehended in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student in the presence of her younger sister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326305-former-bangkok-teacher-arrested-for-assaulting-student/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod A 44-year-old ex-primary school teacher, identified as Somkiat, has been apprehended in Bangkok for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student in the presence of her younger sister. The incident took place on March 22 and the victim's parents reported it. The former educator was arrested by Deputy Inspector Prayul Pattulee while trading fried meatballs on a street in Bangkok. Somkiat, who previously taught at a school in Samut Prakan province, was dismissed following the allegations. He then moved back to his home province of Sisaket and later returned to Bangkok for work. He was detained during his street trade. During questioning, Somkiat admitted to the assault on his former student inside his car while her 9-year-old sister was present. He blamed his loss of control for the incident. The victim's parents, upon discovering the incident, demanded 25,000 baht (US$670) in compensation. Somkiat, lacking the complete money, initially paid 10,000 baht (US$270) and agreed to pay the rest in monthly installments of 1,000 baht (US$27). After his dismissal, he resorted to selling fried meatballs in Bangkok for employment. Somkiat was charged with sexually assaulting a minor under 13, regardless of consent, and indecent conduct towards a person under 15, irrespective of their agreement. His detention hearing is due tomorrow. -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Samut Sakhon Recycling Plant Battles Massive Fire Picture courtesy of Khaosod A major fire broke out at a recycling plant in Samut Sakhon, Thailand and kept emergency services occupied for over eight hours. The blaze, which began on April 30, spread rapidly, engulfing the entire facility and raging on into the early hours of the following day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326304-samut-sakhon-recycling-plant-battles-massive-fire/

A major fire broke out at a recycling plant in Samut Sakhon, Thailand and kept emergency services occupied for over eight hours. The blaze, which began on April 30, spread rapidly, engulfing the entire facility and raging on into the early hours of the following day. The fire broke out in an area where unused paper was stored and quickly spread through densely packed bales of paper. The wind further fuelled the flames, complicating fire fighting efforts. To contain the blaze, around 20 fire trucks from both Samut Sakhon and neighbouring Samut Songkhram provinces were rushed to the spot. While no casualties have been reported, the situation is critical. Firefighters are effortfully attempting to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage. The cause of the fire is still unknown and under investigation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has called for a quick inquiry into a fire at a hazardous storage plant in Rayong‘s Ban Khai district, which affected around 100 villagers last week. He expressed his concerns during a site visit on April 27, wondering how long it would take to find out what caused the blaze. Although the fire is currently under control, potential flare-ups have been flagged by the authorities. The site hasn't been accessed by the local police due to safety reasons, and arson has not been ruled out as a potential cause, considering the plant's electricity disruption. TOP Picture courtesy of Khaosod -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: British Tourist Held for Attacking Thai Taxi Driver over Fare Picture courtesy of The Phuket Express A 31-year-old British man, identified only as Mr. Luke, has been detained by police in Krabi, Thailand for allegedly attacking a Tuk Tuk taxi driver. The incident occurred in Phuket following a disagreement over taxi fees. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326277-foreigner-assaults-phuket-tuk-tuk-driver-over-fare-disagreement/?do=findComment&comment=18882047

British Tourist Held for Attacking Thai Taxi Driver over Fare Picture courtesy of The Phuket Express A 31-year-old British man, identified only as Mr. Luke, has been detained by police in Krabi, Thailand for allegedly attacking a Tuk Tuk taxi driver. The incident occurred in Phuket following a disagreement over taxi fees. Colonel Khundet Na Nongkhai, Karon Police Chief, reported to the Phuket Express on Tuesday (April 30th) that Mr. Luke was apprehended at a hotel on Phi Phi Island by Koh Phi Phi and Karbi Tourist police. The arrest was made following an arrest warrant issued by Phuket Kwaeng Court on charges of causing physical and mental harm to another individual. The accused was moved to the Karon Police Station in Phuket. Colonel Khundet disclosed that Mr. Luke had neither made a statement nor entered a plea by press time, and declined to speak to the media. -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NHSO Launches Investigation into Bangkok Healthcare Complaints File photo for reference only The National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Bangkok is forming a team to investigate a surge in alleged malpractices at the city’s primary healthcare clinics. The move comes as a response to the 3,771 complaints that have been reported. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326298-nhso-launches-investigation-into-bangkok-healthcare-complaints/

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) in Bangkok is forming a team to investigate a surge in alleged malpractices at the city’s primary healthcare clinics. The move comes as a response to the 3,771 complaints that have been reported. The complaints started coming in after the NHSO adjusted their universal healthcare service to mitigate overcrowding issues at the city’s hospitals. According to Dr Suphan Srithamma, head of the committee on quality and standard control for public health services, the concerns of the service recipients would be addressed according to the health security office law. In 2022, the NHSO implemented a policy, OP Anywhere, that allowed universal healthcare cardholders to access outpatient care at any national hospital during emergencies. However, a recent amendment now requires cardholders to first visit a primary healthcare clinic and can only go to a hospital if necessary. The majority of complaints (3,020 cases) since February 27 have been directed at primary healthcare clinics. Other complaints target transferred hospitals (462 cases) and public health centres (289 cases). Common issues include denial of requests for hospital transfers and failures to issue the correct transfer documents. The 30-baht healthcare scheme in the capital may also face difficulties as many private hospitals have withdrawn from the project due to resource and manpower shortages. However, Dr Srithamma assures that after the investigation is complete, the NHSO will address all findings to ensure clarity and accuracy. TOP: File photo for reference only -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two Thai Workers Honoured on Taiwan's Labour Day Picture of Teerasit Kiboonma (left) and Worapot Boonliem courtesy of Bangkok Post Two Thai nationals received employee awards during Taiwan's annual Labour Day ceremony, and were granted an audience with Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326296-two-thai-workers-honoured-on-taiwans-labour-day/

Two Thai nationals received employee awards during Taiwan's annual Labour Day ceremony, and were granted an audience with Taiwan’s President, Tsai Ing-wen. The awards, hosted by the Taiwanese Ministry of Labour, cover both local and international workers who have made significant contributions in various sectors. This year, the two Thai males won awards in the manufacturing industry. The honourees, 44-year-old Worapot Boonliem and 62-year-old Teerasit Kiboonma, both from Lampang, were praised by Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn for their work ethic, kindness, and excellent performance. Pipat also noted that Taiwan is a popular destination for Thai workers due to high demand. As an additional measure, Pipat announced a new initiative that will cover travel expenses for 50 Thai workers to Taiwan for employment. He expressed hopes that the award-winning employees will have paved the way for more Thai workers in Taiwan. In a separate incident, a Thai woman recently travelled from Taiwan to Thailand to confront her husband and his mistress, resulting in a violent confrontation in Roi Et province. TOP Picture of Teerasit Kiboonma (left) and Worapot Boonliem courtesy of Bangkok Post -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreign Tourist Robbed of Gold Necklace While Asleep on Pattaya Street Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News A Laotian tourist, Detnakhon Inthakoummane, aged 37, reported being robbed of his 80,000 baht gold necklace while sleeping off intoxication on a street in Pattaya early Wednesday morning, May 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326294-foreign-tourist-robbed-of-gold-necklace-while-asleep-on-pattaya-street/

A Laotian tourist, Detnakhon Inthakoummane, aged 37, reported being robbed of his 80,000 baht gold necklace while sleeping off intoxication on a street in Pattaya early Wednesday morning, May 1. After a late-night drinking session and against his companions' advice, Mr. Detnakhon decided to walk back to his accommodations. Feeling tired, he fell asleep on a footpath. Upon waking up, he discovered his gold necklace was missing and swiftly reported it to the police. CCTV footage revealed a thin, tall man in biker attire. The man was seen observing the sleeping Detnakhon and later returning without his vest to rob him of his necklace. Pattaya police have been asked to expedite the investigation in order to bring the offender to justice. This incident highlights an ongoing issue in Pattaya where gold necklace theft is frequent among foreign tourists. Last year, similar robberies targeting two Indian men were reported. Police advise tourists to avoid displaying flashy jewelry and to stay alert, especially when under the influence. TOP Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Distracted Driving Causes Fatal Collision in Lampang Picture courtesy of Istock for reference only A fatal road accident occurred in Lampang today, when a woman dropped her phone while driving. Her attention diverted, she swerved, causing a head-on collision with a sedan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326290-distracted-driving-causes-fatal-collision-in-lampang/

A fatal road accident occurred in Lampang today, when a woman dropped her phone while driving. Her attention diverted, she swerved, causing a head-on collision with a sedan. The impact instantly killed the male driver and injured a 19-year-old passenger. The incident took place in the district of Hang Chat, near the Rai Na Ngern market. Upon arrival, police found a silver Honda sedan with Chai Nat plates. The young passenger with a head injury and several bruises was quickly attended by the Wiang Tal municipal rescue team and taken to Hang Chat Hospital. The sedan's driver, a man between 40 and 45 years old from Chai Nat, was found dead and trapped inside the vehicle. The Lampang Rescue Association was called in to help remove the body. The other vehicle involved was a pickup truck registered in Lampang. The driver, a woman, sustained minor injuries and admitted to retrieving her dropped phone when the accident occurred. She was taken in by law enforcement for further investigation as the scene continues to be examined. The authorities aim to understand the complete sequence of events leading to the deadly crash and determine appropriate legal action based on their findings. The Wiang Tal municipal rescue team provided emergency support at the crash site. Picture courtesy of Istock for reference only -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Noisy Unlicensed Pattaya Villa Shut Down, Peace Restored for Locals File photo for reference only. Pattaya authorities conducted a raid of a noisy, unlicensed pool villa following residents’ complaints about continual loud music and parties. The raid, which took place yesterday evening, signified a return to peace for the local community. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326289-noisy-unlicensed-pattaya-villa-shut-down-peace-restored-for-locals/

Pattaya authorities conducted a raid of a noisy, unlicensed pool villa following residents’ complaints about continual loud music and parties. The raid, which took place yesterday evening, signified a return to peace for the local community. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, ordered his deputy, Pornchai Sang-iad, to lead official action against the villa, situated within the Banglamung district's Nongprue sub-district, Soi Thappraya 15. The raid was carried out covertly with Sang-iad posing as a tourist who booked accommodation for 10 people inside the villa for a nightly rate of 4,999 baht. He used marked banknotes to pay the housekeeper; once payment was accepted, he revealed his true identity. The shocked housekeeper was taken to the Banglamung District Office, facing accusations of violating the Hotel Act B.E. 2547. This law prohibits the operation of any hotel without a license. Penalties include a fine of up to 20,000 baht, a one-year jail sentence or both. An additional daily fine of up to 10,000 baht may be applied if the violation continues. Authorities are persistently trying to identify the villa's owner to initiate further legal proceedings. A local resident anonymously revealed the villa's constant noisy disturbances. Sang-iad confirmed that the villa operation without a license led to its shutdown. He stated, "We are now working to identify the owner," emphasizing the need for law enforcement in such scenarios. The quick actions by the authorities display their dedication to maintaining law and order, responding to local disturbances, and enforcing consequences for businesses operating without the necessary legal permits. File photo for reference only. -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Wage Hike Postponement Leaves Low-Income Earners Disappointed File photo Facebook NNT The Thai government's delay in implementing a promised wage increase has caused uproar among workers who will have to wait until October for the minimum wage to rise to 400 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326287-thai-wage-hike-postponement-leaves-low-income-earners-disappointed/

The Thai government's delay in implementing a promised wage increase has caused uproar among workers who will have to wait until October for the minimum wage to rise to 400 baht. The decision comes as a particular blow in light of the salary increases planned for white-collar government workers and retirees, following Labor Day. Critics argue this approach distorts the labor market and offers little benefit for workers in low income brackets. Economist Assoc Prof Dr. Kiriya Kulkolkarn at Bangkok's Thammasat University suspects a political motive behind the measures. She contends that the recent, marginal wage increases have had little impact on the economy. Instead, she suggests alternative government strategies, such as controlling commodity prices, subsidizing necessities, and offering low-income families financial support. The current minimum wage in Thailand, ranging from 330 to 370 baht, is already higher than that of surrounding countries, but falls short of meeting the needs of its workforce. In order to compete with higher-skilled regional competitors, Kiriya urges upskilling of Thai workers, particularly in digital fields. Concerns have been raised about the potential for workforce downsizing in response to a higher minimum wage; Kiriya confirms small and medium businesses may be particularly affected. Aggressive moves to form labor unions and negotiate for improved labor conditions could offset these challenges. However, obstacles still exist, particularly around employment through subcontractors and the emerging gig economy which often circumvent labor-protection laws. Lastly, Sia Jampathong, a MP from the Move Forward Party, expressed his disappointment at the rejection of the labor-protection bill he proposed, which sought to limit work hours, guarantee annual leave, and extend labor protections to gig-economy workers. In contrast, Parliament approved a different labor bill seeking to extend paid maternity leave. File photo Facebook NNT -- 2024-05-01 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 1 May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326285-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-1-may-2024/

A 58 year old drug courier from ‘Khon Kaen’ was arrested after around 500, thousand speed pills were found hidden on the underside of his vehicle near Chiang Mai yesterday. The vehicle was travelling from the Thai - Myanmar border area when police stopped the vehicle, Officers noticed the driver acting suspiciously which prompted them to take the vehicle in for a thorough check. The Industry Ministry has suspended transport of toxic cadmium waste indefinitely after A mobile crane's chain broke as it was moving a bag of cadmium waste to a vehicle at a warehouse in Taak province. The waste is due to be buried at a permanent site owned by the company called Bound & Beyond’ The Air Force is demanding 3 billion baht in compensation from The Airports of Thailand company for the proposed use of the Golf Course, which is located between the runways at Don Mueang international airport. The ‘A.O.T’ president, said the takeover of the golf course is necessary to ensure safety, adding that golfers have breached restrictions by driving golf carts across the taxi ways! However the air force insisted the course is safe and suggested A.O.T pay the air force 3 billion baht for a 30 year lease. The minister of labour announced that an increase in the national minimum daily wage may be delayed until October. There had been speculation that the increase would come into effect today, however a committee has yet to finalize the conditions of the increase and is due to discuss the proposed wage hike in two weeks time. Around the region In Indonesia, A remote volcano erupted several times yesterday a and sent a tower of ash more than 5km into the sky. Authorities ordered around 12 thousand people to evacuate due to the threat of a tsunami from debris sliding into the sea. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 41C Bangkok: Sunny, partly cloudy, 39C Pattaya: Sunny, 35C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 34C Hua Hin: Sunny partly cloudy, 36C AQIYellow to Orange, moderate to high Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, 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 2024-05-01 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Koh Larn Water Shortage Worsens Amid Heat Wave File photo for reference only. Thailand's island of Koh Larn, just off Pattaya's coast, is grappling with severe water scarcity due to an ongoing heat wave. Inhabitants and tourists alike struggle with a shortage of clean, drinkable water, as the supply fails to meet burgeoning demand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326284-koh-larn-water-shortage-worsens-amid-heat-wave/