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File photo courtesy of Wiki Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) launched a joint operation, uncovering illegal Bitcoin mining centres in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi provinces on Friday. Authorities raided a vegetarian shelter in Samut Sakhon’s Ban Paew district, revealing 187 Bitcoin mining machines. The PEA noticed evidence of electricity meter manipulation, with readings showing lower power usage than the actual amount consumed. The shelter’s caretaker, Sombat Tangnava, was taken into custody. In a parallel operation, officials swooped on a warehouse in Ratchaburi's Muang district. They discovered 465 Bitcoin mining machines and similarly detected meter tampering. The warehouse's caretaker, Kiatkong Tumthong, was also apprehended. Both detainees asserted that they had legally imported the Bitcoin mining machines from China. They claimed they were selling it to the public interested in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Binance Coin and Dogecoin. The suspects also announced that they were charging each investor 6,200 baht per month for each machine kept in their facilities and an additional 9,000 baht for electricity consumption. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Delayed Start to Rainy Season Forecast in Thailand Photo courtesy THE STAR Thailand's Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season will start one to two weeks later this year, likely in the fourth week of May, and should last through late October. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326109-delayed-start-to-rainy-season-forecast-in-thailand/

Thailand's Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season will start one to two weeks later this year, likely in the fourth week of May, and should last through late October. Rainfall is expected to be close to average levels, comparable to last year, which saw a 1% higher than average rainfall during the rainy season, yet accumulated 6% more than average throughout the year. For the initial half of the season till July, typical amounts of rain are forecasted. Nevertheless, an increased percentage (5%) of average rainfall is likely from August to late October. However, due to sparse rainfall spread from mid-June to mid-July, water scarcity for agricultural regions, particularly zones outside the irrigation system and prone to drought, is a concern. This situation necessitates efficient water use during this period. From August to October, the country is expected to experience heavy rainstorms and probable tropical cyclones, with a potential for flash floods in several areas. The northeast and the north regions are anticipated to be hit by one to two tropical cyclones in August and September. In October, the North and Northeast will see an ebb in rains and mornings will start to turn colder. However, more than half of the Central, Eastern, and Southern regions are predicted to continue experiencing heavy rains, including possible torrential downpours. This is attributed to a high pressure system from China moving to cover the North, and a monsoon trough covering the Central, East and South regions. Lastly, a change in the monsoon from the southwest to the northeast is expected during the rainy season, further influencing the regional rainfall patterns. Photo courtesy THE STAR -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Illegal Phichit Sawmill Operated by Indians Shut Down Picture courtesy of TV Channel 7 In Phichit province, three Indian nationals were arrested on Apr. 27 for operating an illegal sawmill, as reported by TV Channel 7. health issues caused by the dust particles from the mill's wood veneer sheet production. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326108-illegal-phichit-sawmill-operated-by-indians-shut-down/

Picture courtesy of TV Channel 7 In Phichit province, three Indian nationals were arrested on Apr. 27 for operating an illegal sawmill, as reported by TV Channel 7. The police, armed with a search warrant, conducted a raid following complaints from locals about health issues caused by the dust particles from the mill's wood veneer sheet production. The arrested individuals, one of whom was the mill's manager, resided on the premises. The manager, also found overstaying his visa, was handed over to immigration police. The workers stated that all three Indians were involved in the mill's daily operations, including wage distribution and teaching staff to peel logs and dry wood. The processed wood was reportedly intended for export. Plaguing the community with pollution, the mill's active kiln created smoke during wood drying. The spray water applied to control dust particles turned black and flowed untreated into public water sources. According to the investigation, the mill was established by Mr. Kotchakarot Parthanawong's company. He admitted to not having permission to operate such a business which poses health hazards. Following this, Pho Thale municipal officials commanded a cease to the mill's operations and plan to file a lawsuit for health endangerment. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cabinet Reshuffle: Four Out, Six New Faces in Thai Government Pictures courtesy of Thai Rath The Pheu Thai-led Thai government has finalized a major cabinet reshuffle. The reshuffle resulted in the exit of four ministers and the introduction of six new ones. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326107-cabinet-reshuffle-four-out-six-new-faces-in-thai-government/

Pictures courtesy of Thai Rath The Pheu Thai-led Thai government has finalized a major cabinet reshuffle. The reshuffle resulted in the exit of four ministers and the introduction of six new ones. The changes, mainly directed by Pheu Thai leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, saw significant positions being reassigned. Serving as Thaksin's representative in these movements was Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has signed off on the changes, which will soon be sent to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for official endorsement. Thavisin will no longer be the finance minister, passing this role on to ex-chair of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Pichai Chunhavajira. The cabinet members asked to step down include Public Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew, Deputy Agriculture & Cooperatives Ministers Chaiya Promma and Anucha Nakhasai, and Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpetch Chunla-iad. New members include Paopoom Rojanasakul as Deputy Finance Minister, Jiraporn Sindhuprai and Attakorn Sirilatthayakorn as Deputy Agriculture & Cooperative Ministers, Suchart Chomklin as Deputy Commerce Minister, Pichit Chuenbarn as Prime Minister’s Office Minister, and Pichai as Finance Minister. Portfolio swaps were also witnessed between Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin and Sudavan Wangsupakitkosol, and Sermsak Pongpanich who switched from non-portfolio Deputy PM to Public Health Minister, and Tourism & Sports to Culture Minister respectively. However, the eight cabinet members from Bhumjaithai, the second largest coalition partner, remained unchanged. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Van Driver Arrested For Threatening Taxi Driver With Knife File photo for reference only. A van driver in Phuket has been detained by the police after threatening a taxi driver with a knife in the middle of a busy road. The incident, which occurred near the bustling Central Phuket intersection of Chaloem Phrakiat Rama 9 Road, was caught on camera and shared widely on social media. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326106-phuket-van-driver-arrested-for-threatening-taxi-driver-with-knife/

A van driver in Phuket has been detained by the police after threatening a taxi driver with a knife in the middle of a busy road. The incident, which occurred near the bustling Central Phuket intersection of Chaloem Phrakiat Rama 9 Road, was caught on camera and shared widely on social media. Upon notification of the incident, the local transport office worked with Wichit police to handle the situation. The police were able to identify and locate the driver of the white Toyota van, Thanongsak Maenman, using the vehicle's license plate number. No traces of alcohol or drugs were found in his system after tests were conducted at the station. Mr. Maenman told the police that he pulled out his knife following an argument sparked by the taxi driver moving too slow. The taxi driver was able to escape without harm and later filed a complaint against Maenman, leading to his arrest. Charges against Maenman include publicly carrying a weapon without a valid reason and using threatening behavior to induce fear and panic. Further legal proceedings await Mr. Maenman as confirmed by the police. File photo for reference only. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai-Brit apprehended for drug-induced car rampage in Pattaya Picture courtesy of We love Pattaya A 24-year-old man of Thai-British descent was apprehended this morning in Pattaya after a drug and alcohol induced car rampage resulted in numerous collisions. Named only as Matthew, his reckless driving spooked local motorcycle taxi drivers who witnessed the erratic episode. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326105-thai-brit-apprehended-for-drug-induced-car-rampage-in-pattaya/

A 24-year-old man of Thai-British descent was apprehended this morning in Pattaya after a drug and alcohol induced car rampage resulted in numerous collisions. Named only as Matthew, his reckless driving spooked local motorcycle taxi drivers who witnessed the erratic episode. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement found a heavily damaged Toyota Altis with a Rayong license plate. The vehicle had rammed into several parked vehicles causing a domino effect that toppled over five motorcycles. Eyewitnesses recalled harrowing sights of the car swerving uncontrollably before impacting the parked vehicles. Officials found a plastic bag filled with what they believe to be ketamine in the car. Matthew admitted to consuming alcohol and ketamine but couldn't remember the events leading up to the crash. Photographic evidence was taken and further testing was ordered including alcohol and drug screenings. The investigation was headed by Sub-Lieutenant Sakayaphap Chaidet of Pattaya City Police Station. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. In a related incident, a drunk driver in Patong, Phuket, rammed into a patrolling police officer near Patong Hospital. Patong Police Station officers were notified of the event early morning on April 23. The driver, a 21-year-old named Amornlak Bunsiri from Satun, suffered minor injuries. TOP Picture courtesy of We love Pattaya -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drunk Driver Kills Traffic Policeman at Bangkok Charity Event File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia commons In a tragic turn of events, a traffic policeman on duty was killed by a drunk taxi driver while controlling traffic at a charity run in Bangkok. Deputy Inspector Assada Jumniansee was hit by a taxi on Phaholyothin Road, in the Anusawari sub-district of Bang Khen district, during the event organised by a well-known university. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326104-drunk-driver-kills-traffic-policeman-at-bangkok-charity-event/

In a tragic turn of events, a traffic policeman on duty was killed by a drunk taxi driver while controlling traffic at a charity run in Bangkok. Deputy Inspector Assada Jumniansee was hit by a taxi on Phaholyothin Road, in the Anusawari sub-district of Bang Khen district, during the event organised by a well-known university. The intoxicated taxi driver’s blood alcohol level was shockingly high, at 287 milligrams percent. The accident, involving a green and yellow taxi with licence plate 1มค67, was so forceful that Assada was thrown into the air, leading to serious injuries which eventually proved fatal. Assada was rushed to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital in critical condition, but despite the medical team's best efforts, he could not be saved. Confirming the tragic news of his passing, Assada's wife disclosed that he had succumbed to extremely low blood pressure. Following this incident, Police Major General Anant Worrasat, chief of the Bang Khen Police Station, ordered a comprehensive review of entitlements and benefits for government officials. He assured full assistance for Assada’s family, promising that they would be granted all their rights, including help with funeral arrangements and processing related welfare rights. In a related case, an executive from a top-tier global company faces legal action after being apprehended for drunk driving and assaulting a police officer at a checkpoint in Bangkok. TOP File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia commons -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 29 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1326103-thailand-live-monday-29-april-2024/

Thailand's Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote, has called for an immediate enquiry following an incident where three passengers were trapped in a lift for over an hour at a BTS Skytrain station. Investigation Ordered after Passengers Trapped in BTS Lift for an Hour https://aseannow.com/topic/1326102-investigation-ordered-after-passengers-trapped-in-bts-lift-for-an-hour/ File photo courtesy of Wikipedia commons

Thailand's Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote, has called for an immediate enquiry following an incident where three passengers were trapped in a lift for over an hour at a BTS Skytrain station. The troubling situation occurred yesterday between the ticketing floor and street level at a station en route to Kheha. Post the incident, which began around 5.20pm and ended at 6.19pm, Kone, the lift maintenance company, inspected and repaired the lift. Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), Pichet Kunathammarak, has been tasked to work with the operator, Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC), to investigate the malfunction. The CCTV footage confirmed that the passengers were trapped for an hour, following which they received medical attention. The DRT called for stricter supervision of service providers, ongoing training for station staff, and frequent emergency drills. More staff will be on standby at different locations for swift action. The BTSC has been directed to expedite compensation for the affected passengers. Authorities were alerted about the trapped passengers at 5.21pm, and Kone technicians successfully rescued them by 6.19pm. The lift was then closed for investigation and repair. The incident led to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (project owner) and BTSC (BTS operator) escalating staff training and emergency response drills. The incident has also resulted in improved coordination with Kone, to ensure faster responses to any future problems. BTS. File photo courtesy of Wikipedia commons https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-73gyW1WVEk -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreigner Breaks Police Lock on Illegally Parked Bike in Phuket File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia An unidentified foreign man has created a public uproar after being recorded in Phuket Old Town cutting a police chain from his motorbike, parked illicitly. The video, which surfaced on social media on April 26th, was taken on Phang Nga Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326055-foreigner-breaks-police-lock-on-illegally-parked-bike-in-phuket/

An unidentified foreign man has created a public uproar after being recorded in Phuket Old Town cutting a police chain from his motorbike, parked illicitly. The video, which surfaced on social media on April 26th, was taken on Phang Nga Road. The footage shows the man using a large cutter to break the chain placed on his wheel by the city authorities. After successfully removing the lock, he motions for silence to the person recording him and quickly drives off. The video's uploader indicated the man chose to buy a cutter from a nearby shop instead of paying the fine at the Phuket City Police Station, a decision that spurred public discussion due to the cutter price being higher than the fine. Phuket City Police Chief Colonel Pratueng Phonmana confirmed to The Phuket Express that the police are studying CCTV footage to identify and charge the man. The act of breaking the police chain equates to damaging government property, a crime carrying heavier penalties than the initial parking violation. According to Thai laws, penalties for such crimes can be severe, including fines, imprisonment or both. In extreme cases, punishments could range to ten years in jail, a fine of up to half a million baht, or a combination of both. Public reactions to the incident are mixed, with some admiring his boldness, and others criticizing his disregard for local laws. Calls for maximum punishment, including prison, a hefty fine, and deportation, have surfaced. As police continue with their investigation, they are encouraging anyone with information regarding the man's identity to come forward. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British Tourist Duped by Nonexistent Hotel on Thai Island Photo courtesy of Wikipedia A British tourist, Glen Parke, has been ensnared in a huge hotel scam while on holiday in Thailand. Parke booked a 59-night stay at the apparent Lek Lek Residence on Koh Samui through Booking.com, paying £282 (around 13,000 baht). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326051-british-tourist-duped-by-nonexistent-hotel-on-thai-island/

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia A British tourist, Glen Parke, has been ensnared in a huge hotel scam while on holiday in Thailand. Parke booked a 59-night stay at the apparent Lek Lek Residence on Koh Samui through Booking.com, paying £282 (around 13,000 baht). On arrival, he found that the supposed one-bedroom house was in fact just a small roadside shop. After this unpleasant surprise, Parke had to hastily arrange alternative accommodations, spending an enormous £3,044. However, due to high demand, Parke had to shift to a third hotel, costing him an additional £3,579. Despite their initial promises, Booking.com drew out the reimbursement process leading to Parke's expenditures escalating to £7,000 in the first two nights alone. After weeks of dispute, Parke finally received his refund after inquiries from media outlets. Booking.com expressed regret over the unfortunate incident, blaming procedural errors for the delay and ensuring measures for future prevention. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Crowned Best Country to Visit in 2024 Picture courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand was named as the top country to visit in CEOWORLD Magazine's 2024 travel rankings. The list was compiled based on a survey of 295,000 respondents, setting a new engagement record for the online magazine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326049-thailand-crowned-best-country-to-visit-in-2024/

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand was named as the top country to visit in CEOWORLD Magazine's 2024 travel rankings. The list was compiled based on a survey of 295,000 respondents, setting a new engagement record for the online magazine. Out of 67 countries listed, Thailand took the first spot with the highest score of 72.15. The Asian nation was recognized for its cultural diversity, nightlife, culinary delights, high-end shopping malls, and striking landscapes. Greece secured the second position with an overall score of 67.22. Known for its archaic sites, breathtaking islands, and rich heritage, Greece continues to be a top destination for world travelers. Following close behind in third place is Indonesia. With a score of 65.15, the island nation is celebrated for its golden beaches, verdant forests, and dynamic local culture. The magazine's list provides a useful tool for travel enthusiasts considering their next destination for 2024. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phatthalung Man Accused of Molesting Minors Faces Arrest Source: Courtesy of Facebook Thai Police Vehicles An arrest warrant has been issued for a 67-year-old resident of Phatthalung, known as Charoen or Muang, for alleged child molestation. The case involves two 12-year-old girls who were reportedly assaulted while playing in the Ko Nangkham sub-district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326044-phatthalung-man-accused-of-molesting-minors-faces-arrest/

Source: Courtesy of Facebook Thai Police Vehicles An arrest warrant has been issued for a 67-year-old resident of Phatthalung, known as Charoen or Muang, for alleged child molestation. The case involves two 12-year-old girls who were reportedly assaulted while playing in the Ko Nangkham sub-district. The warrant was issued following pressure from the victims' mothers and the media as the initial investigation, launched in December 2022, failed to lead to any arrest. The accused avoided immediate arrest and sought refuge in a different province, but has communicated plans to surrender. Allegations also surfaced about procedural irregularities with the initial investigation, which was not reported to higher officials, causing unjust delays. This led to the transfer of the original investigator and the assignment of a new officer to the case. The local Police Commander criticised the delay and has formed a committee to investigate the conduct of the initial investigator. Meanwhile, welfare officials have been assigned to support the victims emotionally and guide them through the legal process. With the new development and the police's commitment to serve justice, the case is now progressing, while the community awaits the suspect’s surrender and the investigation's outcome. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-Deputy PM's Wealth Revealed, Including Cars Worth 87M Baht Picture: Courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand's former Deputy PM and Sports Authority of Thailand Chairman, General Prawit Wongsuwon, has faced scrutiny following the exposure of his vast wealth and assets, including a collection of luxury cars worth 87 million Baht, by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326043-ex-deputy-pms-wealth-revealed-including-cars-worth-87m-baht/