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National—On April 11th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson, called for the cooperation of all citizens to play water during the Songkran celebration safely and appropriately. UNESCO registered the Songkran festival from Thailand as humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. The Thai government had then prepared for the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 as a major celebration. According to the Thai Deputy Government Spokesperson, Songkran is a fun festival frequently celebrated with alcoholic beverages. However, it could lead to violence and crimes, including sexual harassment. A survey of citizens regarding the Songkran Festival 2024 showed that 57.79% of the majority had clay powder applied to their faces, 32.43% experienced molestation, and 76.77% of the age group under 18 years had clay powder applied to their faces. The most encountered sexual harassment behaviors included being touched without permission on hands, arms, and physical contact at 61.45%. More than 92.10% of the survey takers recognized that sexual harassment was an offense under Thai criminal law. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Governor Addresses Rumors in Swiss Expat Alleged Assault Case; Affirms Judicial Transparency By Goongnang Suksawat PHUKET-In a recent development concerning the high-profile assault case involving a local doctor and a Swiss Expat, Phuket Governor Mr. Sophon Suwannarat has issued a clarifying statement. The update comes amid circulating rumors that an individual had attempted to influence the case’s outcome through financial means. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324762-phuket-governor-addresses-rumors-in-swiss-expat-alleged-assault-case/

PHUKET-In a recent development concerning the high-profile assault case involving a local doctor and a Swiss Expat, Phuket Governor Mr. Sophon Suwannarat has issued a clarifying statement. The update comes amid circulating rumors that an individual had attempted to influence the case’s outcome through financial means. Governor Sophon firmly stated, “The accusation of assaulting the doctor is currently under judicial review. We can categorically confirm that there have been no attempts by any party to aid Mr. David, the suspect and Swiss expat, in this matter, nor has there been any offer of money to the doctor to dismiss the case, contrary to the rumors. Our officials are committed to their duties and will uphold transparency throughout the legal process. Consistent updates on the case will be provided to the Ministry of the Interior and Anutin Charnvirakul himself, the Minister of the Interior and Deputy Prime Minister.” By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Intoxicated American Arrested after Damaging Sedan Window with a Rock in Wichit By Goongnang Suksawat Wichit – An intoxicated American man was charged after he hit a sedan glass window with a rock in Wichit on Thursday (April 11th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324760-intoxicated-american-arrested-after-damaging-sedan-window-with-a-rock-in-wichit/

Wichit – An intoxicated American man was charged after he hit a sedan glass window with a rock in Wichit on Thursday (April 11th). The Wichit Police were notified of the incident at 5:30 A.M. by Mr. Tharathit Na Phatthalung, 33. He told police that a foreign man had hit his sedan’s glass window with a rock while it was parked on Chao Fa Road opposite a hotel in Wichit. He did not know the foreign man. Police quickly arrived at the scene to find the blood stained damaged sedan. A shoeless foreign man was found nearby. The intoxicated foreign man was taken to the Wichit Police Station. He was later identified by the police only as Mr. DENNY, 46, an American national. He told police that his unidentified friend had allegedly forgotten a mobile phone in the sedan. He used a rock to try to break the glass window of the sedan to get the mobile phone back. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Screams in the night heard as London police probe the horrific murder of a young Thai woman by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor 27-year-old Ms Kamonnan Thiamphanit (centre) was reportedly of Thai and Hong Kong descent. Police found her body on Monday morning at a £3.1 million property in Stanhope Place in the Bayswater area of the London borough of Westminster. Thai woman stabbed to death in an upmarket London home in Westminster, shocking locals with night screams. Police investigate response delay as detectives promise to arrest the killer. A massive murder hunt has been launched in London following the murder of a young Thai woman. Ms Kamonnan Thiamphanit was found stabbed to death at a £3.1 million property in Westminster on Monday morning. Shocked local residents reported hearing haunting screams on Sunday night. At the same time, an internal police probe is underway after a friend of the victim phoned the Metropolitan Police expressing concern for Ms Kamonnan’s welfare some 13 hours before the 27-year-old woman’s body was found by officers on Monday morning. Police in London have revealed chilling details of a murder discovered by officers on Monday. The grim find took place in the upmarket Westminster area of the city. At 8.30 am local residents observed police forcing their way into a Georgian residence. It was located in a £3.1 million property, formerly the Ethiopian Embassy in the UK capital city. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 12 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1324759-thailand-live-friday-12-april-2024/

The baffling 27 years of Richard Burrows, aka. ‘Peter Smith’ Richard Burrows, aka. 'Peter Smith', before his first appearance in Court after his arrest at Heathrow So how did he manage to evade detection, in plain sight, during his 27 years in Phuket? ‘Peter Smith’ was, mostly, well liked, had a close circle of friends, worked professionally in a number of jobs, all with the requisite visas and work permits required in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324743-the-baffling-27-years-of-richard-burrows-aka-‘peter-smith’/

THE MANHUNT for the Marble Arch murderer today (Apr. 110 took a new turn after police named and released the first picture of the dual Hong Kong-Thai woman who was found stabbed to death inside her £4 million property. Thai Woman Found Stabbed To Death In London Flat 12 Hours After Friends Raised Alarm By Dan Woodland, Daily Mail Online Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324758-thai-woman-found-stabbed-to-death-in-london-flat-12-hours-after-friends-raised-alarm/

THE MANHUNT for the Marble Arch murderer today (Apr. 110 took a new turn after police named and released the first picture of the dual Hong Kong-Thai woman who was found stabbed to death inside her £4 million property. Police today named the victim of the horrific stabbing as Kamonnan Thiamphanit whose body was discovered by officers after they forced entry to a property in Stanhope Place, Bayswater, at approximately 8.30 a.m. on Monday, April 8. Officers were contacted on Sunday by friends of the 27-year-old who were concerned about her welfare but only attended the scene more than 13 hours later. Kamonnan, known as Angela, lived at the address, which residents have said they believe was being used as an Airbnb and until four years ago was rented by the Ethiopian Embassy. Neighbours of the Grade II-listed Georgian property on the edge of Hyde Park told MailOnline they heard two “high-pitched screams” and then a harrowing “silence” hours before her body was found with stab injuries. It is thought Kamonnan may have known her attacker as the five-storey house has a video entry system at the front door – and there was no sign of forced entry before officers entered on Monday morning. The Met have launched a murder investigation following the tragic incident, vowing to “ensure whoever is responsible is held to account”, although no arrests have yet been made. Detective Chief Inspector Adam Clifton, who leads the investigation, said: “My team continues to work tirelessly to piece together the events that led to Kamonnan’s murder. “I would like to thank local residents for their patience while we have gone about our work at the scene. “I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist us, no matter how insignificant you think that may be, to come forward and speak to us. “Kamonnan’s family and friends have been devastated by this murder and we must ensure whoever is responsible is held to account.” By Dan Woodland, Daily Mail Online TOP: Kamonnan Thiamphanit, who was found stabbed to death at a £4 million home near Hyde Park. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand sets target to recycle all plastic waste by 2027 by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is optimistic about recycling all plastic waste by 2027, as part of an initiative to curb the use of plastic. This plan forms part of the ministry’s plastic waste management roadmap from 2018 to 2030. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324707-thailand-sets-target-to-recycle-all-plastic-waste-by-2027/

Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is optimistic about recycling all plastic waste by 2027, as part of an initiative to curb the use of plastic. This plan forms part of the ministry’s plastic waste management roadmap from 2018 to 2030. The strategy was devised in response to concerns over the growing use of single-use plastics, according to Thalerngsak Phetsuwan, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, speaking at a conference commemorating the upcoming Earth Day on April 22. To encourage plastic recycling, the ministry has engaged the private sector, requesting their collaboration in manufacturing recyclable plastic materials. This could lead to thin, single-use plastic bags being phased out due to recycling constraints. The Department of Pollution Control is working on legislation to facilitate plastic recycling, in alignment with the government’s bio-circular green economy policy. “With an increasing volume of waste and limited landfill space, there is a pressing need to recycle all waste.” Thalerngsak expressed confidence in the successful execution of the plan, attributing it to the country’s readiness for green recycling technology. He also noted that the country’s ban on importing plastic waste could contribute to a decline in plastic scraps nationally. Pavich Kesavawong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, expressed his department’s full support for the bio-circular green economy initiative which aims at reducing plastic waste. He revealed that they are working in partnership with 31 franchised coffee shops and restaurants, encompassing 9,530 outlets across the country, to eliminate the use of plastic items such as straws and cups. “This collaboration will be officially announced on Earth Day, as we strive to create an environmentally-friendly consumption pattern, propelling us towards sustainable development.” Earth Day, recognised by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to draw attention to environmental issues, carries the theme, Planet vs Plastics this year, reported Bangkok Post. The theme aims to create global awareness about the plastic waste crisis. UNEP advocates for a 60% decrease in plastic production by 2040, envisioning a future devoid of plastic for the coming generations. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fake gold sales soar as Thai baht-weight hits 40,000 baht record by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Gold prices have recently skyrocketed, touching a record high of 40,000 baht per baht-weight, prompting a surge in sales for fake gold shops as genuine gold becomes less accessible for many consumers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324705-fake-gold-sales-soar-as-thai-baht-weight-hits-40000-baht-record/

Gold prices have recently skyrocketed, touching a record high of 40,000 baht per baht-weight, prompting a surge in sales for fake gold shops as genuine gold becomes less accessible for many consumers. Amidst these soaring prices, the allure of fake gold that doesn’t tarnish but cannot be pawned has captured a diverse customer base, from luxury car drivers to factory workers. Ekk Jewelry, an imitation gold retailer located at 58/85 Muang Thong Thani, Klong Klue district, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, has been in the business for over 10 years. The shop, resembling an authentic gold store, has seen a steady influx of customers since it opened its doors two years ago. The owners, 41 year old Ingkwat Decharat and 32 year old Juthamas Decharat started their venture into the micron gold jewellery market over a decade ago, initially focusing on online sales. They opened their physical shop to enable customers to see and choose products firsthand. Their stock, ranging from necklaces, rings, pendants, and bracelets, to wristlets, is crafted to closely mimic real gold jewellery. By using a thick plating of 4 to 5 microns of micron gold, their products resist fading and tarnishing for up to a year but durability varies based on individual usage. Ingkwat Decharat designed the shop to resemble a real gold store but clearly distinguished that all products are imitation, with the shop’s slogan “Micron gold does not fade or tarnish, but cannot be pawned.” The owners stress that attempting to pawn their products could lead to legal issues. Safety against theft The customer demographic has expanded to include a wide array of professions, with some buying for aesthetic purposes during festivals, while others opt for the safety of wearing imitation pieces to avoid the risks associated with real gold. Customers have expressed that with real gold prices soaring to 40,000 baht per baht-weight, the prospect of wearing genuine gold brings unease due to safety concerns. In contrast, the shop’s imitation gold, priced from hundreds to thousands of baht, offers a worry-free alternative in the event of a theft. Moreover, some customers sell their real gold due to financial needs and purchase similar imitation pieces for appearances. The shop reports significant sales, reaching into the seven-figure range annually, reported KhaoSod. A 41 year old customer, Ekk, shared that he chose to shop here due to the beautiful designs, wide selection, and quality that surpasses other stores. The after-sales service and the realistic appearance of the products are key factors, as they provide peace of mind against the threat of robbery. He believes the increase in customer interest is driven by the continuously rising costs of real gold, which seems to have no end in sight. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man arrested for murder of his 10 year old daughter by Petch Petpailin Photo via PPTV HD Police arrested a Thai man who murdered his 10 year old daughter at a resort in the northern province of Uttaradit. He admitted to killing his daughter and attempting suicide but was too afraid to go through with it. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324702-thai-man-arrested-for-murder-of-his-10-year-old-daughter/

Police arrested a Thai man who murdered his 10 year old daughter at a resort in the northern province of Uttaradit. He admitted to killing his daughter and attempting suicide but was too afraid to go through with it. The dead body of the 10 year old girl, Napat, was discovered at a resort on Tuesday, April 9. Her father, 25 year old Sittanan, who had accompanied her to the resort, came under suspicion as the perpetrator. Resort staff observed him departing the scene unaccompanied on his motorcycle in the afternoon of that same day. Officers from Mueang Uttaradit Police Station traced Sittanan’s phone signal to the border between Uttaradit and Prae provinces. However, the signal vanished a few hours later, complicating the officers’ efforts to locate him. Yesterday, April 10, a resident in Uttaradit province alerted the police after spotting a motorcyclist who bore a resemblance to Sittanan from news reports. According to the witness, Sittanan was seen riding in the Thapla district of Uttaradit province. Police finally apprehended Sittanan near the location provided by the witness. He was taken to the Thapla Police Station for questioning, which lasted more than four hours. According to the police report, Sittanan confessed to killing his daughter. He explained that he was stressed about his debts and family problems. Feeling overwhelmed by the burden of taking care of himself and his daughter, he planned to kill the girl and then himself. Suicide attempt Sittanan said he wanted to give his daughter one last happy day. He took her to a shopping mall for a movie, food, and drinks before heading to the resort. While the girl was asleep, he suffocated her with a pillow until she lost consciousness and then cut her wrist. Sittanan claimed that he tried to commit suicide multiple times after fleeing from the resort but he was too afraid to take his own life. He rode until he reached the Thapla district, where he tried to jump off a tree by the roadside but it was not high enough to be effective. Sittanan was charged under Section 288 of the Criminal Law: intentional murder which will result in the death penalty, life imprisonment or imprisonment for 15 to 20 years. Napat’s funeral was held at Sao Hin Temple in Uttaradit province, hosted by Sittanan’s parents. Napat’s mother, who is Sittanan’s ex-wife, was also at the ceremony. During an interview with PPTV HD, she revealed that she divorced Sittanan five years prior and had not seen her daughter since. Sittanan had prevented her from having contact with Napat and had falsely informed the girl that her mother had passed away. The woman added that Sittanan likely had significant debts, possibly incurred while borrowing money for a trip to work abroad, which ultimately led to his deportation. Some Thai news agencies reported that Sittanan had amassed a substantial debt due to online gambling. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. ORIGINAL STORY: Thai man disappears after allegedly killing his 10 year old daughter A Thai man vanished after allegedly killing his 10 year old daughter at a resort in the northern province of Uttaradit on April 8. Mueang Uttaradit Police Station officers were alerted to the death of the 10 year old girl, Napat, yesterday, April 9, by an employer of a resort. Upon arrival at the scene, employers led officers to room A6 where they found the dead body. Police reported that Napat was lying face up on the bed and her body was covered with a blanket. Napat was in a T-shirt and shorts and bore cut wounds on her left wrist. A knife, which police believe was used in the crime, lay on the bedside table. The resort’s employers told police that Napat arrived on April 8 at the resort with a Thai man, later identified as her father, 25 year old Sittanan. Around 10am on April 9, Sittanan left the resort alone on his motorcycle and did not return until the check-out schedule at 12pm. The resort’s maid knocked on the door to inform Sittanan about the check-out but received no response. The maid and other employers decided to enter the room with a spare key and found the body of Napat. Sittanan is suspected as the murderer and police are now conducting a further investigation to locate him. He was last seen on CCTV camera footage riding a motorcycle on Highway Number 11 Road at about 10.45am yesterday. Divorce and depression Sittanan’s father, who is also Napat’s grandfather, informed the authorities that both Sittanan and Napat lived with him. Sittanan went through a divorce and became a single parent. He opted to seek work abroad, but his employment was unlawful, leading to his deportation. This situation caused him significant stress, and he subsequently began to experience depression. On April 8, Sittanan informed his father that he intended to take Napat to watch a film at a shopping mall in the city centre of Uttaradit. However, neither of them returned home after that. The father added that Sittanan loved his daughter very much and would be surprised if Sittanan murdered the girl. Sittanan’s mother disclosed that her son apologised to her in a message. “Mother, I’m sorry. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I love you.” The mother said she tried to contact Sittanan but he did not answer the phone. The last message from Sittanan was sent at around 10.30pm last night, saying “I’m sorry.” The police investigation continues. by Petch Petpailin Photo via PPTV HD Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Summer storm warning for upper Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Luuk Van Der Naalt, Unsplash A fierce summer storm is currently impacting upper Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a warning for severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324699-summer-storm-warning-for-upper-thailand/

A fierce summer storm is currently impacting upper Thailand, with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a warning for severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and occasional hail. The department advises the public to avoid open areas, take precautions, and stay up-to-date with the latest weather reports. The clash of a high-pressure system over upper Thailand and the South China Sea with intensely hot weather has created the perfect conditions for summer storms to develop, particularly in the northern regions of the country. These storms bring with them the potential for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail, particularly affecting provinces such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, and Tak. The TMD, in its tenth announcement for this year, detailed the impact areas and advised the public to be cautious of the dangers that these summer storms may pose. The statement, released today at 5am, highlighted the need for citizens to stay away from open fields, large trees, weak buildings, and billboards that might be susceptible to storm damage. It also warned of the possibility of lightning in some areas. Farmers have been advised to prepare for the storm’s impact on agricultural production, taking measures to protect their crops and livestock. As the weather system continues to bring turbulent conditions, individuals in the affected provinces should monitor updates from the TMD. The department has promised to provide ongoing updates, with the next announcement scheduled for later on today, at 5pm, reported KhaoSod. The TMD maintains a 24-hour service for weather updates, which can be accessed on their website or through their hotline numbers. In related news, Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued a warning for a summer storm expected to affect 60 provinces across the northern, northeastern, and central regions and Bangkok from April 8 to April 11. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Luuk Van Der Naalt, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s cybercrime problem persists despite efforts by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s digital economy and society (DES) minister, Prasert Jantararuangthong, revealed that despite efforts to curb cybercrime, the problem remains rampant with damages averaging 100 million baht daily. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324698-thailand’s-cybercrime-problem-persists-despite-efforts/

Thailand’s digital economy and society (DES) minister, Prasert Jantararuangthong, revealed that despite efforts to curb cybercrime, the problem remains rampant with damages averaging 100 million baht daily. The Anti-Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC), set up to address this issue, is yet to see a decline in the number of cases. The ongoing scams are attributed to the scammers’ increasingly sophisticated strategies and the lack of seamless integration among all relevant agencies working to reduce online crime. A telecom industry source disclosed that a crucial issue is the full-circuit connection, where Thai telecom operators install underground cables near border areas and expand into neighbouring countries through cooperative agreements with local companies. This infrastructure is intended to lower telecom costs for clients but is being exploited by scammers to make calls to phone numbers in Thailand. In response, state authorities have implemented measures such as suppressing mule accounts and mule SIM cards. They have also introduced the removal of illegal telecom towers, internet cable and telephone lines along border areas. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) requested people with more than 100 SIM cards to re-register them and verify their identities by February 14 this year, leading to the deactivation of over 800,000 mule SIM cards. Google Thailand Further efforts include Google Thailand partnering with the DES Ministry to launch initiatives to keep Thais safe online. An enhanced Google Play Protect feature safeguards Android mobile phone users against scams and financial fraud, blocking the installation of potentially risky sideloaded apps. Prasert held a meeting on April 9 with related authorities to deal with call centre gangs, aiming to suppress all forms of online crime. The state agencies also asked the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to revise rules related to cash on delivery to prevent scams from the sale of online products. Progress on this revision is expected by May. According to the Royal Thai Police, there were 461,044 cybercrime cases from March 1, 2022, to March 15 this year, resulting in damage of 63.6 billion baht. The scam with the highest amount of damages was tricking people into making an online investment, with 37,829 cases and damage of 20.7 billion baht. In the 2023 Asia Fraud Annual Report by Whoscall, an app that identifies unknown callers and prevents smartphone scams, scam attempts in Thailand increased by 12.2 million from 2022. The report found Thailand is the biggest target for SMS scams in Asia, receiving 58 million suspicious messages throughout the year. The report warned about scammers’ tactics, including impersonating delivery services to defraud the public, reported Bangkok Post. It also revealed that 4.5% of messages contained suspicious links, with the three most common messages featuring fake log-in requests (27%), prompts to download malicious software (20%) and links to fake one-page shopping sites (8%). by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nato should recruit Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Thailand and others, former supreme allied commander says Then-Nato Supreme Allied Commander Europe US Admiral James Stavridis at a press conference in 2009. Photo: AFP Former Nato supreme allied commander James Stavridis suggested the military alliance recruit Asia-Pacific countries that share ‘its vision of freedom’ His list of potential allies with a similar view on democracy, liberty and human rights also included Australia, New Zealand and South Korea The Nato military alliance should consider broadening its membership to include Asia-Pacific nations, said a former Nato supreme allied commander. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324697-nato-should-recruit-thailand-singapore-philippines-japan-and-more-ex-commander-says/

Then-Nato Supreme Allied Commander Europe US Admiral James Stavridis at a press conference in 2009. Photo: AFP Former Nato supreme allied commander James Stavridis suggested the military alliance recruit Asia-Pacific countries that share ‘its vision of freedom’ His list of potential allies with a similar view on democracy, liberty and human rights also included Australia, New Zealand and South Korea The Nato military alliance should consider broadening its membership to include Asia-Pacific nations, said a former Nato supreme allied commander. “Nato should think about recruiting a few new members from outside its traditional boundaries,” retired US Navy Admiral James Stavridis wrote in a Bloomberg opinion piece on Monday. Stavridis served as the military alliance’s chief from 2009 to 2013. Before that, he was the Commander of the US Southern Command from 2006 to 2009, where he oversaw military operations in Latin America. Widening Nato’s membership, Stavridis wrote, was a necessary response to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, US-China tensions, and the territorial dispute in the South China Sea. In his opinion piece, Stavridis suggested recruiting Asia-Pacific countries “that share the alliance’s vision of freedom, democracy, liberty and human rights”. That list of potential allies included countries like Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. Full story: South China Morning Post 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorcyclist nabbed for late-night theft of Ganesha statue by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police apprehended a young motorcyclist who stole a brass statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha from the front of a prominent shopping mall. The suspect claimed a spiritual connection with the deity, insisting he only intended to worship the figure due to its inspirational qualities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324696-motorcyclist-nabbed-for-late-night-theft-of-ganesha-statue/

Police apprehended a young motorcyclist who stole a brass statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha from the front of a prominent shopping mall. The suspect claimed a spiritual connection with the deity, insisting he only intended to worship the figure due to its inspirational qualities. Despite his story sounding implausible today, the police team led by Police Colonel Peerapong Rawangban, Chief of Suphan Buri Provincial Police, and his deputies arrested the 24 year old suspect along with the stolen brass statue, broadening the case’s narrative beyond mere theft. The incident unfolded on April 7, when the suspect, Thachanon, driven by what he described as a divine inspiration, took the Ganesha statue, which measured 16 inches wide and 26 inches tall. He confessed during interrogation that his intention was not to steal but to create a mould from the statue for his worship before returning it. Thachanon admitted to already being a devotee of Ganesha and claimed he had no plans to sell the statue. Riding his motorcycle in the early hours, motivated by deep faith, he took the statue and later claimed to have a mystical ability to communicate with the deity, a notion he felt others found nonsensical and hard to comprehend, reported KhaoSod. Police Colonel Peerapong revealed that after the shopping mall reported the missing brass Ganesha, the investigative team from Suphan Buri Provincial Police worked tirelessly to track down leads. Their efforts culminated in Thachanon’s arrest and the statue’s return to the mall. Thachanon now faces charges of theft during nighttime hours, with legal proceedings to follow. In related news, a Udon Thani homeowner was left in shock when he returned to find his luxury home ransacked by a brazen thief. Among the stolen objects are parts from a cherished Rolls-Royce inherited from the homeowner’s grandparents. The incident, which took place in the Soi Jintakam area, is currently under police investigation. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe