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Patong –An American motorbike rider was arrested in Patong for drunk driving. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they had set up a police checkpoint on the Taweewong Road. At 2:30 A.M. on the day in question a suspicious male foreign motorbike rider was stopped at the police checkpoint. He was given an alcohol breath test. The test showed .79 milligrams percent of alcohol which was over the legal alcohol limit of .50. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sattahip Ex-Convict Arrested for Motorcycle Theft Hours After Release From Prison By Aim Tanakorn Sattahip, Chonburi — A Thai man in Sattahip was arrested for stealing a motorcycle just hours after being released from prison on April 9th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324664-sattahip-ex-convict-arrested-for-motorcycle-theft-hours-after-release-from-prison/

Sattahip, Chonburi — A Thai man in Sattahip was arrested for stealing a motorcycle just hours after being released from prison on April 9th, 2024. The incident unfolded around 4:30 PM in front of a motorcycle repair shop on Sukhumvit Road in the Na Jomtien sub-district, Sattahip district, Chonburi province. Na Jomtien police were called to arrest a Thai man, identified as Mr. Niphat Takimnok, 30, after he had committed a motorcycle thief but was later caught by a good Samaritan. According to the good Samaritan, Mr. Patiphat Phumkaew, a rescue worker, he spotted Mr. Niphat pushing the motorcycle and recognized it from a missing report shared on social media earlier that day. Mr. Niphat was arrested and claimed to police that he had only borrowed the motorcycle from an acquaintance and was on his way to return it. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul Inspects Chiang Mai Amid Wildfire and PM 2.5 Concerns By Kittisak Phalaharn Chiang Mai—On April 9th, 2024, Ms. Traisulee Traisanakul, the Secretary to the Thai Minister of the Interior, stated to the public regarding Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s inspection in Chiang Mai province to follow up on wildfire, smog, and small dust particle PM 2.5 issues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324663-deputy-pm-anutin-charnvirakul-inspects-chiang-mai-amid-wildfire-and-pm-25-concerns/

Chiang Mai—On April 9th, 2024, Ms. Traisulee Traisanakul, the Secretary to the Thai Minister of the Interior, stated to the public regarding Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s inspection in Chiang Mai province to follow up on wildfire, smog, and small dust particle PM 2.5 issues. Anutin expressed his concerns about the issues in Chiang Mai after receiving recent reports from the Governor of Chiang Mai and the Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. He emphasized providing care and assistance to the public and that fire wardens must have adequate and safe protective equipment, according to Traisulee. Previously, on April 8th, the Chiang Mai Governor announced that eight districts in Chiang Mai had been affected by wildfires including Hot, Phrao, Fang, Mae Taeng, Chai Prakan, Chiang Dao, Mae Ai, and Wiang Haeng. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Man Arrested for Robbing 215,500 Baht from Fellow Chinese National in Bangkok By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—At 2:30 PM, on April 9th, 2024, Wang Thonglang police officers arrested a Chinese man at a hotel in Huai Khwang, Bangkok, who allegedly committed a robbery of 215,500 baht from a Chinese victim. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324662-chinese-man-arrested-for-robbing-215500-baht-from-fellow-chinese-national-in-bangkok/

Bangkok—At 2:30 PM, on April 9th, 2024, Wang Thonglang police officers arrested a Chinese man at a hotel in Huai Khwang, Bangkok, who allegedly committed a robbery of 215,500 baht from a Chinese victim. According to the police report, on the late night of April 8th, a Chinese victim, publicly identified only as Ms. Xin, 27, filed a report to Wang Thonglang police officers that while she was at her residence in Wang Thonglang, Bangkok, a Chinese suspect, publicly identified only as Mr. Maio, 27, allegedly climbed a wall into her residence and threatened her with a sharp object. The suspect allegedly forced the victim to transfer 215,500 baht via mobile banking to the suspect’s bank account. After the suspect received the money, he then reportedly fled right away, according to the police. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Airfares drop for popular domestic routes ahead of Songkran by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Joy Presbitero, Unsplash Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced a decrease in airfares for three popular domestic routes by 3.8% to 14% starting this Friday, in line with the Songkran festival. The fares for the six airlines offering flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket have been set at a maximum of 3,000 baht (US$80) per one-way trip. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324661-airfares-drop-for-popular-domestic-routes-ahead-of-songkran/

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced a decrease in airfares for three popular domestic routes by 3.8% to 14% starting this Friday, in line with the Songkran festival. The fares for the six airlines offering flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Phuket have been set at a maximum of 3,000 baht (US$80) per one-way trip. The anticipated fares for the Songkran festival exodus starting Friday are 2,501 to 3,000 baht (US$70 to US$80) for the Phuket route, 2,001 to 2,500 baht (US$55 to US$70) for Chiang Mai and 2,501 to 3,000 baht (US$70 to US$80) for Krabi. When compared to the new year festival fares, the average cost has seen a decrease of 9.8% on the Bangkok-Phuket route, 14% for Bangkok-Chiang Mai and 3.8% for Bangkok-Krabi, according to the Transport Minister, reported Bangkok Post. The six airlines servicing these domestic routes include Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai Vietjet. In related news, Transport Minister Suriya Juangruangreangkit disclosed that the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is in active discussions with all six domestic airlines in Thailand. The aim is to increase flight frequency during holiday periods and lower the flight price ceiling, in response to the issue of excessively high fares. The CAAT convened a meeting yesterday, April 9 with the six domestic airlines operating in Thailand. These include Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, and Thai Vietjet. The airlines were tasked with explaining the steep flight costs, particularly during peak seasons. Suriya informed that the CAAT has proposed short-term and long-term strategies to address the issue of high flight fares, which might be discouraging potential tourist visits. The short-term strategy would entail airlines increasing the frequency of flights during holiday seasons, thereby reducing prices and providing passengers with more options. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Joy Presbitero, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Seaside Concrete Platform Collapses at Bangsaen Beach, Injuring 3 Workers By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Khaosod Bangsaen, Chonburi — A scenic concrete platform that was being built over the sea in Bangsaen, Chonburi, collapsed and injured three workers on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324660-seaside-concrete-platform-collapses-at-bangsaen-beach-injuring-3-workers/

Bangsaen, Chonburi — A scenic concrete platform that was being built over the sea in Bangsaen, Chonburi, collapsed and injured three workers on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024. The incident occurred at around 6:00 PM at a restaurant on Soi 18 in the Saen Suk Municipality, Saen Suk sub-district, Mueang district, Chonburi. The workers were building a viewing platform that extended into the Bangsaen Sea when the beams of the platform gave way. Three workers (two women and one man) were injured in the collapse. They were all taken to the Burapha University Hospital for treatment. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Khaosod Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British woman's wedding guest scam ruins dream ceremony in Thailand by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of BBC News A tale of deceit and dashed dreams emerged when a 41 year old British woman conned friends, including a bridesmaid, out of thousands for a Thailand wedding. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324659-british-womans-wedding-guest-scam-ruins-dream-ceremony-in-thailand/

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of BBC News A tale of deceit and dashed dreams emerged when a 41 year old British woman conned friends, including a bridesmaid, out of thousands for a Thailand wedding. The scandal unravelled just days before Elaine and Marc Walker’s nuptials, leaving the bride’s mother footing the bill for guests’ flights. In a twist of events, 41 year old Natalie Green was instructed to reimburse funds she duped from numerous individuals, including the sole bridesmaid, rocking the wedding plans of Elaine and Marc Walker from Peterhead in Aberdeenshire in 2022. Elaine, whose mother ultimately covered the expenses for friends’ travel to Thailand, lamented that the fraud tainted her once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Green confessed to orchestrating a fraudulent ploy, deceiving a total of 19 people by promising to arrange travel and accommodation for Thailand, along with a lodge in Banff, resulting in payments totalling £7,547 (approximately 340,000 baht) between January 2021 and August 2022. At Peterhead Sheriff Court, Green received a two-year supervision order and was mandated to refund the outstanding £5,697 as compensation, having already reimbursed £1,650. Elaine Walker revealed to BBC Scotland News the heart-wrenching moment they discovered, just two days before their departure to Thailand, that flights and accommodation had not been secured. The bridesmaid broke the news amidst tears, leaving Elaine utterly stunned. “My other friend Chevonne then said, ‘Natalie has taken all the money and we have not been able to get anything booked.’ I was just absolutely gobsmacked.” Deception Chevonne Millar, a close friend of Green’s for nearly a decade, divulged that the deception began in 2021, with Green offering to assist in arranging travel and accommodation for the group. “We all had time to save up money and put towards flights and accommodation, so we just started paying in instalments, bank transfers. The first was about £800 for the flights.” Green, masquerading as a friendly travel agent, assured them she needed funds for various accommodations in Thailand and for the wedding resort itself. Millar admitted they initially had no suspicions as Green provided screenshots of what appeared to be bookings. However, the truth emerged just before departure when Green confessed to another friend, leaving Millar devastated. Millar had contributed approximately £1,500. “I was extremely upset that she could have broken my trust in that way. Then I was extremely angry.” The bride and groom, fortunately, were unaffected, having made separate arrangements. However, Elaine’s mother was shocked to learn she had unknowingly footed the bill for friends’ flights, spending around £11,000 to ensure their presence, reported BBC News. “The fraud had badly affected what should have been the most perfect day of my life.” Green, plagued by debt and health issues, expressed remorse through her solicitor, acknowledging the loss of friendships as a consequence of her actions. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of BBC News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai F-16s Conduct Air Patrols As Myanmar MiG-29s Attack Karen Fighters By Thai Newsroom Reporters Thai F-16s flying high. Photo: Thai air force Facebook page THE THAI AIR FORCE’S F-16A/B fighters have conducted regular air patrols along the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot district of Tak to literally deter possible infringement of the Myanmar air force’s MiG-29 Fulcrum jets into Thai air space. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324658-thai-f-16s-conduct-air-patrols-as-myanmar-mig-29s-attack-karen-fighters/

THE THAI AIR FORCE’S F-16A/B fighters have conducted regular air patrols along the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot district of Tak to literally deter possible infringement of the Myanmar air force’s MiG-29 Fulcrum jets into Thai air space. The MiG-29s have reportedly conducted air-to-surface strikes on Karen National Liberation Army positions in defence of a Myanmar infantry battalion inside Myawaddy township across the shared border from Mae Sot, prompting the Thai F-16s to scramble over the borderline with regular air patrols to literally keep out the Russian-built fighter jets. No infringement by any MiG-29s into Thai air space has been reported as yet. “24/7 all day & night…our Falcons maintain utmost readiness,” reads a message posted today (Apr. 10) on the air force’s website. Falcons refer to General Dynamics F-16A/B Fighting Falcon jets from Wing 4 in Takhli. The Thai air force has been closely monitoring the war situation inside Myanmar focusing on the possibility of MiG-29s flying into the Thai air space at any given time, either purposely or inadvertently, the air force’s website says. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Thai F-16s flying high. Photo: Thai air force Facebook page Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Phuket Court Sentences Five Russians to Two Years for Crypto Extortion By Goongnang Suksawat PHUKET – In a notable case of extortion involving cryptocurrency, the Phuket Provincial Court has sentenced five Russian nationals to two years of imprisonment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324657-phuket-court-sentences-five-russians-to-two-years-for-crypto-extortion/

PHUKET – In a notable case of extortion involving cryptocurrency, the Phuket Provincial Court has sentenced five Russian nationals to two years of imprisonment. The individuals were convicted of threatening a fellow Russian couple and coercing them into transferring 30 million baht in cryptocurrency. The court’s decision, announced on Wednesday, came after the accused were found guilty of extortion. They initially faced a potential five-year sentence for their actions, which involved instilling fear of harm to the victims’ person, freedom, and property. Despite the gravity of the charges, the court reduced the sentence to two years following the suspects’ admission of guilt. The reduction also took into account the fact that the perpetrators, being tourists, had committed a serious crime against compatriots. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin Shinawatra’s ‘secret’ health scandal by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of The Nation Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324656-thaksin-shinawatra’s-‘secret’-health-scandal/

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s health condition has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports emerging about his fitness. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claims Thaksin’s health is dire, but questions arise after photos surfaced of him lifting weights. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health has become the centre of a heated debate after Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong asserted his deteriorating condition. Tawee’s remarks came amid mounting criticism from Warong Dechgitvigrom, chairman of the Thai Pakdee Party, questioning Thaksin’s early release on parole. Warong’s doubts surfaced when Thaksin’s daughter, Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, shared images of Thaksin engaging in physical activities at his Bangkok mansion. Warong argued that Thaksin’s ability to lift dumbbells contradicted parole eligibility criteria. However, Tawee defended the decision, citing medical advice indicating that Thaksin’s exercises were therapeutic post-surgery. According to Tawee, doctors recommended aqua therapy to aid Thaksin’s shoulder muscle recovery. The controversy deepened when Warong claimed an investigative report alleged Thaksin’s prolonged hospital stay breached correctional regulations. Yet, confusion ensued when a reporter misinterpreted the report as a medical assessment, prompting Tawee to deny knowledge of any medical files’ leak, reported The Nation. Despite the uproar, Tawee reaffirmed the Corrections Department’s reliance on medical expertise in proposing Thaksin’s parole. In related news, Thaksin reported to the Department of Probation officials in Bangkok Noi district at the Bangkok Probation Office 1 on Monday, March 18, one day ahead of his scheduled visit. This step is a part of 74 year old’s parole conditions, having been convicted and now serving his sentence in a more lenient form. During his visit, the area around Bangkok Probation Office 1 was under heightened security, with access and parking strictly controlled. The duration of Thaksin’s visit was brief, ensuring minimal disruption to the daily operations of the office. In other news, in an extraordinary meeting, Srettha, Thaksin, and Somchai Wongsawat gathered for dinner on March 15 in Chiang Mai. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 11 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1324654-thailand-live-thursday-11-april-2024/

Move Forward may get more time for defence in charter court Pita Limjaroenrat (C) attends a press conference at the Thai parliament in Bangkok on January 31 after Thailand’s Constitutional Court ordered Pita and the Move Forward Party to stop campaigning for Lese-Majeste reform immediately. //AFP The Constitutional Court is unlikely to issue a ruling on the fate of the opposition Move Forward party this month and have given the party more time to present additional defence evidence against an application for the dissolution of the party, Constitutional Court president Nakharin Mektrairat said today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324638-move-forward-may-get-more-time-for-defence-in-charter-court/

The Thai doctor who was a victim in the Swiss scandal case in Phuket revealed that an unidentified person offered her and her family a bribe in exchange for withdrawing the lawsuit against the Swiss man. Thai doctor offered bribe to drop lawsuit in Swiss scandal by Petch Petpailin | Photo via MGR Online and Bright TV Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324612-thai-doctor-offered-bribe-to-drop-lawsuit-in-swiss-scandal/

Thai doctor offered bribe to drop lawsuit in Swiss scandal by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online and Bright TV The Thai doctor who was a victim in the Swiss scandal case in Phuket revealed that an unidentified person offered her and her family a bribe in exchange for withdrawing the lawsuit against the Swiss man. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324612-thai-doctor-offered-bribe-to-drop-lawsuit-in-swiss-scandal/

The Thai doctor who was a victim in the Swiss scandal case in Phuket revealed that an unidentified person offered her and her family a bribe in exchange for withdrawing the lawsuit against the Swiss man. The female doctor, 26 year old Tarndao Chandam, took to social media and accused the 45 year old Swiss man, Urs Fehr, of physically assaulting her by kicking her in the back. The incident took place outside Fehr’s luxury villa on the beach near Yamu Cape in the Thalang district of Phuket on February 24. Fehr denied the allegation, claiming the kick was an accident. Subsequently, he then released a video of the incident to the public in an attempt to prove his innocence. Regrettably, the video served to strengthen the public’s belief that Fehr did indeed brutally assault the victim. The majority of netizens overwhelmingly agreed that Fehr deliberately kicked the Thai doctor. The case is still under process and no official charges have been issued against any parties. It has garnered significant attention from Thai people and had a significant impact on a foreign community in Phuket on the back of Fehr’s assault. Several illegal foreigners in the province have been arrested and several businesses owned by foreigners were raided, including the elephant sanctuary of Fehr. Tarndao recently held a meeting with Thanakrit Jit-aree, the assistant minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, to pursue justice. During the meeting, she shared her concerns with Thanakrit and various Thai news agencies, highlighting certain suspicious actions by certain officers and expressing doubts about the transparency of the justice processes. Money offer Tarndao explained that the police asked her to sign an urgent document at the Phuket Provincial Court Prosecutor’s Office. The Thai authorities reportedly told Tarndao that they would charge Fehr under Section 391 of the Criminal Law instead of Section 295, which would result in a lighter penalty. Under Section 295, the perpetrator will face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both for physically assaulting another person which causes harm to the victim’s body and mind. However, under Section 391, the perpetrator will face imprisonment of up to one month, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both for using force to harm another person without causing physical or mental harm. Tarndao disagreed with this decision and complained to the Prime Minister’s Office. She reiterated her determination to proceed with legal action against Fehr for breaching Section 295, rather than Section 391. According to a report by Phuket Times today, April 10, Tarndao and her family were contacted by an unidentified person regarding the case. Phuket Times stated that this person offered a large sum of money to Tarndao and her father in exchange for dropping the lawsuits against Fehr. Tarndao’s father insisted that he and his daughter would never accept money from anyone and stated that they would visit the Office of The Attorney General to pursue the case to the fullest extent. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online and Bright TV Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-10 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

A panel set up to solve cadmium slag problem The premier has ordered the setting up of an ad hoc committee, comprising the authorities concerned to handle the problem of cadmium slag which is believed to be scattered across several provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324611-a-panel-set-up-to-solve-cadmium-slag-problem/