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Thailand and China join forces for lunar and space research by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand and China have taken a significant leap towards space exploration, establishing initial agreements for collaboration on the peaceful use of outer space and international lunar research stations. These pacts were announced by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324279-thailand-and-china-join-forces-for-lunar-and-space-research/

Thailand and China have taken a significant leap towards space exploration, establishing initial agreements for collaboration on the peaceful use of outer space and international lunar research stations. These pacts were announced by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The intent behind these Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) is the formation of a joint working group, focused on space exploration and applications. This encompasses not just data exchanges but also training for personnel involved in the projects. In addition to this, both nations consented to collaborate on the evaluation, engineering and administration of lunar research stations, according to the CNSA. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in the field of lunar research and exploration. The CNSA further revealed that a space weather monitor, developed by Thailand, had been selected by China for its Chang’e-7 lunar probe mission last year. This mission underscores the increasingly cooperative relationship between the two countries in the realm of space exploration. The Chang’e-7 mission, scheduled for launch around 2026, is set to explore resources on the moon’s south pole. The aim is to pave the way for long-term human habitation on the lunar surface. This ambitious venture is part of China’s broader objective to land astronauts on the moon by the year 2030, reported Bangkok Post. This joint venture between China and Thailand signifies an important step in international cooperation for space exploration. It is a testament to the potential benefits and advancements that can be achieved through collaboration in this rapidly evolving field. In related news, Thailand’s entitlement to utilise the satellite orbit at 50.5° East may be revoked following its expiration in 2025 due to its prolonged vacancy. There’s speculation in the industry that the upcoming auctions for the unclaimed orbit slots at 50.5° and 142° E by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) might not be successful. This is due to the expectation that the number of potential bidders will not meet the minimum requirement outlined in the awarding conditions for these slots. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Major online gambling operation in Chiang Rai shut down, 3 arrests by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ คนข่าวเข้ม Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DE) officers arrested two Thai men and one Thai woman in the northern province of Chiang Rai for an online gambling operation which had a monthly circulation of over 600 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324278-major-online-gambling-operation-in-chiang-rai-shut-down-3-arrests/

Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DE) officers arrested two Thai men and one Thai woman in the northern province of Chiang Rai for an online gambling operation which had a monthly circulation of over 600 million baht. The arrests took place during raids at various locations in Chiang Rai on April 4. These raids followed the execution of nine search warrants and 17 arrest warrants issued by the court. The 17 suspects named in the warrants were involved in the operation of three online gambling websites: LIVEUFA 777, AKA47, and LUNA777. According to the DE, these three gambling websites were managed by a prominent criminal syndicate in Thailand’s northern region, with a monthly turnover exceeding 600 million baht. Additionally, the gang was reportedly involved in money laundering and drug trafficking in northern Thailand. During the raids, officers managed to arrest three suspects: 39 year old Thai man Siam Katechai, a Thai man named Wuttichai, and a Thai woman named On-uma. Officers seized various assets acquired by profits from the gambling operation, including cars, mobile phones, computers, designer brand bags, a collection of expensive figurines, guns, and ammunition. The total value of these assets exceeded 50 million baht. They initially face two charges including: Section 9 of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering: entering into a conspiracy to commit money laundering. The penalty is imprisonment from one to ten years, a fine from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, or both. Section 12 of the Gambling Act: organising or promoting gambling. The penalty is imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to 2,000 baht, or both. The leaders of the criminal gang, who happen to be twin brothers, were absent during the raids but later reached out to the police, expressing their intention to surrender themselves to the officers imminently. As reported by Channel 7, the twins opted for surrender as they realised evasion of arrest was futile, given the substantial evidence and financial transactions uncovered. However, the precise charges against the twins have not yet been disclosed to the public. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ คนข่าวเข้ม Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Kazakh woman nabbed for illegal online sex services on Koh Samui by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Surat Thani immigration authorities recently apprehended a 35 year old woman from Kazakhstan for illegally selling sexual services online. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324277-kazakh-woman-nabbed-for-illegal-online-sex-services-on-koh-samui/

Surat Thani immigration authorities recently apprehended a 35 year old woman from Kazakhstan for illegally selling sexual services online. The arrest occurred in a hotel room on the island of Koh Samui as part of a crackdown on foreign criminal activities in Thailand. The investigation, led by Police Captain Psathorn Saenyindee, was informed by a tip-off from a concerned foreign national about the suspect, who was using WhatsApp to facilitate her services. A sting operation was set up, where an undercover officer agreed to pay US$350 (approximately 13,000 baht) for sexual services. The suspect sent photographs of herself to the officer, and upon arriving at the designated hotel room, she was caught in the act of preparing for the illicit encounter. Upon her arrest, the officers found 10,000 baht in cash, which matched the serial numbers recorded by the undercover agent, and personal items, including a bottle of DUREX lubricant. Further investigation of the Kazakh woman named Anel Toyshubekova, revealed she entered Thailand on a tourist visa, which expired on November 1 last year, thereby overstaying her permitted time in the country. During questioning, Toyshubekova confessed to working under an agent named Linda, who would contact her with work and take 40% commission, paid in digital currency. This agent, believed to be operating from outside Thailand, manages a network of women selling sexual services online across various websites. Authorities are now expanding their investigation to track down the agent and dismantle the larger operation, reported KhaoSod. Toyshubekova faces charges of prostitution and overstaying her visa. She has been transferred to the Bo Phut Police Station in Surat Thani for legal proceedings. In related news, a fourth Russian woman has been arrested in Wichit, Phuket for providing illicit sexual services. The suspect, a 22 year old Russian national, was nabbed on Monday, March 18, during a clandestine operation at a local hotel. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Jaw-Dropping Pumpkin Weighs 380 Kilograms CHIANG MAI, (TNA) – This colossal pumpkin has attracted countless onlookers, each capturing a snapshot as a keepsake. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324274-jaw-dropping-pumpkin-weighs-380-kilograms/

CHIANG MAI, (TNA) – This colossal pumpkin has attracted countless onlookers, each capturing a snapshot as a keepsake. People can witness the breathtaking display of giant pumpkins at Phanawat Garden in Hod District, Chiang Mai Province until April 7. The opening ceremony of the pumpkin showcase for the year 2024 was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weeraphon Thongma, acting president of Maejo University. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman fakes kidnapping to extort money from folks to pay gambling debts by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Thairath - ไทยรัฐออนไลน์ A Thai woman in the central province of Pathum Thani faked a kidnapping in order to extort 100,000 baht from her parents to repay her online gambling debts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324270-thai-woman-fakes-kidnapping-to-extort-money-from-folks-to-pay-gambling-debts/

A Thai woman in the central province of Pathum Thani faked a kidnapping in order to extort 100,000 baht from her parents to repay her online gambling debts. A Thai mother, 51 year old Noi, reported her daughter’s kidnapping at Bang Sri Mueang Police Station on April 3. She recounted that an alleged criminal sent videos of her 30 year old daughter, Kratae, to her husband, so she immediately sought help from the police. In the video, Kratae’s arms and legs were tied and her mouth was covered. She was crying and asking her parents to help her. Noi revealed to the police that the criminal wanted 100,000 baht in exchange for her daughter’s freedom. Noi and her husband were also threatened not to file a complaint with the police, or else Kratae would be killed. Despite the threats, Noi chose to seek assistance from the police. Officers traced Kratae’s phone signal and located her at a hotel in Pathum Thani province. Upon raiding the room, they found Kratae alone, with no blackmailer or criminal present. Confronted with the evidence, Kratae confessed that she faked the kidnapping incident because she wanted money from her parents. She explained that she rented the room, tied herself up, and tried to blackmail her parents for money to repay online gambling and other debts. Kratae confessed to being addicted to online gambling, leading to losing all of her money. Despite borrowing money from four informal sources to settle her debts, she squandered the borrowed funds on new gambling ventures, resulting in further losses. Upon discovering the fabricated crime scene, Noi disclosed to the police that Kratae had faked a kidnapping in the past but she never anticipated her daughter would do it again. Expressing deep distress upon viewing Kratae’s videos and harbouring grave concerns for her well-being, Noi stated she would willingly pay for her daughter’s release if the kidnapping were genuine, believing any parent would empathise. To dismantle the gambling network in which Kratae participated, police extended their investigation to the implicated website, aiming to apprehend all involved suspects and terminate the illicit operation. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Thairath - ไทยรัฐออนไลน์ Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Family caught faking issue for discount at Bangkok shabu eatery by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The manager of a renowned shabu restaurant in Bangkok revealed that a deceptive family was caught on camera sneaking tissue paper into a hotpot, causing a scene that led to a discounted bill and damaged the restaurant’s reputation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324269-family-caught-faking-issue-for-discount-at-bangkok-shabu-eatery/

The manager of a renowned shabu restaurant in Bangkok revealed that a deceptive family was caught on camera sneaking tissue paper into a hotpot, causing a scene that led to a discounted bill and damaged the restaurant’s reputation. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, prompted customers to leave, nearly emptying the establishment. The latest update revealed details of the incident at the well-known shabu restaurant located near the Sanambin Nam area. The restaurant manager, Duangkamol (surname withheld), disclosed that on Wednesday evening at around 8pm, a family of three, seemingly parents and their child, visited the restaurant. The group was not regular patrons and had never visited this restaurant before. The buffet was priced at 319 baht per person without a time limit for dining. During their visit, which lasted from 8pm to 9.30pm, the female customer complained, accusing the staff of serving food with tissue paper in the condiment tray and the hotpot. The employees immediately apologised without checking the CCTV footage, assuming the incident was genuine. The restaurant offered to change the hotpot to calm the situation and avoid confrontation. However, the customers declined and approximately 20 minutes later, they complained about the taste of the crab sticks, stating they could no longer eat and asked for the bill. As the manager, Duangkamol suggested showing the customers the CCTV footage to prove the restaurant’s innocence, which led to louder complaints. To prevent discomfort for other patrons, the decision was made to discount one of the three charges. After the incident, Duangkamol reviewed the footage and discovered that the female customer in a red shirt was responsible for placing the tissue paper in the hotpot. This shocked the kitchen staff, causing one female employee to cry. The deceptive actions of the family, who loudly blamed the restaurant, led other customers to check out, causing a significant loss of business, reported KhaoSod. Upon learning the truth, the restaurant owner filed a police report yesterday and is currently consulting with a lawyer for further legal action. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Man Arrested After Stealing Canadian Dollars Worth 108,000 Baht in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Thai man was arrested after he stole Canadian dollars worth 108,000 Baht in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324268-thai-man-arrested-after-stealing-canadian-dollars-worth-108000-baht-in-patong/

Patong – A Thai man was arrested after he stole Canadian dollars worth 108,000 Baht in Patong. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that on Friday (April 5th) they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Charat at a parking area of an apartment on the Ratcha Pata Nusorn Road in Patong. Seized from him were some of the remaining Canadian dollars and a mobile phone. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two Pakistani Men Arrested in Patong for Overstay By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Two Pakistani men were arrested for overstay at a rental room in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324267-two-pakistani-men-arrested-in-patong-for-overstay/

Patong – Two Pakistani men were arrested for overstay at a rental room in Patong. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they arrested two suspects identified only as Mr. Ashfaq, 34, and Mr. Aneed, 26. Both are Pakistani nationals. They were arrested at a rental room on the Ratch Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong. They were taken to the Patong Police Station to face overstay charges. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Indian, British and Thais Arrested for Drunk Driving in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – An Indian, a British man, and two Thai riders were arrested in Patong for drunk driving. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324266-indian-british-and-thais-arrested-for-drunk-driving-in-patong/

Patong – An Indian, a British man, and two Thai riders were 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 after midnight until 2:30 A.M.. Four suspicious motorbike riders were stopped at the police checkpoint. They were all given alcohol breath tests which were all over the legal blood alcohol limit of .50. The information released on the suspects was as follows: Mr. Jame, 34, British national test showed .58 milligrams percent of alcohol. Mr. Chaithanya, 41, Indian national test showed .71milligrams percent of alcohol. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Van Driver Dies After Falling Asleep and Hitting Truck By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A van driver lost his life when he reportedly dozed off at the wheel and crashed into a highway truck near Pattaya on Thursday afternoon, April 4th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324265-pattaya-van-driver-dies-after-falling-asleep-and-hitting-truck/

Pattaya — A van driver lost his life when he reportedly dozed off at the wheel and crashed into a highway truck near Pattaya on Thursday afternoon, April 4th, 2024. The accident was reported to Banglamung Police Station around 1:30 PM. Police and resuce workers rushed to the scene on an overpass in the Nong Manao area, Banglamung sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province, to find a grey Toyota van had crashed into a six-wheel truck. Inside the destroyed van, rescue workers found the deceased, later identified as 39-year-old Mr. Suthiphon Ketmak. The victim suffered fatal injuries, including a broken neck and a broken right eyebrow. Mr. Suthiphon died in the driver’s seat. Rescue workers used cutting equipment to remove the body from the vehicle. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Tour Bus Crashes Near Pattaya, 20 Passengers Safe By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A tour bus carrying 20 Chinese tourists crashed into a roadside near Pattaya on Thursday, April 4th, 2024. Luckily, nobody was injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324264-chinese-tour-bus-crashes-near-pattaya-20-passengers-safe/

Pattaya — A tour bus carrying 20 Chinese tourists crashed into a roadside near Pattaya on Thursday, April 4th, 2024. Luckily, nobody was injured. The accident transpired on 331 Road in the Huay Yai area of Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Sawang Boriboon rescue workers and police rushed to the accident scene at 4:10 PM. There, they found a tour bus tilted at an awkward angle on the grassy roadside. Inside the vehicle, authorities found 20 Chinese tourists who were visibly shaken by the accident. Authorities instructed the tourists to evacuate the bus via an emergency exit, and it was found that none of the tourists were harmed by the accident. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police ‘No Place for Drugs’ Operation Net 22,387 Arrests and Seizures Worth 339 Million Baht By Kittisak Phalaharn On April 4th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Sarayut Sa-nguanphokai, the Commander of Provincial Police Region 4, and relevant officers held a press conference on the “No Place for Drugs” operation to eradicate drug trafficking in northeast Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324263-thai-police-‘no-place-for-drugs’-operation-net-22387-arrests-and-seizures-worth-339m-baht/

On April 4th, 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Sarayut Sa-nguanphokai, the Commander of Provincial Police Region 4, and relevant officers held a press conference on the “No Place for Drugs” operation to eradicate drug trafficking in northeast Thailand. The No Place for Drugs Operation aimed to suppress local drug dealers and drug networks in 87 locations with proactive operation from 19 police stations. The police were issued to investigate, track down, and arrest wanted criminals and local drug dealers. As a result, the Provincial Police Region 4 officers captured more than 22,387 individuals from 22,287 cases, and seized 17 million amphetamine pills, 59 kilograms of heroin, and 6.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, from October 1st, 2023, to March 31st, 2024. The total value of illicit substances and assets was estimated at 339 million baht. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Cannabis Network Concerned Over Government’s Move to Criminalize Marijuana, Advocates for Truthful Comparison By Kittisak Phalaharn On April 4th, 2024, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of the Network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, publicly stated his concerns over bringing marijuana back into an illicit substance type by the Thai government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324262-thai-cannabis-network-concerned-over-govt’s-move-to-criminalize-marijuana/