webfact

Khon Kaen parents forced to pay ‘tea money’ for student admission by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Thailand News Eight secondary schools in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen found themselves in hot water as officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launched an investigation into alleged corruption practices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324182-khon-kaen-parents-forced-to-pay-‘tea-money’-for-student-admission/

Eight secondary schools in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen found themselves in hot water as officials from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) launched an investigation into alleged corruption practices. Parents have lodged complaints, accusing decision-makers within these schools of demanding exorbitant “tea money” sums, reaching up to 100,000 baht, from families whose children failed the entrance examination. Thirat Bangpetch, acting director of the NACC’s Khon Kaen office, confirmed the disturbing revelations. “We have received complaints from several parents regarding the alleged corruption by certain influential figures in these eight high schools.” To validate these claims, the NACC conducted an independent probe, uncovering evidence suggesting that bribes were indeed solicited from parents of unsuccessful exam candidates or those placed on the reserve list for each of the implicated schools. Audio recordings, dating back to March 27, have further substantiated these claims. In a chilling exchange between two parents, the extent of the corruption is laid bare. “Did they ask for 100,000 baht?” one parent questioned, to which the other grimly confirmed, “Yes, 100,000 baht.” Thirat Bangpetch stressed the importance of transparency in school admissions, demanding clarity on vacant seats, applicant numbers, and exam results, reported Thai PBS World. However, resistance from school administrators, some even refusing to provide documentation, has only added fuel to the fire of suspicion. In related news, the NACC has set its sights on high-ranking government officials, leaving no stone unturned in the battle for transparency and accountability. The NACC, led by President Police General Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, is leading a proposal to extend asset reporting laws to encompass agencies notorious for corruption risks. Under this plan, heavyweights from the Revenue Department, Excise Department, and even the Royal Thai Police could soon find themselves under the microscope. In other news, the Cabinet has given the nod to a 2.95 billion baht free school lunch programme for nearly half a million students nationwide for the upcoming 2025 academic year. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Thailand News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Portuguese Woman Arrested after Threatening Phuket Taxi Driver with a Knife By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai-A Portuguese woman was arrested after she was caught on a viral video carrying a knife and allegedly threatening to assault a female taxi driver at a hotel in Rawai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324181-portuguese-woman-arrested-after-threatening-phuket-taxi-driver-with-a-knife/

Rawai-A Portuguese woman was arrested after she was caught on a viral video carrying a knife and allegedly threatening to assault a female taxi driver at a hotel in Rawai. The Chalong Police told the Phuket Express that on Wednesday (April 3rd) they arrested a suspect identified only as Miss. NADIYA, a Portuguese national. She was arrested at the lobby of an unidentified hotel in Nai Harn. Chalong police confirmed that Nadiya is the wanted suspect in the arrest warrant issued on April 3rd, 2024 by the Phuket Khweang Court. She is currently being accused of threatening others with a knife but there was no mention of any statement from Nadiya and she did not speak to the press or immediately release a plea. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Govt’s back against the wall over digital wallet scheme – Move Forward MP The government now has its back against the wall over the the 500 billion baht needed to fund the “digital wallet” scheme, the timeline for which keeps moving back, said Move Forward MP Sirikanya Tansakul during the general debate on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324180-govt’s-back-against-the-wall-over-digital-wallet-scheme-–-move-forward-mp/

The government now has its back against the wall over the the 500 billion baht needed to fund the “digital wallet” scheme, the timeline for which keeps moving back, said Move Forward MP Sirikanya Tansakul during the general debate on Wednesday. After adjusting the details of the scheme five times, particularly relating to the source or sources of the funding, she said it appears that the government will resort the Central Fund of the 2024 fiscal year, the 2025 fiscal budget and borrowing from the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. She noted that the cabinet revised the mid-term fiscal framework on Tuesday, to increase the 2025 fiscal budget to 3.75 trillion baht and to increase, by about 150 billion baht, the amount of borrowing needed to offset the budget deficit. She said that the money from these two increases may be used to fund the “digital wallet” scheme. Regarding the Central Fund for the 2024 fiscal year, which may be a source of digital wallet funding, the Move Forward MP said that the government may introduce a bill to get extra money through borrowing to offset the deficit, up to the ceiling of 100 billion baht, plus another 40 billion baht to be transferred from the Central Fund. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Jakrapob Penkair: Red-shirt founder on mission to repatriate Thailand’s political exiles File photo : Jakrapob Penkair Jakrapob Penkair, a former Prime Minister’s Office minister and red-shirt leader, is back in Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile under the shadow of lese majeste and other accusations following coups in 2006 and 2014. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324179-jakrapob-penkair-red-shirt-founder-on-mission-to-repatriate-thailand’s-political-exiles/

File photo : Jakrapob Penkair Jakrapob Penkair, a former Prime Minister’s Office minister and red-shirt leader, is back in Thailand after 15 years in self-imposed exile under the shadow of lese majeste and other accusations following coups in 2006 and 2014. Jakrapob also served as spokesman in the government of Thaksin Shinawatra, who returned from exile last year after the Pheu Thai Party returned to power. Thaksin is regarded as Pheu Thai’s patriarch. Analysts say Jakrapob’s homecoming could trigger an influx of political exiles allied with Thaksin later this year. Jakrapob told reporters shortly after returning on March 28 that he would help arrange the repatriation of these “political refugees” so they could fight the criminal charges against them. Jakrapob, 56, was arrested upon return and handed over to the Crime Suppression Division to be notified of his remaining arrest warrant for alleged involvement in an illegal group and possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition. He denied all charges and was released on a bail guarantee of 400,000 baht, according to his lawyer. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Water crisis hits Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui, tap water rationed by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World On Koh Pha Ngan, a water crisis since late March has led to a stringent rationing of tap water which affected both locals and tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324178-water-crisis-hits-koh-pha-ngan-and-koh-samui-tap-water-rationed/

On Koh Pha Ngan, a water crisis since late March has led to a stringent rationing of tap water which affected both locals and tourists. The rationing, operating on a rotational basis, leaves some areas parched on certain days while others savour the flow. A meagre 3,500m3 to 4,000m3 of water trickles through the pipes daily, barely meeting the island’s thirst. With its lifelines strained, Pha Ngan Island relies on two reservoirs, boasting a combined capacity of 740,000m3, and a reverse osmosis water plant, churning out a modest 600m3 of potable water daily from the salty embrace of the sea. Yet, the parched plight doesn’t end there. Across the glistening straits, Samui Island shivers under the shadow of a similar drought, threatening the hospitality hub’s promise of 2.4 million tourist arrivals this year. Privately operated water trucks trundle across the island, ferrying precious cargo to thirsty hotels perched on elevated grounds, beyond the reach of the dwindling tap supply. The cost burden trickles down to hoteliers, swelling their operational expenses and leaving them high and dry compared to their counterparts elsewhere. Ratchaporn Poonsawat from Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association laments the dearth of sustainable solutions. He warns that unless the government addresses the issue with foresight, the very allure of investment in island tourism may evaporate like morning mist. Meanwhile, on Samui Island, three main water sources, the wetlands of Phru Krajood, Phru Na Muang, and Phru Chaweng, store a modest total of 3,200,000m3, barely sufficient to quench the island’s growing thirst. A lifeline emerges from the mainland, as a modest flow of 22,000m3 per day trickles through an undersea pipeline from Surat Thani, swelling by an additional 5,000m3 during the parched embrace of the dry season. In the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, the Pak Mun Dam offers a watery spectacle during the Songkran festival. As the floodgates open, the Kaeng Saphue rapids, long submerged beneath the dam’s embrace, resurface in a jubilant splash, reported Thai PBS World. Yet, as the waters surge, Governor Suphasit Korcharoenyot issues a cautious plea. The flood must be tempered, and monitored, lest it swell beyond 200,000,000m3, a precarious waste at the cusp of the dry season. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Deputy PM Anutin urges Phuket officials to get tough with foreign offenders. Time to be less considerate by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul urged officials in Phuket to get tougher with misbehaving foreigners on the island. He said it was time to stop being considerate. Mr Anutin called for revoking the visa of any foreigner who harasses locals to make a living. His comments came a day after an Austrian tourist, 58-year-old Gernot Kuhberger, attacked his limousine driver after being told he could not smoke. The tourist had just arrived at Phuket International Airport. At length, he was being taken to his accommodation on the island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324177-anutin-urges-phuket-officials-to-get-tough-with-foreign-offenders/

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul urged officials in Phuket to get tougher with misbehaving foreigners on the island. He said it was time to stop being considerate. Mr Anutin called for revoking the visa of any foreigner who harasses locals to make a living. His comments came a day after an Austrian tourist, 58-year-old Gernot Kuhberger, attacked his limousine driver after being told he could not smoke. The tourist had just arrived at Phuket International Airport. At length, he was being taken to his accommodation on the island. Minister of the Interior Anutin expresses fury at foreign misconduct in Phuket. Calls for firmness and less leniency. The senior government minister calls for a decisive crackdown on lawbreaking expats and tourists. Time for strict enforcement including visa revocation against anyone who harasses local people. On Thursday, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed anger at the misbehaviour of foreigners in Phuket. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin described the current outbreak of lawbreaking by foreigners on the island including tourists and expats, as insulting to the Thai people. At length, he urged local police officials to get tough. He said it was time to stop being so considerate of law-breaking foreigners. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, on Thursday, saw red about legal transgressions by foreigners in Phuket. In short, he expressed his annoyance at what he termed the insulting behaviour of foreigners on the holiday island. The deputy PM, in turn, urged a firmer stance on maintaining law and order in Phuket. At length, he insisted all people in Thailand, including foreigners, must respect the law. The Bhumjaithai Party leader’s outrage stems from a multitude of recent incidents in Phuket since February. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drunk British motorist causes severe accident in Pattaya City by Top Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Pattaya City police were alerted to a significant road accident involving an alleged drunk British man and a local motorbike taxi driver in front of Wat Chai, Banglamung, in Chon Buri at 3.16am today. The collision caused several injuries and triggered a quick response from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation officers and other relevant agencies. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered a red-white motorbike in a damaged state, close to a black motorbike with substantial frontal damage. The red-white motorbike belonged to 35 year old Thai man Nirun Phromsiri, a local taxi rider who sustained only minor injuries. Nirun had been transporting two female passengers to Wat Chai for religious activities when the incident occurred. He explained to the rescue teams that while making a U-turn to park at Wat Chai, the black motorbike crashed into them at the rear at high speed. The impact caused the two female passengers to be thrown off the motorbike, which resulted in severe injuries as their heads hit the ground. Multiple witnesses corroborated Nirun’s account of the incident. Pattaya Police identified the rider of the black motorbike as British national Ashton James Ellison. According to the rescue teams, the 39 year old Brit, who was allegedly intoxicated, suffered a head injury in the crash. First aid was provided to the Thai victims and Ellison by the rescue teams, who then rushed them to a local hospital for urgent medical attention. However, Ellison was reported to have tried escaping from the hospital when the doctors were preoccupied, leading to his immediate apprehension by Pattaya City police. Following a thorough inspection of the accident scene and collection of CCTV evidence, Pattaya City police are set to conduct alcohol tests on Ellison to ascertain if he was under the influence while driving. Depending on the test results, appropriate legal action will be initiated. Pictures of British man courtesy of Pattaya News The two young girls who were seriously injured in the accident remained hospitalised at press time, with their condition yet to be disclosed by the medical staff. Nirun Phromsiri, 35 years old, commented on the incident, “While I was taking a U-turn to park in front of Wat Chai, the black motorbike rider hit us at the rear at high speed, causing the two female passengers to fall off the motorbike and suffer serious injuries as their heads hit the ground.” The witnesses at the scene also shared their observations, “The events unfolded exactly as Nirun described, with the black motorbike hitting them from behind at a high speed.” Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-05 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 5 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1324175-thailand-live-friday-5-april-2024/

Thai police suspect Russian and Thai firms in money laundering Picture of police questioning people at a raided location in Phuket courtesy of Bangkok Post Police in Phuket yesterday and today carried out a series of eight raids prompted by suspicions of a Russian man’s involvement in money laundering and the establishment of fraudulent companies by certain Thais. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324140-thai-police-suspect-russian-and-thai-firms-in-money-laundering/

UPDATE: Drunk British motorist causes severe accident in Pattaya City by Top Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Pattaya City police were alerted to a significant road accident involving an alleged drunk British man and a local motorbike taxi driver in front of Wat Chai, Banglamung, in Chon Buri Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324154-allegedly-intoxicated-british-man-on-motorbike-crashes-into-pattaya-taxi-injures-two-girls/?do=findComment&comment=18819517

When does the 21-day Songkran Festival in Thailand begin? A Chinese tourist raised the question as he launched a video of himself getting ready for a water fight in Bangkok without any Songkran events, asking the Thai government when it would start. Chinese tourist asks govt when 21-day Songkran Festival begins By Petch Petpailin | Photo via Twitter/ @SleeplessBKK Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324146-chinese-tourist-asks-govt-when-21-day-songkran-festival-begins/

Bangkok woman arrested for 360 million baht medical glove fraud by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police arrested a 27 year old female sales representative for allegedly defrauding international companies through a fake medical glove business. The arrest took place yesterday at a residence in the Lat Phrao 71 Alley, Lat Phrao Road, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324118-bangkok-woman-arrested-for-360-million-baht-medical-glove-fraud/

Police arrested a 27 year old female sales representative for allegedly defrauding international companies through a fake medical glove business. The arrest took place yesterday at a residence in the Lat Phrao 71 Alley, Lat Phrao Road, Bangkok. The suspect, identified only by her first name, Supanida, is accused of accepting orders and payments for medical gloves from companies based in the United States, Switzerland, and France but failing to deliver the products, causing damages exceeding 360 million baht (US$9.8 million). From 2020 to 2022, representatives from four companies reported to the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) that the company they had contracted, purportedly a manufacturer and seller of medical gloves with a factory in Thailand, did not fulfil their part of the agreement. The total losses reported amount to more than 362 million baht (US$ 9.9 million). Further investigation revealed that the accused company, which had only recently been established, had rented space in a factory in Chon Buri Province without ever being authorised to produce, distribute, or represent medical glove products. As a result, the business and its associates are facing charges of public fraud, entering false information into a computer system, and money laundering, reported KhaoSod. The criminal operation involved four individuals: the company as a legal entity, a man named Suichi who served on the company’s board, his wife Supanida, and another woman named Nichchaon, tasked with client communications. Suichi and Nichchaon had been apprehended before Supanida’s capture. During questioning, the suspects denied the charges and were subsequently handed over to the ECD’s investigative officers for further legal proceedings. In related news, Royal Thai Police swooped to arrest a 55 year old woman implicated in a public fraud case involving over 50 million baht in damages, in Songkhla, a southern province in Thailand. Tawanna Tarawasant is implicated in a public fraud case involving over 50 million baht in damages. The arrest took place in the district of Rattaphum, specifically in the Khuan Ru subdistrict. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Here’s when Immigration in Hua Hin and Cha-am will be closed over Songkran By Online Reporter Prachuap Khiri Khan immigration office in Thap Thai. File photo Extended holiday closures for Immigration offices in Hua Hin, Cha-am, and across Thailand Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324116-here’s-when-immigration-in-hua-hin-and-cha-am-will-be-closed-over-songkran/

Extended holiday closures for Immigration offices in Hua Hin, Cha-am, and across Thailand Immigration offices in Hua Hin, Cha-am, and throughout Thailand will observe extended closures in April due to national holidays. The closures are set around the Chakri Memorial Day and the Songkran festival, officials confirmed. The offices will shut down over the coming weekend, April 6-7, as usual. By Online Reporter TOP: Prachuap Khiri Khan immigration office in Thap Thai. File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai ferry fire: Authorities blaze into action saving all aboard (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กระแสข่าวพัทลุง The Thai authorities successfully rescued 97 passengers and 11 crew members after a fire broke out on an overnight ferry travelling from the mainland in the southern province of Surat Thani to Koh Tao. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324115-thai-ferry-fire-authorities-blaze-into-action-saving-all-aboard-video/

The Thai authorities successfully rescued 97 passengers and 11 crew members after a fire broke out on an overnight ferry travelling from the mainland in the southern province of Surat Thani to Koh Tao. ThaiRath reported that the fire started in the engine room of the Koh Charoen 2 ferry at around 6.30 am today, April 4, when the boat was about 4 to 6 kilometres away from Koh Tao. The ferry was carrying goods and 108 people, including 97 Thai and foreign passengers, as well as 11 boat crew members. It departed from a pier in Surat Thani last night, around 11pm. The fire alert shocked and frightened passengers, leading some to flee the ferry by jumping into the sea. The fire was reported to Koh Tao Police Station officers who coordinated authorities from the relevant departments until they managed to rescue all of 108 victims. Some suffered minor injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation. Fire and smoke continued to envelop the bow of the ferry, prompting authorities to tow it to the pier on Koh Tao for extinguishing the blaze. Further investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. A similar fire incident was reported on a dive tour boat docked at Thap Lamu Pier in the southern province of Phang Nga on April 2. The entire boat was damaged and sank under the sea near the pier. Fortunately, no one was on the boat during the incident, and no injuries were reported. Another ship fire occurred at Laem Thian Pier within the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri province in March when the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ship HTMS Chon Buri accidentally fired at another naval ship, HTMS Khirirat. The shooting caused an explosion and fire that injured 14 sailors on the ship. The accidental weapon discharge reportedly occurred due to authorities’ recklessness in following safety measures after the battleship training. Each affected sailor reportedly sustained only minor injuries. Authorities insisted that HTMS Khirirat did not sustain much damage as well. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กระแสข่าวพัทลุง Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Big Joke still laughing: Royal Thai Police delay investigation by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thairath Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, the Deputy National Police Chief, remains in his position as the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has yet to form a committee to investigate the allegations against him, according to the acting National Police Chief, Police General Kitrat Panphet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324112-big-joke-still-laughing-royal-thai-police-delay-investigation/