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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thailand's former Deputy PM and Sports Authority of Thailand Chairman, General Prawit Wongsuwon, has faced scrutiny following the exposure of his vast wealth and assets, including a collection of luxury cars worth 87 million Baht, by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The 78-year-old chief of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) declared in the triennial financial report- required by his position- that he was single and possessed total assets worth 87.84 million Baht, with a minor debt of 757 Baht. Gens Prawit's assets comprise of considerable bank deposits of 40.48 million Baht, investments of approximately 6.53 million Baht, prime real estate in Bangkok and Pathum Thani totalling around 10 million Baht, and a fleet of five luxury vehicles amounting to 13.6 million Baht, among others. Outstanding among his assets were his luxury vehicles, including a 4 million Baht Jaguar I-Pace AWD HSE and a 2.5 million Baht Mercedes Benz V250d. Also included in his declaration were a TW Steel watch, nine valuable rings, and three handguns. Gen. Prawit's comparatively modest annual income of 2.34 million Baht raised eyebrows, fuelling discussions about his wealth's actual magnitude. The disclosure becomes more significant considering previous controversies involving the General, including allegations of false asset declarations related to luxury items. Despite his refutations, the new revelations have again cast doubt on Gen. Prawit's true wealth and incited further public investigations into his alleged impropriety. Top Picture: Courtesy of Wikipedia -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Revamps Sidewalk Standards for Better Pedestrian Access File photo for reference only The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out new footpath standards aimed at improving the pedestrian experience. To achieve this, the BMA plans to expand the city's footpath network by adding 16 new routes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326042-bangkok-revamps-sidewalk-standards-for-better-pedestrian-access/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out new footpath standards aimed at improving the pedestrian experience. To achieve this, the BMA plans to expand the city's footpath network by adding 16 new routes. Each sidewalk will be designed uniquely, in line with its neighborhood's specific identity, and will be robust enough to endure usual wear and tear. City Hall spokesperson, Ekwaranyu Amrapal, and Pathumwan District chief inspected some of these sidewalks on Ratchadamri and Phloen Chit Roads, both of which are part of the initial implementation of the new standards. They also checked the new designs of drainage covers, which will reflect the local identity of each area. The architectural layout of the sidewalks will be with a goal of ensuring a seamless interaction between the entrances and exits of adjacent buildings and the sidewalks. This step will guarantee easier and safer access for pedestrians. In the first phase of this project, 1,000 kilometers of footpaths will be renovated using three approaches: creation of entirely new sidewalks, urgent repairs of damaged spots, and the introduction of area-specific innovations. As of now, 16 routes are being remodeled according to these new standards, including Ratchadamri, Phloen Chit, and Udomsuk Roads. Top File photo for reference only -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran Festival Boosts Thai Economy by 140 Billion Baht Songkran. Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The Songkran Festival, celebrated between April 1-21, led to a significant economic upturn in Thailand, raking in revenue of 140.335 billion baht, which exceeded the Ministry of Tourism's initial estimate of 132 billion baht. The numbers were shared by the country's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326040-songkran-festival-boosts-thai-economy-by-140-billion-baht/

The Songkran Festival, celebrated between April 1-21, led to a significant economic upturn in Thailand, raking in revenue of 140.335 billion baht, which exceeded the Ministry of Tourism's initial estimate of 132 billion baht. The numbers were shared by the country's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol. A total of 1,926,443 international tourists partook in the festival, contributing 90.208 billion baht to Thailand's economy. Local tourism also thrived with 13,897,988 domestic trips adding another 50.127 billion baht. The highest revenue on a five-day count from April 12-16 was 38.034 billion baht, marking a 37.54% spike from last year. Relaxed visa rules, abolished TM.6 forms, and government schemes fueled this surge. The mix of tourists was diverse, with visitors mostly from China, Malaysia, India, Russia, South Korea, Laos, the UK, Taiwan, USA, and Indonesia. Chinese tourists alone recorded an 89.16% surge compared to the previous year. The festival revenue largely streamed from various segments. Accommodation costs totaled to 42.069 billion baht, food and beverages followed with 33.069 billion, souvenir and merchandise costs were 26.839 billion, transportation expenses were 15.505 billion, while entertainment costs were 14.758 million. Tourist services amounted to 5.865 million, with 2.230 million baht spent on miscellaneous expenses. Songkran. Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Governor Supports Special Admin Status File photo courtesy of Thai PBS Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat, has endorsed a proposal to grant the province special administrative status similar to those in Bangkok and Pattaya. Sophon communicated his stance at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting at Phuket Merlin Hotel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326039-phuket-governor-supports-special-admin-status/

Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat, has endorsed a proposal to grant the province special administrative status similar to those in Bangkok and Pattaya. Sophon communicated his stance at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting at Phuket Merlin Hotel. The governor lauded the PCC for fostering synergy between the private sector and government entities, thus boosting the province’s economic and societal growth while curbing various challenges. Sophon stressed the need to amplify Phuket’s fiscal autonomy, which he believes is currently capped by a limited budget. A modified scheme where Phuket has greater leverage over tax collection and budget allocation would ideally solve this predicament. Sophon proposed the appointment of an elected provincial governor and introduced a reformed budget distribution strategy. Part of the provincial GDP and tax income would be locally reinvested, spawning inter-provincial competition to stimulate economic expansion. The governor also outlined ambitious infrastructure plans to tackle Phuket’s immediate obstacles. These include creating four new traffic routes, expanding traffic lanes, and improving water infrastructure. A notable project involves sourcing water from Cheow Lan Lake in Surat Thani to mitigate recurring water scarcity. Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, backed the water project during his Phuket visit, pledging about 16 billion baht for the province’s development ventures. The PM emphasised robust wastewater and garbage management enforcement to avert waste dumping into public water bodies. The call for Phuket’s transition to a special administrative status represents a revolutionary shakeup in its governance system with possible impacts on its economic development and growth path. Ahead of PM Srettha’s Phuket visit, Wirintra Paphakityotphat, leader of the Tourism Council of Thailand Region 11 branch, submitted four formal petitions to the PM, the foremost being to permit Phuket to become a Special Administrative Zone. Top File photo courtesy of Thai PBS -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Three Dead, Seven Injured in Pickup Truck Accident in Thailand File photo for reference only A pickup truck carrying religious ceremony attendees from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat tragically flipped on Southern Road in Surat Thani province, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries. The accident occurred early morning near the entrance of Ban Marueat village on Highway 44. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326037-three-dead-seven-injured-in-pickup-truck-accident-in-thailand/

A pickup truck carrying religious ceremony attendees from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat tragically flipped on Southern Road in Surat Thani province, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries. The accident occurred early morning near the entrance of Ban Marueat village on Highway 44. The involved vehicle was a white pickup truck with license plate number ขง2692 from Surat Thani. According to witnesses, the pickup suddenly lost control and flipped, causing the mishap. Among the passengers was a mother tightly holding her daughter. The emergency services, alerted by Police Lieutenant Nathdanai Rungreuang of the Kanchanadit Police Station, promptly arrived at the scene and transported eight individuals to the Kanchanadit Hospital. Panee Chaiyakul (49), Surachet Chaiyakul (31), Jeerapa Inprang, Wipawarn Tamsaeng, Suwit Changsar, and Pakin Khumprom were among those injured, all suffering various abrasions. Montathip Chaiyakul and young Chanapha Khumprom sustained severe injuries, and Chanapha was later declared dead at the hospital. Two other fatalities, Nattakan Pharachatree (27) and Bundarik Chaiyakul (24), were reported at the scene. Newshawk Phuket reported the incident on Facebook, stating that 10 individuals were involved in the accident near the Don Sak intersection. Other unfortunate news followed, as two individuals lost their lives in a motorcycle crash in Nakhon Ratchasima following a police chase initiated by the Chaloem Phra Kiat Police Station. TOP File photo for reference only -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nationwide Inspection of Chemical Warehouses Ordered by Thai Government File photo for reference only. The government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has ordered immediate scrutiny of all chemical warehouses in the country following a series of recent fires. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326036-nationwide-inspection-of-chemical-warehouses-ordered-by-thai-government/

The government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has ordered immediate scrutiny of all chemical warehouses in the country following a series of recent fires. The latest incident was at a warehouse of President Chemical Co Ltd in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district, where locals noticed smoke emitting from the site alongside a strong chemical smell. On arrival, Bangkok's Fire and Rescue Department discovered 12 leaking chemical waste barrels, two containing thiourea often found in fertilisers. This has raised concerns about potential harm to local water sources. Although the warehouse had a spotless record, this event shortly follows a similar fire at a factory in Rayong owned by Win Process Co, resulting in local evacuations. The Ministry of Industry has been tasked to accelerate inspections due to many chemicals' sensitivity to heat, which could lead to ignition in prevailing high temperatures. A comprehensive plan is being developed to prevent future hazardous chemical leaks. Visits of affected warehouses, including the facility in Rayong, by the Prime Minister are in the pipeline. Though firefighters have partially tamed the fire at Bangkok, it is yet to be totally doused. This is the Thailand's third chemical warehouse fire this year, following incidents in Ayutthaya and Rayong. Consequently, Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul has ordered the Industrial Works Department to raise fire hazard awareness in factories. Top: File photo for reference only. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Homeless Man Arrested for Brutal Beach Assault in Cha-Am Cha-Am beach. File photo Wikipedia commons A homeless man was apprehended by police for savagely attacking a sub-district chief on Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi province. The victim is presently in a critical condition in a nearby hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326035-homeless-man-arrested-for-brutal-beach-assault-in-cha-am/

A homeless man was apprehended by police for savagely attacking a sub-district chief on Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi province. The victim is presently in a critical condition in a nearby hospital. The incident was brought to light by Wissuta Wannathippakorn, the victim's daughter who was concerned that the perpetrator might not be caught, given that the CCTV cameras at the crime scene were non-functional. She described how she and her father, along with some other officials, had gone to a hotel at the beach for a seminar. She further explained that her father, Sommart Wannathippakorn, had decided to enjoy the beach atmosphere at around 10 am, sat on a beach chair to photograph the sea, and subsequently dozed off, only to wake up severely injured without any memory of the attack. The assault resulted in critical injuries to Sommart, including a fractured facial bone, broken nose, a brain hemorrhage, and other complications. The attacker also stole her father’s mobile phone and some cash. Thai online users initially suspected the chair vendor due to prior similar occurrences. However, tracking the stolen phone's signal led the police to a local phone shop. The shop owner revealed that they had bought the stolen phone from a homeless man. Further investigations and security camera footage identified the attacker as 35-year-old Chaowarit Thanawaratorn. Chaowarit confessed to attacking Sommart with a discarded iron rod when he woke up while his belongings were being searched. He was arrested near the scene of the crime on Jao Lai Road. TOP: Cha-Am beach. File photo Wikipedia commons -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ammonia Leak at Udon Thani Ice Factory Leads to Evacuation Panic set in when an ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Udon Thani, Thailand, led to the evacuation of around 20 homes in the area. The leak, which occurred around 6 am, is thought to have been triggered by high temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius and dated machinery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326034-ammonia-leak-at-udon-thani-ice-factory-leads-to-evacuation/

Panic set in when an ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Udon Thani, Thailand, led to the evacuation of around 20 homes in the area. The leak, which occurred around 6 am, is thought to have been triggered by high temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius and dated machinery. The factory is located in the Sri Samran sub-district, near a fresh market. The release of the harmful gas caused alarm as residents and market vendors quickly left the area. Local Thai authorities advised people within a 300-metre radius of the factory to evacuate and seek medical help if they were exposed to the gas. Factory workers promptly responded to the leak by covering the affected tank with ice, curtailing further ammonia discharge. Officers confirmed the leak was contained by 9:30 am. This incident follows a less severe leak last year at the same facility. Healthcare personnel, along with administrative officers, were sent to the site to assist and assess the local residents affected by the leak. The factory, which produces 100 tonnes of ice daily and houses up to 2,400 litres of ammonia in two machines, is under scrutiny by local administration and public health officials for safety assurance and determining the cause of the leak. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Yingluck's Corruption Case Dismissed by Anti-graft Agency Yingluck Shinawatra. File photo Wikipedia commons Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously decided not to challenge the Supreme Court's acquittal of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others regarding allegations of improper dealings tied to a 240-million baht public relations campaign. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326033-yinglucks-corruption-case-dismissed-by-anti-graft-agency/

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously decided not to challenge the Supreme Court's acquittal of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others regarding allegations of improper dealings tied to a 240-million baht public relations campaign. The charges stated that they had misused their authority by not conducting public tenders for the campaign, favouring media firms Matichon Plc and Siam Sport Syndicate Plc. The NACC alleged that funds for the campaign, aimed at promoting government infrastructure initiatives, were wasted when the associated roadshow was halted after a Constitutional Court ruled against the legislative proposal for the intended 2-trillion-baht loan. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, stating there was no harm to the state regarding contract negotiations and fund distribution. It noted that government organisations and the Cabinet supported the initiatives and the Budget Bureau permitted the contingency fund allocation for the PR project. The dismissal of the case removes further obstacles for ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra - Yingluck’s brother- to regain full political control. Both Thaksin and Yingluck left Thailand to avoid jail sentences handed down by the Supreme Court for separate charges. Thaksin's return to Thailand and subsequent parole has sparked rumours that Yingluck may follow suit, solidifying the Pheu Thai Party’s stronghold, now led by Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn. TOP: Yingluck Shinawatra. File photo Wikipedia commons -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe