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Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has surged to the top of the charts in a LINE Today poll, placed first among Thailand’s political elite. The poll, conducted from September 10 to 20, revealed that the country’s 31st Prime Minister and second female leader outpaced her rivals by a wide margin. PM Paetongtarn tops the polls whilst Thaksin falls to 7th Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339157-pm-paetongtarn-tops-the-polls-whilst-thaksin-falls-to-7th/

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General Thailand Announce Changes to U.S. Visa Services Effective September 28th, 2024 By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok, Thailand: The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Thailand will be implementing a new online support system for U.S. visa services starting September 28th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339120-the-us-embassy-and-consulate-general-thailand-announce-changes-to-us-visa-services/

Bangkok, Thailand: The U.S. Embassy and Consulate General in Thailand will be implementing a new online support system for U.S. visa services starting September 28th, 2024. As part of this transition, services including the online appointment system and call center will be unavailable on September 26th and September 27th, 2024. Fee payment services will also be temporarily unavailable from September 25th to September 27th, 2024. Applicant services for appointment scheduling, fee payment, and the call center will resume via a new system on September 28th, 2024. Effective September 28th, 2024, DHL eCommerce will be the new document delivery services vendor for document submission, document pick-up, and document delivery. Documents sent through other service providers will not be accepted. Applicants who have scheduled appointments from September 25th to September 27th, 2024 should attend their appointments at the scheduled appointment date and time. Applicants with interview appointments on September 26th and September 27th, 2024 will be given detailed instructions on how to receive their returned passports during this transition. After September 28th, 2024, the login page, profile, and appointment scheduling system will have a new look. To log in to the new system, visit www.ustraveldocs.com/th/en after September 28, 2024. Applicants with visa appointments on or after September 28, 2024, that were scheduled before the transition will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to receive their returned passport after visa processing is complete. Any applicants who paid their visa fee before September 28th, 2024, in the old system but have not associated their payment receipt to their profile may also click on the “Sign up now” link at the bottom of the login page, log in to the new system, and proceed to claim their receipt by entering the payment receipt number and payment date into the new system. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-09-26

UPDATE: American man denies sexually assaulting 3 year old Thai girl in Phuket by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online and Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ An American man, suspected of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in the Rawai area of Phuket, firmly denied the accusations against him. However, police are adamant they have gathered enough evidence to warrant his arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339073-3-year-old-thai-girl-sexually-assaulted-by-foreign-man-in-phuket/?do=findComment&comment=19261273

UPDATE: American man denies sexually assaulting 3 year old Thai girl in Phuket by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online and Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ An American man, suspected of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl in the Rawai area of Phuket, firmly denied the accusations against him. However, police are adamant they have gathered enough evidence to warrant his arrest. The child sex abuse case came to light when a Thai man named Bao found the three year old girl crying in pain outside her home in the Rawai district of Phuket on Monday, September 23. He checked on the girl and discovered blood flowing from her private parts, so he and other locals rushed the girl to Vachira Phuket Hospital. MRG Online reported today, September 26, that the medical examination revealed the girl was weak and had a torn vagina. Bao pointed out the suspicious foreign man, later identified as a 45 year old American national, as the girl told him that a foreign man hurt her. Bao said the unnamed foreigner arrived at the girl’s home on Sunday night and appeared drunk. He came to drink with the girl’s aunt, named Jiab, and two others. According to Bao, this foreign man visited the house before. He often came twice a month and sometimes brought his wife. Bao added that this foreigner and his wife bought snacks, milk, and diapers for the girl. Chalong Police Station officers summoned the girl’s aunt for questioning yesterday, September 25. They also reviewed security camera footage near the community and found the American man left the scene in the early hours of Monday morning on a motorcycle. Police tracked down the foreign man and managed to accompany him to the police station yesterday. This American man entered Thailand under a non-immigrant visa on December 8 of last year and was allowed to stay in the country until March 12 of next year, 2025. Officers reported that the American man denied the accusation but they did not clarify further details of the questioning or the excuse or explanation provided by the foreigner. Police told MGR Online that they had sufficient evidence to link the American man to the crime and would be seeking an arrest warrant from the Phuket Provincial Court very soon. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-26

Bangkok Prepared for Floods, Water Levels Expected to Stay Below Major Floods in 2011 By Kittisak Phalaharn National — On September 25th, 2024, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich addressed the current flood situation, expressing confidence that Bangkok is well-prepared to handle any incoming water, reassuring that the water levels are not expected to reach the scale of the 2011 major floods. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339117-bangkok-prepared-for-floods-water-levels-expected-to-stay-below-major-floods-in-2011/

National — On September 25th, 2024, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich addressed the current flood situation, expressing confidence that Bangkok is well-prepared to handle any incoming water, reassuring that the water levels are not expected to reach the scale of the 2011 major floods. Theerarat noted that Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt had updated her on the situation, confirming that the city has been preparing for potential floods and is ready to respond. She emphasized the need to inspect water pumps and ensure all personnel are on duty. Officials have been instructed to maintain a high level of vigilance to prevent any severe flooding. In response to concerns about water from the northern provinces flooding Bangkok, Theerarat assured the public that the city is adequately prepared. While heavy rain or a major storm could cause temporary flooding in some areas, she is confident that drainage systems will work quickly to manage the situation. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-09-26

UPDATE: American man suspected of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl; Suspect Denies Charges, Police Confident with Evidence Picture courtesy: Manager Online A foreign national suspected of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl has been detained for questioning. Initially, the suspect has denied the allegations. However, police confirm they have sufficient evidence and are preparing to file for an arrest warrant. A neighbor stated that the foreigner frequently visited the victim's house and urged strict legal action if found guilty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339073-3-year-old-thai-girl-sexually-assaulted-by-foreign-man-in-phuket/?do=findComment&comment=19261038

UPDATE: American man suspected of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl; Suspect Denies Charges, Police Confident with Evidence Picture courtesy: Manager Online A foreign national suspected of sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl has been detained for questioning. Initially, the suspect has denied the allegations. However, police confirm they have sufficient evidence and are preparing to file for an arrest warrant. A neighbor stated that the foreigner frequently visited the victim's house and urged strict legal action if found guilty. According to recent social media posts in Phuket, the call for swift police action came after a 3-year-old girl was reported to have been sexually assaulted in Rawai. The victim was sent to the hospital by relatives on September 21, with severe injuries and fatigue symptoms. The girl's family reported the crime to Chalong Police Station on September 23. At 2:00 PM on September 25, Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, interrogated a 45-year-old American man suspected of committing the assault. The incident allegedly occurred at a residence in Saiyuan Village, Rawai, Phuketm, reported Manager Online. The suspect was apprehended by Phuket Provincial Police and Immigration officers at a residence in Soi Ta-Iat, Chalong, Phuket. During the initial questioning, the suspect denied any wrongdoing. Police Major General Sinlert Sukhum stated that, despite the denial, investigators had gathered substantial evidence and planned to request an arrest warrant from the Phuket Provincial Court soon. Local resident Mr. Baw (alias) mentioned that he discovered the incident early in the morning when he heard people making commotion. When he inquired, he was told the girl was bleeding and needed to be taken to the hospital. The child allegedly identified a foreigner as the perpetrator. Mr. Baw noted that he had seen the foreigner visit the victim's house about twice a month and occasionally brought his wife. He often brought diapers, snacks, and milk for the child. However, on the day of the incident, he arrived empty-handed and appeared intoxicated. Mr. Baw expressed sympathy for the child, having known her since she was a baby, and urged that the foreigner be detained as he poses a danger to society and could potentially harm other children in the future. The suspect reportedly entered Thailand on a Non-Immigrant Visa (NON 90) on December 8, 2023, with permission to stay until March 12, 2025. -- 2024-09-26

Young Thai Girl, 9, Rescued from Brutal Abuse at Home Picture via Matichon A nine-year-old Thai girl who had been brutally abused by her aunt in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, was rescued by the wife of social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet. The young girl had bite marks all over her body and her ears were deformed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339114-young-thai-girl-9-rescued-from-brutal-abuse-at-home/

Picture via Matichon A nine-year-old Thai girl who had been brutally abused by her aunt in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, was rescued by the wife of social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Pongpaiboonwet. The young girl had bite marks all over her body and her ears were deformed. The rescue began when a woman from the Bang Bua Thong district of Nonthaburi reached out for help by sharing the girl's story on Gun’s official Facebook page. Gun's wife, Lalita “Miew” Hongsamat, quickly responded and rescued the girl on September 24th. The woman who sought help saw the girl at the Bang Bua Thong Market on September 22nd. She noticed the girl’s body covered in wounds and asked vendors in the market for more information. The vendors revealed that the girl often came to the market asking for food and admitted that she was regularly abused by her aunt. The aunt not only beat the girl but also bit her, leading to the deformation of her ears, which the girl tried to hide by covering them with her hair. The girl also shared her tragic situation with the vendors, saying her mother was in jail and she believed her father had died. She begged for food not just for herself but also for her aunt and the aunt’s two children. Many times, she did not have enough food for herself because she prioritized feeding her aunt’s family. Despite her pleas for the abuse to stop, the girl said her aunt continued to beat her. Her uncle, who lived with them, tried to protect her but was also assaulted by the aunt. Currently, the girl is in the care of the Nonthaburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office (M-Society). Authorities will summon the aunt to the Bang Bua Thong Police Station for questioning. This story is a stark reminder of the importance of community awareness and intervention in addressing domestic violence and child abuse. -- 2024-09-26

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 26 September 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339109-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-26-september-2024/

NEWS - 26-September.mp4 An Opposition MP has urged Prime Minister Paetongtarn to ensure that police quickly bring suspects in two cases related to the 2004 Tak Bai massacre to trial before the statute of limitations expires on Oct 25. One of the suspects, a Pheu Thai MP, has yet to face prosecution despite a court order, citing parliamentary immunity. The cases involve the deaths of seven protesters by gunfire and 78 others who suffocated during detention. The Criminal Court yesterday granted bail to a former finance minister accused of bribery in a decades-old deal involving Rolls-Royce engines for Thai Airways. He and a former finance vice president are due in court on Oct 7. Rolls-Royce admitted in 2017 to paying 254 million baht to secure the deal. Two Thai women and a Chinese man were arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Tuesday for their alleged involvement in a human trafficking network that lured Thai women into prostitution in West Africa. Their arrest comes nearly a year after six victims filed a complaint with anti-trafficking police, accusing the group of exploitation. Flash floods from Khao Yai National Park swept down and trapped Three orchard workers - two men and a woman in a hut late last night. Rescue workers used ropes to cross a fast flowing stream, they eventually managed to return the group to safety. Meanwhile much of Chaing mai and the north remain inundated with mud and water. Across the region Japan's Self-Defense Force patrolled the Taiwan Strait for the first time yesterday, aiming to send a message to China. The passage was conducted with naval ships from Australia and New Zealand. Increased Chinese military activity near Japan and Taiwan has raised concerns in Tokyo, prompting a defense buildup to deter China from advancing its territorial claims. Indonesia President Joko Widodo announced that the airport at the new capital Nusan-tara will open for commercial flights by the end of this year. The airport will accommodate up to 200,000 passengers, with a long-term goal of handling seven million passengers annually. Todays Weather Rain across the north and north east Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy, heavy , torrential rain 30C degrees celsius Bangkok: cloudy with thunderstorms 33C Pattaya: Bright with thunderstorms. 30C Phuket and the south: sunny partly cloudy 30C Hua Hin: Sunny becoming more Cloudy, perhaps an isolated shower 31C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-09-26 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5

Elderly Woman in Tears at ATM: Receives 10,000 Baht to Support Family Picture courtesy: Siam Rath A 64-year-old woman from Buriram broke down in tears of joy at an ATM after receiving 10,000 Baht. She shared her struggles in caring for her three disabled siblings and three school-age grandchildren, relying on a meager income from pensions and government assistance, which includes a monthly 300 Baht welfare card. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339107-elderly-woman-in-tears-at-atm-receives-10000-baht-to-support-family/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath A 64-year-old woman from Buriram broke down in tears of joy at an ATM after receiving 10,000 Baht. She shared her struggles in caring for her three disabled siblings and three school-age grandchildren, relying on a meager income from pensions and government assistance, which includes a monthly 300 Baht welfare card. On September 25, 2024, at the Agricultural Bank in Buriram, vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and those with welfare cards ending in zero, were lined up to check and withdraw funds from the 10,000 Baht digital program. Among them was Ms. Noi Yaemprakhon, who was thrilled to have the money deposited into her account. With the help of security staff, she withdrew the cash, overwhelmed with happiness and crying at the ATM amid a crowd of others. In an emotional voice, she expressed that she hadn’t held such a large sum in over a decade. Previously a vendor, her declining health and lack of capital forced her to stop selling, reported Siam Rath. Now, she supports her three disabled siblings and three school-aged grandchildren with her pension and government assistance, but it's often insufficient. Additionally, her youngest son, who sells fried chicken, suffered a leg injury, further complicating their financial situation. With the 10,000 Baht, she quickly bought rice and eggs to sustain her household and hopes to cook meals for sale to generate extra income. She expressed gratitude to the government for this assistance, emphasizing the need for continued support for impoverished and disabled individuals. Given her family’s difficult circumstances, she hopes to acquire a wheelchair to help sell goods and improve their income. -- 2024-09-26

Drug-Crazed Driver Rams 8 Cars, Assaults Police Officer A wild chase ended with the arrest of "Crazy Drugged Tom," who drove recklessly and crashed into eight cars. During the arrest, Sergeant Satawat was hit in the face with a gun and injured. The suspect was detained and gave incoherent statements, claiming to be a Bolt driver. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339106-drug-crazed-driver-rams-8-cars-assaults-police-officer/

A wild chase ended with the arrest of "Crazy Drugged Tom," who drove recklessly and crashed into eight cars. During the arrest, Sergeant Satawat was hit in the face with a gun and injured. The suspect was detained and gave incoherent statements, claiming to be a Bolt driver. At 8:34 PM on September 25th, Deputy Inspector Sukhan Kanwasont and several traffic officers from Thung Maha Mek Police Station, including Sergeant Sawatsakorn Nueree and Sergeant Suppawich Buayenda, worked together to arrest Ms. A (assumed name). They seized a 9mm automatic gun with an empty magazine and a sharp knife in a sheath. The incident occurred while the traffic officers were managing traffic at the Sathorn North intersection. They received a report from the Lumphini Radio Center to intercept a white car with unknown plates causing damage to other vehicles along Sathorn Road heading towards the Wireless intersection, reported Daily News. The officers followed on motorcycles and found the white Toyota car with a Bangkok license plate waiting at a red light. The car had visible collision marks. They asked the driver to step out, revealing Ms. A, who was dressed as a man. She stepped out but suddenly hit Sergeant Satawat in the face with a gun, causing injuries. She was immediately detained. Ms. A was taken to the Thung Maha Mek Police Station for questioning. Her statements were confused, suggesting drug influence. She claimed to work as a Bolt driver and asserted that the gun was in her possession. The authorities proceeded to test her for drugs and took legal action according to the law. Thank you to Big Krean Page for the information and photos. -- 2024-09-26

Pheu Thai's U-Turn on Charter Ethics Amendment: Four Key Reasons FILE - Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. Picture courtesy: Komchadluek In a surprising political development, the Pheu Thai Party has reversed its decision to amend the ethics clauses of the constitution. This abrupt backtrack was analysed by former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who highlighted four pivotal reasons for this change, as reported by Naewna newspaper on September 25. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339099-pheu-thais-u-turn-on-charter-ethics-amendment-four-key-reasons/

In a surprising political development, the Pheu Thai Party has reversed its decision to amend the ethics clauses of the constitution. This abrupt backtrack was analysed by former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, who highlighted four pivotal reasons for this change, as reported by Naewna newspaper on September 25. Yesterday, the People’s Party submitted a draft for amending ten clauses of the constitution. Among these proposed changes were revisions to the qualifications of politicians and their ethical standards. In a Facebook post, Somchai likened Pheu Thai’s retreat from these amendments to a vehicle making a U-turn at the entrance of an alley, leaving its passengers, the People’s Party, bewildered. Here are the four key reasons Somchai attributed to Pheu Thai’s drastic shift: 1) Internal Opposition from People’s Party: The People’s Party did not fully endorse amending the ethics clauses. Their initial proposal was seen more as a tentative measure to gauge public reaction. When met with significant backlash - being accused of benefiting their camp exclusively - they chose to withdraw. 2) Coalition Partners' Stance: Pheu Thai’s coalition partners aimed to maintain a favourable public image amidst prevailing social trends. This led to a gradual but clear opposition to amending the ethics clauses. Significant opposition came from parties such as Bhumjaithai, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, and the Democrat Party, reported Thai Newsroom. 3) Parliamentary Approval Challenges: Amending the constitution requires more than half of the lawmakers’ approval, which includes securing one-third of the votes from the 200 senators. This task proved daunting since a substantial number of senators are informally referred to as “Blue Senators,” allegedly influenced by Bhumjaithai, de facto led by Newin Chidchob. 4) Time Constraints: Timing was a critical factor. If a referendum on the charter amendment is to be held by early February next year alongside provincial administration organisation elections, Thailand's parliament must pass three readings by October 30 this year. The law mandates that 60 days must precede the referendum from the approval date, compressing the timeline impossibly tight. These factors collectively underscored the impracticality of the proposed amendments, leading Pheu Thai to refocus its energy on more viable political pursuits. FILE - Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. Picture courtesy: Komchadluek -- 2024-09-26

Floodwaters Match 2011 Levels, but a Disaster Is Unlikely This Year: Anutin Picture courtesy: Matichon/FILE Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has assured the public that despite this year's rainfall and floodwaters being on par with 2011’s catastrophic floods, a disaster of similar scale is not anticipated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339096-floodwaters-match-2011-levels-but-a-disaster-is-unlikely-this-year-anutin/

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has assured the public that despite this year's rainfall and floodwaters being on par with 2011’s catastrophic floods, a disaster of similar scale is not anticipated. Speaking yesterday (Sep. 25), Anutin noted that although Thailand is also impacted by water released from neighbouring countries—a factor beyond the government’s control—manageable measures are being undertaken to mitigate potential flooding impacts. Residents in flood-prone areas, such as Bangkok, have been reassured that the devastating floods of 2011, which saw parts of the capital severely inundated and numerous roads turning into canals, are unlikely to recur. The 2011 floods remain the most damaging in Thailand’s history. In Chiang Mai, the Ping River overflowed its banks today, causing floodwaters to surge through the economic zone. Nevertheless, Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn reported to Anutin that the situation, though concerning, is still under control, even as the river's water levels remain high. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai on Friday to assess the flooding situation firsthand and distribute relief equipment to alleviate residents' hardships. Amid the flooding in Chiang Mai, homes and even the Region 5 police station, along with police flats housing over a thousand officers and their families, were affected. Most officers have evacuated essential items required for their duties, although around 200 remain to safeguard the premises, reported Thai Newsroom. Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritthapol Yisakorn, commander of Provincial Police Region 5, has taken on a hands-on approach to support those still at the police flats. He personally delivered boxed meals to the area's staircases for the remaining residents while ensuring they remain safe amid rising waters from the Ping River. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to prevent a repeat of the devastating floods experienced in 2011. Top Picture courtesy: Matichon/FILE -- 2024-09-26

Russian Man Arrested After Super Car Racing on Samui Island By Goongnang Suksawat Surat Thani – A Russian driver was arrested after he raced his super car on the Samui Island in Surat Thani. The Bo Phut Police Chief Colonel Denduang Thongsrisuk told the Phuket Express that the issue was posted in social media after locals were concerned about reckless driving on Tuesday (September 24th). The person who posted on social media said that the yellow super car driver also caused a public nuisance with loud noise. Police found the super car parked at a villa. Mr. Alexandr, 30, Russian national, later presented himself as the super car’s owner. He presented legal sales document to police. However, the color of the car did not match with details in the Department of Land Transport system. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS -- 2024-09-26

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 26 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1339093-thailand-live-thursday-26-september-2024/

3 year old Thai girl sexually assaulted by foreign man in Phuket Photo via Phuket Times An unidentified foreign man allegedly sexually assaulted a three year old Thai girl at her home in the Rawai district of Phuket in the early hours of Monday, September 23. The young victim suffered severe injuries to her private parts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339073-3-year-old-thai-girl-sexually-assaulted-by-foreign-man-in-phuket/

A Russian man yesterday faced a 5,000 baht fine after dangerous driving on Koh Samui, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani. Locals were impressed by the police’s swift action, though some felt the punishment was too lenient. Russian fined 5,000 baht after driving dangerously on Koh Samui Photo via Facebook/ สถานีตำรวจภูธรบ่อผุด RTP Cyber Village Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339082-russian-fined-5000-baht-after-driving-dangerously-on-koh-samui-video/