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The government is contemplating extending welfare protections to freelance workers, including those in the sex industry, akin to those available to employees registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), contingent on their payment of income taxes. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong revealed that discussions are underway with multiple agencies to establish a welfare system to safeguard freelance workers, including tour guides, ride-hailing service drivers, online content creators, and sex workers. Freelancers could access medical and other welfare benefits under the proposed system, provided they declare their income and fulfil tax obligations. Sorawong mentioned that this initiative follows consultations with representatives from various civil and labour advocacy groups, who highlighted potential challenges in implementing such a system. Representatives from the Service Workers in Group Foundation (Swing) indicated that sex workers are seeking welfare benefits and legal protections. However, many are reluctant to disclose their identities due to the nature of their work, said Sorawong. “Sex workers are calling for welfare benefits and legal protections, but many do not wish to reveal their identity.” During the same discussion, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand underscored the urgent need to extend welfare protections to freelance workers in the tourism sector, emphasising their substantial contribution to the national economy. The feedback from various civil and labour advocacy groups will serve as the foundation for a bill aimed at providing welfare coverage for freelance workers. The government intends to present this bill in the upcoming parliamentary session, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, Patong’s key figures unanimously support the legalisation of sex work, asserting that it will enhance safety and health protection for sex workers and their clients. President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) Weerawit Kreuasombat highlighted the current paradox of Thailand’s stance on its renowned sex industry. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-24

Brace for a downpour: 42 provinces in for a wet and wild ride by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Joshua Rawson-Harris, Unsplash Weather forecasts indicate heavy rain in 42 provinces tomorrow, with the northern region facing the most intense downpours, reaching up to 80%. Residents are advised to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoffs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338943-brace-for-a-downpour-42-provinces-in-for-a-wet-and-wild-ride/

Weather forecasts indicate heavy rain in 42 provinces tomorrow, with the northern region facing the most intense downpours, reaching up to 80%. Residents are advised to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoffs. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a 24-hour weather forecast, predicting heavy rainfall in the northern and upper northeastern regions. Some areas in the central upper, eastern, and lower southern regions may also experience significant rain. The public in these regions should be wary of potential dangers from heavy to very heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods and forest runoffs, especially in areas near slopes, waterways, and low-lying regions. This weather pattern is due to a relatively strong monsoon trough passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions into a low-pressure cell over Hainan, China. Additionally, a moderate southwesterly monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea, southern, central, eastern regions, and the Gulf of Thailand, with converging wind patterns in the lower Gulf of Thailand and lower southern regions. The TMD today, September 24, warns of heavy to very heavy rainfall and sudden flooding. Wave conditions in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are moderate, with waves reaching 1 to 2 metres high from Phang Nga upward in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand. In the Andaman Sea from Phuket downward and the lower Gulf of Thailand, waves are about 1 metre high but can exceed 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. Mariners are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Heavy rain In the north, thunderstorms are expected in 80% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rain in some parts of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 28 to 32 degrees Celsius at the highest, with variable winds blowing at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. In the northeastern region, 70% of the area will experience thunderstorms, with heavy to very heavy rain in some parts of Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, and Mukdahan. Temperatures will range from 22 to 24 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 29 to 33 degrees Celsius at the highest, with variable winds blowing at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. In the central region, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts of Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, and Kanchanaburi. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 32 to 34 degrees Celsius at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. In the eastern region, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts of Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24 to 27 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 31 to 34 degrees Celsius at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour. Sea waves will be 1 to 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. In the southern region (eastern coast), thunderstorms will cover 40% of the area, with heavy rain in some parts of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23 to 26 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 32 to 35 degrees Celsius at the highest. From Surat Thani upward, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with sea waves 1 to 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downward, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves about 1 metre high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. In the southern region (western coast), thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, mainly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 31 to 34 degrees Celsius at the highest. From Phang Nga upward, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 35 kilometres per hour, with sea waves 1 to 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas. From Phuket downward, southwesterly winds will blow at 15 to 30 kilometres per hour, with sea waves about 1 metre high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas, reported KhaoSod. In Bangkok and its vicinity, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area. Temperatures will range from 24 to 26 degrees Celsius at the lowest and 32 to 35 degrees Celsius at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Joshua Rawson-Harris, Unsplash -- 2024-09-24

Four Injured in Violent Phatthalung Street Shootout Picture courtesy: Khaosod A street shootout between two rival youth gangs in Phatthalung left four people injured yesterday at 2 am. The injured include two 17-year-old boys and two 15-year-old girls, with one boy in critical condition after being hit in the chest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338941-four-injured-in-violent-phatthalung-street-shootout/

A street shootout between two rival youth gangs in Phatthalung left four people injured yesterday at 2 am. The injured include two 17-year-old boys and two 15-year-old girls, with one boy in critical condition after being hit in the chest. The incident occurred on Khlong Muay-Kong Ra Road in the Khlong Sai Khao subdistrict of Kong Ra district. Forensic police found a .357 calibre bullet casing, a shotgun cartridge base, and bullet fragments at the scene. Witnesses described a harrowing event. "We heard more than ten continuous gunshots. Initially, we thought someone was firing into the air, not realising it was a shootout between two groups,” one resident said. According to police investigations, the altercation began around 2 am when two 17-year-old boys, identified by their nicknames Wat and Phon, opened fire on a rival group of about ten individuals riding seven motorcycles. The rival group returned fire, resulting in injuries. The injured were taken to Kong Ra Hospital and later transferred to Phatthalung Hospital for further treatment. The critically injured boy had to undergo emergency surgery to remove the bullet from his chest, reported Khaosod. A nearby resident described the scene, "We heard the first set of shots, followed by over ten more. It was terrifying." The police are working to piece together the events that led to the violent clash. Eyewitnesses have provided crucial information, confirming two distinct bursts of gunfire. This violent episode has heightened concerns about youth gang activity in the area. The local police are stepping up efforts to curb such incidents and ensure the safety of residents. They have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help prevent future conflicts. As the investigation continues, Phatthalung residents hope for a swift resolution to curb youth violence in their community. Picture courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-09-24

In a decisive move for the automotive sector, Thailand's Excise Department has announced that car manufacturers benefitting from the government's electric vehicle (EV) incentives must begin producing key EV components domestically by 2026. This directive comes from Excise Department Director-General Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Ekniti emphasised that vital parts like the electric motor, reducer, and inverter need to be locally assembled. The electric motor converts electrical energy to motion, the reducer functions like a gearbox, and the inverter switches direct current (DC) from the battery to alternating current (AC). The government's phased EV promotion measures are encouraging auto manufacturers to set up production bases in Thailand. Investments from these manufacturers have already exceeded 80 billion baht, a significant boost for the local economy. However, companies must meet strict local production targets. They must match imports at 100% of their sales in the first year. If they fall short, they need to produce 1.5 times their sales volume in the second year. This strategy aims to draw in investment and create jobs, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. Despite these positive steps, the department has faced challenges. Ekniti reported a 30% drop in vehicle tax revenue during the first 11 months of fiscal 2024. This decline is due to reduced production and sales, along with tax cuts for EVs. Vehicle tax remains a crucial revenue source for the department. In related news, the Board of Investment has approved measures to encourage EV battery manufacturing. Investors in module-level manufacturing receive an eight-year corporate income tax holiday, and those at the pack level get a five-year exemption. Cell-level investments enjoy both an eight-year tax exemption and subsidy from the EV promotion fund. These initiatives are poised to rev up Thailand's EV sector and bolster local manufacturing, ensuring the country stays on track towards a sustainable future. Picture courtesy: Auto World Journal -- 2024-09-24

Big Joke Faces Asset Seizure in Online Gambling Case Picture courtesy: Amarin TV On September 24, 2024, news broke that Pol. Gen. Surachet "Big Joke" Hakpal is once again in trouble, as the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has been asked to seize 480,000 baht in assets following the discovery of financial transfers tied to illegal online gambling activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338935-big-joke-faces-asset-seizure-in-online-gambling-case/

On September 24, 2024, news broke that Pol. Gen. Surachet "Big Joke" Hakpal is once again in trouble, as the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has been asked to seize 480,000 baht in assets following the discovery of financial transfers tied to illegal online gambling activities. The AMLO received a confidential letter from the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), signed by Pol. Lt. Gen. Worawat Watnakornbancha, requesting the outcome of the Transaction Committee's meeting on August 6, 2024. The committee ordered the seizure of assets related to the ongoing investigation into a money laundering case linked to Mr. Nattawat Phimsawat and his associates. Mr. Nattawat and his group are accused of organizing illegal online gambling and committing money laundering. The investigation revealed multiple financial transactions, including those tied to Big Joke and his wife’s bank accounts. The remaining balance in these accounts is suspected to be connected to the gambling activities, reported Amarin TV. The case, originally filed with Thung Maha Mek Police, was transferred to the TCSD. Investigators continue to collect evidence, and AMLO is now involved in seizing the assets. Big Joke’s alleged involvement has drawn significant attention, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Picture courtesy: Amarin TV -- 2024-09-24

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 24 September 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338930-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-24-september-2024/

NEWS - 24-September.mp4 Thai security forces suspect that an insurgent group, led by a known wanted militant Manso Puteh, is behind Saturday night's arson attack at a Wildlife Sanctuary in Narathiwat. The group, responsible for multiple violent acts, bombed offices and took four officials hostage. Around 20 armed insurgents are believed to have fled into a Malaysian border forest. This marks the first attack at the sanctuary in 30 years. Thailand will postpone an increase in the minimum wage to 400 baht per day scheduled for October 1st by about two weeks due to a lack of a quorum at meetings. A committee of employers, labour officials and the government, had also failed to reach a quorum at two previous meetings. The proposed minimum wage would only apply to businesses that employed more than 200 people. Officials say flood in Chiang Rai remains critical as some areas in the province have been hit by more flash floods and landslides, inundating several villages and blocking a main road connecting the province with Chiang Mai. The Tourism and Sports Minister says the government is considering extending welfare protections to freelance workers, such as tour guides, ride-hailing drivers, content creators, and sex workers, however they would be required to register and pay income taxes. This proposal followed discussions with civil and labor groups. A 58 year old man died last night after wading in a river and being hit by a motor boat. The 63-year-old boat operator was taken in for questioning. He claimed that he didn't expect anyone to be paddling out there in the dark, adding he didn’t try to help the man in case he also drowned. Across the region Myanmar: A United Nations team of investigators on Myanmar is closely monitoring reports that executions in the country could be imminent, warning such a step could constitute a crime against humanity. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, said it had received information that several individuals sentenced to death in closed-doors trials last year could soon be executed. The organization did not elaborate on the information it had received Todays Weather Rain across the north and north east Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy, rain 26C degrees celsius Bangkok: cloudy with thunder showers 32 Pattaya: cloudy thundershowers 31c Phuket and the south: cloudy with rain 30CH Hua Hin: Bright, Cloudy with showers 30C 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 2024-09-24 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5

Burmese man condemned for preaching Christianity to Buddhist novices by Petch Petpailin Photo via personal Facebook account of the Burmese language teacher A Thai Buddhist academic criticised a Burmese man and a Thai woman for posing as English language teachers to preach Christianity to novices at a temple in the central province of Ang Thong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338920-burmese-man-condemned-for-preaching-christianity-to-buddhist-novices/

A Thai Buddhist academic criticised a Burmese man and a Thai woman for posing as English language teachers to preach Christianity to novices at a temple in the central province of Ang Thong. Thai academic Jaturong Jong-asa shared pictures posted by the Burmese man on Facebook on Friday, September 20. The pictures showed a group of young novices raising their hands in the air, with the Burmese man and his Thai assistant standing in front of them. The Burmese man stated in the caption… “Monks are getting saved in Thailand. Praise Jesus. One of the monks was healed from a broken heart while we were praying for healing. Glory be to God.” Jaturong criticised the actions of the two. “What is the monk committee in Phothong district of Ang Thong province doing now? Why do you allow these young novices to shout hallelujah to the god of another religion like this? “This Burmese man, or this pastor, is a truly bad person. Don’t you know your boundaries? You don’t respect other religions by doing this. What about your visa? Healing? Damn!” The Burmese man’s post also included videos of him discussing Christianity-related topics with the novices. One of the novices came forward to share his experience of heartbreak and said that praying in the Christian way helped him recover. “We did not do this (cure the novice). Jesus did this.” Channel 3 later reported that the incident took place at Tha Khlong Temple in Ang Thong province. The abbot, Sarawut Tanwaro, told the media that the foreign man had offered free English language lessons to the novices at the temple. He found it useful, so he allowed the Burmese man to conduct the class. The abbot stated that he did not expect the Burmese man to secretly preach Christianity during the class. The abbot promised to stop such actions and hoped this would be a lesson for other temples. by Petch Petpailin TOP Photo via personal Facebook account of the Burmese language teacher Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-24

82-Year-Old Australian Expat Allegedly Caught Stealing Supplement from Pattaya Pharmacy By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — An 82-year-old Australian man was allegedly caught stealing vitamin C from a pharmacy in Pattaya today, September 23rd. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Bruce, was accused of shoplifting from a local pharmacy across from the Rai Vanasin Market in the Nongprue sub-district in Banglamung. The 82-year-old Australian expat was closely guarded by the store employees and several bystanders at the store. When the police arrived, they asked him to remove the items from his right pocket, which reportedly revealed a box of vitamin C worth 360 baht. The item belonged to the pharmacy, which Mr. Bruce nervously placed on the counter to return it. Security camera footage from the store showed Mr. Bruce entering the pharmacy around 10:20 AM on the day of the incident. Using a cane, he directly headed to the vitamin C shelf and allegedly slipped a box into his pocket. A store employee witnessed this and continued to observe him as he pretended to browse for other medication. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-09-24

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 24 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1338919-thailand-live-tuesday-24-september-2024/

Condor Resumes Direct Flights to Thailand, Boosting Tourism Revival File photo for reference only The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) celebrated the arrival of Condor flight DE2368 from Frankfurt to Phuket yesterday, marking the airline's return to the route after a hiatus due to the pandemic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338897-condor-resumes-direct-flights-to-thailand-boosting-tourism-revival/

An 82-year-old Australian man was caught red-handed stealing a box of vitamin C from a pharmacy in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. The elderly suspect was apprehended by police after staff from the store alerted authorities. Elderly Australian Caught Stealing Vitamin C in Chonburi Full Story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338899-elderly-australian-caught-stealing-vitamin-c-in-chonburi/

Thailand seizes 5 billion baht in assets targeting fraud, corruption by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized over 5 billion baht in assets this year, targeting fraud, online gambling, and corruption. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338867-thailand-seizes-5-billion-baht-in-assets-targeting-fraud-corruption/

Thailand’s Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) seized over 5 billion baht in assets this year, targeting fraud, online gambling, and corruption. AMLO Secretary-General Theppasu Bavornchotidara, along with Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) assistant Secretary-General, Bhumivisan Kasemsook, disclosed the outcomes of the year’s 11th AMLO Transaction Committee meeting. A total of 12,300 assets, valued at 4.5 billion baht, were confiscated in 48 fraud cases. Among these cases is one involving Peempong Hiranprueck, a senior civil engineer at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) Public Works Department, and another linked to the notorious Kofuk online gambling network. Sanga “Kofuk” Kungwan, the key figure in the Kofuk network, is believed to have fled earlier this year. He faces charges related to an 18-billion-baht tax fraud and gambling scheme. Peempong is accused of soliciting a bribe from a golf course owner in Nong Chok district. The bribe was allegedly in exchange for ensuring the golf course retained most of its land during a road construction project. Pramual Saengkaewsri, head of the Ratchathewi district office’s revenue section, faced allegations of accepting bribes from business operators to evade property and land tax. AMLO seized 47 million baht in assets from both officials. In the Kofuk case, AMLO confiscated 372 assets, including cash, jewellery, land, and bank accounts, worth a total of 963 million baht from Kungwan and his associates. Additionally, 107 assets valued at 3.1 billion baht were seized in various fraud cases where victims lost money to scammers. One significant case involves Apimuk Bamrungwong, a former major shareholder of More Return Plc (MORE), and his network. They are allegedly tied to the 800-million-baht manipulation of MORE’s stock last year, which resulted in substantial investor losses. Another major case highlighted by Theppasu involves an online gambling network connected to former Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Surachate ‘Big Joke’ Hakparn. Theppasu stated that AMLO had seized 400,000 baht worth of assets linked to the crime. However, Hakparn is currently seeking the cancellation of the seizure, reported Bangkok Post. These measures underscore Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and corruption, ensuring justice and accountability for those involved. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-23

Chinese Woman Arrested at Phuket Airport For Using Other Person’s Passport By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A Chinese woman was arrested at the Phuket International Airport after she was found using another person’s passport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338861-chinese-woman-arrested-at-phuket-airport-for-using-other-person’s-passport/

Phuket – A Chinese woman was arrested at the Phuket International Airport after she was found using another person’s passport. The Phuket Immigration at the airport told the Phuket Express that on Sunday (September 22nd) they arrested the 38 year-old Chinese woman at the international arrival terminal in the airport. She presented another person’s passport to the immigration officer on duty. She was taken to the Sakoo Police Station to face charges of illegally using other people’s passports. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS -- 2024-09-23

British Man Arrested for Smuggling £1M Cannabis from Thailand File photo for reference only Nathaniel Benson, a 44-year-old from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was arrested at Heathrow Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle £1 million (44 million baht) worth of cannabis from Bangkok, Thailand. The arrest occurred on Wednesday, September 18, soon after Benson arrived with his two young children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338858-british-man-arrested-for-smuggling-£1m-cannabis-from-thailand/

Nathaniel Benson, a 44-year-old from Leeds, West Yorkshire, was arrested at Heathrow Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle £1 million (44 million baht) worth of cannabis from Bangkok, Thailand. The arrest occurred on Wednesday, September 18, soon after Benson arrived with his two young children. Border Force officers discovered 160 packages of cannabis distributed across five suitcases, with one bag reportedly checked under a child’s name. The National Crime Agency (NCA) weighed the drugs at over 100 kilograms, with an estimated street value of £1 million. Benson was charged with importing Class B drugs following an extensive interrogation by the NCA. Benson appeared in Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was remanded in custody. He is set to reappear at Isleworth Crown Court on October 24. A 41-year-old woman traveling with the family was also arrested but has since been released on bail. Ian Truby, NCA senior investigating officer, warned, “Working with Border Force, we’re clamping down on drug smuggling. If you’re caught, a prison cell awaits.” In August, the NCA issued a warning to travelers from cannabis hubs like Thailand, Canada, and the US, highlighting the severe penalties for smuggling drugs into the UK. Cannabis seizures have risen significantly this year, tripling last year's figures. In a related incident, professional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted Airport. The 33-year-old Greenock Morton striker was arrested by NCA officers in Inverclyde and later dismissed from the Scottish Championship club. TOP: File photo for reference only -- 2024-09-23

Five injured in Suphan Buri bar shooting as brawl escalates by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Gunfire erupted outside a popular bar in Suphan Buri, leaving five people injured. A brawl among patrons escalated into a shooting incident, after which the assailant sped away in a white pickup truck. Police have identified leads in the case. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338857-five-injured-in-suphan-buri-bar-shooting-as-brawl-escalates/

Gunfire erupted outside a popular bar in Suphan Buri, leaving five people injured. A brawl among patrons escalated into a shooting incident, after which the assailant sped away in a white pickup truck. Police have identified leads in the case. At approximately 12.30am yesterday, September 22, the Deputy Inspector at Suphan Buri City Police Station, Sarayut Kammul received a report of a violent altercation involving firearms at an entertainment venue on Prachathipatai Road in Suphan Buri. Upon arrival, police discovered two bullet casings, two bullets, bloodstains, and a damaged car belonging to a patron. The injured included three men who were shot, and an additional two who were stabbed, all of whom were transported to Chaoprayomarat Hospital and Supamitr Hospital for treatment. Witnesses reported that the altercation began as an argument between two groups of customers who had been inside the bar earlier. As the bar was closing and patrons were leaving, the two groups continued their dispute on the street outside the venue. According to the bar owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, the situation became chaotic as the groups clashed but they initially seemed to be resolving their differences and began to disperse. However, the conflict took a violent turn when a man in a white pickup truck drove by, rolled down the window, and fired multiple shots into the crowd. This sudden escalation resulted in several injuries before the gunman fled the scene. The bar owner, who narrowly escaped harm when a bullet grazed his shirt, expressed shock at the severity of the incident, thanking his Buddha amulet for keeping him safe. “I never thought it would get this serious. I was just trying to help them calm down… I’m thankful to Luang Pho Boi Wat Manau, whom I revere, for protecting me.” Police have since reviewed CCTV footage and have identified clues that may lead them to the suspect. The investigation is ongoing, with officers actively pursuing the individual responsible for the shooting, reported KhaoSod. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-23