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to continue: Thailand Live Monday 8 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1324381-thailand-live-monday-8-april-2024/

Motorcyclist and child fall into road sinkhole in Nonthaburi (video) Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A dramatic road collapse under the Rama IV Bridge in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, sent a motorcyclist and a child tumbling into a sinkhole hole, prompting swift rescue efforts by locals. The incident, which occurred at 11.20am, severely disrupted traffic and led to an immediate closure of the affected area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324312-motorcyclist-and-child-fall-into-road-sinkhole-in-nonthaburi-video/

A 65 year old British man critically injured himself after he was impaled on a sharp iron fence at his residence in the Bang La Bang district of Chon Buri. The incident occurred in the wee hours of today at Choke Chai Garden Home 2 in Tambon Nong Pru. Briton critically injured after impaling himself on iron fence by Mitch Connor | Picture courtesy of Siamrath Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324349-briton-critically-injured-after-impaling-himself-on-iron-fence/

Ratchaburi homeowner shoots trespasser claiming self-defence by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A homeowner in Ratchaburi province fatally shot a young man after the latter allegedly attempted to trespass onto his property. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324300-ratchaburi-homeowner-shoots-trespasser-claiming-self-defence/

A homeowner in Ratchaburi province fatally shot a young man after the latter allegedly attempted to trespass onto his property. Local police is investigating the incident which occurred at 7.30pm yesterday. The homeowner claimed self-defence, reporting that he fired warning shots before the fatal encounter. The 42 year old homeowner opened fire, killing a 25 year old man near his residence. The incident, rooted in a confrontation that quickly spiraled out of control, has since become a subject of intense police scrutiny. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officials found the homeowner waiting with a 9mm firearm. In the garden behind the house, they discovered the body of the young man who had no identification on him. He wore a blue t-shirt, black long pants, and black sneakers and had sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen, buttocks, and left leg. The homeowner recounted that he returned home to find the trespasser in his backyard after his sister had alerted him of someone shaking the doors, attempting to enter the house. With only his sister, his nephews, and an elderly uncle at home, he rushed back, fearing for their safety. Upon confronting the intruder, who appeared inebriated and unresponsive, the homeowner, armed and feeling threatened, fired warning shots. The man, holding an unidentified dark object, continued advancing, leading to the fatal shooting. The police, led by Deputy Inspector Thanadech Kolongpimai and accompanied by emergency responders, began their investigation immediately. Initial murder charges have been filed against the homeowner as the authorities continue their inquiry, reported KhaoSod. Meanwhile, the deceased’s body has been taken for autopsy, and efforts are underway to locate his relatives for the religious rites. In related news, Phuket authorities apprehended a 17 year old boy on March 27 after he allegedly shot a 16 year old boy near the Phuket Mining Museum. The incident was reported to the police around 1.35am, when the young victim was targeted whilst riding his motorcycle. An unidentified man in a white pickup truck approached him and fired a shot, hitting the teenager in his left arm. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Govt Has Failed In Economic Performance During Q1: Isaan Poll By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin flanked by de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, right, and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left. Photo: Matichon THE PHEU THAI-LED GOVERNMENT was recently viewed by most northeastern people to have ultimately failed in economic performance during the first quarter of this year, according to the Isaan Poll released over the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324299-govt-has-failed-in-economic-performance-during-q1-isaan-poll/

THE PHEU THAI-LED GOVERNMENT was recently viewed by most northeastern people to have ultimately failed in economic performance during the first quarter of this year, according to the Isaan Poll released over the weekend. The latest opinion poll conducted by Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Economics with a total of 1,100 people from all walks of life in all 20 Isaan provinces has found the Pheu Thai-led government only scoring 32 out of a total 100 in economic performance between last January and March. That compared to 33 out of 100 which the current coalition government under the Pheu Thai-endorsed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was found to have scored during last October and December. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin flanked by de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, right, and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, left. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fatal motorcycle crash in Bangkok unveils hidden gun by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Sena Nikhom Road in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, claiming the life of a 37 year old man. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324296-fatal-motorcycle-crash-in-bangkok-unveils-hidden-gun/

A fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Sena Nikhom Road in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, claiming the life of a 37 year old man. The incident, which happened around 2.30am today, took a turn when authorities discovered a firearm hidden underneath the vehicle’s seat. The accident took place approximately 500 metres from the Sena Nikhom intersection along Phahon Yothin Road, a four-lane street known for its challenging curves. The deceased, identified only as Nopat, was found without a helmet, sustained severe injuries to his neck and abrasions to his ankle, resulting in immediate death. Nearby, his overturned black Honda Scoopy motorcycle, with the license plate number 9 กจ 231 Bangkok, lay in a crumpled state. The initial investigation suggests that Nopat lost control of his motorcycle while navigating the curve, subsequently colliding with the steel road barrier with great force. Bloodstains on the barrier indicated the point of impact. In an effort to identify the victim, officials searched for identification and instead uncovered a black shoulder bag beneath the motorcycle’s seat, which contained a fully loaded gun. The weapon was seized for further examination. Nopat’s body was transferred to the Police General Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine for autopsy, reported KhaoSod. The authorities have since been in contact with his relatives to arrange for the collection of the body and the subsequent religious funeral rites. In related news, a 17 year old male motorcyclist was killed and his girlfriend critically injured after their motorcycle crashed into a stationary pickup truck in Samut Prakan on March 26 at 2.30am. The accident took place near the entrance to the Samut Prakan Hospital on Suk Sawat Road, in the Pak Klong Bang Pla Kot subdistrict of Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. In other news, a motorcycle crash at a busy intersection in Chachoengsao province resulted in two people being seriously injured. The incident occurred when two young Thai women, aged 24 and 28, were on their way to work. Due to brake failure, one woman decided to run a red light, causing a violent crash with another motorbike, driven by a 49 year old postal worker. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai women rescued from Cambodian scamming operation by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Three Thai women have confessed to being forced into making hundreds of daily calls for a Cambodian-based, Chinese-run scamming operation, under the threat of violence or prostitution. The women shared their experiences after being safely returned to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324295-thai-women-rescued-from-cambodian-scamming-operation/

Three Thai women have confessed to being forced into making hundreds of daily calls for a Cambodian-based, Chinese-run scamming operation, under the threat of violence or prostitution. The women shared their experiences after being safely returned to Thailand. The chairman of the Northeast’s Social Development and Human Security Volunteers (SDHSV), Khamphong Teerat, commended Thai and Cambodian authorities on the rescue of these three individuals, cousins aged between 14 and 25 years old, on March 29. The operation was a collaborative effort with the Consular Affairs Department and the Human Security Emergency Management Center, following a report to the police by the victims’ relatives. The young women went missing from their home in the Khon Buri district of Nakhon Ratchasima on February 28. They revealed to the SDHSV that they had responded to a job advertisement for an online gambling website, claiming to offer assistance to members via the Line application for a monthly salary of 25,000 baht. The women contacted the employer through a broker and were taken to Sa Kaeo Province. Afterwards, a man guided them across the natural border into Cambodia. When they arrived at their work place, they were made to take a typing speed test under the watchful eye of their Chinese employer. Upon failing the test, they were relocated to a five-storey building where they discovered around a hundred other Thais being coerced into working as call centre scammers. The women claimed that resistance was met with Taser shots. Their task involved contacting Thai citizens under the guise of police officers, extracting personal information, and then passing the call onto another scammer. The women were expected to make between 500 and 700 calls per day, obtaining the personal details of at least three to four victims. Failure to meet these targets resulted in threats of being sold into prostitution, beaten or even killed, they alleged. Leaving the building was prohibited and attempts to escape were met with severe punishment, including beatings with a baseball bat. One of the victims managed to deceive the gang into allowing her to call her family for help by pretending she wanted to recruit friends to join her, reported Bangkok Post. The victims consider themselves fortunate to have escaped and express a desire to warn others about the dangers of accepting such positions. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand walks aisle to marriage equality: What it means for same-sex couples – and the rest of us By Thai PBS World’s General Desk File photo : Reuters At least 142 LGBTQIA+ couples have lined up to register their marriage as Thailand stands poised to become the first Southeast Asian nation to recognize unions of non-heterosexual people in law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324291-thailand-walks-aisle-to-marriage-equality-what-it-means-for-same-sex-couples/

At least 142 LGBTQIA+ couples have lined up to register their marriage as Thailand stands poised to become the first Southeast Asian nation to recognize unions of non-heterosexual people in law. The draft amendment to Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code, better known as the Marriage Equality Bill, has already sailed through the House of Representatives with overwhelming support. The Senate followed suit earlier this month by approving the bill in principle. At this rate, 284 LGBTQIA+ individuals should be able to lawfully tie the knot in Thailand before the end of this year. “They will register their marriages at a historic moment,” Ann Chumaporn, an activist for gender diversity, told Thai PBS World. Maple and her lover are among the 142 couples eager to launch a new era for Thailand by being the first to register their same-sex marriages. “I really can’t wait for the bill to take effect,” said the 38-year-old, who asked for her full name to be withheld. Maple already has a daughter from a previous relationship with a man. However, he can’t compare with her current partner, a 30-year-old transgender individual with whom she has now built a family. “My son, now 18, has never talked about her biological father,” Maple revealed. “She calls my current partner Pa [dad]”. Her trans partner loves and takes good care of her son, she adds. He has supported her son the way a good father would, even taking charge of transporting the teenager to and from tuition classes after school. “Society tends to think that marriages among heterosexual couples are happier. But that’s not true,” said Maple, who works as a sales representative for a gender-affirmation surgery clinic. “Any couple, regardless of their gender, can have a perfect family too.” By Thai PBS World’s General Desk File photo : Reuters Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Immigration officials gear up for Songkran rush at Thai border by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The head of the Immigration Police and the chief of Immigration Division 6 recently inspected the Sadao and Padang Besar border checkpoints in Songkhla province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324283-immigration-officials-gear-up-for-songkran-rush-at-thai-border/

The head of the Immigration Police and the chief of Immigration Division 6 recently inspected the Sadao and Padang Besar border checkpoints in Songkhla province. The inspection took place yesterday at 10.30am as part of a drive to ensure the readiness of the immigration facilities in anticipation of the increased flow of tourists during the Songkran festival, which marks the Thai New Year. During this crucial pre-festival period, Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, the head of the Immigration Police, accompanied by Songprode Sirisukha, the chief of Immigration Division 6, assessed the procedures in place to handle the expected surge in cross-border travel. The Songkran Festival, falling in mid-April, traditionally sees a substantial increase in both domestic and international tourists, who partake in the celebrations across Thailand. The officials’ tour of the Sadao and Padang Besar checkpoints was not just a routine check but a strategic move to boost confidence among tourists regarding the efficiency and security of Thailand’s border controls. It also aimed to reassure the public that the immigration services are well-prepared to manage the festive rush without compromising on service quality or safety. To further this objective, the authorities discussed various aspects of the immigration process, including the facilitation of entry and exit procedures, reported KhaoSod. In addition to reviewing operational preparedness, Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai and Songprode Sirisukha also took the opportunity to distribute gifts to the immigration officers. These tokens of appreciation served to encourage and motivate the staff, highlighting the significance of their role in upholding the nation’s reputation during the Songkran holiday. In related news, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, StopDrink Network (SDN), and other relevant agencies conducted a press conference on Monday to deliberate on the celebration of Songkran in a manner that prioritised enjoyment, safety, and the absence of violence. Pairoj Saonuam, Deputy Manager of Thai Health, emerged as one of the prominent speakers at the event. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Rayong police investigate Facebook gold scam by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Victims of a fraudulent gold instalment scheme reported their case to the police, claiming to have been deceived by a scammer posing as a renowned gold shop in Rayong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324281-rayong-police-investigate-facebook-gold-scam/

Victims of a fraudulent gold instalment scheme reported their case to the police, claiming to have been deceived by a scammer posing as a renowned gold shop in Rayong. Police Lieutenant Anuphong Phuangpee from the Klaeng District Police Station in Rayong Province received complaints from three victims, including 46 year old Suladda, Pornpawee, and Sasithorn. They were duped into making payments for gold through Facebook but never received the items as advertised. Suladda recounted that she saw a Facebook post from a user named Nanthaporn Thamthaworn offering gold on an installment plan. The post advertised a 1-baht weight gold necklace with a down payment of 4,900 baht, followed by 10 instalments. After making the down payment, victims were promised immediate delivery of the gold necklace. Trusting the advertisement, Suladda signed a contract and provided copies of her identification and house registration documents. She transferred the initial 4,900 baht to Nanthaporn Thamthaworn’s account at Krung Thai Bank. When the gold did not arrive after several days, Suladda contacted the seller, only to be told that the shop had not yet sent the gold. After repeatedly inquiring and receiving no satisfactory response, the person at the other end of the line dared her to file a police report. The realisation that they had been swindled dawned on the victims when the actual gold shop announced on its page that someone was falsely using its name to deceive people. The shop clarified it offered no such installment plans for gold. With this knowledge, the victims attempted to make contact again, but to no avail. They then decided to file a report, along with two other victims who had been similarly misled, reported KhaoSod. The police are now coordinating with the bank to trace the account into which the victims deposited their money to identify and prosecute the individual responsible for the fraudulent scheme. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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