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Police arrested two women and three Thai men for orchestrating a romance scam spanning six years, during which they swindled a millionaire out of more than 63 million baht. The Thai millionaire realised he was being scammed after nearly going bankrupt. He revealed the whole story to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) leading to the arrest of the main romance scammer, 35 year old Nontikarn, on February 27 in the central province of Ayutthaya. According to the victim, he met Nontikarn on a dating website in 2016. Nontikarn approached him with an online profile of a beautiful woman and introduced herself as Ice. The victim continued to talk to Nontikarn for years, even though they had never met. The victim then planned to marry Nontikarn but their wedding was put on hold because the scammer claimed she was suffering from cancer. Nontikarn asked for money from the victim by claiming that she had to pay for her treatment, pay off her family’s debts, invest in real estate, etc. The victim was convinced of his girlfriend’s existence, largely due to Nontikarn’s cunning strategy involving other scammers posing as her family members, who visited the victim on multiple occasions. The CIB officers reported that the victim transferred money to Nontikarn 690 times during six years of their contact, and the loss was more than 63 million baht. Scammers arrested Nontikarn admitted to running the romance scam and sharing the money she earned with her family members and other scammers in the gang. They spent the money on luxury houses and cars, designer branded products, land, cruise holidays and other items. Nontikarn’s confession led to the arrest of the other four scammers on March 18 including a 30 year old woman named Krittika, a 34 year old man named Kongphop, a 31 year old man named Jeerasak, and a 30 year old man named Wachira. The five scammers face three charges including: Section 342 of the Criminal Law: committing fraud by impersonating another person. The penalty is imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both. Section 14 of the Computer Act: importing false information into the computer system to cause damage to a person or the public. The penalty is imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. 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. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ POLICETV สถานีโทรทัศน์สำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติ Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

No re-entry fees for migrant workers who go home to celebrate Songkran Migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, who want to return to their home countries to celebrate Songkran between April 1st and May 15th, will be exempted from paying re-entry fees, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323401-no-re-entry-fees-for-migrant-workers-who-go-home-to-celebrate-songkran/

Migrant workers from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, who want to return to their home countries to celebrate Songkran between April 1st and May 15th, will be exempted from paying re-entry fees, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said yesterday. The decision to exempt migrant workers from those countries was approved by the policy committee on the management of alien workers. He said that the exemption extends to dependents of migrant workers who hold passports or travel documents, known as the Non L-A visa, which allow them to stay in Thailand temporarily and their remaining permitted stay must not end before May 15th. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Northern Thailand’s persistent wildfires exacerbate air pollution by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Panumate Tanraksa Wildfires persist in northern Thailand, contributing to a surge in air pollution despite recent downpours. As of Monday, Mae Hong Son recorded 6,646 wildfires this year, predominantly in the districts of Mueang Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Mae Sariang. This has led to Mae Hong Son exceeding safe levels of airborne particulates for 38 consecutive days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323399-northern-thailand’s-persistent-wildfires-exacerbate-air-pollution/

Wildfires persist in northern Thailand, contributing to a surge in air pollution despite recent downpours. As of Monday, Mae Hong Son recorded 6,646 wildfires this year, predominantly in the districts of Mueang Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Mae Sariang. This has led to Mae Hong Son exceeding safe levels of airborne particulates for 38 consecutive days. Mae Sariang district reported the highest PM2.5 level in the province, peaking at 130.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), followed by Mueang Mae Hong Son (76.5 µg/m³) and Pai (69.6 µg/m³). Provincial Governor Chucheep Phongchai urged district chiefs of Sop Moei and Mae Sariang to prioritise wildfire suppression, which has been identified as the primary cause of the deteriorating air quality. Worasak Panthong, Mae Sariang District Chief and director of the district’s Wildfire and Pollution Operations Centre affirmed that he had imposed a burning ban and would expedite the creation of firebreaks. Further, an assistant village head in Baan Nong Khao in Pang Ma Pha district was arrested for allegedly leading locals to set free two suspected fire starters. Chiang Mai, which had an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 193 yesterday, March 26, was once again the city with the worst air quality on that day. The peak PM2.5 concentration in the province was 26 times higher than the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) air quality guidelines suggest, as per IQAir.com. Chiang Mai University’s Climate Change Data Centre also reported that 92 spots exceeded the WHO’s safe PM2.5 threshold, with 66 of those surpassing 100 µg/m³. The province’s Wildfire and Pollution Control Commanding Centre reported 54 hotspots in 11 districts. The majority were found in the Samoeng district, with 13 spots, followed by Chiang Dao, Omkoi, and Mae Taeng. Nasa satellite hotspot data also revealed more hotspots detected in the region and neighbouring countries such as Laos and Myanmar, reported Bangkok Post. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) forecasts hot weather for the northern region, with temperatures soaring to 36–40 degrees Celsius. However, a significant pollution reduction is expected due to improved ventilation from rising winds, mitigating the effects of the sun’s rays in the region. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Panumate Tanraksa Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pickpockets theft of Norwegian-Thai couple was karma, say cops by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon A Thai police officer dismissed a complaint from a Norwegian man and his Thai girlfriend who lost 30,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone to four pickpockets outside a shopping mall in Bangkok. The Thai cop allegedly told the foreigner it was his fault, a result of bad karma in their past lives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323398-pickpockets-theft-of-norwegian-thai-couple-was-karma-say-cops/

A Thai police officer dismissed a complaint from a Norwegian man and his Thai girlfriend who lost 30,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone to four pickpockets outside a shopping mall in Bangkok. The Thai cop allegedly told the foreigner it was his fault, a result of bad karma in their past lives. The Thai woman and her Norwegian boyfriend sought assistance from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive after officers from Lumpini Police Station and the Immigration Bureau did not take their case seriously. Speaking to the organisation and reporters on March 26, the woman explained that she and her foreign boyfriend had planned their wedding ceremony in Thailand for April 12. So, they visited CentralWorld shopping mall on March 24 to try on wedding dresses and buy rings. Afterwards, they waited for a public bus at a stop in front of Big C supermarket, across from CentralWorld. The woman realised that her iPhone 14 Pro Max and a wallet, containing two credit cards and 30,000 baht in cash had been stolen when they were on the bus could not pay the fares. They suspected that pickpockets took advantage when a crowd scrambled to get on the bus to steal their belongings. They decided to rush to Lumpini Police Station to seek help from police. Karma from 100 years ago To their surprise, officers asked them to obtain security camera footage from Big C themselves, citing they were on a mission to arrest drug dealers. They then turned to the Immigration Bureau, where an officer suggested that they let it go. This officer told the couple that as this theft might be the result of their karma in their past lives, 100 years ago. The officer added that they were fortunate not to lose their lives. The couple had no choice but to return to Big C to get the CCTV footage. The woman said the CCTV camera captured the pickpocketing incident very clearly. One man blocked the Norwegian, while two female pickpockets blocked the woman, allowing a transwoman to grab the belongings from their bag. The victims believed that the transwoman had been following them since they were at CentralWorld, as they were familiar with her face. During the interview, the Norwegian man expressed his disappointment, stating his love for Thailand and his decision to host his wedding in the country. He admitted to being caught off guard by the incident. His partner added that her boyfriend had been visibly stressed following the theft. While they didn’t anticipate recovering all their belongings, they hoped that the authorities would apprehend the pickpockets to deter future crimes. The Saimai Survive founder, Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, promised to assist the couple and coordinate with the superintendent of Lumpini Police Station. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai lawyer uncovers police-linked bribery network by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of komchadluek A recent revelation has shaken the Thai law enforcement scene as a lawyer uncovered a gang, allegedly linked to the police, involved in an extensive bribery racket. The racket reportedly amasses over 100 million baht each month through illicit kickbacks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323396-thai-lawyer-uncovers-police-linked-bribery-network/

A recent revelation has shaken the Thai law enforcement scene as a lawyer uncovered a gang, allegedly linked to the police, involved in an extensive bribery racket. The racket reportedly amasses over 100 million baht each month through illicit kickbacks. Sittra Biabungkerd, serving as secretary to the People’s Lawyers Foundation, brought this issue to light in a press conference held yesterday, March 26. Sittra, armed with substantial evidence including bank transfer slips, money trails, and video footage, claimed the existence of a bribery network with a deep-rooted police connection. According to Sittra, no less than three police officers are suspected of being involved with this notorious gang. He further alleged that several police units had been accepting kickbacks from various illegal businesses. These businesses range from illicit online gambling sites to unlawful loan sharks. Sittra went on to detail the operation of the gang, stating that they would gather bribes from all over the country and deposit them into multiple bank accounts. Notably, some of these accounts reportedly belong to a senior police officer’s relatives. The monthly kickbacks are presumed to exceed 100 million baht (US$3 million). In his address, Sittra affirmed that his exposé of the alleged bribery was not influenced by personal gain or hidden motives. He stated, “I only want to tell the public about the matter despite knowing that I may be in danger.” Further in the press conference, Sittra had a phone conversation with Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, deputy commander of the Central Investigation Bureau. Sittra disclosed his intent to lodge a police complaint against the individuals implicated in the gang by tomorrow, March 28, reported Bangkok Post. Despite the potential risks, Sittra remains committed to bringing this corruption to light, promising a riveting development in Thai law enforcement integrity. In related news, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong stepped forward to support the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) as it investigates accusations of bribery and human trafficking levelled against two previous Cabinet ministers and two high-ranking officials involved in the supply of Thai labour to Finland. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of komchadluek Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Former prosecutor files lawsuit in Red Bull hit-and-run case by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of tnews A former senior prosecutor from the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) filed a lawsuit against Police Colonel Thanasit Taengchan, a former forensic officer for the infamous 2012 hit-and-run incident involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, also known as Boss. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323395-former-prosecutor-files-lawsuit-in-red-bull-hit-and-run-case/

A former senior prosecutor from the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) filed a lawsuit against Police Colonel Thanasit Taengchan, a former forensic officer for the infamous 2012 hit-and-run incident involving Red Bull heir Vorayuth Yoovidhya, also known as Boss. Chainarong, accompanied by his lawyer Paisan Chuarphon, lodged the lawsuit at Bangkok South Criminal Court yesterday. The case accuses Pol. Col. Thanasit, who was part of the forensic team at the 2012 accident scene, later altered his statement, thereby reducing the recorded speed of Vorayuth’s Ferrari from 177 to 79 kilometres per hour. According to Paisan, Pol. Col. Thanasit incorrectly implicated Chainarong in a group that was accused of forging documents, tampering with evidence, and altering audio records. The misleading information purportedly convinced the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Public Prosecutors Commission (PPC), and an independent panel led by Vicha Mahakun of Chainarong’s involvement in evidence tampering regarding the notorious hit-and-run case. As a result, the PPC dismissed Chainarong in December of the previous year. Paisan attributed the timing of the lawsuit filing to the need for a thorough collection of evidence against Pol Col Thanasit. Chainarong will continue to seek more evidence to identify further accomplices. Vorayuth has been evading authorities since his Ferrari was involved in a fatal collision with a Thong Lor police officer on September 3, 2012. Several charges against him were dismissed after their respective statutes of limitations elapsed. These include a speeding charge that expired in 2013 and a charge for failing to assist a crash victim that expired in 2017. A sole remaining charge of reckless driving causing death, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment, has a 15-year statute of limitations and will expire in 2027. Earlier this year, on February 27, the attorney-general prosecuted former national police chief Somyot Poompanmoung and seven others, including Chainarong and Nate Naksuk, a former deputy attorney general. They were indicted for their alleged efforts to exonerate Vorayuth, reported Bangkok Post. The indictment followed a recommendation from the NACC, aligning with the findings of an investigation committee led by former graft-buster Vicha. The panel was established by the previous Prayut Chan-o-cha administration in response to public outcry over Nate’s decision to drop the charges against Vorayuth in 2020. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of tnews Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pork-smuggling mafia’s son arrested at Don Mueang Airport by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) at Don Mueang International Airport yesterday apprehended Karin Piyapornpaiboon, the adopted son of a notorious Chinese pork-smuggling mafia figure, Li Sheng Jiao, known as Hia Kao (Brother Kao). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323394-pork-smuggling-mafia’s-son-arrested-at-don-mueang-airport/

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) at Don Mueang International Airport yesterday apprehended Karin Piyapornpaiboon, the adopted son of a notorious Chinese pork-smuggling mafia figure, Li Sheng Jiao, known as Hia Kao (Brother Kao). The arrest took place at 7.40am as Karin’s plane from China touched down, with him being transported to the DSI headquarters by 9am, as disclosed by Police Major Nathapol Ditsayatham, the lead investigator on the smuggling case. Li Sheng Jiao, the adoptive father, is a primary suspect in a formidable smuggling operation involving nearly 60,000 tonnes of smuggled pork, seized in January, with the damages surpassing a billion baht. Li surrendered to police on his return from China on January 22. The DSI investigation revealed that there were financial transactions between Karin and Li. The probe indicates that Karin transferred a minimum of 2.6 million baht (US$70,000) to his father in 2022, while Li is believed to have sent at least 10.8 million baht (US$300,000) to his adopted son from 2021 to 2023. Li has been further implicated by the DSI in another smuggling case, this time involving over 10,000 containers of chicken feet, the total market value of which stands at a staggering 5 billion baht (US$140 million). Karin confessed to operating several businesses on behalf of Li, including the chicken feet smuggling operation in Thailand. The DSI has found that the chicken feet were transported to a cold storage warehouse in Nakhon Pathom before being exported to China. In relation to the case, Democrat leader and former agriculture minister Chalermchai Sri-on has vehemently denied any connection to the two suspects. Chalermchai was scrutinised due to his elder brother, Wirat Piyapornpaiboon, and his politician nephew, Jukkaphan Piyapornpaiboon, sharing the same surname as Karin, reported Bangkok Post. Chalermchai stated that he has no familial ties or close associations with either suspect. He disclosed that he had only encountered Li once at an event attended by businessmen and politicians, and he expressed ignorance as to how Karin came to possess his brother’s Thai surname. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nan Eyes UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Nomination by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has endorsed the Culture Ministry's proposal to nominate Nan province as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, highlighting the province's cultural richness, including its archaeological sites, ethnic diversity, and local knowledge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323393-nan-eyes-unesco-cultural-world-heritage-nomination/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet has endorsed the Culture Ministry's proposal to nominate Nan province as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, highlighting the province's cultural richness, including its archaeological sites, ethnic diversity, and local knowledge. According to Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, the approval came during a mobile cabinet meeting in Phayao led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. With a budget of at least seven million baht, the plan seeks to engage the public and enhance awareness of Nan's historical significance. Approximately two million baht will be allocated for awareness-raising activities, including the development of an e-book on Nan's cultural heritage. The remaining five million baht will support academic assessments necessary for UNESCO's nomination criteria, focusing on the province's archaeological sites. The project, set to begin later this year, aligns with the prime minister's vision of linking Nan with Luang Prabang in Laos, both culturally and as part of a broader cultural tourism strategy. This two-city World Heritage nomination initiative is expected to promote Thailand's cultural tourism sector, leveraging the nation's soft power in the process. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand forecasts 558 billion baht foreign investment in key sectors by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Following a series of global roadshows led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the Board of Investment (BoI) anticipates a surge of at least 558 billion baht (US$15 billion) in foreign investment inflows into Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323392-thailand-forecasts-558-billion-baht-foreign-investment-in-key-sectors/

Following a series of global roadshows led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the Board of Investment (BoI) anticipates a surge of at least 558 billion baht (US$15 billion) in foreign investment inflows into Thailand. The funds are expected to be channelled primarily into four critical sectors – digital, electric vehicles (EVs) and components, electronics and semiconductors, and logistics. BoI’s Secretary-General, Narit Therdsteerasukdi, detailed the forecasted investments for each sector. The digital sector is projected to attract 250 billion baht (US$7 billion), Evs and components 210 billion baht (US$5.7 billion), electronics and semiconductors 95 billion baht (US$ 2.6 billion), and logistics 3 billion baht (US$52 million). The secretary-general highlighted the government’s proactive measures to foster the EV industry. These included enticing new investors and supporting existing ones in transitioning to the rapidly evolving market conditions. As a result, prominent Chinese companies, including BYD, Aion, Changan, GWM and MG, have selected Thailand as their manufacturing hub. Also, four dominant Japanese automobile manufacturers intend to increment their investments with a cumulative value exceeding 150 billion baht (US$4 billion) in the next five years. Narit mentioned the ongoing negotiations with American and European EV manufacturers and discussions with leading battery cell manufacturers. He anticipates at least two major battery manufacturers will invest in Thailand within the year. Regarding the electronics and semiconductor industry, the BoI chief stated that Thailand had enticed investments in midstream electronic products. The goal is to enhance the industry by luring upstream electronics and promoting electronic design. Foreign investment In the digital industry, especially data centres and cloud services, Narit expects at least two hyper-scale data centre investors to invest this year. He believes these investments would encourage additional ones over the next decade. Narit said the government plans to roll out more incentives to lure top foreign companies to establish regional offices in Thailand. The move aims to position Thailand as the regional centre for international business, finance, and logistics. He expects at least five leading companies to establish regional offices in Thailand this year, reported Bangkok Post. The secretary-general noted that applications for BoI investment promotions reached a nine-year peak of 850 billion baht (US$ 23 billion) in 2023, with foreign direct investment (FDI) increasing by 72%. In the last quarter of the previous year, FDI surged by 145% compared to the same period in 2023, said Narit concluded. “BoI incentives are sufficient to attract foreign investors, whether they are tax incentives or other privileges. The signs are clear that we will attract more investment. It is a good thing the prime minister made overseas trips himself because he is at the policy-making level.” by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Saab swoops to supply Gripen jets to RTAF in 19-billion-baht deal by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Saab AB, the Swedish aerospace company, yesterday announced its intention to supply Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The company’s proposal aligns with the Thai government’s offset policy and other requirements for national capability development set by the RTAF. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323391-saab-swoops-to-supply-gripen-jets-to-rtaf-in-19-billion-baht-deal/

Saab AB, the Swedish aerospace company, yesterday announced its intention to supply Gripen fighter jets to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF). The company’s proposal aligns with the Thai government’s offset policy and other requirements for national capability development set by the RTAF. The offset policy mandates that suppliers of new military equipment to Thailand provide equal economic evaluations in bilateral trade. The RTAF has outlined plans to procure new fighter jets under a 19-billion-baht budget in the forthcoming fiscal year. The procurement scheme is a part of the RTAF’s white paper, a document detailing development objectives. The scheme is scheduled for Cabinet review on April 2. The RTAF is reportedly considering Sweden’s Gripen E/F and the US’s F-16 Block 70 aircraft for procurement. A decision on which jet offers better value for money is expected to be made by a selection committee in May or June. The white paper also includes a proposal to acquire a new squadron of fighter jets in the next fiscal year, beginning Oct 1. The RTAF is planning to retire 102 Squadron’s old F-16s at Wing 1 and replace them with 12 new fighter jets, along with introducing several all-domain development projects. Robert Hewson, Strategic Communications Director Saab Aeronautics, addressed the Thai media at Saab’s Bangkok headquarters. He explained that the Gripen has the most advanced range of weapons and capabilities compared to other competing fighters. He added that expanding Thailand’s existing Gripen fighters would maximise operational effect while minimising lifecycle costs for the RTAF. Hewson also emphasised the broader benefits of the Swedish offer. “The Swedish offer is a high-technology platform for a major, sustainable, strategic partnership to create high-quality jobs, increase exports and develop new capabilities that are relevant to all of Thailand.” Previously, the RTAF had procured a fleet of 12 Gripen fighters stationed at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, although one was lost in a crash. Hewson dismissed rumours that the Gripen proposal would include an option for a submarine, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai govt assures no loss of Koh Kood sovereignty in future talks by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Timeless Travel Thailand A reassurance has been issued by the Thai government, stating that the country will not surrender sovereignty over Koh Kood, located in Trat province, to Cambodia during future negotiations concerning the partitioning of marine resources in their shared Overlapping Claims Area (OCA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323390-thai-govt-assures-no-loss-of-koh-kood-sovereignty-in-future-talks/

A reassurance has been issued by the Thai government, stating that the country will not surrender sovereignty over Koh Kood, located in Trat province, to Cambodia during future negotiations concerning the partitioning of marine resources in their shared Overlapping Claims Area (OCA). In a statement during the Senate’s general debate on Monday night, Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara referred to the 1907 treaty signed between France and Siam, the historical name for Thailand. The treaty specifically noted that France returned Trat and islands spanning from Ling Cape to Koh Kood to Siam. Responding to worries about potential diplomatic and legal fallout from Thailand’s alleged intentions to discuss marine resource sharing with Cambodia without addressing the continental shelf dispute, Parnpree proclaimed that future discussions should simultaneously address both issues. The continental shelf refers to the submerged edge of a continent that extends into the ocean. However, Parnpree conceded that he currently lacks the authority to make a final decision on the matter, as a committee responsible for such negotiations is yet to be established. The formation of this committee will require Cabinet approval. Historically, Thailand and Cambodia have engaged in four official talks and eight informal negotiations following a 2001 memorandum of understanding, which expressed both countries’ intention to reconcile issues regarding the OCA, according to Parnpree. Despite these efforts, no progress has been made on the matter. During an official visit to Thailand on February 7, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also discussed the OCA issue among other topics. Both Thai and Cambodian leaders have agreed to continue discussions on resource sharing within the OCA, added Parnpree. In related news last month, negotiations were said to be underway between Thailand and Cambodia concerning overlapping border regions in the Gulf of Thailand, according to Sutin Klungsang, Thailand’s Defence Minister. He addressed public concerns and queries from the press about the possible implications of a meeting held in Bangkok on February 21 between Hun Sen, former Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Thaksin Shinawatra, ex-Thai Prime Minister. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Timeless Travel Thailand Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Parents of eye doctor killed in hit-and-run to receive 27 million baht by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A court ruling yesterday determined that a 23 year old police officer must pay 27.3 million baht in compensation to the parents of a doctor he fatally hit while riding a motorcycle in 2022. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323389-parents-of-eye-doctor-killed-in-hit-and-run-to-receive-27-million-baht/

A court ruling yesterday determined that a 23 year old police officer must pay 27.3 million baht in compensation to the parents of a doctor he fatally hit while riding a motorcycle in 2022. The incident occurred when the officer, Norawich Buadok, who was travelling between 108 and 128 kilometres per hour on his Ducati Monster big bike, struck 33 year old Dr Waraluck Supawatjariyakul at a pedestrian crossing in Ratchathewi district. At the time of the incident, Norawich was part of the Protection and Crowd Control Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. He had just collected a police document and was overtaking other vehicles approximately 30 metres before the crossing. The victim, an ophthalmologist, was hit in front of Bhumirajanagarindra Kidney Institute Hospital. Despite causing severe injuries, the officer failed to stop and assist Dr Waraluck, who tragically passed away within an hour of the collision. The lawsuit was initiated by the deceased doctor’s parents, Anirut and Ratchanee Supawatjariyakul, both 64 years old. They sought 72.26 million baht for lost financial support from their daughter and an additional 539,493 baht to cover funeral expenses. In the ruling today, the Civil Court ordered Norawich to pay 27 million baht for the lost financial support and an additional 331,230 baht for the funeral costs. The calculation was based on Dr Waraluck’s monthly salary of 31,000 baht at the Police General Hospital and her estimated annual income of between 1.8 and 2.4 million baht from part-time work at three private hospitals, reported Bangkok Post. The Royal Thai Police Office was also named in the lawsuit. However, the court dismissed this part of the case, ruling that Norawich was solely liable for the tragic event. Norawich has also faced criminal charges related to the incident and was previously sentenced to prison. In January, his prison term was increased to five years and one month by the Court of Appeal. ORIGINAL STORY: Police officer faces a total of 9 charges for speeding and hitting an eye doctor at a crosswalk The police officer who sped his Ducati motorcycle through Bangkok and stuck an eye doctor walking on a zebra crossing, killing her, is now facing a total of nine charges. He was initially charged with seven, but authorities slapped on two more charges. But the parents of ophthalmologist Dr. Waraluck Supwatjariyakul say the charges are still too light and they are concerned there won’t be justice for their daughter. Officer Norrawit Buadok was driving his Ducati motorcycle between 108 and 128 kilometres per hour when he hit Waraluck who was walking on the zebra crossing on Phaya Thai Road on January 21, according to the Bangkok Post. Waraluck worked as an ophthalmologist at the faculty of medicine at Chulalongkorn University on Phaya Thai Road. She was just days away from her 34th birthday. The charges Norrawit faces include… Reckless driving causing death Speeding Violating the Road Traffic Act by driving a vehicle without a registration plate Failure to keep the motorcycle in the left lane Failure to give pedestrians the right-of-way at a crosswalk Violating the Car Act by using a vehicle with unpaid yearly tax Using an incomplete vehicle (His motorbike didn’t have a rearview mirror) Using a vehicle without third-party insurance as is indicated in the Car Accident Act of 1992 Driving without regard for others’ safety After talking to the police at the Phraya Thai station, the doctor’s parents interviewed Thai media about the updates on the case. According to reports, the father shared that the suspect didn’t contact him to offer compensation. He says the charges are still too light and the mother is worried that they won’t get justice. The father added that he wants his daughter’s case to lead to stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar accidents in the future. Phraya Thai Police Colonel Borwonpop Sunthornrekha also gave an interview with Thai media. He shared that information, witnesses, and evidence will be collected and submitted to prosecutors by February 11. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cabinet approves Bt2.9Bn for free student lunches next academic year The cabinet has approved Bt2.95 billion for a free lunch program for the 2025 academic year. This will benefit 575,983 students attending 7,344 schools across the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323386-cabinet-approves-bt29bn-for-free-student-lunches-next-academic-year/

The cabinet has approved Bt2.95 billion for a free lunch program for the 2025 academic year. This will benefit 575,983 students attending 7,344 schools across the country. Karom Pholpornklang, the deputy government spokesman, said that the program will cover 6,855 schools under the supervision of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, 376 under the Local Administration Department, 109 schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and four schools run by the Border Patrol Police. With an annual budget of Bt2.95 billion, he said that the average budget for lunch per head is Bt24 per day for the 200 days of the academic year. Source: Thai PBS 2024-03-27 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe