webfact

Mayor's Deputy Arrested for Extorting 20,000 baht from Employees On March 26th, authorities stormed the office of a prominent municipal deputy in Phetchabun province, Thailand. They seized cash and arrested the official, accused of extorting 20,000 employees who applied for municipal jobs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323374-mayors-deputy-arrested-for-extorting-20000-baht-from-employees/

Skeleton Found Buried in Lat Krabang Area, suspected to be a Nigerian Bangkok: A human-like skeleton was discovered buried in a mysterious manner in the Lat Krabang area. Documents found with the remains suggest the individual might be from Nigeria. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323377-skeleton-found-buried-in-lat-krabang-area-suspected-to-be-a-nigerian/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 27 March 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323379-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-27-march-2024/

The Special Investigation officers at Don Mueang airport apprehended the adopted son of a Chinese mafia leader involved in pork smuggling upon his return from China. Mr. Li, his adopted father, is a key suspect in a case concerning nearly 60,000 tonnes of smuggled pork seized 2 months ago, resulting in over a billion baht in damages. Mr. Li surrendered to Thai police in January An Italian company is considering investing in the government's Land Bridge mega project, Thailand’s minister of transport met yesterday with the italian ambassador and the Mermec Group, an Italian company that specialises in railway systems. The Bangkok South Criminal Court ordered the acquittal today of former prime minister Chuan Leekpai on a defamation charge dating back to 2012. , filed against him by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawat. Chuan gave a lecture where he blamed Thaksin for the flare-up of armed violence in the Deep South. The court ruled, that Chuan, as a politician, has the right to critique past events. Around the region Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad’s two eldest sons said Malaysia’s anti-graft agency ordered them to assist with an investigation into their 98 year old father, Earlier Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission ordered 65 year old Mr Mok-zani and his elder brother Mir-zan, to declare their assets dating back to 1981, the year Dr Mahathir became premier. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny, partly cloudy 38C Bangkok: Sunny 35C Pattaya: Partly cloud with showers 32C Phuket and the south: partly cloudy 34C Hua Hin: Bright but cloudy, winds SSE 34C AQI yellow moderate, Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-03-27 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - 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

Bangkok: A human-like skeleton was discovered buried in a mysterious manner in the Lat Krabang area. Documents found with the remains suggest the individual might be from Nigeria. Authorities are collecting evidence for further investigation to identify the person and determine the cause of death. Picture: 77kaoded On March 25, 2567 B.E., Colonel Jirayu Wongsing, a police investigator from the Chorakhe Noi Police Station, received a report of skeletal remains resembling a human skeleton found in an open area near Mile 10 of Marea Lay School, close to the railway track in Tabyao, Lat Krabang District, Bangkok. Investigators and volunteers from the forensic evidence team were dispatched to the site, reported 77kaoded. Picture: 77kaoded The area, undergoing land development by workers, is a wide expanse of land with heavy machinery parked nearby. Several pieces of skeletal remains, along with white sports shoes and fabric scraps, were found among the soil. Additionally, documents indicating international citizenship, with the logo of the UN and Nigerian nationality, were discovered. These items were collected as evidence for further examination. Preliminary examination suggests the recovered skeletal parts include hip and leg bones. The documents found, including a driver's license belonging to a Nigerian national, need to be thoroughly verified to confirm their authenticity and potential connection to the skeletal remains. Authorities will also coordinate with Missing Persons NGOs to determine any potential matches. -- ASEAN NOW 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email marketing[at]aseannow.com for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Teenager Injured in Violent Clash on Phuket Bridge By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket Town– A teenage boy was injured in a violent confrontation on the Klong Koh Phee Bridge in Phuket Town shortly after midnight on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323376-teenager-injured-in-violent-clash-on-phuket-bridge/

Phuket Town– A teenage boy was injured in a violent confrontation on the Klong Koh Phee Bridge in Phuket Town shortly after midnight on Tuesday. The Phuket City Police were alerted by the Vachira Phuket Hospital when the victim, identified only as Mr. Diew, was admitted with a gunshot wound to his foot. According to the police report, Mr. Diew was injured during an altercation that involved firearms and Molotov cocktails. The bridge, located in the Talad Nuea sub-district, became a crime scene where police later found evidence of the skirmish, including broken glass fragments. A companion of Mr. Diew told authorities that the attack occurred while they were traveling by motorbike. They were reportedly ambushed by a group of five teenagers on two motorbikes, who threw Molotov cocktails and fired gunshots at them. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

On March 26th, authorities stormed the office of a prominent municipal deputy in Phetchabun province, Thailand. They seized cash and arrested the official, accused of extorting 20,000 employees who applied for municipal jobs. Picture: Daily News The arrest followed numerous complaints from victims alleging unauthorized demands for money from external job applicants. Investigators uncovered evidence of ongoing extortion schemes, leading to the swift apprehension of the deputy in his office, reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News The suspect denies any wrongdoing, claiming political sabotage amid internal municipal disputes. This crackdown on corruption underscores Thailand's commitment to upholding law and order. The substantial sum extorted, equivalent to two months' wages for many daily-wage earners, highlights the severity of the exploitation endured by the victims. Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email marketing[at]aseannow.com for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Mayor Eyes Opportunity in Casino-Entertainment Complex Project, Jomtien Suggested as Prime Location By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Pattaya City Mayor, Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, has voiced his support for the draft of the “Comprehensive Entertainment Facilities Act,” which paves the way for the development of entertainment complexes in Thailand, including legal casinos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323370-pattaya-mayor-eyes-opportunity-in-casino-entertainment-complex-project/

Pattaya —Pattaya City Mayor, Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, has voiced his support for the draft of the “Comprehensive Entertainment Facilities Act,” which paves the way for the development of entertainment complexes in Thailand, including legal casinos. Speaking to the Thai media on March 25th, 2024, Mr. Poramase stated that he sees this project as a chance to create a new economic dimension for Pattaya, similar to Singapore’s successful tourism model. However, Mr. Poramase stressed that although he agrees with the project, the Thai government needs to have clear regulations in place first to limit the project’s potential negative effects. The mayor further highlighted the possibility of developing the complex on a large area like in Jomtien near Pattaya, which has large enough available land as the complex could take up to over 1,000 rai. Meanwhile, Mr. Wattanaphon Phonchiwin, President of the Chonburi Real Estate Association, revealed that the project could have several benefits for Pattaya such as job creation, increased residential demand, better tourism, and an overall positive impact on the city’s economy. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Bangkok Ranked Top City in Asia Pacific for Tourism in 2024 by DestinAsian Magazine By Kittisak Phalaharn National—On March 25th, 2024, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly revealed Bangkok was ranked number one in Best Cities 2024 in the Asia Pacific region as a tourist destination according to travel magazine “DestinAsian.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323369-bangkok-ranked-top-city-in-asia-pacific-for-tourism-in-2024-by-destinasian-magazine/

National—On March 25th, 2024, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly revealed Bangkok was ranked number one in Best Cities 2024 in the Asia Pacific region as a tourist destination according to travel magazine “DestinAsian.” The ranking was awarded by readers from DestinAsian. The ranking was classified into various categories such as the tourist destinations in cities, islands, hotels and resorts, airlines, airports, and cruises, stated Chai. The DestinAsian also ranked Phuket and Koh Samui as number three and four spots in the Island category, respectively. Moreover, Suvarnabhumi Airport was ranked as the second best airport, and Thai Airways was ranked in third place as the best airline, and the best low-cost airlines category ranked Bangkok Airways in second place. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Body of British Man Found in Pattaya Condo By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya — The body of a British man was found in a condominium in Central Pattaya on Monday, March 25th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323365-body-of-british-man-found-in-pattaya-condo/

Pattaya — The body of a British man was found in a condominium in Central Pattaya on Monday, March 25th, 2024. The Pattaya Police Station was notified of the body at an unspecified time and rushed to the scene along with Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan rescue workers. There, authorities found the body who they publicly identified as Mr. Harold Jhon Milligan, a 63-year-old British national, lying face down in a state of advanced decomposition. He was wearing a red tank top and brown shorts. There were no signs of injury or struggle on his body. Authorities estimated that he had been dead for about 3 days. Ms. Patcharapan Pawarespongsakorn, 50, said that she was the caretaker of the foreigner because he was sick and could not walk. He had to use a wheelchair all the time. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Two Russian Men Arrested for Spraying Graffiti in Patong, Both Blame Cannabis for Their Actions By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket-In Patong, two Russian nationals were apprehended on Monday, March 25th, for vandalism involving spray painting. According to the Patong Police, as reported by the Phuket Express, the incident occurred on Saturday, March 23rd, around 9:00 PM. Witnesses observed two men defacing a footpath and a restaurant sign on Phra Baramee Road with the letters ‘HRDSRT’ and then quickly leaving the scene. Utilizing CCTV footage, the police were able to locate their residence at an apartment on Thaweewogn Road in Patong. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

Russian graffiti vandals busted in Patong by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The two Russian men on a graffiti rampage after a booze-fuelled escapade in Patong, Phuket, have been arrested. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323364-russian-graffiti-vandals-busted-in-patong/

The two Russian men on a graffiti rampage after a booze-fuelled escapade in Patong, Phuket, have been arrested. Police Major General Saranyu Chamnarnrat, Deputy Chief of the Provincial Police Region 8, revealed the arrest of the Russian vandals. Identified as 23 year old Evgenii Egorov and 22 year old Oleg Shirshov, the spray-painting mischievous pair were nabbed from a dormitory on Thaweewong Road in the Patong subdistrict of Kathu district at around 4pm yesterday. Their reckless spree involved defacing a footpath with the cryptic letters HRDSHT, already marked with a no-parking sign, leaving authorities puzzled. But their graffiti frenzy didn’t end there, they allegedly struck again, targeting a restaurant sign near the Government Savings Bank’s Patong branch on Phra Baramee Road. A damning video of their nocturnal antics went viral, triggering a wave of social media outrage. The duo, captured on a motorcycle, seemed oblivious to the storm their actions would brew. However, their trail of spray paint led police straight to their doorstep, where they were promptly apprehended. Under interrogation, the inebriated culprits confessed to their deeds, attributing their folly to alcohol-induced impulsivity. Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranyu revealed that Egorov was behind the wheel of the rented motorcycle, with Shirshov riding pillion. While Egorov took sole responsibility for the graffiti spree, Shirshov was present but claimed innocence, reported Bangkok Post. Facing charges of vandalism collusion, the pair were swiftly handed over to Patong Police Station for due legal process. They are scheduled to attend the Phuket Provincial Court this afternoon. In related news, the violent Russian woman who blamed her period for assaulting a pregnant Thai woman in Koh Pha Ngan has been fined 500 baht and handed a suspended 15-day jail sentence. Immigration authorities in Surat Thani are deliberating whether to revoke her visa due to the criminal offence. The Russian woman confessed to kicking the shop owner, who is eight months pregnant, out of frustration after being asked to remove her shoes before entering a coffee shop. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-27 RELATED TOPIC: Foreigners condemned for spray-painting Phuket footpath https://aseannow.com/topic/1323243-foreigners-condemned-for-spray-painting-phuket-footpath/ - 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

Phuket tourism boss concerned that the ‘feelings’ of locals on the island may be provoked by foreigners by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Minister of Labour Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (right) has ordered a crackdown nationwide on employment and labour law abuses by foreigners. The crackdown has seen raids and arrests across the country, in particular, focused on Southern Thailand. Meanwhile, a local tourism industry boss in Phuket has expressed concern about the feelings of local people following several high-profile criminal acts by foreigners there including a long-stay resident and two tourists from New Zealand who attacked a uniformed policeman on Saturday, March 16th last (inset bottom). Similarly, there have been assaults reported in Ko Phangan (inset left bottom), Pattaya and Trang. It follows an alleged assault on a Thai female doctor by Swiss man Uli Fehr on February 24th (inset top left), a case which sparked public revulsion and protests on the island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323363-phuket-tourism-boss-concerned-that-the-feelings-of-locals-may-be-provoked-by-foreigners/

Minister of Labour Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn (right) has ordered a crackdown nationwide on employment and labour law abuses by foreigners. The crackdown has seen raids and arrests across the country, in particular, focused on Southern Thailand. Meanwhile, a local tourism industry boss in Phuket has expressed concern about the feelings of local people following several high-profile criminal acts by foreigners there including a long-stay resident and two tourists from New Zealand who attacked a uniformed policeman on Saturday, March 16th last (inset bottom). Similarly, there have been assaults reported in Ko Phangan (inset left bottom), Pattaya and Trang. It follows an alleged assault on a Thai female doctor by Swiss man Uli Fehr on February 24th (inset top left), a case which sparked public revulsion and protests on the island. Phuket tourism boss is concerned. Crackdown on foreigners nationwide launched by the Minister of Labour Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn as local outrage grows. Assaults and illegal businesses have seen tensions rise and locals left fed up. Especially in Southern Thailand and in tourist hotspots. Calls for the police and officials to implement the law strictly. Amid a government nationwide crackdown on foreigners working illegally in Thailand, a top tourist business leader in Phuket warns that a spate of egregious criminal acts linked to visitors on the island may have tested the patience of locals. Nationwide, recent high-profile attacks by foreigners and labour law abuses are coinciding with an economy increasingly reliant on foreign tourism. At the same time, more foreigners are extending their stays in the kingdom, taking flight from war and bad weather at home. The result has raised tensions and a national campaign to rein in abuses, especially in Southern Thailand. Thailand’s government is beginning to crack down on the activities of long-stay foreigners in the kingdom. It comes with the country’s economy in a slow state of decline. For instance, government receipts in the most recent period were down 11% on last year. In the meantime, the situation has emphasised Thailand’s dependence on foreign tourism. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 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

Defence Minister, Navy Chief Leave For China To Wrap Up Submarine Deal By Thai Newsroom Reporters Photo: Thai Rath DEFENCE MINISTER SUTHIN Khlangsang and Navy Chief Adm. Adung Pan-iam have quietly departed for China to conclude the trouble-plagued, Chinese-built submarine purchase deal, a government official said Tuesday (Mar. 26). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323361-defence-minister-navy-chief-leave-for-china-to-wrap-up-submarine-deal/

DEFENCE MINISTER SUTHIN Khlangsang and Navy Chief Adm. Adung Pan-iam have quietly departed for China to conclude the trouble-plagued, Chinese-built submarine purchase deal, a government official said Tuesday (Mar. 26). According to the official at Government House, the civilian cabinet member and navy chief flew together to China yesterday in a last-ditch effort to wrap up the long-delayed purchase deal under which the Yuan-class S26T submarine will very likely do without a German-made engine as otherwise specified in the purchase contract. The 12.4 billion baht submarine manufactured by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. had earlier recommended a Chinese-made CHD620 engine be installed aboard the submarine in place of the unavailable German-made MTU396 engine. The delivery of Thailand’s first submarine in six decades which had been earlier scheduled for last year has been indefinitely postponed due to the lack of the sought-after engine. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 27 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1323360-thailand-live-wednesday-27-march-2024/

Thaksin warmly welcomed at Pheu Thai party headquarters Thaksin Shinawatra, the founder of the Pheu Thai party, received a warm welcome today as he returned to the party’s HQ for the first time in nearly two decades. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323347-thaksin-warmly-welcomed-at-pheu-thai-party-headquarters/

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong has insisted that parolee Thaksin Shinawatra has not broken the conditions of his release by engaging in political activities, because such activities are not prohibited. Thaksin has not breached parole conditions – Justice Minister Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323326-thaksin-has-not-breached-parole-conditions-–-justice-minister/

Glowing gold and sleek black eels captivate crowds at Thai temple by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Villagers and tourists alike flocked to a Thai temple in Chon Buri to witness the enchanting sight of two extraordinary eels, one shimmering in dazzling gold, the other sleek in jet black. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323311-glowing-gold-and-sleek-black-eels-captivate-crowds-at-thai-temple/