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Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351005-smoke-signal-suvarnabhumi-sparks-smoking-rooms-outrage/

4 Israeli men fined for causing chaos at hospital in Mae Hong Son By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 Police fined four Israeli men 3,000 baht each for causing chaos at Pai Hospital in the northern province of Mae Hong Son on February 2 by entering an emergency room without permission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351023-4-israeli-men-fined-for-causing-chaos-at-hospital-in-mae-hong-son/

Thai court rules traffic fines unlawful since 2020 By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s top court has dropped a legal bombshell, ruling that traffic fines issued by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) since July 2020 were unlawful—potentially affecting millions of motorists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351009-thai-court-rules-traffic-fines-unlawful-since-2020/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1350981-thailand-live-friday-7-february-2025/

Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital American man and Thai wife lose 15.2 million baht in Hua Hin property fraud by Petch Petpailin An American man and his Thai wife are pursuing justice after being duped by a real estate firm into buying two plots of land and a house in Hua Hin, located in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, amounting to 15.2 million baht. Despite their investment, they have been unable to gain ownership of the property. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350976-american-man-and-thai-wife-lose-152-million-baht-in-hua-hin-property-fraud/

UPDATE: Public debate erupts after over foreign foot masseur in Phuket by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Thai netizens demanded action from relevant government departments after a viral video showed a foreign man working as a foot masseur in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350943-foreigner-sparks-outrage-for-doing-thai-only-job-in-phuket/#findComment-19567394

Public debate erupts over foreign foot masseur in Phuket by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Thai netizens demanded action from relevant government departments after a viral video showed a foreign man working as a foot masseur in Phuket. The video showing the foreign man providing a foot massage service to two customers was shared by the Phuket Times yesterday, February 5. In the video, the foreigner was seen cleaning the feet of male and female customers, believed to be foreign nationals as well. The man’s workplace was a small roadside spa shop. It was unclear whether he was an employee or the owner. If he was an employee, his actions would violate Section 7 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Act, which prohibits foreigners from working illegally in restricted occupations, as a masseur is a profession reserved for Thai citizens only. The penalty for this offence is a fine of between 5,000 and 50,000 baht, deportation, and a two-year ban on applying for a work permit. Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Many Thai netizens demanded that police officers and the relevant official department raid the shop and arrest the foreign man. Others urged the media to conduct further investigation before reporting, suggesting he might be working legally. “This foreign man might have a Thai wife who owns the shop, and he might just be helping her out.” “He might own the shop legally and have all the necessary permits.” “The media should have provided more information for the story, not just posted a picture or video to draw criticism of this foreigner.” Others criticised Thai workers, arguing that foreigners did not steal jobs from Thai people, but rather that Thai people sought only easy work and were too lazy. They claimed that this forces employers to opt for foreign workers. Photo by Jonathan Borba via Canva As of now, the media has provided no further information on the case, and no relevant government official has come forward to clarify the matter. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06

American man and Thai wife lose 15.2 million baht in Hua Hin property fraud by Petch Petpailin Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital An American man and his Thai wife are pursuing justice after being duped by a real estate firm into buying two plots of land and a house in Hua Hin, located in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, amounting to 15.2 million baht. Despite their investment, they have been unable to gain ownership of the property. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350976-american-man-and-thai-wife-lose-152-million-baht-in-hua-hin-property-fraud/

Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital by Petch Petpailin An American man and his Thai wife are pursuing justice after being duped by a real estate firm into buying two plots of land and a house in Hua Hin, located in the southern province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, amounting to 15.2 million baht. Despite their investment, they have been unable to gain ownership of the property. The couple, Patrick Flippin and Vipavanee Kaewmueangklang, sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive and appeared on a news programme on Channel 7 yesterday, February 5, to seek justice. Patrick revealed on the programme that he first arrived in Thailand in 2005. He worked and lived in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok for five years before marrying Vipavanee in 2017. He later returned to the United States for work, intending to retire in Thailand with Vipavanee. Vipavanee explained that she came across an advertisement for a real estate project on social media and became interested in purchasing a property because they were fond of Hua Hin. The project allowed clients to buy a plot of land and build a house according to their own design. Vipavanee liked the concept and shared the information with her husband. They then decided to pay a 100,000 baht deposit in 2022 to reserve two plots of land in the development. Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital Land sold to someone else The couple returned to Thailand in 2023 to finalise the contract and related documents. The total area of the land was 403 square metres, and they chose to build a one-storey luxury pool villa. The total price for the two plots of land and the house was 15.2 million baht, which the couple paid in instalments of 1 million baht per month. The payments were made directly to the real estate company, and they received receipts each month. Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital Last year, the company informed them that their house was ready for occupancy but later postponed the move-in date by two months, rescheduling it for July. While awaiting the completion of the house, the couple repeatedly requested that the company transfer the land ownership to them. However, the company refused, stating that the transfer would only occur after the construction was completed. Becoming suspicious, the couple conducted further investigations and discovered that the company had already sold the land to another person, identified as Ploy, under a sale agreement with the right of redemption. Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital Bounced cheques The company failed to redeem the land within the agreed timeframe, resulting in ownership passing to the buyer instead of the company or the couple. Upon learning this, the couple demanded a full refund for the real estate development. The company agreed and issued three separate cheques to the couple. Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital Unfortunately, two of them bounced, and the couple was unable to claim the money. The final cheque is due to be cashed on February 17, but they are doubtful they will receive the funds. The couple filed a complaint against the real estate company over the bounced cheque but had not yet filed a complaint over the house and land issue. Photo via YouTube/ Tero Digital In the latest communication, the company urged them to claim ownership of the house but they refused, as they do not legally own the land. Ekkaphop Lueangprasert, the founder of Saimai Survive, expressed his concerns over the case, suspecting that the new landowner Ploy and the real estate company’s owner conspired to defraud the couple. Ekkaphop vowed to escalate the case to the relevant law officials to ensure justice is served. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06

Picture courtesy of CNN by Bob Scott It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad, world, about to get a whole lot madder under newly elected United States President Donald Trump. The 78 year old alleged leader of the free world, not content with stirring a hornet’s nest by saying he plans to take over Greenland and make Canada a US state, yesterday, February 5, announced plans to build real estate on top of the blood and bones of the slaughtered Palestine men, women and child victims of Israel’s ethnic cleansing programme. Trump unveiled his Gaza Strip plans, which he intends to brand the “Riviera of the Middle East,” during an Oval Office briefing at the White House. He was joined by Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been labelled a “war criminal” by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role in the genocide of Palestinians. “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site. “Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Level it out and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area. “We’ll do a real job. Do something different. Just can’t go back. If you go back, it’s going to be the same way it has for 100 years.” But that’s not all. Trump insists that Egypt, Jordan, and other Middle-Eastern countries take in and house the 1.8 million homeless or displaced Palestinian people as he begins his rebuilding programme. Unsurprisingly, the international community roundly condemned Trump’s criminally crass comments. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American member of the US Congress, accused Trump of “openly calling for ethnic cleansing,” on X (formerly Twitter). Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas strongly rejected any plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza. “These calls represent a serious violation of international law. Peace and stability will not be achieved in the region without establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital on the borders of 1967, based on the two-state solution.” US Senator Chris Murphy took to X to say Trump had lost his mind. “He’s totally lost it. A US invasion of Gaza would lead to the slaughter of thousands of US troops and decades of war in the Middle East. It’s like a bad, sick joke.” US Senator Chris Van Hollen added that what Trump plans to do is tantamount to ethnic cleansing. “Trump’s proposal to push two million Palestinians out of Gaza and take ‘ownership’ by force, if necessary, is simply ethnic cleansing by another name. This declaration will give ammunition to Iran and other adversaries while undermining our Arab partners in the region.” Egypt’s foreign minister rejected the proposal, insisting that Gaza must be rebuilt without the displacement of Palestinians. He was joined by a chorus of world leaders who reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution in the region. Hamas, currently engaged in a fresh round of ceasefire negotiations with Israel, dismissed the plans as “absurd” and “hostile.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stopped short of condemning Trump’s controversial proposal but reiterated Britain’s commitment to a two-state solution and emphasised the importance of maintaining the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. “They must be allowed home, they must be allowed to rebuild, and we should be with them in that rebuild on the way to a two-state solution.” France’s foreign ministry issued a statement reaffirming its opposition to “any forced displacement of the Palestinian population of Gaza” and insisting that no third party should control the territory. It stressed that a two-state solution is “the only path to guaranteeing lasting peace” for both Israelis and Palestinians. In Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that a resolution in the Middle East can only be achieved through the implementation of a two-state solution. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry declared its rejection of “any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land” and reiterated that it would not establish ties with Israel without the creation of a Palestinian state. Both China and Australia reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution. Turkey’s foreign minister warned that any plans excluding Palestinians from the equation would only fuel further conflict. Evidence, if it was ever needed, that Trump has flown over the “Cuckoo’s Nest” in disregarding international law, and that he is the biggest danger to world peace, not Russian leader Vladamir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping or the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Hosseini Khamenei. Trump, a convicted felon, a sex offender, and a former associate of human trafficker and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, may soon add “war criminal” to his growing list of transgressions if he pursues the ethnic cleansing of what remains of Palestine. Forced displacement is a war crime. In the 1963 American comedy It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, a chaotic chase unfolds as a motley crew of strangers scrambles to claim a suitcase full of stolen cash. In the 2025 remake… oh, wait. It’s not a comedy. It’s all too real. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06

Thai airports increase passenger service charge by 25 baht by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Domestic Flights Thailand The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) board has agreed to a 25 baht rise in the passenger service charge (PSC) at seven airports across various provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350964-thai-airports-increase-passenger-service-charge-by-25-baht/

Photo courtesy of Domestic Flights Thailand by Puntid Tantivangphaisal The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) board has agreed to a 25 baht rise in the passenger service charge (PSC) at seven airports across various provinces. This adjustment, suggested by the Department of Airports (DoA), will be implemented at DoA-managed airports in Krabi, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phitsanulok. During the CAAT board meeting, the decision was reached to elevate the PSC to 425 baht for international flights and 75 baht for domestic flights, according to Chayatan Phromsorn, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and deputy chairperson of the CAAT commission board. These airports have also integrated three automated service systems for passengers, namely: Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE), Common Use Self Service (CUSS), and Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD). Photo courtesy of The Big Chilli Chayatan stated that the PSC increase will be implemented only after these systems have undergone inspection by the CAAT. Furthermore, a notice period of at least four months is required before the systems are operational and the charge is enforced, reported Bangkok Post. The CAAT board also sanctioned the closure of Thai Smile Airways Co Ltd, following its merger with Thai Airways International in 2023. Thai Smile Airways was a low-cost subsidiary of THAI. Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In similar news, AirAsia is ramping up its domestic operations by launching two new routes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Passengers can now enjoy twice-daily flights to Udon Thani and a daily service to Khon Kaen. The budget airline is strengthening Suvarnabhumi as a key domestic hub, complementing its existing routes, which include six daily flights to Chiang Mai, four to Phuket, and two each to Krabi and Hat Yai. This expansion bolsters Suvarnabhumi’s role as a gateway for international travellers while reinforcing AirAsia’s reputation for reliability. The airline was recently ranked No.1 in Thailand and among the top five in Asia Pacific for on-time performance by Cirium. Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya highlighted the booming domestic market, emphasising the airline’s proactive approach to meeting growing demand. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-06

Rayong Woman Seeks Police Station Refuge from Abusive Husband Picture courtesy: Naewna A distraught woman named Ms. Wipada has taken refuge outside the Phluak Daeng police station in Rayong province, fearing further violence from her husband. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350956-rayong-woman-seeks-police-station-refuge-from-abusive-husband/

Picture courtesy: Naewna A distraught woman named Ms. Wipada has taken refuge outside the Phluak Daeng police station in Rayong province, fearing further violence from her husband. The 31-year-old sat in tears in front of the station on Monday, showing reporters her injuries and the damage to her van and other property, allegedly caused by her intoxicated husband during a late-night outburst. Ms. Wipada reported the incident to the police, detailing how her husband, in a drunken rage at 3 a.m., not only physically assaulted her but also smashed her van, damaged two motorbikes, and wrecked their shop. Picture courtesy: Naewna In desperation, she expressed through tears, "I'm terrified to return home. I don't know where to go or where I'll spend the night. For now, I might have to stay with a friend to ensure my safety." She added that her mother is travelling from out of town to support her, and they plan to discuss their next steps upon her arrival, reported Naewna. Picture courtesy: Naewna -- 2025-02-06

UK Embassy, UN Women Team Up to Train Thai Tourist Police on Sexual Crime Response Picture courtesy: Siam Rath The Thai Tourist Police, in collaboration with the British Embassy in Thailand and UN Women, are enhancing their capabilities in handling sexual assault cases. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350954-uk-embassy-un-women-team-up-to-train-thai-tourist-police-on-sexual-crime-response/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath The Thai Tourist Police, in collaboration with the British Embassy in Thailand and UN Women, are enhancing their capabilities in handling sexual assault cases. They are hosting a two-day training seminar titled "Effective Police Responses to Sexual Assault Survivors" from 5th to 6th February 2025 at the British Embassy in Bangkok. Police Lieutenant General Saket Sira, Commander of the Tourist Police, highlighted the training's importance, noting its focus on equipping officers with the skills and sensitivity needed to properly support victims of sexual violence. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Such specialised training is not regularly available, making this an exceptional opportunity for officers to improve their skills in victim care, ensuring tourists who fall victim to such crimes are treated fairly and justly throughout the legal process in Thailand. Distinguished attendees at the seminar's opening include Mr. David Thomas, the British Ambassador to Thailand, Mr. Tom Corrie from the EU Delegation, and Maria Holtsberg, a representative from UN Women. These collaborations aim to reduce revictimisation and build confidence among tourists regarding their treatment by authorities, reported Siam RAth. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath -- 2025-02-06

Foreigner Sparks Outrage for Doing Thai-Only Job in Phuket video screenshot A recent video showing a foreigner doing the work of a masseur at a spa in Phuket has ignited a storm of controversy across Thailand, highlighting a sensitive issue around employment laws reserved for Thai nationals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350943-foreigner-sparks-outrage-for-doing-thai-only-job-in-phuket/

video screenshot A recent video showing a foreigner doing the work of a masseur at a spa in Phuket has ignited a storm of controversy across Thailand, highlighting a sensitive issue around employment laws reserved for Thai nationals. Captured on a bustling street in Patong, the video portrays a foreign man engaging in duties that many argue should be strictly off-limits to expatriates under Thai law. This footage, widely circulated on social media, has drawn a torrent of criticism and calls for enforcement of existing regulations. Thailand's Emergency Decree on Foreigners' Work Management, enacted in 2017, clearly stipulates that certain occupations are exclusively for Thais. This includes roles deeply embedded in Thai culture, like traditional masseurs, woodcarvers, street vendors, and several others. Such restrictions aim to preserve what is often referred to as "Thai wisdom" and protect employment for local citizens. The viral video has led to an outpouring of reactions online. Critics of the foreign masseur argue that allowing non-nationals to step into these roles undermines the integrity and economic prospects of local Thai workers. One concerned netizen remarked that, "This sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecke, soon Thai traditions might face gradual dilution." However, some locals suggest there is a deeper issue at play. The challenge of enticing Thai nationals to fill these traditional roles has been spotlighted, with business owners facing hurdles due to high demands for wages and specific working conditions from Thai candidates. An observer noted, "It's not just about foreigners taking jobs—it's also about the evolving aspirations of our own workforce." Statistics from last year underline this issue; the Employment Department uncovered 721 instances of foreigners engaged in prohibited professions, encompassing tasks from vending to hairdressing. The law enforces strict penalties for such violations. Foreigners caught working in these roles can face fines up to 50,000 Thai Baht (approximately £1,100) and deportation. Employers risk far heftier consequences, including fines reaching 200,000 Thai Baht (around £4,500), potential imprisonment, and a three-year prohibition from hiring foreign workers, reported The Nation. -- 2025-02-06

3 foreigners caught in Phuket for illegal motorcycle modifications By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Officers from Karon Police Station stopped three foreigners at a checkpoint on a road in Phuket due to illegal modifications to their motorcycles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350896-3-foreigners-caught-in-phuket-for-illegal-motorcycle-modifications/

Thai space device to join China’s Chang’e 7 lunar mission By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Saudi Gazette A collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has been greenlit by the Cabinet, as announced by Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350901-thai-space-device-to-join-china’s-chang’e-7-lunar-mission/

Tunisian tourist tries to outrun Karon cops, chase ends in arrest By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Karon Police via The Phuket News A reckless Tunisian tourist led Karon Police on a dramatic chase after blowing through a checkpoint along Karon Beach Road last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350907-tunisian-tourist-tries-to-outrun-karon-cops-chase-ends-in-arrest/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 6 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1350910-thailand-live-thursday-6-february-2025/

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail British husband of the Thai ‘Lady of the Hills’ bailed - video By Bob Scott The British husband suspected of murdering his Thai wife over two decades ago has been released on bail. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350898-british-husband-of-the-thai-‘lady-of-the-hills’-bailed-video/

Thailand cuts power to Myanmar border areas to tackle call centre scam by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Natty Loves Myanmar In a dramatic crackdown, Thailand cut off the power, Internet, and petrol supplies to five border areas of Myanmar suspected of harbouring call centre scam operations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350880-thailand-cuts-power-to-myanmar-border-areas-to-tackle-call-centre-scam/

Photo via Facebook/ Natty Loves Myanmar by Petch Petpailin In a dramatic crackdown, Thailand cut off the power, Internet, and petrol supplies to five border areas of Myanmar suspected of harbouring call centre scam operations. The bold move, effective from 9am today, February 5, aims to dismantle what officials believe are the headquarters for a notorious scam gang operating along the Thai border with Myanmar. An MP from the People’s Party, Rangsiman Rome, took to Facebook on Monday, February 3 to call on relevant government officials to consider cutting off power to certain areas in Myanmar that were using electricity bought from Thailand, to combat call centre scams. The MP urged the government to cut off electricity primarily in three areas of Myanmar: Tachileik, Myawaddy, and Payathonzu. He urged the government to take decisive action to prevent Thai citizens from falling victim to call centre scams. Rangsiman also questioned whether any high-profile politicians or influential figures received benefits from the call centre scam gangs, making the issue difficult or even impossible to resolve. Several members of the coalition government stepped forward to address the matter but shifted responsibility for the power cuts between different departments. Yesterday, February 4, the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced a swift plan for the power cuts, stating that he had ordered the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), which manages power in the area, to take immediate action. Photo via Matichon Impact innocent, not scammer In an interview with Nation TV today, Phumtham confirmed that the power cut had already been implemented from 9am in five areas identified as hubs for call centre scams, human trafficking, and drug-related activities. Thailand not only cut off electricity but also Internet connections and petrol deliveries. The five affected areas are: The border between Kanchanaburi province of Thailand and Payathonzu town in Myanmar The border between Chiang Rai province of Thailand and Tachileik town in Myanmar The area near the First Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Chiang Rai province and Tachileik town in Myanmar The area near the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Chiang Rai province and Myawaddy town in Myanmar The border between Ratchaburi province of Thailand and Myawaddy town in Myanmar Photo via Matichon The deputy PM stated that the power cut was only a short-term solution, as the government still had many steps to take to fully address the scam issue, which is considered a security threat to both Thailand and other countries. According to a report in DailyNews, Tachileik is expected to be the most affected, as the town’s main power supply comes from Thailand. Photo via Matichon However, some parts of the town use electricity from Laos, which is expected to adjust its power transmission to Tachileik following Thailand’s power cut. This could leave the area without electricity for three to five days. A famous Thai woman reported Myanmar-related news to express her opinion on her Facebook page, Natty Loves Myanmar, that the Tachileik call centre scam gang may not be affected by the blackout because they were already prepared for a situation like this, adding that only innocent locals in the area would be affected. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-05