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Mid-air drama: Man’s attempted suicide on Thailand to UK flight by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Eva Air Breaking news has emerged regarding a man’s attempted suicide on a flight from Thailand to the United Kingdom on Friday. The aircraft was forced to undergo an emergency landing at a London airport after a passenger reportedly tried to take his own life in a cabin toilet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322733-mid-air-drama-man’s-attempted-suicide-on-thailand-to-uk-flight/

Breaking news has emerged regarding a man’s attempted suicide on a flight from Thailand to the United Kingdom on Friday. The aircraft was forced to undergo an emergency landing at a London airport after a passenger reportedly tried to take his own life in a cabin toilet. The EVA Air BR67 flight from Bangkok to London had started its descent into the capital when flight attendants became aware that someone was occupying one of the cabin bathrooms. As passengers were required to vacate the bathroom and fasten their seatbelts for the descent, crew members went to investigate the occupant’s situation, leading to a distressing discovery. An unidentified male passenger was found in a state of serious distress and had sustained injuries that prompted the cabin crew and an onboard doctor to provide immediate first aid. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was stabilised and promptly transported to a hospital upon landing. EVA Air has since confirmed the distressing incident but has not provided details regarding the extent of the man’s injuries, nor did they specify the destination airport. However, according to the aircraft tracking site FlightAware, the plane landed at Heathrow at 7.03pm local time, 17 minutes ahead of schedule. The nationality of the man involved remains unknown. Further attempts to reach EVA Air for additional comments have been made, but they have yet to respond. More news as we get it. Airline incidents frequently make headlines, whether they involve passenger fury or unexpected emergencies, like last week when an airline pilot made the news by delivering a baby mid-flight. In a tale reminiscent of a thrilling Hollywood movie, a Thai airline pilot stepped up to the plate as the heroic Bruce Willis/John McClane-type protagonist to deliver a baby after a pregnant mother went into labour on a flight from Taiwan to Bangkok. The courageous Thai pilot, Jakarin Sararnrakskul, reportedly lacked medical training beyond basic first aid but he took to his new role as a midwife like a duck to water, to deliver a beautiful baby boy. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Eva Air Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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 police seize 10 million meth pills worth 300 million baht by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A major drug trafficking operation was thwarted when Thai police in Thailand’s Region 1 arrested two suspects for smuggling an estimated 10 million methamphetamine pills, with a market value of around 300 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322732-thai-police-seize-10-million-meth-pills-worth-300-million-baht/

A major drug trafficking operation was thwarted when Thai police in Thailand’s Region 1 arrested two suspects for smuggling an estimated 10 million methamphetamine pills, with a market value of around 300 million baht. The illicit haul was ingeniously concealed within a cement truck’s drum, highlighting the lengths to which drug syndicates will go to transport their contraband. The arrests took place yesterday, March 17, as the result of a meticulous investigation that began with a significant drug bust in Pathum Thani province. The two apprehended individuals, 33 year old Wasan and 30 year old Yospol. They were reportedly transporting the drugs from the northern region to central Thailand. Their arrest is the culmination of a coordinated effort between the police’s anti-drug task force and military intelligence from the Special Operation Unit. The suspects were using a white Hino cement truck to move the drugs and a white Honda Jazz car to reconnoitre the route and avoid police checkpoints. During the operation, the police seized not only the drugs but also the vehicles used in the illicit activity and a 9mm handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. Wasan confessed to driving the drugs from Phayao province to a recipient in Saraburi province, for which he would be paid 300,000 baht. Yospol, his accomplice, would receive a fee of 10,000 baht. The charges brought against them include possession of a Type 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to sell and unauthorized possession and carrying of a firearm in a public place. This successful bust represents a significant blow to the drug trade in the region, preventing a large quantity of narcotics from reaching the streets. The police intend to further investigate the network, targeting customers, commanders, and related assets, employing measures against complicity, aiding and abetting, money laundering, and asset forfeiture as part of their ongoing campaign against drug trafficking. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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

Improving Cha-am beach and other aim to position Phetchaburi as a must-visit destination By Online Reporter In recent years, Hua Hin Today has devoted increasing attention to Phetchaburi, a fascinating province that boasts a rich mix of history, culture, and a thriving culinary scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322730-improving-cha-am-beach-and-other-aim-to-position-phetchaburi-as-a-must-visit-destination/

In recent years, Hua Hin Today has devoted increasing attention to Phetchaburi, a fascinating province that boasts a rich mix of history, culture, and a thriving culinary scene. Just an hour’s journey from Hua Hin, Phetchaburi offers a wide variety of things to see and do for residents and tourists looking for an enriching experience beyond the familiar coastal city. This increased coverage has happened, in part, due to the concerted efforts of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phetchaburi office to spotlight the province to a wider demographic. But now the province could be set to see a further boost in tourism. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-19 - 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

Tourist Police step up security measures in Hua Hin for holiday season By Online Reporter The Tourist Police have deployed officers with the aim of bolstering confidence amongst tourists during the upcoming Thai holiday season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322729-tourist-police-step-up-security-measures-in-hua-hin-for-holiday-season/

The Tourist Police have deployed officers with the aim of bolstering confidence amongst tourists during the upcoming Thai holiday season. This initiative, led by Police Major General Pongsayam Meekhantong, Deputy Commander of the Tourist Police, saw a formal commencement on March 18, 2023, at Hua Hin Beach. The move comes as Hua Hin anticipates a surge in visitor numbers through March and April, drawing both Thai and international travelers. To this end, the Tourist Police are joining forces with various agencies to create a secure and welcoming environment for tourists. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-19 - 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 taxi driver detained for sexually assaulting passenger by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook A Bangkok taxi driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting a passenger under the guise of a secluded location. On Thursday, March 14, the taxi driver, Thanadol, from Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was apprehended by metropolitan police officers following a warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322728-bangkok-taxi-driver-detained-for-sexually-assaulting-passenger/

A Bangkok taxi driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting a passenger under the guise of a secluded location. On Thursday, March 14, the taxi driver, Thanadol, from Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was apprehended by metropolitan police officers following a warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court. The incident occurred during the early hours of March 14 when the victim hailed a taxi from an entertainment venue in the Ekkamai area to be taken home to Ram Inthra. While on a secluded stretch of road, the 44 year old driver allegedly forced the victim to perform oral sex. During the arrest at the National Housing Authority’s Pim Sin Sukhapiban 3 building in the Sa-i Mai district of Bangkok, Thanadol denied all allegations, claiming that the passenger had sexually harassed him first. The police are urging particularly women who work late or travel at night to be cautious when returning home alone. They advise taking a photo of the taxi’s license plate and pretending to update someone at home on their whereabouts as a safety precaution. The taxi driver from Nakhon Ratchasima was detained on charges of sexual assault after the passenger reported being forced into non-consensual acts. The arrest, executed by metropolitan police detectives, occurred following an incident that took place in the early hours of March 14, when the victim, after a night out in Ekkamai, Bangkok, took a taxi destined for the Ram Inthra area. The driver is accused of overpowering the passenger in a deserted location and compelling them to engage in sexual acts. Picture of taxi driver arrest courtesy of Sanook Upon his capture near a residential building in the Klong Tan district of Bangkok, Thanadol, originally from the district of Non Sung, faced charges based on a warrant dated March 14 from the Min Buri Criminal Court. The victim, fearing for her safety due to the possibility of the driver carrying a weapon, was unable to resist the assault and subsequently reported the crime at the Min Buri Police Station. Thanadol vehemently denies the charges and maintains he was the one being harassed by the passenger. He has since been transferred to the Min Buri Police Station for legal proceedings. In light of this event, Police Major General Theeradech Thamsuthi, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Special Branch, issued a warning to the public, especially women who may travel alone late at night. He advises them to take precautions such as photographing the taxi’s license plate and informing a family member or pretending to inform them of their whereabouts via a phone call. Theeradech gives several safety tips to use on calls. “I’m on my way home now, Dad. You can ask the maid to wait for me outside.” “How is the police station doing, Dad? I’m coming home now, you can come to pick me up.” “Can we set up a checkpoint to catch the bad guys today? I’ll see you after my shift.” These measures aim to provide a sense of security and potentially deter any ill-intentioned taxi drivers. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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

UPDATE: Arrest Warrant Issued for Tajikistani Man for Intent to Murder after a Russian Man Was Found Dead in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – An arrest warrant has been issued for a Tajikistani man who has already left Thailand for intent to murder after a Russian man was found dead at a cannabis farm in Chalong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322725-update-arrest-warrant-issued-for-tajikistani-man-for-intent-to-murder/

Phuket – An arrest warrant has been issued for a Tajikistani man who has already left Thailand for intent to murder after a Russian man was found dead at a cannabis farm in Chalong. The Phuket Provincial Police told the Phuket Express that the suspect, identified only as Mr. Bakhtovar, a Tajikistan national, stayed alone at the cannabis farm inside the home. The Russian victim entered the house but he never came out before later being found dead with a slit throat. The Tajikistan suspect left the house after the alleged murder before leaving Phuket bound for Turkey. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-19 - 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

2 Dead, Many Injured In Tour Bus Accident by TNR Staff Scenes of the tour bus crash in Nakhon Ratchasima early this morning, Mar. 19, 2024. Photo: Matichon A DOUBLE-DECKER tour bus heading for Bangkok from Bueng Kan hit a pillar and overturned in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in the wee hours of this morning (Mar. 19) killing two persons and injuring 43 others, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322724-2-dead-many-injured-in-tour-bus-accident/

A DOUBLE-DECKER tour bus heading for Bangkok from Bueng Kan hit a pillar and overturned in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in the wee hours of this morning (Mar. 19) killing two persons and injuring 43 others, Matichon newspaper said. At 2.10 a.m. police at Pho Klang station, city district, were alerted of the accident in front of Cherdchai Industry Garage and rushed there. Between kilometre markers 143-144 of Highway 2, or Mittraphap road, outbound from the city, police saw that a first-class air-conditioned double-decker bus belonged to Lotus Phibun Tour Co. Lt. had flipped to one side after slamming into a pillar with an overhead road sign attached. Many injured passengers within the large vehicle were crying for help with Hook 31 rescue unit finally transporting 43 of them, 20 men and 23 women, to Maharat, Bangkok, St. Mary’s and Por Phaet 2 hospitals. by TNR Staff TOP picture: Scenes of the tour bus crash in Nakhon Ratchasima early this morning, Mar. 19, 2024. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-19 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 19 March 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322723-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-19-march-2024/

The Department of National Parks, yesterday warned that legal action will be taken against those entering forests to set them ablaze. a ban prohibiting anyone from entering 11 conservation forest zones and 10 national reserved forest areas in northern provinces. The head of the department instructed his staff to increase efforts to control forest fires. Two New Zealand tourists accused of assaulting a Phuket traffic cop over the weekend appeared in court yesterday, the two brothers denied the charges and refused to make a statement. Both were refused bail and remain in custody. The government plans to build a new airport in Phayao in the North , costing about two billion baht, to boost tourism. It will have a 2.5km runway, two taxiways, and showcase local Lanna arts in the terminal to reflect the province's identity. The airport is scheduled to open in 2034. Around the region Malaysia will appeal to China for rare-earth processing technology in a bid to unlock an estimated $200 billion dollars worth of the mineral deposits in the country that are crucial to high-technology applications. However China banned the export of these technologies at the end of last year, discussions between the two countries will be held next month. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, becoming cloudy 38C Bangkok: Sunny 36C Pattaya: sunny, partly cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny, 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, winds light from the South 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 2024-03-19 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

Thai Student Activists Demand Thaksin's Arrest: Present 6 Proposals Monday (March 18, 2024), a coalition of student activists, along with the Political Reform Committee (PRC) and the Democratic Army, stormed the Department of Corrections, demanding the arrest of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They presented six proposals, warning of consequences if not adhered to, invoking Article 157. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322719-thai-student-activists-demand-thaksins-arrest-present-6-proposals/

Group pleads Anutin to examine 200 gun licenses of "Big Joke" Picture: Siam Rath "Victims' Rights Advocacy Group" urged the Interior Ministry to scrutinize the purchase and ownership licenses of 200 guns held by "Big Joke," fearing they won't survive past May. Lawyers warned against registrar tampering; Police Chief likely implicated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322717-group-pleads-anutin-to-examine-200-gun-licenses-of-big-joke/

Monday (March 18, 2024), a coalition of student activists, along with the Political Reform Committee (PRC) and the Democratic Army, stormed the Department of Corrections, demanding the arrest of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They presented six proposals, warning of consequences if not adhered to, invoking Article 157. The procession, originating from the Chamaimaruch Bridge in Bangkok, featured a sound truck accompanied by over 50 vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, reported INN. Upon reaching the Department of Corrections, the group vocally criticized the institution's alleged favoritism towards Thaksin, allowing him temporary refuge within their premises. Protest signs proclaimed slogans such as "Justice for All, Even the Powerful." The group's objectives encompass several key points: Despite legal processes, Thaksin never faced punishment, suggesting preferential treatment. Thaksin's stay at the police hospital is viewed as evasive rather than incarceration. His claimed 180-day medical leave from jail lacks credibility. Medical reports supporting Thaksin's illness are dismissed as fabricated. Media reports contradicting Thaksin's illness are cited as evidence against him. Failure to incarcerate Thaksin lawfully will be deemed a violation of Article 157. The activists demand proper legal action, challenging the authority's integrity in handling Thaksin's case. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-19 - 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

Massive Fire Erupts at Sri Racha Landfill By Aim Tanakorn Sri Racha, Chonburi — Firefighters in Sri Racha, Chonburi, extinguished a large fire that broke out at a dump site yesterday, March 17th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322718-massive-fire-erupts-at-sri-racha-landfill/

Sri Racha, Chonburi — Firefighters in Sri Racha, Chonburi, extinguished a large fire that broke out at a dump site yesterday, March 17th, 2024. The dump site is located near Sukhumvit Road in the Surasak area. Firefighting personnel from Sriracha Municipality rushed to quell the blaze after receiving the report around 10 AM. Upon arrival, the firefighters found flames engulfing a large pile of garbage, with smoke billowing into the sky. The presence of significant wood debris in the landfill caused the fire to spread rapidly. Six fire trucks were used to combat the blaze, which took over 30 minutes to bring under control. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-19 - 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

"Victims' Rights Advocacy Group" urged the Interior Ministry to scrutinize the purchase and ownership licenses of 200 guns held by "Big Joke," fearing they won't survive past May. Lawyers warned against registrar tampering; Police Chief likely implicated. Today (March 18), Mr. Ajjchariya Ruengrattanapong, head of the Victims' Rights Advocacy Group, submitted a letter to Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, urging an investigation into the officials issuing the gun purchase and ownership licenses, forms P.3 and P.4, to Lt. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, for 200 firearms, reported Siam Rath. Ajjchariya stated that the primary concern was to establish whether Lt. Gen. Surachet truly possessed 200 firearms. The secondary issue involved notifying the registrar about the intention to possess such a significant number of firearms, which seemed abnormal. He aimed to determine if Lt. Gen. Surachet committed any wrongdoing. Additionally, Ajjchariya warned, "Big Joke won't survive a hundred percent," citing evidence provided by close associates and various gambling website owners, totaling over 100,000 pieces of evidence. He emphasized that the evidence, including clear connections to individuals, would ensure no survival beyond May. Regarding a previous incident, Lt. Gen. Surachet conducted a mission involving the former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra. Ajjchariya clarified that he was not involved with either, as this was a legal matter, handled directly by investigative officers. He urged Lt. Gen. Surachet's legal team to expedite the financial investigation, confident it would lead to a conclusive prosecution. Furthermore, Ajjchariya disclosed that the financial track slated for tomorrow had ties to Pol. Lt. Gen. Tharaksuk Suksawat, the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and his family, alleging involvement with online gambling websites. He confirmed that investigations showed no connection between Pol. Lt. Gen. and any online gambling platforms. He cautioned against publicizing personal registry information, stressing its clear legal ramifications. Concluding, Ajjchariya vowed to reveal the truth on Friday, asserting, "Once opened, the truth is clear; mine is genuine, not dressed up like others'." TOP picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-19 - 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

UPDATE: Parents of Kiwi brothers involved in Phuket assault, “distraught” By Peter Roche The parents of two New Zealand brothers, arrested in Phuket following a weekend incident with a police officer, have expressed their “anguish” as the siblings face their first court appearance. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322711-kiwi-brothers-slapped-with-5-charges-for-assaulting-policeman/?do=findComment&comment=18776617

UPDATE: Big Joke’s police career on the brink as police chief threatens to suspend the high profile top cop from job by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn is scheduled to give a high-profile press conference in Bangkok on Tuesday with his legal team. It comes following a police summons to his home on Sunday, 17th March 2024 (inset right), by two police vehicles. On Monday, Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol raised the charges to threaten Big Joke’s suspension. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322670-national-police-chief-refutes-claim-of-foul-play-in-surachate-hakparn-case/?do=findComment&comment=18776431

Big Joke’s police career on the brink as police chief threatens to suspend the high profile top cop from job by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn is scheduled to give a high-profile press conference in Bangkok on Tuesday with his legal team. It comes following a police summons to his home on Sunday, 17th March 2024 (inset right), by two police vehicles. On Monday, Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol raised the charges to threaten Big Joke’s suspension. BIG JOKE ON THE BRINK AS TOP COP FACES SUSPENSION | Deputy Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn, aka ‘Big Joke,’ fights a potential career-ending crisis as Police Chief General Torsak threatens suspension amid an online gambling network probe.Summoned on Sunday by police in Bangkok, General Surachate’s next move comes amid white-hot tensions at the top of the force. A legal battle looms as he continues to protest his innocence. The top cop’s future is in peril. Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn or ‘Big Joke’ is fighting for his career this week. It comes as Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol has underlined his support for an investigation linked with gambling network BNK Master which has implicated the top police officer on money laundering charges. On Sunday, March 17th as General Surachate was in Chiang Mai running security for Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a police unit of five officers and two pickups delivered a summons in relation to the ongoing criminal probe to his home in Bangkok. At the same time, the police chief, on Monday, threatened to suspend the top police officer from duty. Meanwhile, the only recourse, at this point, is for General Surachate to have this latest investigation halted or sidelined. The alternative is that the deputy police chief’s career may face a similar fate in a matter of days. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-19 - 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