webfact

Nan—On March 13th, 2024, Nan Provincial Police received an accident report of a marijuana-intoxicated 17-year-old boy on a motorbike colliding with a 15-year-old girl on a motorbike at the Fa Mai intersection, Mueang Nan, Nan. Nan emergency services and Nan police officers were dispatched to the accident scene and performed first aid to the 15-year-old girl before transferring her to a Nan Hospital. However, the 17-year-old boy, whose name was withheld due to his age, suspected of being marijuana intoxicated, gibbered and refused to receive medical treatment after crashing into the 15-year-old girl. Suddenly, the 17-year-old boy went on a rampage and threw punches at police officers who aided the wounded before being suppressed. The police found two bales of dried cannabis packed in a ziplock bag after searching the 17-year-old boy. It was assumed by the police that the 17-year-old boy was intoxicated by marijuana and had hallucinations. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-14 - 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 and Burmese arrested for illegal employment bt Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English In a crackdown on entertainment hotspots, police in Surat Thani Province found a restaurant owned by a Russian national on Koh Pha Ngan which illegally employed three Burmese workers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322296-russian-and-burmese-arrested-for-illegal-employment/

In a crackdown on entertainment hotspots, police in Surat Thani Province found a restaurant owned by a Russian national on Koh Pha Ngan which illegally employed three Burmese workers. During a routine inspection, officers stumbled upon the Colorful Hut eatery, owned by a Russian national, known only by the name Boris. The Russian was found guilty of exploiting three Burmese workers. A joint operation involving Surat Thani police, tourist police, and immigration officers swooped in yesterday, nabbing Boris and taking him away to Koh Pha Ngan Police Station for legal proceedings. The Russian faces a series of charges including neglecting to inform authorities of hiring foreign workers within the stipulated 15-day window; permitting a foreign worker to undertake duties outside the purview of their work permit, notably as a cashier; employing a foreign worker without the requisite work permit; and aiding and abetting illegal immigration by providing shelter and assistance to foreigners dodging the authorities. The three Burmese workers, 18 year old Nay Lin Naing, 34 year old Min Niang Lin, and 33 year old Thin Thin Aye were also slapped with a barrage of charges, including unlawful entry and stay in the kingdom coupled with working without a work permit, failing to furnish essential employment details within the designated timeframe, and engaging in duties beyond the confines of her work permit, reported KhaoSod English. In related news, a Norwegian woman and a British man have been apprehended in Thailand for alleged illegal employment. The arrests occurred on Koh Pha Ngan and Phuket island respectively, as part of a police operation targeting foreign nationals working unlawfully in the country. In other news, a crackdown on illegal tour guides in Phuket led to the arrest of two foreign nationals. Police charged a 35 year old Ukrainian and a 31 year old stateless individual of highland origin, both accused of operating without proper permits. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-14 - 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

Bus and truck collision injures 30 on Chon Buri expressway by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A collision involving a bus and a truck on the Burapha Withi Expressway near Bang Pakong, Chon Buri resulted in severe damage and multiple injuries yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322295-bus-and-truck-collision-injures-30-on-chon-buri-expressway/

A collision involving a bus and a truck on the Burapha Withi Expressway near Bang Pakong, Chon Buri resulted in severe damage and multiple injuries yesterday. The incident, which took place between kilometres 45 and 46, left several passengers trapped and injured. Emergency services rushed to the scene of a major traffic accident on the expressway leading to Chon Buri. Initial reports indicate that nearly 30 individuals sustained injuries in the crash that involved a bus and a semi-truck. Among the victims were Chinese tourists, highlighting the potential impact on international visitors. Responders at the scene worked tirelessly to assess the situation and provide aid to those affected. The crash site was a scene of urgency as officials navigated through the wreckage to reach the injured and assess the full extent of the calamity. The cause of the accident is under investigation, with further updates to be communicated as information becomes available. An officer at the scene noted that the bus’s front end was completely crushed, indicating the severity of the impact, reported KhaoSod. As the emergency response continues, the focus remains on the welfare of the injured and the swift clearing of the expressway to restore normal traffic flow. The incident has drawn attention to public transportation safety and the need for stringent measures to prevent future accidents. In related news, the construction of the Rama II Road expressway, currently plagued by delays, substandard work and safety concerns, prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to consider downgrading contractors responsible for the project. The state budget office was instructed to investigate possible penalties for the contractors involved. In other news, a bus crash on Si Kew-Chaiyaphum Road near Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday, March 1 left 47 students and teachers injured and the driver dead. The bus crash occurred at approximately 10.30pm, with the vehicle carrying 39 students and 12 staff members on a field trip from Chaiyaphum province to the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok met with tragedy. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-14 - 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

Taxi turmoil: Motorbike mayhem as riders brawl with cabbie in Pattaya by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail A violent clash between motorbike taxi riders and a taxi driver near North Pattaya’s bus station was caught on camera last Sunday, March 10. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322294-taxi-turmoil-motorbike-mayhem-as-riders-brawl-with-cabbie-in-pattaya/

A violent clash between motorbike taxi riders and a taxi driver near North Pattaya’s bus station was caught on camera last Sunday, March 10. In a dramatic video obtained by reporters yesterday, the chaos unfolds as motorbike taxi riders, donning their signature orange vests, unleash a barrage of blows on the hapless taxi driver, with his terrified passengers looking on. The confrontation took a sinister turn when the besieged taxi driver grabbed a golf club to fend off his assailants, only to face a retaliatory strike from one of the motorbike taxi riders wielding a broomstick. The root cause of the conflict seems to stem from concerns about the motorbike taxi riders’ livelihoods being threatened by the presence of the taxi. Mag and Pop, two of the motorbike taxi drivers involved, shed light on the escalating tensions. Mag recounted how he politely requested the Bangkok taxi driver to refrain from poaching passengers from their designated stand, only to be met with insults and boasts about the cabbie’s former police status. Pop admitted to wielding the broomstick but insisted it was in defence of his comrade. Despite the heated altercation, no injuries were reported, and no official complaints were lodged with the police. Both Mag and Pop stressed the importance of adhering to regulations and maintaining peaceful coexistence among different modes of transportation, reported Pattaya Mail. With daily earnings hovering around 300 baht, largely driven by app-based services, the motorbike taxi riders issued a plea for respect and solidarity from taxis operating in the area. In related news, in a violent altercation that unfolded on a busy Pattaya street, two Songthaew drivers went head-to-head in a brutal brawl over a group of Chinese tourists. The explosive confrontation left one driver hospitalised and the other facing serious legal consequences. In other news, a physical altercation suddenly erupted between two passenger van drivers in front of Ratsada Pier in Phuket on the afternoon of February 18. The spectacle, which was captured on video by a passing vehicle, soon became a local sensation on social media channels. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-14 - 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

Frenchman’s trial unveils multi-million euro Rolex replica ring by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Unsplash via VN Express A Frenchman dubbed “the prince of fake” stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling network that flooded France with counterfeit watches. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322293-frenchman’s-trial-unveils-multi-million-euro-rolex-replica-ring/

A Frenchman dubbed “the prince of fake” stands accused of orchestrating a sprawling network that flooded France with counterfeit watches. Admitting to masterminding the operation from Thailand, Julien V confessed to overseeing the production of up to 10 counterfeit watches daily, predominantly knock-offs of the prestigious Swiss brand Rolex, culminating in a staggering turnover of 3 million euros (117 million baht) between 2019 and 2022, before his apprehension. However, revelations from watch expert Michel Vittini suggest the scale of deception may be far greater, with estimates suggesting the Frenchman offloaded at least 50,000 counterfeit Rolexes, some virtually indistinguishable from the genuine articles. Astonishingly, Julien V boasted of tailoring his replicas to perfection, asserting he could craft timepieces completely real, or completely fake, tailored precisely to customer preference. The allure of these high-quality fakes even drew the attention of Swiss watchmakers, prompting them to deploy private investigators to unmask the operation, according to French media reports. Julien V’s modus operandi was sophisticated. He conducted business discreetly, accepting orders via WhatsApp and circumventing French customs by routing shipments through Germany before smuggling them into France via the porous border shared by the two nations. At the heart of this illicit enterprise lies the Frenchman’s staggering wealth. Born in Nice in 1994, the former pizza deliveryman claims to have amassed a fortune by the age of 25, boasting a cryptic stash of 4 million euros in bitcoin, a fleet of luxury vehicles including a Lamborghini, and a portfolio of properties in Thailand. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour lies a web of complicity. Co-defendant Florian R, a reseller in Julien V’s network, revealed the inner workings of the scheme, disclosing how he procured fake Rolexes for 200 euros and sold them for 400 euros, reported VN Express. As the trial unfolds, Julien V, now facing off against legal adversaries representing half a dozen Swiss luxury watchmakers, maintains his innocence, choosing to represent himself in court. The verdict is scheduled for next Wednesday, March 20. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Unsplash via VN Express Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-14 - 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

Social science exam paper raises debate over national security A question in a social science exam paper, which asks students to discuss some of the most contentious issues in Thailand, is making headlines and is being widely shared by social media users. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322279-social-science-exam-paper-raises-debate-over-national-security/

Russian murdered in Phuket at a residence converted into a cannabis factory. Main suspect just flew out by James Morris and Son Nguyen Emergency services remove the body of 41 year old Mr Artur Garnikovich from a two story residence in Chalong, Phuket on Wednesday. Mr Artur (inset) had been dead for 8 to 12 hours, according to police experts. The property was in use as a cannabis factory. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322292-russian-man-found-dead-with-a-slit-throat-at-a-cannabis-farm-in-phuket-foul-play-suspected/?do=findComment&comment=18764942

Russian murdered in Phuket at a residence converted into a cannabis factory. Main suspect just flew out by James Morris and Son Nguyen Emergency services remove the body of 41 year old Mr Artur Garnikovich from a two story residence in Chalong, Phuket on Wednesday. Mr Artur (inset) had been dead for 8 to 12 hours, according to police experts. The property was in use as a cannabis factory. Russian tourist murdered in Phuket cannabis factory. Prime suspect flees as chilling details emerge of a 41-year-old Russian man who was found dead. The main suspect, a Tajik tourist, fled Thailand as an investigation ramps up. Police suspect an illicit drug link to what appears to have been a violent murder on the holiday island. A 41-year-old Russian tourist was found murdered in the Chalong sub-district of Phuket on Wednesday morning. Significantly, police found his body at a private residence being used as an unlicensed marijuana-growing factory. Similarly, officers revealed that their main suspect, a Tajik national, simultaneously flew out of the country on Tuesday night. At the same time, forensic officers suggested that the Russian only died within an 8 to 12-hour time window. The victim’s body was discovered by police on Wednesday morning after his girlfriend raised the alarm. Police in the Chalong sub-district of Phuket are exploring a marijuana drug link to a brutal murder discovered on Wednesday. The victim was a Russian tourist who entered Thailand in January this year. At the same time, officers are aware that the prime suspect has already left the country. In short, it is understood he flew out from Thailand on Tuesday, March 12th at 9.38 pm. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-03-14 - 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

Chalong – A Russian man was found dead with a slit throat and signs of a struggle and foul play at a cannabis farm in Chalong, Phuket. Major Warawut Sensoap from the Chalong Police told the Phuket Express that they were notified from a Thai man identified only as Mr. Burin, 34, a car rental operator, after midday at 12:30 P.M. on Wednesday (March 13th) about the gruesome discovery. Mr. Burin told Chalong police that he was contacted by a Russian woman whose identity was withheld by authorities. She said that a Russian man who rented a sedan from Mr. Burin is her boyfriend and had lost contact with her for two days. She asked Mr. Burin to track down the car by GPS navigator. With the assistance of GPS Mr. Burin and the Russian woman found the white rental sedan in question parked near a two-storey house on a hill in Soi Sai Nam Yen in Chalong. The sedan’s key was found outside on the ground nearby the sedan. The house in question was locked and Phuket law enforcement was called to gain legal entry to what was described by Chalong police as a cannabis farm. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-14 - 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 Thursday 14 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1322291-thailand-live-thursday-14-march-2024/

Chalong – A Russian man was found dead with a slit throat and signs of a struggle and foul play at a cannabis farm in Chalong, Phuket. Russian Man Found Dead With a Slit Throat at a Cannabis Farm in Phuket, Foul Play Suspected By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322292-russian-man-found-dead-with-a-slit-throat-at-a-cannabis-farm-in-phuket-foul-play-suspected/

E-cigarette vending machines uncovered in Central Thailand by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322255-e-cigarette-vending-machines-uncovered-in-central-thailand/

Authorities in Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, were left stunned as they uncovered a thriving black market for e-cigarettes, with minors allegedly freely purchasing from a suspicious vending machine. In a bustling market scene in Kamphaeng Saen, the Thai Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) received a tip-off from concerned locals, triggering a jaw-dropping investigation into underage vaping. Responding swiftly to the report, CPPD operatives descended upon the market, determined to root out the illicit activity. The CPPD’s probe revealed a disturbing truth: a clandestine vending machine peddling e-cigarettes and e-liquids, allegedly accessible to scores of unsuspecting minors. No discernible owner was found, reported Pattaya News. The machine, along with a staggering 378 pieces of contraband, valued at 580,000 baht, were seized by authorities. In related news, a comprehensive Vape Operation was launched at 2.30pm on Wednesday, March 6, resulting in a crackdown on major e-cigarette sales sources in various areas of Bangkok. The operation was coordinated by Dr Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, alongside relevant agencies. The targeted e-cigarette sales were estimated to be worth over 3 million baht. Following a detailed police investigation, Dr Puangpetch and his team conducted hands-on inspections in several areas across the city. The focus was on community areas where e-cigarette vendors were reportedly selling their products to minors and students. In other news, a 12 year old girl from Northern Ireland secretly started vaping at the tender age of nine, leading to severe illness and a near-death experience. Her lungs’ ability to function was comparable to an 80 year old’s due to the extensive damage. In recent years, e-cigarettes have gained popularity, initially advertised as a safer alternative to traditional smoking and a tool to help quit smoking. However, they have become a trend, mostly due to the misconception that they’re cool, smokeable, and not harmful to health. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-13 - 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

Homeless Man Found Drifting on Homemade Plastic Bottle Raft Off Pattaya Coast By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —A homeless man was safely rescued from the Pattaya sea after he tried to sail to Koh Larn on a raft he built himself out of plastic bottles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322254-homeless-man-found-drifting-on-homemade-plastic-bottle-raft-off-pattaya-coast/

Pattaya —A homeless man was safely rescued from the Pattaya sea after he tried to sail to Koh Larn on a raft he built himself out of plastic bottles. The incident was reported to the Pattaya Marine Disaster Prevention around 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024, by a group of speedboat operators. The operators reported seeing a man sitting on a plastic bottle raft in the middle of the sea, approximately 2.4 kilometers away from Bali Hai Pier. Upon reaching the location, authorities found a Thai man, identified only as Uncle Somkiat (53), sitting on an 80×300 cm raft made from several plastic bottles. The man, whose full name was not known, brought with him some clothes, beverages, and food. He was exhausted and unable to paddle back to shore due to strong currents. The rescue team assisted him onto their boat and towed the makeshift raft back to safety. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-13 - 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 prime minister graces TIME cover, signaling business revival by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In an assertive move to announce Thailand’s readiness for business, TIME magazine featured Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin, on its March cover The issue hit the newsstands yesterday, capturing the attention of the international community. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322243-thai-prime-minister-graces-time-cover-signaling-business-revival/

In an assertive move to announce Thailand’s readiness for business, TIME magazine featured Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin, on its March cover The issue hit the newsstands yesterday, capturing the attention of the international community. In a poignant declaration to the world, the 62 year old former real estate tycoon, graced TIME’s cover under the title The Salesman, highlighting his open stance towards business in Thailand. The cover story, an interview conducted by Charlie Campbell at the Government House, reveals the prime minister’s ambitious campaign to lure investors back to Thailand. “Thailand is open for business once again,” the Bangkok-born Srettha asserted, signalling a significant shift in the country’s outreach efforts. Since assuming office in September, he has embarked on over ten international trips, actively courting global investors and showcasing Thailand as a prime destination for business and investment opportunities. TIME’s website accompanies the cover image with PM Srettha’s interview, offering an in-depth perspective on the prime minister’s vision for Thailand’s economic resurgence. The Thai leader, known for his dynamic approach, has been at the forefront of promoting the nation’s potential, emphasising the importance of international economic relations in the post-pandemic era, reported KhaoSod. The interview provides valuable insights into the Thai prime minister’s strategy for revitalising Thailand’s economy, focusing on key sectors that have traditionally driven growth and exploring new avenues to attract foreign direct investment. The prime minister’s message is clear: Thailand is not only bouncing back from recent global challenges but is also evolving to become more competitive and welcoming to businesses worldwide. In related news, PM Srettha made waves in Paris as he orchestrated a series of high-stakes meetings with France’s business elite. From fashion to automotive technology, the Thai PM’s mission was clear: to solidify Thailand’s status as a regional powerhouse for trade and innovation. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-13 - 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

Retired teacher’s remains found a year later in Nonthaburi home by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A shocking discovery was made in a suburb of Nonthaburi when the skeletal remains of a retired teacher were found in her home, which had seemingly been untouched for a year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322240-retired-teacher’s-remains-found-a-year-later-in-nonthaburi-home/

A shocking discovery was made in a suburb of Nonthaburi when the skeletal remains of a retired teacher were found in her home, which had seemingly been untouched for a year. The late Panthip, a 76 year old former teacher of a prestigious girls’ school, had retired and was living a reclusive life until this grim finding. Her 71 year old younger brother, Kanok, was taken aback by the news, having last seen her in January 2023. The situation was further complicated upon learning that her husband had passed away back in 2010, a fact that had not been communicated to the family. Yesterday, March 12, at 4pm, officer from Rattanathibet Police Station were alerted to a potential death inside a residence in Sammakorn Soi 50, Tambon Tha Sai, in the city of Nonthaburi. Accompanied by officials from the Poh Teck Tueng Foundation, they conducted an investigation. The scene was a modest single-story house surrounded by tall trees and two dusty, unused cars belonging to the deceased. Inside the house, amidst a clutter of books and clothing, lay the skeletal remains of Panthip, with some bones turned to dust, and the air conditioner still running. A preliminary medical examination suggested that she had been deceased for approximately one year. Kanok, who was responsible for the annual maintenance of his sister’s vehicle, recounted his last visit in January 2022 when they argued over the car’s upkeep. Despite their falling out, he had tried to keep in touch through daily messages, which went unread. A year of failed communication attempts prompted him to visit the house, leading to the harrowing find. In a twist, he discovered in November last year that his brother-in-law, Morakot, had been registered as deceased since 2010, unbeknownst to him, reported KhaoSod. Neighbours provided varying accounts, with one recalling seeing Panthip as recently as November 2023, while another mentioned a sighting of her around 10pm, five months prior. The police confirmed that the family had not been able to contact her for a year, and although they did not suspect foul play, the remains were sent for forensic examination to determine the cause of death. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-13 - 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

Are Thai visa prices going up? Move Forward Party faces dissolution - Tim Newton Today - March 13 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322239-are-thai-visa-prices-going-up-mf-party-faces-dissolution-tim-newton-today-march-13/

Thailand News - Thailand's Move Forward Party, along with Pita and senior party members, face dissolution in the next few months. The Thai Embassy in New Zealand has announced very large increases in visa fees to the Kingdom... will these increases become uniform around the world? More 'private' beaches being reclaimed in Phuket, this time Nui Beach. Thai PM makes the front cover of Time Magazine. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.