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Air Force To Deploy US-Built AT-6 Light Attack Aircraft In June By Thai Newsroom Reporters AT-6 Wolverine is a light attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft designed and manufactured by Beechcraft, a brand of Textron Aviation. Photo: Airforce-technology.com A COUPLE OF UNITED STATES-BUILT AT-6 light attack aircraft are scheduled for deployment by the Thai air force at Wing 41 in Chiang Mai in the upcoming June. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322202-air-force-to-deploy-us-built-at-6-light-attack-aircraft-in-june/

A COUPLE OF UNITED STATES-BUILT AT-6 light attack aircraft are scheduled for deployment by the Thai air force at Wing 41 in Chiang Mai in the upcoming June. Wing 41 Commander Capt. Paratorn Jinawat confirmed today (Mar. 12) a couple of Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine light attack planes are part of a new squadron of eight aircraft of the same type to be deployed at the northern air force base beginning in June. The turboprop AT-6THs which are replacing an ageing squadron of Czech-built L-39 Albatros light attack jets for airborne deterrent missions have been procured for a combined price of 4.5 billion baht, Capt. Paratorn said. The one-engine, two-seater AT-6TH light attack aircraft are primarily designed to conduct reconnaissance and patrols over high terrains of the northern region sharing border with Myanmar and Laos, according to the Wing 41 captain. By Thai Newsroom Reporters AT-6 Wolverine is a light attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft designed and manufactured by Beechcraft, a brand of Textron Aviation. Photo: Airforce-technology.com Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Election Commission Launches Move Forward Dissolution Bid By Thai Newsroom Reporters Former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat, second left in above photo and left in Front Page photo, and current leader Chaithawat Tulanthon. Photo: Thai Rath THE ELECTION COMMISSION today (Mar. 12) unanimously resolved to have the Move Forward dissolved by court on grounds of allegedly breaching the draconian lese majeste law. The polling agency’s members made the unanimous decision to file a partisan dissolution lawsuit with the Constitutional Court against the Move Forward for allegedly violating the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code. That the Move Forward had earlier pushed for amendment to the lese majeste law was considered by the commissioners as tantamount to an undermining of rule, thus prompting them to seek dissolution of the progressive party. If finally found guilty as charged, all members of the party’s executive board will be legally prohibited from political activity for a number of years. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Charter Court asked to dissolve Move Forward party Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has decided unanimously to ask the Constitutional Court to dissolve the opposition Move Forward party, after finding sufficient evidence to believe that the party has attempted to overthrow Constitutional Monarchy, in accordance with Political Parties Act. The EC’s move follows the Constitutional Court’s January 31st unanimous ruling that the Move Forward party and its then leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, were guilty of exercising their rights and liberties to overthrow the Constitutional Monarchy, through their proposed amendment of Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lèse majesté law, and continuous campaigning for the amendment bill. Commenting on the Election Commission’s decision, Move Forward spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu told the media today that the party and its legal team have been preparing for this moment. He asked the media not to jump to the conclusion that the party will be dissolved, saying that their legal team will defend the party and prove its innocence. Full story: Thai PBS 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

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 13 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1322200-thailand-live-wednesday-13-march-2024/

EC to Ask Court to Dissolve MFP BANGKOK, (TNA) – The Election Commission meeting on Tuesday agrees to ask the Constitutional Court to dissolve the Move Forward Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322179-ec-to-ask-court-to-dissolve-mfp/

The Criminal Court today issued a summons for Deputy National Police Commissioner Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn for allegedly being involved in laundering money from an online gambling operation. Pol Gen Surachate summoned in online gambling investigation Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322187-pol-gen-surachate-summoned-in-online-gambling-investigation/

Thai man survives black bear attack during ant egg hunt (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod A Thai man survived an attack by an Asian black bear while hunting for ant eggs within the Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in the Isaan province of Buriram at the weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322162-thai-man-survives-black-bear-attack-during-ant-egg-hunt-video/

A Thai man survived an attack by an Asian black bear while hunting for ant eggs within the Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in the Isaan province of Buriram at the weekend. The victim’s wife, 56 year old Warn Chernprakone, shared details of the incident on Sunday, March 10 with Matichon. Warn explained that her 60 year old husband, Phumin Joysaku, entered the forest in the morning to search for ant eggs. The eggs and pupae of weaver ants are also known as Khai Mod Daeng in Thai. Warn went on to explain that Phumin made a phone call to her at about 12pm saying he had been attacked by the bear and needed assistance. She hurried to the scene with some neighbours and found Phumin sitting on the ground covered in blood and suffering from severe wounds to his arms and legs. Phumin is currently receiving treatment at Non Din Daeng Hospital and his condition is stable. During a media interview, Phumin revealed that the attack occurred near Khao Luk Chang in the eastern part of the Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary. According to Phumin, he was collecting ant eggs when he sensed an animal approaching from behind. Upon turning around, he came face-to-face with the bear, which immediately pawed at his arm, bit his leg, and dragged him away. Phumin said that he brandished a knife to intimidate the bear and may have inadvertently injured the animal. Startled by the commotion, the bear let him go and fled into the dense forest. Phumin expressed remorse, saying he had no intention of harming the bear but felt compelled to defend himself. Their neighbour, 65 year old Khamkhian Sornpanya, revealed that others in the community had encountered the bear before and believed it to be the same one that attacked Phumin. The locals were taken aback by the bear’s aggressive behaviour, as it had never posed a threat to anyone in the area previously. The director of the sanctuary, Aomsuan Raksat, reported that the bear was likely a female Asian black bear weighing about 100 kilogrammes. The authorities observed the bear and her cubs drinking and enjoying water near the scene earlier. Somsuan urged locals to report the presence of wild animals approaching community areas to authorities. They would push them further into the deeper forest to ensure the safety of both animals and humans. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

DSI denies releasing Sanga Kungwan’s wife amid tax fraud probe by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) refutes allegations of releasing Sanga Kungwan’s wife from detention to reunite with her husband overseas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322157-dsi-denies-releasing-sanga-kungwan’s-wife-amid-tax-fraud-probe/

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) refutes allegations of releasing Sanga Kungwan’s wife from detention to reunite with her husband overseas. Sanga, a dual Myanmar-Thai citizen from Ranong, is suspected of evading authorities through a terrestrial border exit after his involvement in a fraudulent 18-billion-baht tax case came to light. Sanga’s intricate scheme involved counterfeit documentation for non-existent oil exports, which he exploited for a decade to secure tax refunds, amassing at least 18 billion baht (US$506 million). Initially, Sanga established an internet enterprise in Bangkok, later branching into online gambling. On the first day of February, enforcement agencies stormed 27 locations linked to Sanga’s online gambling business across multiple provinces. The operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals, including Sanga’s wife, and the confiscation of assets exceeding 100 million baht (US$2.8 million). The DSI is keen on leveraging the online gambling case as a catalyst to broaden its probe into the alleged tax fraud. Over the past weekend, a TikTok post suggested that an influential politician was working with DSI’s top investigators to facilitate the release of Sanga’s wife on bail for a reunion with Sanga overseas. In a swift response, the DSI issued a statement denying the allegations of Sanga’s wife’s prospective bail release. The department clarified that the Criminal Court dismissed her bail plea on March 9, considering the severity of her charges and the potential risk of absconding. DSI’s investigators are diligently working on both online gambling and tax fraud cases. They convene every Wednesday to assess the investigation’s progress and anticipate completing the probes by next month. The successful completion will lead to recommending charges against the suspects, as per Wacharin Phanurat, the deputy chief of the Office of the Attorney-General’s Department of Investigation, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, Immigration Bureau officers raided a luxury house in Bangkok’s Rama 9 area, arresting 18 Vietnamese nationals for running a gambling website. They were charged under the Gambling Act. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

‘Private’ beaches reclaimed, American assaults a pregnant horse in Phuket - Tim Newton Today - March 12 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322156-‘private’-beaches-reclaimed-american-assaults-a-pregnant-horse-in-phuket-tim-newton-toda/

Thailand news - Two people found dead in Hua Bin, your response to yesterday's 'Pattaya nostalgia' story, another alleged 'private beach' reclaimed in Phuket. And whilst in Phuket, an 18 year old American is being accused of assaulting a pregnant horse, Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority says we should expect some additional discount airfares for Songkran, the Thai Election Commission gears up for a new Senate as the current, hand=picked, Senators end their term. Many more young Burmese expected to flood over the Thai/Myanmar border and, a decade on, a large group of Uyghurs remain in Thai detention centres. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Scandal hits Government House with 500,000 baht lawn by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of The Nation The eagerly awaited overhaul of Government House’s front lawn, allegedly costing a staggering 498,352 baht, is on the brink of completion, according to insider sources. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322155-scandal-hits-government-house-with-500000-baht-lawn/

The eagerly awaited overhaul of Government House’s front lawn, allegedly costing a staggering 498,352 baht, is on the brink of completion, according to insider sources. An informant disclosed that Green Value Co Ltd clinched the lucrative project due to its unbeatably low bid among three contenders. Utilising Paspalam grass, renowned for its resilience in scorching climates and durability against heavy foot traffic, the choice promises a verdant vista for an extended period, outshining conventional turf. Amidst swirling controversies, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, currently abroad in Paris, vehemently refuted social media allegations suggesting a whopping 138 million baht splurge solely on lawn restoration. Clarifying the misconceptions, he attributed the hefty sum to encompassing a dozen renovation facets at Government House, spanning IT infrastructure to security systems. Meanwhile, our source divulged Green Value’s triumph over Landscape Song Song Co Ltd and Jom Garden Co Ltd, securing the contract with their cost-effective proposal, reported The Nation. Established on May 19, 2003, with a capital of 5 million baht and helmed by managing director Paitoon Baolee, Green Value boasts a decorated portfolio, including prestigious landscaping ventures such as Central Festival in Phuket, Erawan Bangkok Hotel, and embellishments for select Sansiri projects. In related news, Bangkok streets echoed with the chants of empowered Thai women as they marched to Government House, armed with 11 demands to challenge labour oppression on International Women’s Day. Thai women’s labour groups, spearheaded by the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TLSC), took to the streets with a resolute message under the banner of Resistance against Women’s Labour Oppression Capitalism. Their fervent call echoed for Thailand to embrace key International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, including Convention 183 safeguarding maternal rights, Convention 190 combating workplace violence and harassment, and Conventions 87 and 98 protecting freedom of association and negotiation rights. In other news, PM Srettha suggested a potential meeting with the recently paroled former premier, Thaksin Shinawatra. This event could take place during PM Srettha’s upcoming visit to Chiang Mai, which coincides with Thaksin’s planned trip to his hometown. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Beach Entrance Reopened After Local Protests By Goongnang Suksawat PRESS RELEASE Public access to Phuket’s Laem Nga Beach has been restored after a resolution was reached between provincial authorities and Cape Nga Development Co. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322154-phuket-beach-entrance-reopened-after-local-protests/

Public access to Phuket’s Laem Nga Beach has been restored after a resolution was reached between provincial authorities and Cape Nga Development Co. The previously closed public road leading to the beach was reopened on Sunday (Mar 10), following public outcry over the closure. Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced the reopening, noting successful negotiations that addressed public concerns regarding access to the popular beach in Ratsada subdistrict. The agreement stipulates the continued public use of the road, with local authorities assuming responsibility for maintaining its safety and cleanliness. By Goongnang Suksawat PRESS RELEASE Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Alcohol sales to tighten up during Songkran festival In a bid to reduce road accidents caused by drunk driving during the extended “World Songkran Festival”, which takes place between April 1st and 21st, the Ministry of Public Health has decided to tighten up controls on the sale of alcohol, especially to those who are under age. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322132-songkran-celebration-health-ministry-sets-alcohol-sales-guidelines/?do=findComment&comment=18760600

Alcohol sales to tighten up during Songkran festival In a bid to reduce road accidents caused by drunk driving during the extended “World Songkran Festival”, which takes place between April 1st and 21st, the Ministry of Public Health has decided to tighten up controls on the sale of alcohol, especially to those who are under age. According to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew, the Songkran festival will be divided into the preparatory stage, from April 1st to 10th, the festive events and activities, from April 11th to 17th, and the post-festival stage, from April 18th to 21st. Provincial and local officials have been instructed to launch publicity campaigns to remind liquor outlets to abide strictly by the regulation restricting liquor sales to 11am to 2pm and from 5pm to midnight, to refrain from activities promoting alcohol sales, not to sell alcohol to people under 20 and not to sell alcohol in certain restricted areas, as legally mandated. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Spouses of Cabinet Ministers Visit Pattani to Boost Tourism Confidence by Naark Rojanasuvan Spouses of Cabinet members have visited the southern province of Pattani to build confidence in tourism. PATTANI (NNT) - Leading the group were the Prime Minister's spouse, Pakpilai Thavisin, and Puangpet Chunlaiad, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. The visit aimed to contribute to the role of women in generating income for the locals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322153-spouses-of-cabinet-ministers-visit-pattani-to-boost-tourism-confidence/

PATTANI (NNT) - Leading the group were the Prime Minister's spouse, Pakpilai Thavisin, and Puangpet Chunlaiad, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office. The visit aimed to contribute to the role of women in generating income for the locals. Their first stop was at Wat Chang Hai in Khok Pho District. This temple is a historical site that has been a part of the community for over 300 years. Following their visit, the entourage paid respects and engaged in a Dharma talk with the abbot of the temple. The abbot emphasized the government's and stakeholders' roles in promoting tourism in the southern border provinces, which boast diverse arts, cultures, and lifestyles among a variety of religions and cultures. The abbot highlighted that these qualities are the charm tourists should experience and called for further efforts to enhance security in the region. The Prime Minister's spouse and the group also purchased many local products as souvenirs for their families. by Naark Rojanasuvan Full story: NNT 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Laundrygate: Defence Ministry of Thailand digs into laundry scandal by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation The Ministry of Defence launched an investigation in response to a viral video alleging a soldier was compelled to wash his commander’s wife’s underwear. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322152-laundrygate-defence-ministry-of-thailand-digs-into-laundry-scandal/

The Ministry of Defence launched an investigation in response to a viral video alleging a soldier was compelled to wash his commander’s wife’s underwear. Rear Admiral Thanitpong Sirisawetsak, the ministry’s spokesperson, emphasised the urgency of the probe, aiming to confirm the authenticity of the footage and the identity of the purported soldier. The 51-second clip, circulated over the weekend, purportedly features a soldier recounting his duty to launder and neatly fold the undergarments of his superior and the superior’s spouse. Rear Admiral Thanitpong cautioned against premature conclusions, suggesting the video might be fabricated to tarnish the reputation of Thai soldiers, particularly with mandatory military conscription looming. He vehemently asserted the Defence Ministry’s respect for soldiers’ dignity, denouncing the notion of assigning such inappropriate tasks. Seeking public cooperation, Thanitpong urged individuals to come forward with additional information, pledging severe repercussions for any implicated parties. Instances of senior officers delegating menial chores to their subordinates, predominantly conscripts, are not uncommon. Move Forward Party (MFP) MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, chairperson of the House Committee on Army Affairs, disclosed his investigation traced the video’s origins to 2021. He highlighted that regulations permitting senior officers to have servants had been rescinded since then, reported The Nation. Wiroj pledged continued vigilance over the issue, underscoring the MFP’s call for sweeping reforms within the military, including the abolition of compulsory military service for Thai men aged 21 and older, with exceptions for those having undergone Territorial Defence training. In related news, National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol issued a stern order to all police officers, commanding them to refrain from divulging any information to the press that could tarnish the image or operational integrity of the Royal Thai Police. Moreover, officers have been explicitly warned against actions that could potentially serve their interests, sparking a firestorm of speculation and intrigue. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Indian passenger robbed by Chinese man on flight to Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Cop Hero Thailand Magazine Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station officers arrested a Chinese man for stealing cash and a Rolex watch worth over 500,0000 baht from an Indian man on a flight from India to Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322150-indian-passenger-robbed-by-chinese-man-on-flight-to-bangkok/

Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station officers arrested a Chinese man for stealing cash and a Rolex watch worth over 500,0000 baht from an Indian man on a flight from India to Bangkok. The airport’s security centre and Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station received a report of the theft from Vistara airline on March 7. The crime took place during flight UK 123 from Bombay City in India to Bangkok in Thailand. The Indian victim, Hasad Panduran Chawan, reported that his Sea-Dweller Rolex watch and cash amounting to US$2,800 (99,000 baht), disappeared from his backpack. Police questioned all the cabin crew and checked the security cameras until they found the suspect, a 48 year old Chinese man named Yi Xiangyang. The crew reported that Yi opened the storage compartment above the victim’s seat and quickly took the money and watch from the bag. The CCTV cameras at the airport showed that Yi rushed out of Gate E2 and left the immigration checkpoint to catch a taxi at the 10th door on the fourth floor of the passenger terminal. Officers tracked him down and discovered the Chinese man checked in to the Nice Hotel Ratchada in the Huay Kwang district of Bangkok. Police managed to arrest Yi at the hotel and found the stolen items in his bag. The arrest was made only five hours after the crime. Yi was charged under Section 335 of the Criminal Law: committing theft within an airport. The penalty is imprisonment of up to one to five years and a fine from 20,000 to 100,000 baht. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the Director of Suvarnabhumi Airport, assured passengers of enhanced security measures during interviews with various news agencies yesterday, March 11. He highlighted the airport’s extensive security infrastructure, boasting over 8,000 CCTV cameras, which have proven instrumental in resolving numerous incidents in the past. Furthermore, Kittipong issued a stern warning to potential criminals, stating that perpetrating crimes at the airport would be challenging and that any suspects would swiftly face arrest with no possibility of escape. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Cop Hero Thailand Magazine Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-12 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe