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THE PLANNED HOMECOMING of deposed prime minister-cum-convict at large Yingluck Shinawatra without imprisonment could possibly be “the last straw” for those who might no longer tolerate an evident undermining of the country’s rules of law and judicial process, said a prominent lawmaker today (Mar 6). Former Democrat leader Jurin Laksanavisit said the people might no longer stand seeing the rules of law and judicial process being possibly undermined and flouted again by Yingluck, sister of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra. Jurin called on the former woman prime minister who had been earlier convicted in absentia of perpetrating misconduct pertaining to a previous Pheu Thai government’s rice subsidy campaign, fled the country six years ago and remained in self-exile abroad since to observe the rules of law and judicial procedures to the extent that she return home and serve her five-year jail term. The former Democrat leader, concurrently a Democrat MP, suggested Yingluck never follow in the footsteps of her “untouchable” brother who had allegedly manipulated to keep himself from being literally put behind bars for a single day since he returned from self-exile overseas last August. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Democrat leader Jurin Laksanavisit and former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-07 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 7 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1321731-thailand-live-thursday-7-march-2024/

Thais are the sweetest people ever met : ex-Miss Philippines trans A former Miss Philippines trans has called for and mutual respect in Thai-Philippines relationships, following a clash between transgender people from both countries in Bangkok on Monday night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321717-thais-are-the-sweetest-people-ever-met-ex-miss-philippines-trans/

A disgruntled British man declared he has quit England for Thailand pledging never to return to his homeland. British man quits England for Thailand’s tropical tranquility by Bob Scott | Picture courtesy of Riyan Ruparelia's Facebook account Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321704-british-man-quits-england-for-thailand’s-tropical-tranquility/

Two Alleged Russian Prostitutes Arrested in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – Two alleged Russian prostitutes were arrested in Patong after a sting operation. The Region 8 Police told the Phuket Express that on Tuesday (March 5th) they arrested two Russian women who were identified only as Miss Anna, 18, and Miss Olga, 23, in a room at a hotel on the Phra Metta Road in Patong. The arrest came after police operated a sting operation after they received a tip off from a concerned citizen that there were Russian prostitutes working illegally in Patong. The two Russian women advertised themselves on an undisclosed website. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-06 - 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

2 Russian women arrested for providing sex services in Phuket by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews Police arrested two Russian women at a hotel in the Katu district of Phuket on March 4 for illegally providing sex services. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321706-2-russian-women-arrested-for-providing-sex-services-in-phuket/

Police arrested two Russian women at a hotel in the Katu district of Phuket on March 4 for illegally providing sex services. Officers from Patong Police Station investigated the illegal activities being offered by foreigners in the area. Upon discovering that these illicit sex services were being provided by Russian women, the officers proceeded to search for their contact details. Subsequently, they reached out to two Russian women via WhatsApp, posing as potential customers. Police arranged a meeting with the two Russian women in a hotel room on the third floor of a property located on Phra Metta Road at around 10.30pm on March 4. The Russian workers demanded 13,000 baht each for their sex services and an additional 1,000 baht each for transportation. Upon arrival, officers instructed the two foreigners to wait in the room and then deployed an undercover officer to pose as a customer. The undercover officer paid 14,000 baht in cash to each of the foreign women. At this point, the hidden officers revealed themselves and proceeded to arrest the women. The two Russian women were identified as 18 year old Anna Britousova and 23 year old Olga Puchkova. According to the police, the two had already prepared themselves for sex. They stripped down to only their underwear while a box containing three condoms was found on the bed. The Russian nationals were charged under Section 6 of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution: illegally seeking benefit from prostitution. The penalty is imprisonment of up to one month, a fine of up to 1,000 baht, or both. In a related report, a Thai transwoman recently told PPTV HD that there were many foreign sex workers in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood in Bangkok including Filipinos, Vietnamese and Russians. She claimed there were few Russian and Vietnamese ladyboys compared to the Filipino nationals. She explained that Filipino and Vietnamese sex workers, like Thai sex workers, waited for customers by the roadside, while most Russian sex workers offered their services in entertainment venues. The Thai ladyboy was confident that the police knew about the presence of the foreign sex workers but ignored them. She added that it was not fair as the police only arrested and fined Thai sex workers. by Petch Petpailin TOP Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

British man quits England for Thailand’s tropical tranquility by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Riyan Ruparelia's Facebook account A disgruntled British man declared he has quit England for Thailand pledging never to return to his homeland. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321704-british-man-quits-england-for-thailand’s-tropical-tranquility/

A disgruntled British man declared he has quit England for Thailand pledging never to return to his homeland. Riyan Ruparelia left Blighty for the Land of Smiles in January vowing he’d had enough of truth-twisting ruling Conservative Party, Sir Keir Starmer’s Tory-lite opposition Labour Party, and the economic destruction of the United Kingdom and its soaring crime rate. The 22 year old London-born receptionist booked a one-way ticket to Bangkok, Thailand, at the beginning of the year, revealing plans to tour Thailand for a few months before finding somewhere to settle down. Before departing for Thailand, Riyan worked 30 hours a week as a receptionist at Powerleague, earning £11 per hour (500 baht). While still living with his parents in Brent, London, Riyan realised he couldn’t afford to rent a place of his own in the UK, prompting him to explore other options. Having visited Thailand thrice before, Riyan developed a deep affection for the country and bought a one-way ticket from Heathrow for £500 (22,750 baht). Having spent two months in Thailand, Riyan is determined never to return to the UK and aspires to bring his family to Thailand once he has settled down. He also expressed feeling safer walking alone at night in Thailand compared to the UK, where he felt too apprehensive to do so. Picture courtesy of Riyan Ruparelia’s Facebook account “I don’t plan to live in the UK ever again. I will come back and see my family but I don’t feel like the UK is the sort of place I can see myself living now. As a country, it is not heading in the right direction.” During his time in the UK, Riyan held a receptionist position, earning just above the minimum wage. Working full-time at £11 per hour, he acknowledges that he would have struggled to afford to move out of his parents’ home and rent his own property. “On my wage, I was just not able to move out of my family home. I know for a fact I would not have been able to afford rent. “With rent prices through the roof and unaffordable housing, how are people affording to live in the UK? Here in Thailand, the cost-of-living is a tenth of the price compared to the UK.” Another factor contributing to Riyan’s departure from the UK was the increase in crime, as he expressed feeling constantly unsafe “If you know London, there is so much knife crime and robbery. You don’t feel safe walking the streets and it is not getting any better. Here in Thailand, people will leave their keys and bags on their bikes. You don’t have to look behind you when you’re walking home at night and women will walk at night alone.” Riyan mentioned that his parents were “supportive” of his decision to move, expressing his aspiration to bring them to Thailand and assist them in retiring. “They were incredibly supportive of my decision, encouraging me to seize the opportunity. I would love to have my family here with me. My ultimate goal is to provide for my parents and help them retire. Achieving retirement in the UK is incredibly challenging.” Having been in Thailand for two months, Riyan plans to explore the country before determining where to settle down. “Thailand is vast, offering megacities, mountains, and stunning beaches. Currently, I’m travelling around to decide on my preferred location for settling down. I have a large group tour planned for April, so I’ll make my decision after that.” Picture courtesy of Riyan Ruparelia’s Facebook account by Bob Scott TOP Picture courtesy of Riyan Ruparelia’s Facebook account Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

Filipina ladyboys accused of illegally offering sex services in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via Lan Fuller via Flickr Following the clash between Thai and Filipina transwomen on Soi Sukhumvit 11 in Bangkok yesterday, some locals came forward to accuse the Filipina ladyboys of illegally offering sex services to European tourists in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321701-filipina-ladyboys-accused-of-illegally-offering-sex-services-in-bangkok/

Following the clash between Thai and Filipina transwomen on Soi Sukhumvit 11 in Bangkok yesterday, some locals came forward to accuse the Filipina ladyboys of illegally offering sex services to European tourists in the area. The altercation between Thai and Filipina transwomen reportedly sparked after more than 20 Filipina ladyboys attacked two Thai transwomen and stole their belongings. A friend of the two Thai victims shared the conflict on social media inciting nearly 2,000 Thai transwomen to gather and attack the Filipina ladyboys. One Thai transwoman revealed to Channel 3 that the Filipina ladyboys came to Thailand to work as sex workers. Offering sex services in Thailand is considered illegal, so several media outlets focused on the matter and interviewed people in Soi Sukhumvit 11 about the Filipina group. One Thai transwoman named A told PPTV HD that each Filipina offered sex services in Soi Sukhumvit 11, adding that one of the Filipina ladyboys was their leader and procurer. She would help each Filipina transwoman until they were able to enter Thailand and sort out accommodation so they can provide sex services. Those Filipina sex workers had to share their income with the procurer until the amount reached the target, so the sex workers could be free to earn their own money without having to pay a percentage to the woman. A claimed that the Filipino procurer stayed at an accommodation in Soi Sukhumvit 4, near Nana Plaza. A added that transgender sex workers from Vietnam and Russia also came to provide sex services in Thailand but came in a smaller group, a lot fewer than Filipinas. She believed that Thai police knew about this, but did not bother the foreign sex workers. Only Thai nationals were arrested and fined. Sukhumvit sex workers A’s information was confirmed by the motorcycle taxi riders who provide a service in the Sukhumvit neighbourhood of Bangkok. A Thai motorcycle taxi rider told KhaoSod that he saw Filipina ladyboys approaching many foreign tourists in the area and taking them to a hotel. He was quite sure that the group offered sex services and targeted European men. Another motorcycle taxi rider stated that most of the Filipina transwomen stood and waited for customers outside their hotels or accommodations. They would appear in the afternoon to buy food and then reappear again in the evening to offer services. Following the accusation, officers from Immigration Division 1 conducted a raid at a hotel in Soi Sukhumvit 11 where more than 20 Filipina transwomen stayed yesterday, March 5. Police insisted that they did not find any traces of sex services at the hotel and nearby areas. The immigration police added that they would conduct a further investigation into how each obtained their visas, whether anyone overstayed their visas, and whether anyone worked illegally in Thailand. The Bangkok Governor Chadhart Sittipunt admitted during an interview with Channel 7 yesterday that some foreigners illegally worked and ran businesses in Bangkok. For example, foreigners who sold food and drinks on the street. Chadchart stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had not yet received a complaint about foreign sex workers in the city maybe because it was difficult to identify who were the sex workers and there were only a few of them. The 57 year old Bangkok chief added that the altercation between Thai and Filipina transwomen was rooted in a personal conflict. He was worried more about scams against foreign tourists, illegal taxis, and illegal tour guides which were the structural issues. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Lan Fuller via Flickr Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

Thai abbot found burnt in forest shocks local community by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A revered abbot’s tragic demise has sent shockwaves through a Thai community after his body was found burned to the extent that only his upper torso remained identifiable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321699-thai-abbot-found-burnt-in-forest-shocks-local-community/

A revered abbot’s tragic demise has sent shockwaves through a Thai community after his body was found burned to the extent that only his upper torso remained identifiable. The abbot, Luang Pu Poon Thitapunyo, of Wat Pa Kesem Suk in Phetchabun Province, was discovered in a forested area behind the temple. The police have been meticulously piecing together evidence ever since. Police have transported Luang Pu Poon’s remains to Phetchabun Hospital for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death. Forensic officers revisited the site to gather additional evidence, including the abbot’s belongings, which may provide crucial insights into the case. Near the site where Luang Pu Poon’s body was found, investigators uncovered more disturbing evidence: charred human body parts, including lower limbs, as well as wire coils within burned tyres, which have been sent for DNA testing. The Provincial Police Region Commander, Police Major General Saranay Kongmueang, stated that initial autopsy results revealed soot in the lungs and trachea, indicating Luang Pu Poon was alive when the fire started. However, the exact circumstances leading to his death are still being investigated. Maj. Gen. Saranay confirmed that there were no signs of a slit throat, gunshot wounds, or physical assault on the body. Despite questioning individuals close to Luang Pu Poon, no suspects have been identified. The police have not ruled out any possibilities and await further forensic results, expected in approximately seven days, reported KhaoSod. Following the completion of the autopsy, the abbot’s disciples collected his body to conduct religious rites at the temple’s sermon hall amid the sorrow of the local community. Villagers and fellow monks have come together to prepare the cremation site, with plans to hold the funeral ceremony tomorrow, March 7. The schedule includes moving the body to the cremation site at noon, a Dhamma sermon at 12.30pm, Buddhist chants at 1pm, and the traditional offering of robes at 2pm, culminating in the cremation ceremony. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

Thailand’s tourism trunkated: Captive elephant breeding exposed by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand stands accused of a sinister practice: the captive breeding of elephants for its lucrative tourism industry. But the horrors extend far beyond just elephants. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321698-thailand’s-tourism-trunkated-captive-elephant-breeding-exposed/

Photo courtesy of The Nation Thailand stands accused of a sinister practice: the captive breeding of elephants for its lucrative tourism industry. But the horrors extend far beyond just elephants. Researchers have uncovered alarming findings, exposing the grim reality lurking behind the scenes of the wildlife entertainment industry. In a study conducted by World Animal Protection (WAP), the scope of the issue is laid bare. An estimated 5.5 billion wild animals, spanning 487 species, endure cruel captivity worldwide, with elephants, bears, and lions among the most exploited. Black bears, sun bears, and grizzly bears are subjected to farming across several Asian countries, while lions face similar fates in South Africa. Yet, it’s the elephants of Thailand that bear the brunt of this heart-wrenching tale. WAP’s global campaigns director Nick Stewart remarked that these are long-lived, intelligent animals, farmed for arguably the most frivolous of industries: the wildlife entertainment industry. Tourists, unknowingly fuelling this exploitation, shell out hefty sums for elephant riding and bathing experiences, contributing to an industry valued between US$581 million (approximately 20 billion baht) to US$770 million annually in Thailand alone. As demand surges, so does the dark trade. The price of a single elephant can fetch a staggering US$50,000, driving poaching and smuggling to alarming heights. But the cruelty doesn’t end there. Disturbing footage captured by WAP between 2018 and 2020 exposes the harrowing training methods employed by Thai mahouts, leaving behind a trail of trauma, reported The Nation. Rather than pointing fingers solely at mahouts, WAP urges accountability to be placed on the tourism industry. They advocate for a ban on captive elephant breeding and the transformation of elephant parks into cruelty-free sanctuaries. “It all comes back to this idea that animals born in captivity can be exploited more easily. We need to end this exploitation of wild animals, whether it’s legal or illegal.” In related news, in a bid to promote responsible tourism and protect Thai elephants, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) continues to pledge unwavering support to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Thailand and its Travel Ivory Free initiative. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

Swiss man’s violent attack on Trang woman, “Kathoey wars” - Tim Newton Today - March 6 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321697-swiss-man’s-violent-attack-on-trang-woman-“kathoey-wars”-tim-newton-today-march-6/

Thailand news - Yet another attack on a Thai from a foreign man - this time a 60 year old Swiss man violently assaults a 58 year old Thai woman in Trang, fallout from the other incident in Yamu Beach in Phuket with the removal of the steps and other encroachment. The fight between Thai and Filipina transgender women in Sukhumvit 11 has taken over Thai social media, deputy Thai police chief Surachate Hakparn has has his case referred to the National Anti Corruption Commission. A firefighter has died whilst fighting the outbreak for forest fires in northern Thailand, and a Thai pilot for Thai VietJet has found himself being a mid-wife for one of his passengers... mother, baby and pilot all doing well. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Foreign man kicks up a storm over discriminatory bike rental policy in Phuket by Petch Petpailin The story does not include the motorcycle rental shop in this picture. | Photo by นายสองสามก้าว via The TripPacker A foreign man brought to light a discriminatory practice at a foreign-owned motorcycle rental shop in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321693-foreign-man-kicks-up-a-storm-over-discriminatory-bike-rental-policy-in-phuket/

The story does not include the motorcycle rental shop in this picture. | Photo by นายสองสามก้าว via The TripPacker A foreign man brought to light a discriminatory practice at a foreign-owned motorcycle rental shop in Phuket. The shop refused to serve his Thai wife and other Thai customers, justifying their decision by alleging that Thais frequently engage in motorcycle theft, complain excessively, and are unable to meet the necessary deposit requirements. The foreign man, using the account BlacksmithSolid2194, took to the social media platform Reddit on March 4 to share his wife’s experience at the Phuket motorcycle shop. “Today my Thai wife and I went to a motorcycle rental shop in Phuket. They said Thais are not allowed to rent from them. A Thai employee went as far as to say that Thais steal motorcycles, complain too much, and are too poor to pay the deposit. “What recourse do we have? I’ve messaged The Thaiger and the Bangkok Post in hopes of gaining coverage. I’d like to share this story with the local Thai community as well if anyone knows of any relevant Facebook groups.” The foreigner added that he was afraid to reveal the name of the shop for fear of being sued for defamation. The post attracted attention on Reddit, generating nearly 150 comments. Many users criticised the foreign man for exaggerating a non-story to create an online drama. They suggested that the man and his wife simply move to another store, as there are many in the area. Foreigner prejudice Some said it was not a big deal. They said it was much more outrageous when foreigners were charged double to enter any attraction in Thailand. One netizen said the practice was normal in southern Thailand because the motorcycle rental shops were worried that locals would steal the bikes. Others accused such operators of hiding something illegal or trying to cheat foreigners, as Thais have many ways to complain to the companies and may know the law. Some of the Reddit users agreed with the foreign man that refusing customers due to their nationalities was considered discrimination and that foreign-owned businesses based in Thailand should not refuse to serve locals. They recounted their similar experiences in the comments. “This isn’t the first time. Many Thai hotels and villas don’t allow Thais to stay, I experienced this in Lop Buri, to quote the old Thai lady ‘They are too loud and make a big mess everywhere. Many people complain about their noise’.” “Once I drove around Bangkok looking for a place for my Indian friend. Several buildings refused to host Indians. I guess what goes around comes around?” Thai discrimination “When I was in Mae Sariang, a restaurant wouldn’t let us eat there because my friend’s girlfriend spoke in Thai. The atmosphere changed when we started speaking English. The Thai discrimination is crazy.” “It’s quite common in my experience. It happens in Chiang Mai, Koh Tao, Koh Pha Ngan and Samui. The only place I have had a pleasant experience was Hua Hin.” Some Thais said that it was not only the foreign-owned businesses that refused Thai customers but also those owned by locals. Several Thai men asked netizens on one of Thailand’s most popular online forums, Pantip, why some massage parlours and entertainment venues in Bangkok refused to serve Thai customers. Many others asked why some hotels were turning away Thai guests. One Thai woman, last year, condemned a hotel in the southern province of Krabi for discrimination, saying the hotel gave good service to foreign guests but neglected Thai visitors like her. While some suggested that concerns about illegal sex services, illegal activities or theft prevention motivated these refusals, others believed that businesses targeted foreigners because of the higher potential earnings. by Petch Petpailin Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

Post-pandemic shift in tourist spending habits reveals TikTok’s role in Thai travel by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Apichart Jinakul The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) divulged insightful data revealing a shift in foreign tourists’ spending habits post-pandemic and the surge in popularity of TikTok as a source of travel information and inspiration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321691-post-pandemic-shift-in-tourist-spending-habits-reveals-tiktok’s-role-in-thai-travel/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) divulged insightful data revealing a shift in foreign tourists’ spending habits post-pandemic and the surge in popularity of TikTok as a source of travel information and inspiration. A survey conducted by TAT’s digital R&D Deputy Governor Teerasil Tapen, encompassing 30,054 tourists in 2023, unveiled an increased average expenditure on individual trips, rising from 48,209 baht (US$1,345) in 2019 to 50,900 baht (US$1,420), with a significant proportion allocated to accommodation. Visitors, having paid higher airfares, showed a preference for more luxurious hotels or resorts, leading to an increase in accommodation spending from 18,451 baht (US$515) before the pandemic to 23,518 baht (US$656) per trip. In contrast, street food emerged as a more popular choice over fine dining, with its patronage increasing from 63% to 77.3%. This preference for the affordability of street food led to decreased expenditure on food and beverages, from 5,875 baht (US$164) in 2019 to 4,094 baht (US$114). According to Teerasil, the rise in street food consumption is linked to tourists’ desire for a more localised travel experience. The trend of café hopping also surged, from 11.6% in 2019 to 33.2% in 2023, in line with the global increase in coffee consumption. From a regional perspective, Middle Eastern tourists emerged as the biggest spenders, with an average expenditure of 88,512 baht (US$2,470) per trip. They were closely followed by tourists from Oceania (64,860 baht/US$1,810), the US (60,474 baht/US$1,687), and Europe (59,345 baht/US$1,656). Over half of the individual travellers (53.7%) utilised online bookings via websites or apps for their travel and accommodation needs in Thailand. Meanwhile, 22.6% continued to rely on travel agents or tour operators, indicating a continued preference for traditional booking methods for certain services. In the digital realm, TAT has seen an increase in followers across its social media platforms. As of 2023, TAT had over 6.4 million followers on its official Line account, 2.6 million on Facebook, and 201,456 on X. Interestingly, the fastest-growing platform in 2022-2023 was TikTok, which experienced a staggering 97.2% growth to almost 30,000 users within a year. Instagram also saw a 10% growth in followers, reaching nearly 200,000 users, reported Bangkok Post. TAT plans to harness the growing trend of short reels or stories on social media by collaborating with influencers and key opinion leaders to promote Thai destinations and activities to new users. For the fiscal year 2024, TAT’s digital department has requested around 180 million baht to primarily use social media to reach potential tourists directly. Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

Former salesman’s illegal bullets seized by Thailand police by Top Top Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai authorities apprehended a former ammunition salesman for allegedly engaging in illegal bullet sales online, unearthing an arsenal of 31,800 cartridges at his residence in Khlong Toei district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321688-former-salesman’s-illegal-bullets-seized-by-thailand-police/

The Thai authorities apprehended a former ammunition salesman for allegedly engaging in illegal bullet sales online, unearthing an arsenal of 31,800 cartridges at his residence in Khlong Toei district. Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Major General Theeradet Thumsuthee, disclosed today that 66 year old San Panjitkaeo was apprehended while dispatching parcels of cartridges to buyers at a courier firm’s office on Soi Pridi Banomyong 14 Road the day prior. Upon scouring his parked pickup truck, law enforcement discovered an additional cache of about 2,500 rounds of ammunition. A subsequent raid on the suspect’s dwelling off Ekamai Road yielded yet another 31,800 bullets of various calibres, notably including 21,150 .22LR cartridges. San now faces charges of illegal possession and sale of ammunition. In his statement to the police, he confessed to transitioning into the illicit trade after shuttering his construction materials company, having previously worked as a salesman for an ammunition supplier for a year. Subsequently, he confessed to procuring cartridges from unlawful sources and peddling them to individuals who were patrons of his former enterprise, reported Bangkok Post. According to police reports, he admitted to operating in the clandestine realm for approximately seven months, raking in upwards of 100,000 baht monthly. In related news, in an undercover operation, police arrested a 55 year old Thai man on February 22 for allegedly peddling drugs to teenagers and harbouring illegal firearms in Naklua, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The suspect, identified only as Gomol, fell into the police net following an extensive covert probe. Seizing the moment, authorities swooped in and confiscated two bags containing a staggering 9.19 grammes of methamphetamine along with drug paraphernalia. Moreover, hidden amongst Gomol’s possessions was a homemade air-pressure long gun, ammunition, and a mysterious cylinder, raising eyebrows and suspicions alike. In other news, Thai police arrested a 28 year old law student for selling firearms online. The operation led to the seizure of several homemade shotguns and pistols, ready to be dispatched to customers. by Top Top Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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

Thai cop accused of cheating on wife, impregnating teenage mistress by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เป็นหนึ่ง A Thai woman is seeking justice after her police sub-lieutenant husband cheated on her and impregnated his 17 year old teenage mistress. The police officer allegedly assaulted and threatened his wife to accept the polyamorous relationship as the teenager is seven months pregnant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321687-thai-cop-accused-of-cheating-on-wife-impregnating-teenage-mistress/

A Thai woman is seeking justice after her police sub-lieutenant husband cheated on her and impregnated his 17 year old teenage mistress. The police officer allegedly assaulted and threatened his wife to accept the polyamorous relationship as the teenager is seven months pregnant. The 55 year old Thai woman from the Isaan province of Roi Et told her story to the non-profit organisation Be One and asked them to help her seek justice. She told the organisation that her husband not only cheated on her but was also guilty of child abduction by engaging in sexual activities with a minor. The woman explained that she married the police officer over 20 years ago but had no children because her husband was allegedly infertile. She caught him cheating for the first time in 2019 when he allegedly spoke on the phone with his mistress, who was 14 at the time. She asked her husband to stop talking to her and he promised to do so. However, in 2021, the wife discovered that her husband and the girl were still in contact and had already engaged in sexual activity. After the woman found out about the affair, the teenage mistress began bombarding her with photos and videos featuring herself alongside the woman’s police officer husband, all while hurling insults her way. The woman said she began to argue with her husband more often due to the pictures and videos the mistress sent her and he physically assaulted her. She had to stay in a hotel or with relatives on several occasions to escape the police officer’s physical assaults. The woman added that she was stressed and twice attempted to commit suicide. She is now seeking treatment and medical consults to prevent the situation. Police complaint The woman added that she complained to the police about the physical assaults and reported her husband’s dishonest behaviour to his commanders but to no avail. According to the woman, the policeman asked for a divorce in November last year, saying that his mistress was pregnant. This made her curious because she and her husband could not have a child despite having unprotected sex. The woman added that she talked to the mistress’s family but their response shocked her. The mistress’s parents supported their daughter. “What can we do if they love each other? We must let them be together.” The woman said she wanted to file a complaint against her husband for his dishonest behaviour and sexual relationship with a minor. The organisation then facilitated the legal process and accompanied her to report the matter to the Mueang Roi Et Police Station. The superintendent of the police station, Charit Sihanu, reported that the police officer had breached police regulations by engaging in an affair. The penalty for this misconduct would be determined by the Royal Thai Police and may not necessarily result in dismissal. Charit explained that the woman could not file a complaint for sexual relations with a minor because it was a matter for the teenager’s parents. by Petch Petpailin TOP Photo via Facebook/ เป็นหนึ่ง Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-06 - 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