webfact

Ubon Ratchathani—At 12:30 AM, on March 1st, 2024, Khong Chiam police officers received a mass shooting report incident, resulting in four casualties and many injuries, at a northeastern-style concert in Khong Chiam, Ubon Ratchathani. According to the police report, unidentified witnesses told the police that during the concert at a temple in Khong Chiam, Mr. Noppadon Thonglee, a 45-year-old Volunteer Defense Corps (VDC) guarding the event, broke up a group of audience members that annoyed the singers on the stage. Noppadon’s action made the group of audience members angry, leading to a heated verbal and physical quarrel between the two parties. Enraged after the altercation, Noppadon returned home to get his firearm, a CZ-75, and then came back to the concert and shot at the group of audience members who attacked him, resulting in many casualties and injuries. Upon the police arrival, Khong Chiam administrative officers and the VDC suppressed the situation after the chaos was subdued. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-02 - 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 Expat Charged with Bodily and Mind Harm in Phuket Kicking Incident By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –A Swiss Expat has been charged with bodily and mind harm after he allegedly kicked a female doctor near his rented villa in Thalang. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321317-swiss-expat-charged-with-bodily-and-mind-harm-in-phuket-kicking-incident/

UPDATE: Swiss Expat Charged with Bodily and Mind Harm in Phuket Kicking Incident Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321317-swiss-expat-charged-with-bodily-and-mind-harm-in-phuket-kicking-incident/

UPDATE: Swiss Expat and Thai Wife in Phuket Apologize for Viral Kicking Incident, But Still Insists He Slipped By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A Swiss expat and his Thai wife have apologized to a Thai doctor and the Thai people for a viral kicking incident but the Swiss man still insists he slipped and the kick wasn’t on purpose. A press conference was held at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Friday (March 1st). Joining in the press conference were the Phuket Vice Governor Mr. Adul Choothong, Mr. David (Swiss national), and his Thai wife. Mr. Urs Beat Fehr (David), 45, a local foreign businessman who owns an elephant sanctuary said in English at the conference “I love Thailand. I always support Thai people. I am Swiss but Thailand is my home. I did not realize that this incident would turn out to be such a major issue.” Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-02 - 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

American Man Found with Bullet Arrested at Phuket Airport By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – An American man was arrested with a bullet at the Phuket International Airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321314-american-man-found-with-bullet-arrested-at-phuket-airport/

Phuket – An American man was arrested with a bullet at the Phuket International Airport. The Sakoo Police told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (February 29th) they were notified from the Phuket International Airport that staffer at an x-ray machine was screening passengers’ bags and luggage at the international terminal and found a bullet inside a foreign passenger’s luggage. The luggage owner who, is an American man, agreed to let airport security staffers search inside his luggage. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-02 - 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

Tangmo Nida Mum’s Ex-Legal Adviser Held For Swindling MP Candidate by TNR Staf Mr. Chaiwat Lomakul. Photo: Matichon ARRESTED today (March 1) on charges of swindling a party-list MP candidate out 20 million baht before last May election was the former legal adviser of Mrs. Panida Siriyuttayothin, the mother of late actress Pataratida Patcharawirapong, or Tangmo Nida, who drowned in Chao Phraya river during a speedboat trip in February 2022, Amarin TV said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321313-tangmo-nida-mum’s-ex-legal-adviser-held-for-swindling-mp-candidate/

ARRESTED today (March 1) on charges of swindling a party-list MP candidate out 20 million baht before last May election was the former legal adviser of Mrs. Panida Siriyuttayothin, the mother of late actress Pataratida Patcharawirapong, or Tangmo Nida, who drowned in Chao Phraya river during a speedboat trip in February 2022, Amarin TV said. Lumpini police charged Mr. Chaiwat Lomakul with joining two accomplices in swindling others, defaming others by advertising and spreading fake information online. Police said the three of them had deceived a party-list MP candidate of Seri Ruam Thai camp that the 20th slot on Pheu Thai’s roll of party-list MP candidates was still vacant and he could be selected for payment of 40 million baht. They convinced the victim to resign as Seri Ruam Thai’s party-list MP candidate to apply for the slot on Pheu Thai’s party list. by TNR Staff Picture: Mr. Chaiwat Lomakul. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-02 - 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

A SWISS MAN and his Thai wife apologised for assaulting and verbally abusing a Thai female doctor who they found sitting and watching the full moon on a staircase leading from theIr villa to Cape Yamu beach in Phuket on the night of Feb. 29, Naewna newspaper said. This morning the Phuket Times webpage broadcast a press conference attended by Phuket Deputy Governor Amnuay Pinsuwan and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sinlert Sukhum with this couple apologising for the incident. The Swiss man, only identified as Mr. David and owner of an elephant camp on the island, clasped his hands together in a wai and apologised to all Thai people for what happened. He mentioned that although he is a Swiss citizen, at present he considers Thailand his home and did not think the incident would escalate to this extent. He added that he got emotional because people are always encroaching on their private property with this happening every week. Most recently a group of seven to eight Chinese tourists entered their lawn next to the swimming pool within the villa. by TNR Staff TOP: Pixelated image of the Swiss businessman and his Thai wife. Photo: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-02 RELATED TOPIC Thai woman assaulted by Swiss man in Phuket https://aseannow.com/topic/1321119-thai-woman-assaulted-by-swiss-man-in-phuket/ - 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 Saturday 2 March 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1321311-thailand-live-saturday-2-march-2024/

Construction of the high-speed train station in Ayutthaya to begin in March File photo The State Railway of Thailand will begin the construction of a station for the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project in Ayutthaya province this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321281-construction-of-the-high-speed-train-station-in-ayutthaya-to-begin-in-march/

A SWISS MAN and his Thai wife apologised for assaulting and verbally abusing a Thai female doctor who they found sitting and watching the full moon on a staircase leading from theIr villa to Cape Yamu beach in Phuket on the night of Feb. 29, Naewna newspaper said. Swiss Man,Thai Wife Apologise For Assaulting Female Doctor Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321312-swiss-manthai-wife-apologise-for-assaulting-female-doctor/

Off-duty officer causes multiple collision in Samut Prakan by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A police officer driving under the influence of alcohol caused a multi-vehicle collision in Samut Prakan province, claiming a gearbox issue led to the crash. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321250-off-duty-officer-causes-multiple-collision-in-samut-prakan/

A police officer driving under the influence of alcohol caused a multi-vehicle collision in Samut Prakan province, claiming a gearbox issue led to the crash. The officer, who was driving a Toyota Vios, collided with a bus and then reversed into two parked pickup trucks. The incident, which occurred near Soi Nakhon Khuean Khan 8 in the Phra Pradaeng district, did not result in any injuries. A public bus service number 82, which runs between Phra Pradaeng and Pahurat, was struck from behind by a Toyota Vios sedan on Nakhon Khuean Khan Road yesterday at about 5pm. Eyewitnesses at the scene immediately noticed that the driver of the Vios, a police officer identified only by his first name, Pinij, appeared intoxicated. The front of the sedan sustained significant damage, with a shattered windshield, and the rear showed signs of multiple collisions. Following the crash, Pinij, a prevention and suppression officer at the Phra Pradaeng Police Station, exited his vehicle displaying behaviour indicative of alcohol consumption. He attributed the erratic driving to a malfunction with his vehicle’s gearbox. The authorities conducted an immediate investigation, which included sending Pinij for an alcohol test at Bangpakok 3 Hospital. The results are expected within 15 days. If found guilty, Pinij faces both legal and disciplinary actions. During this time, Pinij was undergoing training as part of the 53rd commissioning course at the Provincial Police Training School Region 1. Meanwhile, the bus driver, 66 year old Pitiya, recounted the moment his vehicle was hit. He was carrying passengers as usual when he felt the impact from behind. After stopping to inspect the damage, he witnessed the Vios collide with his bus two more times and reverse into two other parked vehicles, reported KhaoSod. Disciplinary action The incident drew attention from nearby residents, who gathered around the scene and were overheard commenting on the police officer’s condition. The police chief of Phra Pradaeng, Prasert Suk Suwan, was informed of the event, prompting an order for further inquiry and legal proceedings. The results of the blood alcohol test will determine the next steps, which may include disciplinary actions such as warnings, confinement to barracks, or duty suspension. The accident has raised concerns about drunk driving and the conduct of law enforcement officers while off duty. The police have recorded the incident and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to determine the full sequence of events. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-01 - 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

Don Mueang Airport combats congestion with designated drop lanes by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Skytrax An initiative to combat heavy traffic congestion at Don Mueang International Airport‘s Terminal 2 will see the enforcement of designated passenger drop lanes for taxi drivers starting today, March 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321247-don-mueang-airport-combats-congestion-with-designated-drop-lanes/

An initiative to combat heavy traffic congestion at Don Mueang International Airport‘s Terminal 2 will see the enforcement of designated passenger drop lanes for taxi drivers starting today, March 1. This mandate is part of the Transport Ministry’s broader strategy to enhance passenger experience at the nation’s largest low-carrier hub, an imperative necessity as the Songkran holiday period is expected to drive up passenger numbers at the airport. The ministry believes that this move will significantly alleviate the severe congestion usually witnessed outside Terminal 2 which primarily serves domestic flights. However, an exception has been made for taxis carrying passengers who need special assistance. These taxis will be directed to Gate 5 at Terminal 1, conveniently located just before Terminal 2, reported Bangkok Post. The new rule does not apply to vehicles carrying airport and airline personnel, who will still have the privilege of dropping off passengers directly at the gate. Private vehicles, too, have the option to use these passenger drop lanes if they wish to evade the typically heavy traffic outside Terminal 2. Aiding the entire operation, help staff will be stationed round-the-clock at gates 16 and 17, which are located right in front of the passenger drop lanes. Their role will be to improve traffic flow and provide continuous support to passengers, making their journey more seamless and efficient. In related news, in response to delays caused by Covid-19, Thai Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit promised improved traffic on Rama 2 Road ahead of the Songkran Festival. Construction setbacks prompted a timeline extension to June 2025, with measures implemented to penalize contractors failing to meet criteria. All construction activities were temporarily halted to alleviate anticipated holiday congestion. Plans for road expansions aimed to reduce travel time from Bangkok to Hua Hin to less than two hours. Despite being a longstanding project spanning over 50 years, Minister Suriya’s commitment underscores efforts to enhance traffic conditions during the festival. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Skytrax Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-01 - 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

Pakistani man arrested for posting nude pictures of Thai ex-wife by Petch Petpailin Immigration Bureau officers arrested a Pakistani man for posting nude pictures of his Thai ex-wife on social media platforms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321246-pakistani-man-arrested-for-posting-nude-pictures-of-thai-ex-wife/

Immigration Bureau officers arrested a Pakistani man for posting nude pictures of his Thai ex-wife on social media platforms. The immigration police reported the successful crackdowns on illegal foreigners in Thailand at a press conference yesterday, February 29. One of the cases was the arrest of a Pakistani man, 32 year old Shabas (alias), at a rented room in the Ramkamhaeng neighbourhood of Bangkok. Officers reported that the arrest followed a complaint by a Thai woman on September 12 last year. The woman sought help from the immigration police after she found explicit pictures of her had been shared by an unidentified Instagram and Facebook account. The woman believed that her ex-husband, Shabas, posted the pictures after they ended their relationship. Officers checked the social media accounts to confirm that they belonged to Shabas before issuing an arrest warrant. They tracked down Shabas and arrested him in the Ramkamhaeng area. Shabas confessed to the crime saying he created new social media accounts and posted nude pictures of his ex-wife. He said that he secretly took the pictures when they were in a relationship but did not clarify the motive for his actions. Shabas was charged under Section 14 of the Computer Act: importing explicit content into a computer system. The penalty is up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000, or both. In a similar report in February, a Thai woman sought help from the non-profit organisation Be One after her ex-boyfriend, who was a soldier, sold her explicit videos on social media. The victim revealed that she knew about the recordings during the relationship but the man assured her after they broke up that he already deleted them all. Another Thai woman was also betrayed by her ex-boyfriend. She revealed her story to the media in June last year that the man raped her and later asked if he could take care of her as his girlfriend. Her refusal made him angry and he sent her explicit pictures and videos to her friends and family members. by Petch Petpailin Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-01 - 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

Chem-mess: Essex man and Thai girlfriend nabbed for flat folly by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Essex Live An Essex man and his Thai girlfriend have been arrested for running a nefarious chemsex operation from her West London flat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321245-chem-mess-essex-man-and-thai-girlfriend-nabbed-for-flat-folly/

An Essex man and his Thai girlfriend have been arrested for running a nefarious chemsex operation from her West London flat. The 29 year old toy boy, Kane Duncan, hailing from Bracken Close, Loughton, found himself behind bars alongside his partner-in-crime, 42 year old Jurairat Suttabut, following revelations of their sordid dealings unveiled at Southwark Crown Court last Friday, February 23. Jurairat, the mastermind behind the operation, dabbled in peddling party drugs commonly associated with drug-fuelled orgies, using her abode at 552A Harrow Road as a clandestine hub. Her partner, Duncan, not only fed his addiction by selling the substances to friends but also aided Jurairat in her dubious enterprise, as disclosed in court proceedings. The operation’s exposure began with a police raid at the premises of wholesale buyer Hugh Boyle in Wandsworth, unearthing incriminating messages and payments linking back to Duncan’s bank account. Surveillance operations soon followed, culminating in a dramatic arrest where Jurairat, Duncan, and their accomplice Apathorn Emim were caught red-handed. Despite initial denials and a refusal to unlock their phones, Duncan and Jurairat eventually pleaded guilty, shedding light on the extent of their involvement in the illicit trade. Jurairat confessed to supplying a range of narcotics, while Duncan admitted to a lesser role, primarily driven by his voracious drug consumption, reported Essex Live. Defence counsel for Jurairat cited her tumultuous past in Thailand and her escape from debt bondage, painting a picture of desperation that led her into the drug trade. Meanwhile, Duncan’s legal representation portrayed him as a victim of his addiction, arguing that his actions were motivated by the need to sustain his drug habit rather than greed. However, Judge David Tomlinson remained unsympathetic, delivering harsh sentences to both culprits. Jurairat received a sentence of four years and six months, while Duncan was handed a term of two years and three months, with both set to serve a minimum before being eligible for release. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Essex Live Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-01 - 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 Plans Year-End Ban on Recreational Cannabis File photo for reference only In a bid to assert greater control over recreational cannabis consumption, Thailand is set to impose a ban by the end of the year, according to statements from the country's health minister in an exclusive interview with Reuters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321241-thailand-plans-year-end-ban-on-recreational-cannabis/

File photo for reference only In a bid to assert greater control over recreational cannabis consumption, Thailand is set to impose a ban by the end of the year, according to statements from the country's health minister in an exclusive interview with Reuters. Since blazing the trail in Southeast Asia with the legalization of medicinal marijuana in 2018, followed by the nod to recreational use in 2022, Thailand has witnessed a rapid proliferation of the cannabis market. The landscape now boasts an abundance of tens of thousands of cannabis outlets, with industry projections soaring to a monumental $1.2 billion valuation by the upcoming fiscal year. However, amidst this exponential growth, concerns have surfaced regarding the swift implementation of regulations, which were swiftly introduced within a week of decriminalization. In response to these apprehensions, the Thai government is moving forward with drafting a comprehensive law designed to oversee cannabis consumption, slated for enactment by year-end. Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew disclosed during a Wednesday briefing the urgency of establishing robust regulations, stressing the imminent risk of cannabis misuse, particularly in recreational contexts. The proposed legislation is expected to undergo meticulous scrutiny within the cabinet next month, followed by parliamentary review, with the aim of securing final approval before the year's end. "The detrimental effects of cannabis misuse on Thai children are concerning," he emphasized. "In the long term, it could potentially pave the way for involvement with other substances." The preceding administration failed to pass legislation through parliament prior to the general election last May, leaving Thailand without a comprehensive law to regulate cannabis use, reported Reuters. Cholnan further stated that cannabis shops operating unlawfully will not be permitted to continue, and domestic cultivation of cannabis will also be discouraged. He noted that currently, there are approximately 20,000 legally registered shops. "In the forthcoming law, cannabis will be classified as a controlled plant, necessitating permission for cultivation," he explained. "We will encourage cannabis cultivation for medical and health-related purposes." Under the proposed legislation, penalties for recreational cannabis use could include fines of up to 60,000 baht ($1,700). Individuals involved in selling cannabis for recreational purposes or engaging in the promotion or marketing of cannabis products could face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($2,800), or both. Furthermore, the draft law imposes harsher penalties for unauthorized cannabis cultivation, including prison sentences ranging from one to three years and fines ranging from 20,000 baht ($560) to 300,000 baht ($8,000). The minister also emphasized that permits will now be required for the import, export, cultivation, and commercial use of cannabis. Acknowledging the economic potential of the cannabis industry, the government intends to provide businesses with a transition period to adapt to the new regulations, Cholnan noted. Existing shops will be allowed to operate until their licenses expire and have the option to convert into legal cannabis clinics if they comply with the new regulations. He also reassured that the new regulations would not adversely affect tourism. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-01 - 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand PM unveils plan to become global cargo distribution hub by Mitch Connor FILE PHOTO: A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER plane takes off from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport February 23, 2015. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo/File Photo Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin envisions the country as a regional aviation centre and one of the world’s top five cargo distribution hubs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321237-thailand-pm-unveils-plan-to-become-global-cargo-distribution-hub/

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin envisions the country as a regional aviation centre and one of the world’s top five cargo distribution hubs. During a live broadcast scheduled for Friday at 9.30am, the premier will elaborate on this ambitious plan on the government’s NBT television channel and various online and social media platforms. The news of this upcoming discourse was made public through PM Srettha’s Twitter account yesterday. Post this announcement, Airports of Thailand (AoT) President Kerati Kijmanawat shared a sneak peek of the Ignite Thailand, Aviation Hub campaign. Kerati stated that AoT has already put forth the plan for the hub vision to PM Srettha. He added that the prime minister would reveal the key details of the plan today, reported Bangkok Post. Kerati, addressing the Bangkok-born Srettha’s concerns about accelerating airport services in time for next month’s Songkran festival, stated that several measures have been implemented to ensure the quality and speed of airport services. During the 62 year old Thai prime minister’s recent visit to Suvarnabhumi Airport, he emphasised this matter. Responding to this, Kerati announced the recruitment of an additional 800 airport personnel to aid security checks and assist passengers. These recruits will commence their duties in rotating shifts starting from March 30. Furthermore, to manage rush-hour queues effectively at the nation’s primary air gateway, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau (IB) is expanding its workforce. The bureau has hired 200 extra immigration officers, who are set to start working today, at Division 2 situated at Suvarnabhumi airport, with an additional 400 officers joining later, as per Kerati. He also unveiled plans to introduce 20 automatic passport-check channels, furnished with advanced technology, at both departure and arrivals halls from June 15. The remaining 60 channels are due to be installed by July 15. Kerati suggested the potential for a quicker pre-departure security check process if the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) approves AoT’s proposal to abolish time-consuming protocols such as mandatory shoe removal for passengers. Samart Ratchapolsitte, the deputy leader of the Democrat Party, is urging the government to hasten the expansion plan for Suvarnabhumi Airport. by Mitch Connor FILE PHOTO: A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER plane takes off from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport February 23, 2015. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo/File Photo Full story: The Thaiger 2024-03-01 - 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

Bank of Thailand to accept virtual banking licences applications by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bank of Thailand This month, the Bank of Thailand is set to welcome applications for virtual banking licences, a move that has piqued the interest of numerous business operators. The finance ministry is currently in possession of a draft outlining the regulations for virtual banking, which is due to be made public in the Royal Gazette. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1321234-bank-of-thailand-to-accept-virtual-banking-licences-applications/