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Pol Gen Surachate refutes online gambling extortion allegation Embattled deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, called a press conference today to declare his innocence, after he was among five police officers charged by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for allegedly extorting money from an illegal online gambling network. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320610-pol-gen-surachate-refutes-online-gambling-extortion-allegation/

Embattled deputy national police chief, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, called a press conference today to declare his innocence, after he was among five police officers charged by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) for allegedly extorting money from an illegal online gambling network. He disclosed that, after his house was searched on September 25th last year in connection with the “Minny” online gambling network investigation, he and his four subordinates were charged with extortion, but he has not yet been summoned to acknowledge the charge. The case is also being investigated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), related to alleged malfeasance in office, in accordance with Section 157 of the Criminal Code, but the CIB has asked for the case to be returned to them for further investigation. Surachate said he suspects that the charges against him are intended to discredit him, adding that the NACC has not yet filed any charges against him, after having accepted the case for investigation. The Minnie online gambling network is reported to have had about 300 million baht transferred into its coffers from numerous “mule” bank accounts. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-23 - 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 Friday 23 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1320609-thailand-live-friday-23-february-2024/

American expat escapes Thai jail time for scathing hotel review Photo courtesy of Pinterest An American expat living in Thailand faced a nightmare scenario when his negative TripAdvisor review landed him in hot water with the law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320593-american-expat-escapes-thai-jail-time-for-scathing-hotel-review/

Early morning in Karon, Phuket, saw a British tourist sustain a knife injury following a dispute over money with three local ladyboys in his condominium, located near the base of Kata Hill. British tourist injured in money dispute with Thai ladyboys in Phuket By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo courtesy of Karon Police Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320603-british-tourist-injured-in-money-dispute-with-thai-ladyboys-in-phuket/

Phuket Tourist Police arrest illegal foreign tour guides by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320556-phuket-tourist-police-arrest-illegal-foreign-tour-guides/

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. Phuket Tourist Police, under directives from the National Police Office, has intensified efforts to purge the province of unauthorised tour guides, particularly in major tourist destinations. This move is part of a broader enforcement of regulations governing the tourism industry to ensure compliance with Thai law. The operation, involving units from Tourist Police Division 3 (Phuket and Phang Nga), resulted in the detention of Ihor Shchedrov, a Ukrainian national, near the parking lot of an elephant camp on Wiset Road, Rawai, in Phuket. He was apprehended for acting as a tour guide without the necessary license as stipulated by the Tour Business and Guide Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and its amendment, the Tour Business and Guide Act (No. 2) B.E. 2559 (2016). Additionally, Shchedrov was charged with working in a capacity beyond his visa privileges, reported KhaoSod. The second individual detained, Fawang Saeluy, was found operating in the Talad Yai area of Phuket. Saeluy, a stateless person from the highlands, was similarly arrested for working without a work permit and for guiding tours without authorization, violating the same legal provisions. Both suspects were taken into custody and their cases have been submitted to the respective local police stations—Chalong and Phuket City—for further legal proceedings. A similar event was reported last year. The Department of Employment had arrested two foreign nationals for illegally working as tour guides in Bangkok. They faced charges and potential deportation for violating work permit regulations. The two foreign nationals were arrested by the Department of Employment (DoE) for illegally working as tour guides in Bangkok. They were caught near the Ratchaprasong intersection in the Pathumwan district. The suspects, a Chinese and a Vietnamese national, were detained after the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand (PGAT) lodged complaints last week that foreign tour guides were stealing their jobs. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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: Thai drug addict crashes pickup, killing 2 students, injuring 13 by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Borderpress Songkhla A Thai man addicted to drugs crashed his pickup into a roadside pavilion in the Sadao district in the southern province of Songkhla yesterday, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to 13 other pupils. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320492-two-scouts-killed-and-13-others-injured-in-a-road-accident-in-sadao-district/?do=findComment&comment=18712831

Thai drug addict crashes pickup, killing 2 students, injuring 13 by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Borderpress Songkhla A Thai man addicted to drugs crashed his pickup into a roadside pavilion in the Sadao district in the southern province of Songkhla yesterday, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to 13 other pupils. Officers from Sadao Police Station were alerted to the fatal car accident at about 11am yesterday, February 21. The accident took place when a group of more than 20 students and teachers were attending a Boy Scout activity at the roadside pavilion near the primary school, Baan Phuteaw School. Police discovered the damaged pickup, a grey Isuzu, at the scene, but the driver was not present. The pavilion was also damaged, with its roof crashing down. Police had to coordinate with several rescue foundations due to the number of injuries. Fifteen students and teachers were injured, including seven boys, seven girls, and a 42 year old female teacher named Phatcharee Intalay. Rescuers took each victim to Sadao Hospital, Padang Besar Hospital, and Hat Yai Hospital. Unfortunately, two children, a girl named Autsananee Lungputeh and a boy named Suriya Chandra, died on the way. The pickup driver, 35 year old Witsanu Thongsai, surrendered himself at Sadao Police Station later in the day. Officers discovered drugs in his system and took him to the hospital for a further drug test. Police denied his bail request and issued three charges against him including: Section 291 of the Criminal Law: driving recklessly causing death. The penalty is imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. Section 162 of the Narcotics Control Act: using Category 1 drug. The penalty is imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Section 43 of the Land Traffic Act: using drugs while driving, which causes the death of another person. The penalty will be imprisonment from three to 10 years, a fine from 60,000 to 200,000 baht, and driving licence withdrawal. Hat Yai Hospital announced last night that it urgently needs blood from all groups of accident victims. The blood donation centre is open daily from 8am to 6pm on the fourth floor of the hospital. Baan Phuteaw School announced that the families of the two dead students will receive a compensation of 10,000 baht each, while the families of the injured victims will be provided with 5,000 baht each from the school. Additionally, the school offers life insurance coverage for every student, with a payout of 50,000 baht for fatalities and 5,000 baht for each injury. Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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

Dublin’s AerCap lends 17 aircraft to Thai Airways by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Airways Thai Airways International (THAI) and AerCap have signed agreements to lease 17 aircraft to THAI. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320554-dublin’s-aercap-lends-17-aircraft-to-thai-airways/

Thai Airways International (THAI) and AerCap have signed agreements to lease 17 aircraft to THAI. These aircraft include four Airbus A350-900, three Boeing 787-9, and 10 Airbus A321neo airliners. THAI acquired these in 2023 as part of its short-term fleet development. Two of the four A350 aircraft have been transferred over and the other two will be sent to THAI within the first two quarters of this year. The 787 aircraft will be delivered in the second quarter of next year. As for the A321neo airliners, these will be handed over from the third quarter of next year through the second quarter of the following year, 2026. AerCap chief Peter Anderson welcomed the alliance, stating that the relationship between AerCap and THAI began in the 1990s and has continued to grow and strengthen. THAI CEO Chai Eamsiri expressed that the addition of the new aircraft will aid operation capacity and increase passenger satisfaction. The new airliners will also help meet market demands, reported Airways mag. In related news, THAI made headlines by sealing a monumental deal with Boeing, announcing an order for at least 45 aircraft. The airline confirmed on Wednesday, February 13, that the order, which includes options for additional jets, will see the new aircraft joining its fleet between 2027 and 2033. This strategic investment comes at a crucial time for Boeing, offering a much-needed boost following a recent accident on an Alaska Airlines flight that left the company under intense scrutiny. In other news, Transport Minister Suriya Jungroongreangkit issued a warning to THAI following a series of complaints about subpar ground services at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. In a bid to address the mounting concerns, a high-stakes meeting was convened with key players, namely THAI Ground and Bangkok Flight Services. Despite urging airlines to utilise the SAT-1 terminal during taxiway repairs, reluctance persists, primarily due to apprehensions regarding luggage handling. The transport minister underscored the pivotal role of enhanced airport management, especially in ground services and luggage handling, to bolster Thailand’s position as a premier aviation hub. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Airways Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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 police officers face bankruptcy with debt over 300 billion baht by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Police General Torsak Sukvimol has indicated that a multitude of law enforcement officers across Thailand are facing impending bankruptcy due to an accumulated debt totalling around 300 billion baht. This revelation came about during his interaction with the House committee tasked with reviewing the 2024 annual budget expenditure bill. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320551-thai-police-officers-face-bankruptcy-with-debt-over-300-billion-baht/

Police General Torsak Sukvimol has indicated that a multitude of law enforcement officers across Thailand are facing impending bankruptcy due to an accumulated debt totalling around 300 billion baht. This revelation came about during his interaction with the House committee tasked with reviewing the 2024 annual budget expenditure bill. Pol. Gen. Torsak was summoned to respond to inquiries concerning the Royal Thai Police’s (RTP) 117 billion baht budget allotment. He openly addressed the committee, revealing the dire financial straits many officers are in, with some even struggling to own a home due to their enormous debt, reported Bangkok Post. “Regarding welfare housing, I am asking for a budget to build central flats for officers. If their living conditions improve, they will feel more motivated to serve and protect the people.” Pol. Gen. Torsak further stressed the importance of enhancing the quality of life for police officers to inspire them to be more dedicated to maintaining peace and order. “Every project undertaken by the RTP is accountable and transparent. If there is something suspicious, I will not sign it.” Pol. Gen. Torsak also highlighted staffing issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past three years. He cited an instance of a police station near Bangkok, built to accommodate up to 200 officers, being understaffed by half. This shortage subsequently burdens the remaining officers, who are tasked with serving approximately 400,000 locals, including the unregistered populace. In response to the shortage of police investigators, Pol. Gen. Torsak mentioned that several units were actively seeking solutions. He partly attributed this problem to other state agencies borrowing police investigators for their operations, resulting in a pressing need for replacements to avoid exacerbating the shortage. Until a resolution is found, police stations have been forced to reassess staff deployment, reassigning some personnel and sending others to stations critically short of staff. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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

Teen mum caught on CCTV locking toddler in dog cage by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail A 17 year old mother was caught on CCTV footage physically assaulting her two year old daughter, confining her in a dog cage within a residence in Plutaluang Subdistrict, Sattahip on Monday, February 19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320550-teen-mum-caught-on-cctv-locking-toddler-in-dog-cage/

A 17 year old mother was caught on CCTV footage physically assaulting her two year old daughter, confining her in a dog cage within a residence in Plutaluang Subdistrict, Sattahip on Monday, February 19. The distressing footage sent shockwaves across social media platforms, triggering swift action from local authorities. In response to the outcry, Plutaluang police officers, accompanied by village headman Chanchai Nijasin and other officials, immediately launched an investigation at the scene. Chanchai disclosed that the teen mum admitted to disciplining her child by confining her in the dog cage. However, she claimed her actions were aimed at correcting the child’s mischievous behaviour and garnering the attention of the baby’s father, rather than causing harm. Further scrutiny uncovered that the child frequently played with the family dog and sometimes entered the dog cage voluntarily. The mother described her child as stubborn, justifying her disciplinary measures. Remarkably, authorities found no visible signs of physical injury on the child during the examination. The stepmother of the 17 year old revealed that the child’s father had previous legal entanglements with the baby’s mother regarding underage matters, leading to their separation. She added that the young mother admitted to disciplining the child due to perceived disorderly conduct. Consequently, the father shared the CCTV footage on social media to initiate legal action against the young mother, reported Pattaya Mail. Police Colonel Khomsan Kamtunkaew, Superintendent of Plutaluang Police Station, disclosed that the child has been placed under the care of the Child and Family Shelter in Chon Buri for psychological evaluation. The young mother, alongside her stepmother and biological father, will undergo a professional assessment and further questioning regarding the incident to ensure appropriate action is taken. In related news, a 24 year old man was arrested yesterday in the Klong Toey district of Bangkok on charges of abducting and molesting a young girl under the age of 15 and committing rape of a child under the age of 13. The suspect, identified only as Thanachot, was apprehended following a mother’s shocking discovery of her daughter’s ordeal, which led to a police report and subsequent arrest warrant. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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 Cabinet rejects gender recognition bill, citing crime concerns by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ RSAT- Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand The Thai Cabinet yesterday rejected the proposed Act on Gender Recognition, Title, and Protection of Gender Diversity, citing concerns about false identities if people are allowed to use preferred titles. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320549-thai-cabinet-rejects-gender-recognition-bill-citing-crime-concerns/

The Thai Cabinet yesterday rejected the proposed Act on Gender Recognition, Title, and Protection of Gender Diversity, citing concerns about false identities if people are allowed to use preferred titles. The titles of people in the LGBTQA+ community have been trending on Thai social media since a transgender model, Phacharanat “Mimi” Nobantao, questioned why Thai citizens were unable to choose their preferred titles according to their gender identities. Move Forward Party (MFP) member of Parliament Tunyawaj Kamonwongwat addressed the matter during a parliamentary meeting yesterday, presenting the Act on Gender Recognition, Title, and Protection of Gender Diversity. Tunyawaj argued that while the constitution protects human dignity, rights, freedom and equality, there is no existing law that recognises the identity of LGBTQA+ people, which is considered a violation of human dignity. Tunyawaj went on to explain that Thailand also adheres to the gender binary system, which affects daily life and self-expression. Tunyawaj said that the main idea of this law was self-determination, which would encourage society to embrace diversity. Despite Tunyawaj’s efforts, the majority of Cabinet members opposed the act, with 256 disapprovals, 152 approvals, one abstention, and one absence. Deceptive identity concerns Pheu Thai Party MP Teerachai Saenkaew expressed his opinion saying the extreme law could lead to problems such as deception or harassment. Some people might change their titles to deceive or harass others. However, he saw that LGBTQA+ people should have the right to include their titles in official documents. Another MP from the Pheu Thai Party, Anusorn Iamsa-ard, stated that LQBTQA+ people had dignity and could be proud of themselves even without titles. Anusorn then sang a song, “Ladyboys protest (กระเทยประท้วง),” by Thai singer Poyfai Malaiporn, which can be translated… “I am proud, proud to be a ladyboy, even if people make fun of me. I don’t care. It’s normal to be judged.” Anusorn also added that the right to choose preferred titles violates other people’s rights by hiding the gender assigned to them at birth. Disapproval of the bill sparked controversy on Thai social media yesterday, February 21. Many Thai netizens saw that the country does not open and embrace gender diversity even if several events and activities were held to promote it before, such as a huge pride parade and events last year. Some pointed out the irony of promoting the Thai Boys Love series globally while denying citizens the right to express their gender identities. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ RSAT- Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-22 - 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

Do you need elderly care and want to retire in Thailand? A real life scenario Craig shares his experience of bringing his father to Thailand to be cared for in a Thai care home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320548-do-you-need-elderly-care-and-want-to-retire-in-thailand-a-real-life-scenario/

Craig shares his experience of bringing his father to Thailand to be cared for in a Thai care home. He shares his experience and research so others have some insight on what to expect and loops you will jump through. Please support our channel by liking, commenting and subscribing. We would love to hear from you. Craig McAvenue lives in Pattaya and Bangkok and is the Wealth Management Director of Tenzing Pacific Services https://www.ten-pac.com providing financial services, insurance, pensions and advise.

Polluted water flowing into Kamala Beach again By Peter Roche PHOTO: Khaosod Deja Vu, again. Polluted water is once more running into Kamala Beach and flowing into the popular coastal seas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320547-polluted-water-flowing-into-kamala-beach-again/

Deja Vu, again. Polluted water is once more running into Kamala Beach and flowing into the popular coastal seas. The Phuket News reporters spoke to a number of tourists on the beach on February 21, who simply shook their heads at the scene. While the tourists did enter the water at Kamala Beach, they were careful to stay away from the area where black waste water was flowing directly into the sea, giving off a foul smell. One questioned why the local authorities didn’t do something to address the problem – a problem that has been raised numerous times over the past decade. This was echoed by one of the local beach operators, who reiterated that it’s been a long-term problem at Kamala Beach. By Peter Roche PHOTO: Khaosod Full story: PhuketGO 2024-02-22 - 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 poor police & Thaksin's selfie - Tim Newton Today - Feb 22 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320545-thailands-poor-police-thaksins-selfie-tim-newton-today-feb-22/

Thailand news - Thaksin receives another ex-PM as a visitor whilst debate continues about his future plans, hotel and room rates are up in the south, whilst the tourist demographics are also quite different. A vicious crime in Pattaya will be receiving some coverage in Chinese media, a tragedy in Thailand's Deep South, and Thailand's police are poor, with staff shortages also leaving some Thai police stations under-staffed. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thai-US mission launched to find remains of missing HTMS Sukhothai crew The Thai and US navies launched a joint operation today, to search for the remains of five crew missing from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai corvette, to salvage some weaponry and to disable some US-made military equipment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320541-thai-us-mission-launched-to-find-remains-of-missing-htms-sukhothai-crew/

The Thai and US navies launched a joint operation today, to search for the remains of five crew missing from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai corvette, to salvage some weaponry and to disable some US-made military equipment. A US navy ship, the “Ocean Valor”, from the US naval base in Hawaii, and a flotilla of Royal Thai Navy (RTN) vessels, including the Rattanakosin, two mine sweepers, two frigates and one mid-sized troop carrier, 17 American and 40 Thai divers are involved in the operation. The US navy ship is part of the US military presence in the Cobra Gold military exercise, involving military personnelfrom Thailand, the US and some allies. Thai and foreign reporters will observe the operation from one of the RTN vessels, which left the port in Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan early this morning. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-22 - 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