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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 6 September 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337454-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-6-september-2024/

NEWS - 06-September.mp4 The government will move ahead with plans to introduce casinos after a public hearing showed strong support to create a big entertainment complex offering gambling, Casinos and most forms of gambling are illegal here, but soccer betting, underground gaming activities, and lotteries are widespread. Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar, and the Philippines have legalized casinos that attract many Thai customers. Fishermen in Samut Songkhram filed a lawsuit yesterday, demanding over 2.4 billion baht in compensation for damages caused by the uncontrolled spread of blackchin tilapia fish. The lawsuit claims that CPF Group failed to prevent the fish, which was imported from Ghana in 2010 for breeding research, from invading local waterways. Plans for an 11 kilometer monorail have been approved for pattaya, despite its high construction costs, the monorail is considered best suited for the city due to its minimal structural footprint. The project will likely involve A public-private partnership investment. Construction is expected to start in 2027. Nine railway projects, including the 357-kilometer second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail system, will be submitted for cabinet approval next month. All nine projects will require an investment of 661 billion baht. Bidding for the second phase, which will link Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, is expected later this year, with construction completed in late 2028. Around the region Filipinos turned to social media to express their outrage after Philippine government officials meant to escort fugitive ex-mayor Alice Guo back to the country to face criminal charges casually posed for photos with her while processing her deportation. One official said he asked for the picture as proof they had apprehended Guo, and did not realise she was posing for the camera. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: Thundershowers 34C degrees celsius Bangkok: heaThunder showers 32 Pattaya: Thundershowers 30 Phuket and the south: Thundershowers 30C Hua Hin: Cloudy start, clearing up, expect some isolated showers later 31C. Much the same over the weekend . AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-09-06 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Doctor to Appeal After Swiss Man Acquitted in Assault Case File photo courtesy: Komchadluek Dr. Tharndao "Pai" Jandam, a well-known local physician, has signalled her intention to appeal following the Phuket Provincial Court's recent acquittal of a Swiss national accused of assaulting her. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337452-phuket-doctor-to-appeal-after-swiss-man-acquitted-in-assault-case/

Dr. Tharndao "Pai" Jandam, a well-known local physician, has signalled her intention to appeal following the Phuket Provincial Court's recent acquittal of a Swiss national accused of assaulting her. The Phuket court dismissed the charges on 3rd September, citing insufficient evidence and granting the defendant the benefit of the doubt. Despite the setback, Dr. Pai remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice. "I apologise to all the Thai people who may feel let down by this verdict. I share the same feelings of sadness and disappointment," she stated. Dr. Pai emphasised her commitment to the truth, clarifying that she has not accepted any money or bribes and is prepared to take her case to higher courts. The case has captured public attention due to the high-profile nature of both the accused and the victim. The Swiss man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was initially charged with physically assaulting Dr. Pai during an altercation that took place earlier this year. The incident, widely discussed on social media, prompted a significant public outcry, calling for a fair and transparent investigation. During the trial, the defence argued that there was a lack of substantial evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The court agreed, resulting in the controversial dismissal of the case. However, Dr. Pai and her supporters believe that crucial aspects of the incident were overlooked and are determined to bring those to light in an appellate court. Legal experts suggest that the appeals process could be lengthy, potentially taking several months before a new hearing is scheduled. Meanwhile, Dr. Pai has garnered support from various advocacy groups and individuals who are pressing for a thorough review of the case. As this legal saga continues to unfold, the public remains keenly interested in the developments, hoping for a resolution that upholds justice and accountability. File photo courtesy: Komchadluek -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Urgent Calls for Stricter Controls on Dangerous Dogs after Fatal Attacks File photo courtesy: Pixabay Lopburi was shaken by a tragic incident on August 30th, when two American Bully dogs fatally attacked an 18-year-old boy in his own home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337444-urgent-calls-for-stricter-controls-on-dangerous-dogs-after-fatal-attacks/

Lopburi was shaken by a tragic incident on August 30th, when two American Bully dogs fatally attacked an 18-year-old boy in his own home. The dogs had been living with the victim’s elder brother, a junior policeman, for just one week. The brother, who owned the dogs since their birth, shared that his younger sibling had previously played with them, leaving the reason for the vicious attack a mystery. CCTV footage captured the harrowing moments before the attack, showing the teenager running down the stairs to escape, only to be mauled by the dogs on the ground floor. The Bullies inflicted fatal injuries, including tearing off the boy’s ears. Devastated, the family has since decided to seek new homes for the dogs. This tragedy is the latest in a string of fatal dog attacks in Thailand. Last year, two pit bulls killed a 78-year-old bedridden woman in Lampang. Similar attacks have also resulted in deaths in Udon Thani and among strangers caught by aggressive dogs in public, reported Thai PBS. Roger Lohanan, CEO and founder of the Thai Animal Guardians Association (TAGA), stressed the importance of clearly defining "dangerous dogs" and establishing control measures. According to Roger, dangerous dogs should be identified based on behaviour rather than breed, including any animals that have harmed humans or other pets or caused accidents. DogsBite.org reports that in the United States, around 1,000 people require emergency treatment for serious dog bites each month, with annual hospitalisations reaching 12,480. Over a 15-year period ending in 2019, dogs were responsible for 521 American fatalities, with pit bulls accounting for 66% of these deaths. In response, the Thai Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry plans to introduce regulations by early next year, focusing on securely containing dangerous dogs and enforcing stringent handling measures. Owners will face fines ranging from Bt10,000 to Bt40,000 for violations, aiming to ensure safety and prevent future tragedies. File photo courtesy: Pixabay -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

£230k from Jersey bank returned to Thailand after corruption probe by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Google via BBC News More than £230,000 (about 10 million baht) seized from a Jersey bank account is being returned to Thailand following a high-profile investigation spearheaded by US police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337441-£230k-from-jersey-bank-returned-to-thailand-after-corruption-probe/

More than £230,000 (about 10 million baht) seized from a Jersey bank account is being returned to Thailand following a high-profile investigation spearheaded by US police. The funds were linked to a major corruption scandal allegedly involving Gerald and Patricia Martha Green, who were found guilty of bribing former Thai Tourism Authority Governor Juthamas Siriwan and her daughter, Jittisopa. The bribes, given between 2003 and 2007, secured contracts for the Greens to run projects like the prestigious Bangkok International Film Festival. In 2009, the Greens were convicted of money laundering and bribery in the US, while the Siriwans faced their legal reckoning in Thailand for their part in the offences. Jersey’s Attorney General confirmed that a substantial sum of £236,173.81, held in a bank account owned by Siriwan, was first sent to the US before being repatriated to Thailand. Attorney General Mark Temple KC commented on the case. “The successful repatriation of the funds serves to underline the commitment of the Jersey authorities to draw upon both criminal and civil powers as a means to assist its overseas partners in the global fight against corruption.” He further noted that the recovered amount represents only a fraction of the total losses Thailand is believed to have suffered through illicit dealings, reported BBC News. In related news, a senior mechanic and the chief of a truck weigh station in Ayutthaya’s Wang Noi district has been arrested in a shocking corruption bust. Officers from the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, alongside Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officials, swooped in this morning, catching the suspect at his home near the station. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Google via BBC News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-06 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 6 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1337440-thailand-live-friday-6-september-2024/

Fraud Scandal Rocks Phuket Condo Project: Aussies Demand Justice File photo In a scandal shaking Thailand's real estate sector, two Australian men have filed a fraud complaint against Kata Beach Company, the developer behind the ill-fated Peaks Residences project in Phuket. Despite investing over 5 million baht and winning a civil court case, the pair have yet to receive any compensation, prompting calls for greater accountability and justice. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337411-fraud-scandal-rocks-phuket-condo-project-aussies-demand-justice/

Five Senior Police Officers Transferred Post Nightclub Shooting File photo for reference only In a swift and unexpected move, five senior police officers in Hua Hin have been reassigned following a tragic shooting incident at an unlicensed nightclub, which left one soldier dead and three individuals injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the serene resort town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337429-five-senior-police-officers-transferred-post-nightclub-shooting/

A 42-year-old Swedish man named Ahmet recently found himself the victim of a heartbreaking scam after falling for a Thai woman he met online. The deception cost him over 300,000 baht (approximately £7,000), and now Ahmet is seeking help to recover his money and ensure his safety. Swedish Man Scammed by Thai Woman, Loses Over 300,000 Baht Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337385-swedish-man-scammed-by-thai-woman-loses-over-300000-baht/ Picture courtesy: Amarin TV

Deputy Finance Minister reveals 'Casino Bill' likely to receive 80% approval Picture courtesy: Bangkokbiz News At Government House, Mr. Chulphan Amornvivat, the Deputy Finance Minister, shared updates about the progress of the 'Casino Bill' and the work of the new Finance Minister team. He stated that the current team is very capable and works well together. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337390-deputy-finance-minister-reveals-casino-bill-likely-to-receive-80-approval/

At Government House, Mr. Chulphan Amornvivat, the Deputy Finance Minister, shared updates about the progress of the 'Casino Bill' and the work of the new Finance Minister team. He stated that the current team is very capable and works well together. Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has great expertise in capital markets and the private sector. Mr. Paopum Rojanasakul, the other Deputy Finance Minister, has strong academic knowledge, making them a good team. Mr. Chulaphan believes this combination will help boost the economy. He mentioned several pending policies that need to be pushed forward, such as the digital wallet project, the Vayuphak Fund, and the Financial Hub, among others. These initiatives are aimed at stimulating the economy and must be completed quickly. Regarding the entertainment complex, which includes the proposed casino, Mr. Chulaphan noted that this idea has been around for a long time and had previously been studied by the parliament. The findings were sent to the cabinet, which then ordered a public hearing to gauge public opinion. Mr. Chulaphan revealed that the public hearing on the draft bill has been completed, with 80% of the respondents reportedly agreeing with the proposal. Currently, the government is following the legal process to amend and improve the bill based on the feedback received during the public hearing. They are taking the public's opinions into consideration and making necessary adjustments. Next, the revised bill will be sent to the Cabinet, where all coalition parties will discuss and decide whether to approve it. If both the coalition parties and the Cabinet agree, the bill will then be reviewed by the Council of State before being sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Mr. Chulaphan emphasized that they are not rushing the process and are following all legal steps, aiming to introduce the bill when the timing is right. Picture courtesy: Bangkokbiz News -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Swedish Man Scammed by Thai Woman, Loses Over 300,000 Baht Picture courtesy: Amarin TV A 42-year-old Swedish man named Ahmet recently found himself the victim of a heartbreaking scam after falling for a Thai woman he met online. The deception cost him over 300,000 baht (approximately £7,000), and now Ahmet is seeking help to recover his money and ensure his safety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337385-swedish-man-scammed-by-thai-woman-loses-over-300000-baht/

Swedish Man Scammed by Thai Woman, Loses Over 300,000 Baht Picture courtesy: Amarin TV A 42-year-old Swedish man named Ahmet recently found himself the victim of a heartbreaking scam after falling for a Thai woman he met online. The deception cost him over 300,000 baht (approximately £7,000), and now Ahmet is seeking help to recover his money and ensure his safety. Ahmet met the woman through a dating app in June and soon believed he had found true love. By late July, she had convinced him to send money for a wedding, claiming they should equally share the expenses. Ahmet sent a whopping 359,000 baht before he travelled to Sukhothai on August 25 to meet her in person. Upon arrival, he was left waiting in a temporary room she said belonged to a relative. After two days of silence, Ahmet realised he had been deceived. Desperate, he sought the help of local rescue workers engaged in flood relief efforts in the area. They were able to contact the woman and arrange a traditional engagement ceremony on August 30, as a stand-in for the now vanishing wedding plans. However, things took an even darker turn when the woman’s husband, a soldier from Tak province, called the rescue team, asserting that he was still legally married to her and that he planned to take legal action against Ahmet. Shocked and scared, Ahmet went to the Sri Samrong Police Station to file a fraud complaint. Despite the dire situation, the police refused to accept his complaint. During this chaotic scene, the angry husband confronted Ahmet, verbally abusing and even pushing him at the police station. Feeling unsafe and keen to retrieve his lost money, Ahmet turned to Mr. Ekapop Leungprasert, advisor to the Minister of the Interior and the founder of the Saimaithongrod Facebook page, for assistance. Ahmet's troubling experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of online relationships and making financial commitments based on them. While he continues his fight for justice, his story highlights the importance of being vigilant in the digital age. -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Indian Man Goes Crazy, Damages Hair Salon, Gets Violent & Strips Naked in Jail Cell Picture courtesy of Ch3. A chaotic scene unfolded in the heart of Bangkok, on September 4, when a foreign man, later identified as a 38-year-old Indian national, went on a rampage at a hair salon in the busy Siam Square area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337346-indian-man-goes-crazy-damages-hair-salon-gets-violent-strips-naked-in-jail-cell/

Luxury Behind Bars? Police Probe Hotel-Like Prison Services Picture courtesy: X-bombert Provincial Police Region 7 has launched a thorough investigation into reports of hotel-like services being offered to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337347-luxury-behind-bars-police-probe-hotel-like-prison-services/

Picture courtesy: X-bombert Provincial Police Region 7 has launched a thorough investigation into reports of hotel-like services being offered to inmates at a prison in the central province of Samut Sakhon. This comes after two former prisoners shared their experiences of an unexpectedly comfortable life behind bars, revealing alleged corruption among the local police. The case came to light when a 26-year-old male inmate, referred to as A, and a 30-year-old female inmate, referred to as B, contacted social media influencer Guntouch “Gun” Jompalang to expose the supposed luxury treatment they received during their incarceration. Former inmate B expressed her astonishment at the situation, explaining that she was initially placed in an "open" zone for those without money, while inmates with financial means were housed in a "closed" zone with personal space and more amenities. According to B, inmates could essentially buy their way to a more comfortable existence in prison. B disclosed that basic items and services such as boiled water, instant noodles, and coffee were available for prices ranging from 50 to 100 baht (£1.17 to £2.34). For 100 baht (£2.34), inmates could rent a comfortable bed and blanket, and even have someone make the bed, mimicking a hotel stay. Male inmate A corroborated B’s claims, adding that inmates could rent a mobile phone for 100 baht and use it until 7 a.m. the next day, provided they kept it away from security cameras. A phone charger could be rented for 30 baht per hour. Additionally, Kratom drinks, cigarettes, and even marijuana were reportedly available, thrown through a window by someone outside the police station. B also mentioned the involvement of a Burmese inmate, who appeared to take over some duties typically performed by the police, raising further questions about the prison management. The exposé has put a spotlight on the prevalence of corruption within Thai prisons, and B suggested her experience might not be unique. She went public with this information, not only highlighting the corruption but also pointing out the influx of Burmese workers in Thailand, which she claims is affecting local businesses. In response to these serious allegations, Provincial Police Region 7 and Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station issued an official statement on September 4. They acknowledged the gravity of the situation and announced the formation of a special committee to investigate the matter further. The committee aims to keep the public informed as the investigation unfolds. This case underscores the complexities and challenges of managing correctional facilities and the impact of corruption on the integrity of the justice system. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by many, both in Thailand and internationally. -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Chiang Rai vendor receives 54-year sentence for lese-majeste by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A Chiang Rai clothing vendor has had his prison sentence extended to a record 54 years and 6 months for lese-majeste offences, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337345-chiang-rai-vendor-receives-54-year-sentence-for-lese-majeste/

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A Chiang Rai clothing vendor has had his prison sentence extended to a record 54 years and 6 months for lese-majeste offences, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR). The appeal court’s decision yesterday, September 4, upheld Mongkol Thirakot’s earlier conviction, adding to his existing sentences to make it the longest ever under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to royal defamation. Mongkol, already serving 28 years for previous lese-majeste convictions, saw his sentence extended by another 22 years. TLHR highlighted this as the longest prison term given to a Section 112 defendant based on available records. The Court of Appeal Region 5 confirmed the Chiang Rai Provincial Court’s ruling, which found Mongkol guilty of two counts of lese-majeste and one count of trespassing, resulting in an additional four years and six months in prison. Mongkol attended the ruling via video link from Chiang Rai Central Prison. Earlier this year, in January, the Court of Appeal Region 5 had upheld a 28-year prison term for 14 counts of lese-majeste, each carrying a two-year sentence. This, combined with a further 11 counts of the same offence, brought his total to 50 years before yesterday’s ruling added more time. Mongkol’s sentence eclipses that of Anchan Preelert, a former civil servant who was sentenced to 43 years and six months for similar charges. Mongkol was arrested in April 2021 after a hunger strike in Chiang Rai to demand bail rights for political prisoners in cases akin to his own. From March 2 to 11, 2021, Mongkol posted 25 times on Facebook, which were alleged to be critical of the monarchy. He shared videos from foreign sources deemed harmful to the monarchy and made additional posts on April 8 and 9 that year. Mongkol argued that his posts were political expressions against His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, not defamation. However, the court ruled that his use of vulgar language constituted defamation. Section 112 of the Criminal Code imposes a minimum three-year sentence and a maximum of 15 years for acts that defame, insult, or threaten the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent. According to TLHR, as of July 31 this year, 1,954 individuals have been prosecuted for political participation and expression since the Free Youth protests began in July 2020. Among these, 272 face lese-majeste charges under Section 112, and 152 have been charged with sedition under Section 116, reported Bangkok Post. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Buyers Fuel Phuket's 2024 Villa Boom Photo by Abhishek Revis on Unsplash Phuket's villa market is experiencing a significant boom in 2024, thanks to a surge in demand from Russian buyers. In the first half of the year, the number of new villas launched has already surpassed the total for 2023, marking a remarkable shift in the local property market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337343-russian-buyers-fuel-phukets-2024-villa-boom/

Photo by Abhishek Revis on Unsplash Phuket's villa market is experiencing a significant boom in 2024, thanks to a surge in demand from Russian buyers. In the first half of the year, the number of new villas launched has already surpassed the total for 2023, marking a remarkable shift in the local property market. Phattarachai Taweewong, director of the research department at property consultancy Colliers Thailand, noted the market's strong performance. "Some projects were quiet in May and June because of floods, but activity picked up significantly in July, with sales at one project reaching 400 to 500 million baht (£9.2 million to £11.5 million) in just a month," he explained. In the first half of 2024, Phuket saw the launch of 1,285 new villas across 65 projects, totalling 36.3 billion baht (£830 million). This is a significant increase from around 1,100 units launched throughout 2023. The demand remains robust despite the influx of new supply, driven by the buying power and interest from Russians. For the first time in 15 years, the value of new villas has outstripped that of condominiums. During the same period, 4,690 new condominium units were launched, valued at 36 billion baht (£830 million). The total combined value of condos and villas launched in the first half of the year stands at 72.3 billion baht (£1.7 billion), with projections suggesting it could reach 150 billion baht (£3.4 billion) by year-end, up from 110 billion baht (£2.5 billion) last year. Phattarachai pointed out that the usual number of villa projects in previous years was around 30 to 40, with 100 to 150 new units. This year, there are 170 villa projects with units available for sale, most launched in the past two years. Looking ahead, a substantial amount of new supply is anticipated in the fourth quarter. Notably, Sansiri Plc plans to introduce four new projects in the second half of the year, valued at around 4 billion baht (£92 million). These include a luxury pool villa project with units priced between 30 and 50 million baht (£690,000 and £1.15 million), a condo project in Cherngtalay, and a new single detached house project in Koh Kaew. Phattarachai also noted that locations like Bang Tao, Cherngtalay, and Rayan have the highest absorption rates for villas, with two to three units sold per month. In contrast, other areas recorded sales of one to 1.5 units per month. For condominiums, the absorption rate in the first half was 5.8 units per month, indicating they could be sold out in under two years, particularly those priced below 2 million baht (£46,000) per unit, which are considered affordable. The surge in Phuket’s villa market highlights the evolving dynamics of the local real estate landscape and underscores the growing influence of international buyers, particularly Russians, in driving this change. -- 2024-09-05 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Indian Man Refuses to Leave Thai Wife Despite Her Request for Divorce Picture courtesy: Facebook/สมุทรปราการ press In Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok, an Indian man named Radej is making headlines after refusing to leave his Thai wife, Nuch, despite her demands for a divorce and expulsion from their home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337340-indian-man-refuses-to-leave-thai-wife-despite-her-request-for-divorce/