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Photo courtesy of KhaoSod by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Bangkok officials announced the closure of the Ratchathewi intersection flyover for three years to facilitate the construction of the Ratchathewi underground electric train station. The closure, starting today, January 17 at 10pm and lasting until April 30, 2028, is expected to cause significant traffic congestion. City officials are recommending alternative routes to mitigate the impact and are emphasising efforts to manage traffic disruption effectively. Bangkok Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompol revealed, at the Irawat Pattana Building in Din Daeng, that discussions have been held with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) regarding the closure of the Ratchathewi flyover. These discussions stressed the importance of minimising traffic impact by optimising various traffic patterns, including adjustments on Rama 1 Road from Chalerm Phao to Ratchaprasong intersection. This involves three lanes on the Central World side and another three lanes on the National Police Office side, aimed at improving traffic flow in the area. Officials are urged to model and clearly define the operational timeline for these plans. Additional shuttle bus services are to be introduced to further alleviate the situation. Wisanu pointed out that previous proposals focused solely on easing congestion at the Ratchathewi intersection. However, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) seeks to extend the analysis to routes crossing the intersection, including those leading to Rama 4, Sukhumvit, Thonglor, Ekkamai, and Si Ayutthaya roads. Traffic police will be engaged to monitor and help ease congestion, enhancing staff deployment to manage the flow and enforce strict penalties on vehicles obstructing traffic during construction. Acknowledging the inevitable heavy impact on motorists, Wisanu emphasised the need for a multidimensional approach. Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The BMA has proposed that contractors install a traffic signal system responsive to real-time traffic conditions at the Ratchathewi intersection. This system is intended to be integrated into future operational plans. Additionally, adjustments to pavement curbs are being requested to facilitate easier left turns from Si Ayutthaya Road onto Phetchaburi Road. The MRTA has advised alternative routes during the Ratchathewi flyover closure. For those travelling from Nakhon Sawan Road to eastern Bangkok, taking a right at the Nang Loeng intersection onto Phitsanulok Road, then a left at the Yommarat intersection to use the Sirirat Expressway and exiting at Rama 9 Road is recommended. Alternatively, travellers can take Si Ayutthaya Road by turning right at Nang Loeng intersection, left at Urupong intersection onto Rama 6 Road, and then right at Si Ayutthaya intersection, continuing on Chatuchak Road to Rama 9 Road. Another route for those on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road is to take a right in front of the Royal Plaza onto Si Ayutthaya Road, left at Wat Benja intersection onto Rama 5 Road, and right at Ratchawithi intersection to pass the Victory Monument and continue on Din Daeng Road to Rama 9 Road. These routes aim to direct traffic towards eastern Bangkok during the long-term construction period, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-18

Fed up! Indian Tourists Caught Urinating at Pattaya Beach, Sparking Outrage Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV During the early hours of 16th January, a group of Indian tourists was caught on video displaying inappropriate behaviour at Pattaya Beach in Chonburi, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349158-fed-up indian-tourists-caught-urinating-at-pattaya-beach-sparking-outrage/

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV During the early hours of 16th January, a group of Indian tourists was caught on video displaying inappropriate behaviour at Pattaya Beach in Chonburi, Thailand. A Thai holidaymaker recorded the incident, where 5-6 men urinated into the sea in clear view of numerous other tourists. The video has rapidly spread, causing outrage amongst residents and visitors alike. The Thai observer discreetly captured the footage as the tourists openly relieved themselves before casually regrouping and dispersing along the beach. Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV This incident has sparked discussions about the need for increased supervision to prevent such behaviour, especially in a diverse and popular tourist destination like Pattaya. In response to this recent incident, local residents and business owners have voiced concerns about the impact of such behaviours on Pattaya's image as a world-renowned holiday spot. This isn’t an isolated event, as reports of tourists behaving inappropriately have surfaced before, pushing for more consistent enforcement of public behaviour guidelines. Authorities have been urged to increase the presence of patrols along the beach to deter such actions and safeguard the environment and comfort of both tourists and locals. Suggestions include installing additional signage in multiple languages to inform visitors of local customs and regulations, and deploying volunteers or beach wardens to monitor activity and offer guidance, reprted Amarin TV. -- 2025-01-18

Thai Minister Asserts No Plans to Deport Uyghurs to China Amid Govt Pressure Immigration Detention Centre. Picture courtesy: NDTV Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has made a firm statement denying any plans to deport Uyghur refugees to China, amidst rising concerns and pressures from international bodies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349155-thai-minister-asserts-no-plans-to-deport-uyghurs-to-china-amid-govt-pressure/

Immigration Detention Centre. Picture courtesy: NDTV Thai Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has made a firm statement denying any plans to deport Uyghur refugees to China, amidst rising concerns and pressures from international bodies. On Friday, Phumtham addressed a Facebook post by Fair Party's MP Kanawee Suebsaeng which suggested that the deportation issue was on the agenda of the National Security Council (NSC) meeting. Phumtham questioned the origin of Kanawee's information, confirming that while the matter was mentioned at the meeting, there are no immediate deportation plans. This situation gained attention after the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees voiced apprehensions regarding the potential deportation of Uyghurs. Phumtham reiterated that any steps taken would be firmly rooted in Thailand's legal frameworks to prevent international disputes. Officials have been instructed to carefully assess and ensure all actions are compliant with both national and international law. Currently, the focus is on 48 Uyghur detainees held in a Bangkok immigration centre. The saga of Uyghur refugees in Thailand dates back to 2015 when mass deportations to Turkey and China sparked global criticism. Cautious after the backlash, Thailand has since been reluctant to make any bold moves concerning Uyghur asylum seekers. The group "Save Uyghurs," allied with Justice For All, issued a stark warning to the Thai government on 10th January, calling for the cessation of deportation plans. Their statement highlighted the risk to the Uyghurs' lives, should they be sent back to China, a move they believe would grossly violate international human rights conventions. Recent reports from Justice For All suggest that Uyghur detainees in Bangkok claim pressure from Thai officials to fill out deportation paperwork, initially framed as a voluntary measure. This process reportedly intensified on 9th January, leading to detainees undertaking a hunger strike in protest. The detainees are part of an initial group of approximately 300 Uyghurs who fled China's Xinjiang region in 2013, seeking asylum. They have been living in detention in Thailand for nearly a decade, their fate unresolved as the government navigates international pressures and local legal stipulations. Though Phumtham has dismissed any imminent deportation actions, the presence of the Office of the Attorney-General at the NSC meeting suggests that legal frameworks and options are actively being reviewed. This development underlines the complexity and sensitive nature of the situation, as Thailand remains under scrutiny from the global community. The government's next steps are likely to be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, reported The Nation. -- 2025-01-18

Anutin Targets Cross-Border Scammers After Personal Experience Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo courtesy: Siam Rath Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has shared his personal encounter with call centre scammers, highlighting the pervasive problem and pledging decisive action to curb such illegal activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349152-anutin-targets-cross-border-scammers-after-personal-experience/

Anutin Charnvirakul. File photo courtesy: Siam Rath Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has shared his personal encounter with call centre scammers, highlighting the pervasive problem and pledging decisive action to curb such illegal activities. Speaking on Thursday, Anutin recounted receiving a fraudulent call claiming his credit card had maxed out, urging him to transfer more funds. Amusingly, Anutin noted the scammer's pleasant voice kept him on the line. "She had a nice voice, so I talked with her for about an hour. I guess she didn’t know who I was," he chuckled. Despite the light-hearted recount, his experience underlines the severity of scam operations rampant in Thailand. The scam menace has prompted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to issue warnings about advanced artificial intelligence scams, following her own narrow escape from a potential con. Anutin emphasised that these scams often operate from neighbouring countries and assured the public of ongoing efforts to thwart them. A critical part of his strategy is ensuring Thailand's infrastructure, particularly electricity, is not exploited by these gangs. He has instructed the Provincial Electricity Authority to terminate electricity supplies identified as being used by scam operations across the border. This action targets resource networks crucial to maintaining scam operations, seen as a significant step in disrupting their illegal activities. Thailand exports electricity to nearby nations through deals formalised with government oversight. Anutin stressed that responsibility for any misuse of this power lies with the recipient nation's government. He firmly stated, "If the power was resold several times until it reached the hands of call centre gangs or drug syndicates, it is the responsibility of that country’s government to take action. I insist that we have never sold power directly to these illegal operations." This firm stand against scammers underscores Thailand's commitment to tackling fraud. Anutin’s personal brush with scammers not only highlights the issue's ubiquitous nature but also galvanises his ministry’s efforts to secure national resources from misuse. As these scams become increasingly sophisticated, Thailand remains vigilant, ensuring its resources are protected from exploitation, and reinforcing its stance against cross-border crime, reported The Nation. -- 2025-01-18

UK Envoy Announces Major Plans for 170-year Thailand Ties Picture courtesy: UK in Thailand The United Kingdom's Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, has unveiled an ambitious programme to celebrate 170 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349150-uk-envoy-announces-major-plans-for-170-year-thailand-ties/

Picture courtesy: UK in Thailand The United Kingdom's Ambassador to Thailand, Mark Gooding, has unveiled an ambitious programme to celebrate 170 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Thailand. This announcement came at a festive gathering labeled the "170th Anniversary Launch Party" on Thursday evening, held in the historic Postal Theatre of Bangkok's Grand Postal Building. The anniversary, marking over a century and a half of diplomatic engagements, promises a rich calendar of events aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The Embassy plans a dynamic roadshow, taking its celebration to different corners of Thailand, fostering mutual understanding and opportunities, particularly focusing on engagements with students and the local community. A highlight of the celebrations will be the UK Fair, which seeks to spark dialogue among Thai citizens about the robust and mutually beneficial relationship with the UK. The fair will underscore a shared history and shine a spotlight on emerging opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. Ambassador Gooding expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming celebratory events, which include cultural showcases such as music performances. The UK's renowned London Symphony Orchestra and elements of the UK military’s musical talents are set to grace Thailand with their performances, further cementing cultural ties. Moreover, a series of business events will underscore the economic dimensions of the partnership, addressing shared interests ranging from healthcare innovations to advancements in science and technology. The UK boasts being the first European nation to craft a strategic partnership with Thailand, a relationship built on shared interests and collaboration. Ambassador Gooding reflected on the enduring nature of this partnership, emphasizing the shared global challenges both countries face. "Our strategic partnership looks to the future, and there's much more ground to cover," he noted. Key sectors for growth include healthcare, genomics, and international security, mirroring mutual interests in economic growth and citizen protection. He further highlighted the importance of adapting to the rapidly shifting global landscape, particularly considering 21st-century challenges such as environmental changes. This year-long celebration promises not only to honour past achievements but also to pave the way for stronger future collaborations under this evolving partnership. In sum, the celebrations seem set to not only cement the existing bond between the UK and Thailand but also inspire new avenues for future partnerships. With a slew of cultural, educational, and economic events, the foundation laid 170 years ago is poised for rejuvenation and expansion. The event series also represents an opportunity to engage with the broader Thai community, aiming to bring a slice of the UK to the heart of Thailand, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-18

PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Reassures Safety of Chinese Tourists Picture courtesy: Xinhua In a bid to revive confidence among Chinese tourists planning to visit Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a personal safety assurance message. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349148-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-reassures-safety-of-chinese-tourists/

Picture courtesy: Xinhua In a bid to revive confidence among Chinese tourists planning to visit Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to deliver a personal safety assurance message. This move comes amid rising concerns that have led to numerous cancellations during the Chinese New Year period, a popular time for travel. In an innovative approach, Ms Paetongtarn has announced she will use artificial intelligence to translate a video message into Chinese, directly addressing potential visitors. Her message will focus on assuring the safety and enjoyment of tourists, emphasising the quality of facilities available in Thailand. "If they come to Thailand, they definitely will have fun," she stated, projecting optimism about the visitor experience in the kingdom. These efforts follow a significant meeting at Government House aimed at countering fears and restoring Thailand’s image as a safe tourist destination. The prime minister has labelled the current safety concerns as mere "rumours," possibly spread by ill-intentioned information operations (IOs). However, she did not elaborate on who might be orchestrating these narratives. Recognising tourism as a vital economic pillar, Ms Paetongtarn stresses the importance of shielding it from such unfounded claims. She has directed security agencies to heighten their vigilance to safeguard tourists, reinforcing the country’s commitment to visitor safety. Recent incidents, such as the disappearance of Chinese actor Wang Xing, later found in Myanmar, and a still-missing Chinese model, have contributed to unease. These cases have drawn public and media attention, pressing both Thai and Chinese authorities towards heightened dialogue and cooperation on tourist safety. Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong indicates that, despite the negative reports, foreign tourist numbers remain stable. Notably, cancellations predominantly arose from first-time visitors, showing the importance of maintaining a welcoming image for newcomers. Reflecting international concern, top security officials from Hong Kong recently met with Thai counterparts to discuss safeguarding Chinese citizens in Thailand. Additionally, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged ASEAN nations to implement measures combating online scams and gambling affecting Chinese nationals. ASEAN, a regional grouping that Thailand is part of, underscores its collaborative role in addressing such transnational issues. China is Thailand's largest tourism market, with over 6.7 million Chinese visitors last year contributing significantly to the nation's foreign tourist revenue. The government is keely aware of the potential impact on this crucial sector and is taking decisive steps to ensure Thailand remains an attractive and trusted destination, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-18

Bangkok Urges Work from Home Amid Severe Air Pollution Threat Picture courtesy: Smart Air Bangkok residents are being urged to work from home next week as the city's air quality is set to deteriorate drastically. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has made this call to counter rising levels of PM2.5 particles, which are anticipated to worsen due to pollution and adverse weather conditions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349145-bangkok-urges-work-from-home-amid-severe-air-pollution-threat/

Picture courtesy: Smart Air Bangkok residents are being urged to work from home next week as the city's air quality is set to deteriorate drastically. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has made this call to counter rising levels of PM2.5 particles, which are anticipated to worsen due to pollution and adverse weather conditions. The initiative is spearheaded by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who has publicly appealed, via Facebook, for cooperation from both private companies and public sector offices. The proposed work-from-home period spans Monday through Wednesday, a preventive measure based on forecasts of severe pollution in at least 35 of the capital’s 50 districts. PM2.5 particles—tiny airborne pollutants that can penetrate the respiratory system—pose serious health risks, particularly in dense urban environments. Current predictions classify the air quality in Bangkok in the orange zone, with PM2.5 concentrations expected to hover between 37.6 and 75.0 microgrammes per cubic metre. In such conditions, wearing masks and limiting outdoor exposure is strongly advised. Adding to the pollution woes, the BMA has identified over 80 hot spots linked to poor air circulation from Saturday to Wednesday. These factors contribute significantly to the dense smog blanketing much of the city, demanding urgent action. Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, a BMA spokesperson, noted that should the smog levels remain alarmingly high, the work-from-home suggestion might extend through the entire following week. This adaptable approach aims to shield the public from health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to poor air quality. Meanwhile, educational institutions face similar challenges. BMA school directors have the autonomy to decide whether to shut school premises throughout the proposed WFH period, ensuring flexibility and safety for students. City Hall has also extended the remote working advice to its officials, considering both employee health and uninterrupted operations. This announcement comes as residents and businesses grapple with the economic implications of increased telecommuting. While the shift to working from home during such crises can disrupt daily routines, it could also offer respite to stressed public transport systems and reduce traffic emissions. For residents concerned about the economic impact, cutting down on commuting costs could potentially equate to savings. Typically, a single commute from suburban Bangkok into central areas costs between 30 and 50 Thai Baht. For many, working from home could transform these savings into a modest financial buffer amid looming environmental challenges. As the city braces for another bout of hazardous air conditions, Bangkok's proactive measures highlight an urgent push towards responsible urban living and community health safeguarding, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-18

UPDATE Social Media Frenzy over Dramatic Car Quarrel Unfounded A tense car dispute between a foreign husband and his Thai wife erupted on social media, igniting a flurry of concern as it appeared the man was wielding a gun. However, upon closer inspection, this was revealed to be a misleading assumption. The real story unfolded on Tuesday afternoon (17th January) as the pair were intercepted on the Lang Suan-Chumphon road in Thailand. A Facebook user posted a video of the incident, claiming a foreigner was threatening a woman with a firearm inside a vehicle. This alert was concerning, especially considering the reported presence of two children in the car. As the post gained traction, relayed by outlets such as TV Channel 7 and Naewna newspaper, local police were prompted to investigate. Authorities successfully stopped the vehicle around 4.25 p.m., only to find a completely different scenario from what was sensationalised online. Inside were the husband, the wife, and their child—no gun in sight. The woman, who remained unnamed, explained the situation. The couple had been en route to Nakhon Ratchasima, intending to collect her Swiss mother-in-law and travel to Krabi. The drive took a sour turn when accusations were exchanged: the husband accused his wife of being romantically involved with another man. This triggered a heated argument. The wife, under the influence of wine, became emotional and attempted to exit the moving vehicle. Her husband, maintaining control behind the wheel, managed to pull her back inside, causing the vehicle to swerve dangerously—a moment captured on video, leading to the false gun claims. Although shocking to viewers, the incident did not include firearms or malice. To ensure clarity and safety, police brought the couple to the station for breath alcohol testing and drug evaluation. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential for misinformation to spread rapidly online, often spurred by dramatic imagery without comprehensive context. As viewers and consumers of online content, it's crucial to remain discerning and await verified reports before drawing conclusions. While this family can breathe a sigh of relief with no charges or injuries reported, the episode underscores the importance of cautious driving and level-headedness, especially during domestic disputes. As for the couple, they're now left to resolve their differences—outside the glare of viral media, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-18

Pride and peril: Thai man caught ‘lion’ about cub safety rules By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A Thai man is under investigation by the Department of National Parks (DPN) for transporting a lion cub without proper safety measures, a clear breach of wildlife transport laws. The man’s legal lion lapse could cost him dearly, with penalties including up to a year in prison and a hefty 100,000 baht fine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349120-pride-and-peril-thai-man-caught-‘lion’-about-cub-safety-rules/

French mafia chaos: Phuket residents slam tourists’ alley blockade By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook via The Phuket News A fiery video posted on the popular Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต has ignited outrage, branding a group of foreign tourists as the “French Mafia” for blocking a public alley with their motorcycles in Phuket. The clip, accompanied by a stinging caption, lambasted the tourists for their arrogant behaviour and questioned the local police’s inaction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349122-french-mafia-chaos-phuket-residents-slam-tourists’-alley-blockade-video/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 18 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1349134-thailand-live-saturday-18-january-2025/

UPDATE Social Media Frenzy over Dramatic Car Quarrel Unfounded A tense car dispute between a foreign husband and his Thai wife erupted on social media, igniting a flurry of concern as it appeared the man was wielding a gun. However, upon closer inspection, this was revealed to be a misleading assumption. The real story unfolded on Tuesday afternoon (17th January) as the pair were intercepted on the Lang Suan-Chumphon road in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349108-foreigner-holds-thai-wife-at-gunpoint-in-car-–-police-in-chumphon-launch-search/#findComment-19520991

Phuket netizens slam half-naked foreign man on red baht bus by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Thai netizens criticised a foreign man after a photograph of him standing half-naked on a red baht bus in Phuket circulated on Thai social media platforms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349075-phuket-netizens-slam-half-naked-foreign-man-on-red-baht-bus/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ by Petch Petpailin Thai netizens criticised a foreign man after a photograph of him standing half-naked on a red baht bus in Phuket circulated on Thai social media platforms. The Phuket Times shared the images yesterday, January 16, with a caption that read, “#Patong. A foreign tourist pulled his shorts down and revealed his bottom. Doesn’t care about anyone.” The two images shared by the page showed the foreign man standing half-naked at the back of the red baht bus. He removed his shirt and draped it over his shoulder. He also pulled his shorts down to the level of his bottom. As he had his back to the camera, it was unclear whether he exposed his private parts to other passengers inside the vehicle. A foreign woman captured in the photo appeared confused by the man’s actions. There are no further details on when the incident occurred or the exact location. The page only reported that the foreign man was in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket. Photo by Lori Langer de Ramirez via Flickr Netizens, particularly locals in Phuket, criticised the foreign man’s behaviour in the comments section. “Foreign tourists in Phuket nowadays are awful.” “What can officials do about this?” “This ruins the beautiful culture of Thailand.” “Did he buy his shorts in the wrong size?” “I really want to know if he’d do this in his own country.” This is not the first incident involving the inappropriate behaviour of foreign tourists on public transport in Phuket. In November last year, a foreign man and woman were criticised by Phuket locals after viral images showed them leaning dangerously out of a tuk tuk during a traffic jam. Photo by Juno Ko via Flickr That same month, two other foreign men were criticised for dancing recklessly on a red baht bus while stuck in traffic in Phuket. They were dressed in female attire, and some Thai netizens claimed the men were attending a friend’s wedding in the province. In June, a foreign man was condemned for urinating on a tuk tuk during a traffic jam in Phuket. One of the most viral incidents occurred in September when a foreign couple was caught engaging in sexual activity on a tuk tuk. A similar incident took place in Bangkok this month when a tuk tuk driver shared a video on social media of his foreign passengers engaging in sexual activity. He stated that he asked them to stop but the couple ignored him and continued their intimate behaviour in the vehicle. Photo by Sharon Hahn Darlin via Flickr Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Plane stupid! Australian man’s flight crash threat lands him in jail by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of the Daily Mail A disgruntled Australian man found himself behind bars after making a chilling threat to kill everyone at 35,000 feet. His off-the-cuff remark about crashing a plane left airport officials with no choice but to take him seriously. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349072-plane-stupid-australian-man’s-flight-crash-threat-lands-him-in-jail/

Picture courtesy of the Daily Mail by Bob Scott A disgruntled Australian man found himself behind bars after making a chilling threat to kill everyone at 35,000 feet. His off-the-cuff remark about crashing a plane left airport officials with no choice but to take him seriously. Marli Curtis Philip Moncrieff embarked on what he thought would be a dream holiday from Perth to the sunny shores of Phuket with his girlfriend on November 20 last year. However, things took a nosedive when Thai officials denied him entry due to a torn visa page in his passport. With Thailand off the itinerary, the 36 year old tourist’s nightmare continued as Singaporean immigration officials followed suit, leaving him stranded at Changi Airport. Sequestered in a holding room while awaiting a Jetstar flight back to Perth, Moncrieff was reportedly seething over the wasted funds and annual leave gone awry. The situation spiralled out of control during boarding when a flight attendant heard Moncrieff ominously declare, “I want the aircraft to crash and kill everyone.” Alarmed, the crew acted swiftly, notifying the captain and having Moncrieff removed from the flight. A search of his luggage turned up nothing suspicious, but the damage was done. Handed over to local police, Moncrieff ended up back at the Jetstar counter to arrange another flight home. Yet, he couldn’t resist doubling down. An immigration officer overheard him telling his girlfriend, “If they put me on another flight, I will tell them I will crash the plane again.” Asked to clarify his shocking statement, Moncrieff repeated his threat, expressing a desire to die or be jailed. His comments prompted the officer to alert the police, who swiftly arrested him. In a letter of apology to the court, Moncrieff admitted he regretted alarming airport staff just doing their jobs. But Principal District Judge Toh Han Li wasn’t impressed. “Mere words can have serious consequences.” The judge clearly underlining the importance of aviation security in today’s climate. Noting that Moncrieff seemed aware of the weight of his words, the judge handed down an eight-week sentence for the threatening outburst. Jetstar was asked for a comment on the incident but declined. Picture courtesy of the Daily Mail Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

SUV Driver Escapes Unscathed After Pattaya Construction Pit Fall Picture courtesy: Daily News A driver in a Honda HR-V SUV had a fortunate escape after his vehicle plunged into a three-metre deep construction pit on Pattaya Third Road. Despite the car being severely damaged, the driver, a 32-year-old man, emerged unharmed from the incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349069-suv-driver-escapes-unscathed-after-pattaya-construction-pit-fall/

Picture courtesy: Daily News A driver in a Honda HR-V SUV had a fortunate escape after his vehicle plunged into a three-metre deep construction pit on Pattaya Third Road. Despite the car being severely damaged, the driver, a 32-year-old man, emerged unharmed from the incident. The accident occurred on 17th January, just before reaching the North Pattaya intersection in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Upon receiving reports of a car falling into an underground electrical wiring construction pit, Pattaya’s Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre dispatched a team to the scene. When the rescue team arrived, they found the white Honda SUV lodged at the bottom of the pit. The driver explained that he had not noticed the roadworks ahead in time to stop and inadvertently drove into the excavation site. While the vehicle sustained significant damage, the driver was able to exit the car without injuries. Rescue teams utilised a crane to lift the damaged vehicle from the pit, a process that temporarily caused traffic congestion in the area until everything was cleared and the road was opened again. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2025-01-17

Thai man shoots cat with harpoon, allegedly to eat it by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Buriramguru-บุรีรัมย์กูรู Police are searching for a Thai man who shot a cat with a harpoon in the Isaan province of Buriram, allegedly intending to eat the animal. The cat’s right eye was left blind following the severe attack. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349068-thai-man-shoots-cat-with-harpoon-allegedly-to-eat-it/