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Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In Pai, a district in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son province, the establishment of a Chabad House has sparked questions among locals, despite receiving formal authorization from the Interior Ministry. Former government official Nantiwat Samart has also expressed concerns over potential security threats, warning of terrorism risks linked to such centres. Tourist Police recently convened with local officials, police, and business owners to address community issues, focusing on ensuring compliance with laws, particularly regarding accommodations and tourist spots. They stressed the need for vigilance against overstaying and illegal work among visitors and aimed to foster a clearer understanding of Thai regulations among both tourists and local businesses. As part of this initiative, officials visited the Chabad House, engaging with its caretakers and representatives from the Israeli tourist community to discuss local concerns. Despite these efforts, some Pai residents remain sceptical about the centre's legitimacy. The land where the Chabad House stands was reportedly intended for residential use, not as a Jewish community centre. Samart, a former deputy director of the Prime Minister’s Intelligence Unit, further emphasised the risks, advocating for strict immigration checks to prevent tourists from overstaying. He questioned the legislative basis for the Chabad House's establishment, noting that religious centres are typically subject to specific registration processes and security considerations, especially in towns like Pai which are popular with international visitors. Amid these debates, broader security considerations are at play, as Samart pointed out the global security risks associated with synagogues and Chabad Houses, which have historically been targets for terrorist activities. This adds a layer of complexity to discussions about religious and community centres in tourist areas like Pai, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-02-22

File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Biometric Thailand's Immigration Bureau has admitted to lapses in its biometric system, affecting the tracking of about 17 million travellers last year. According to opposition MP Rangsiman Rome, the system's capacity was maxed out, halting biometric data collection and posing security risks by potentially allowing criminals to re-enter undetected. Rangsiman, chairing the House Committee on National Security, revealed that since the licensing for the system expired, the Bureau has only been capturing facial images and fingerprints, not true biometric data. He warns it could take up to 29 months to reinstate a functioning system, with procurement yet to commence. Despite discussions across government committees, higher authorities have not actioned the necessary measures to rectify the issue. Rangsiman claims this lapse contributes to unchecked activities by transnational criminal groups within Thailand. Pol Col Neti Khanboon, speaking before the committee, conceded the system's limited capacity, which currently holds data for 50 million individuals. An upgraded system requiring a substantial budget is in development, aimed at resolving current limitations. Initially introduced in 2019 for 2.1 billion baht, the biometric system faced scrutiny and controversy. Notably, high-profile officer Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn had criticised its procurement, linked to an infamous but unsolved gun attack on his vehicle in 2020. Further, allegations of corruption during procurement surfaced, involving former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda and others. Rangsiman underscores the ongoing security risks and inefficiencies in Thai border control if systemic failures aren't promptly addressed, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-22

Immigration Biometric System Fails to Record Data for 17 Million Travelers File photo for reference only. Courtesy: Biometric Thailand's Immigration Bureau has admitted to lapses in its biometric system, affecting the tracking of about 17 million travellers last year. According to opposition MP Rangsiman Rome, the system's capacity was maxed out, halting biometric data collection and posing security risks by potentially allowing criminals to re-enter undetected. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352531-immigration-biometric-system-fails-to-record-data-for-17-million-travelers/

Pai Locals Raise Concerns Over Chabad House Amid Security Warnings Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In Pai, a district in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son province, the establishment of a Chabad House has sparked questions among locals, despite receiving formal authorization from the Interior Ministry. Former government official Nantiwat Samart has also expressed concerns over potential security threats, warning of terrorism risks linked to such centres. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352528-pai-locals-raise-concerns-over-chabad-house-amid-security-warnings/

Visa Agencies in Thailand: Balancing Immigration Assistance with Challenges File photo courtesy: Wikipedia ANALYSIS Visa agencies throughout Southeast Asia, including Thailand, have long played a crucial role in easing the complex immigration processes for foreigners. However, changing regulations and technology are presenting new challenges to their operations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352527-visa-agencies-in-thailand-balancing-immigration-assistance-with-challenges/

Thai Immigration Confirms Biometric Records for Deported Call Centre Scammers Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Thai immigration authorities have assured that foreign nationals linked to call centre scams, particularly those repatriated from Myanmar, are meticulously recorded in the biometric system before deportation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352545-thai-immigration-confirms-biometric-records-for-deported-call-centre-scammers/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Thai immigration authorities have assured that foreign nationals linked to call centre scams, particularly those repatriated from Myanmar, are meticulously recorded in the biometric system before deportation. This comes after criticism from Rangsiman Rome, a Thai MP, questioning the effectiveness of biometric data collection in combating such criminal activities. On 21st February, police spokesperson Pol Col Khtathorn Kamthieng stated that the Immigration Bureau ensures all foreign individuals associated with call centre operations are registered with fingerprint and facial recognition data in a blacklist system, utilising advanced biometric technology. This allows the Thai authorities to identify individuals even if they attempt to re-enter the country under new identities or documents. The biometric system effectively bars those previously blacklisted from re-entering Thailand, serving as a robust deterrent against re-entry for lifetime, irrespective of any changes in their personal details. This step underscores a commitment to bolstering national security and combatting organised crime, reported Siam Rath. -- 2025-02-22

Phuket Tourist's Jump from Tuk Tuk: Accident or Dare? - video Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Hotnews In a puzzling incident yesterday, a foreign tourist leapt from a moving tuk tuk on a bustling road in Phuket's Patong area. Dashcam footage shared by Phuket Hotnews captured the dramatic moment, leaving onlookers and authorities alike questioning the reason behind this audacious act. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352512-phuket-tourists-jump-from-tuk-tuk-accident-or-dare-video/

Family Pleads for Help in Finding Daughter Missing in Oman Photo via Facebook/ Lampang Variety - ลำปางวาไรตี้ ข่าว,รีวิว A Thai woman named Athitiya "Mind" Wilachan has been missing for three months, and her family is growing increasingly worried for her safety. Mind's parents fear for her life after friends revealed that her Bangladeshi boyfriend in Oman abused her. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352492-family-pleads-for-help-in-finding-daughter-missing-in-oman/

Thai Woman Fined for Letting Tourist Drive Tuk-Tuk in Phuket Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A Thai tuk tuk owner has been fined after a foreign tourist was spotted driving the vehicle in Phuket, sparking a heated online debate. This incident unfolded yesterday, as a series of photos emerged on social media, allegedly showing the tourist driving the tuk tuk illegally on a Phuket road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352501-thai-woman-fined-for-letting-tourist-drive-tuk-tuk-in-phuket/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 22 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1352508-thailand-live-saturday-22-february-2025/

Phuket Adventure Ends Badly for Bag-Snatching Aussies Photo via Facebook/ เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket In a swift turn of events, Phuket police have arrested an Australian couple suspected of snatching bags from tourists in the popular Rawai area. The incidents took place last Wednesday, 19th February, prompting swift action by local law enforcement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352502-phuket-adventure-ends-badly-for-bag-snatching-aussies/

IMF Urges Thailand to Cut Interest Rates to Boost Economy Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Thailand to further reduce its policy interest rate to bolster low inflation and alleviate debt pressures on borrowers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352469-imf-urges-thailand-to-cut-interest-rates-to-boost-economy/

Picture courtesy: Bangkok Post The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called on Thailand to further reduce its policy interest rate to bolster low inflation and alleviate debt pressures on borrowers. This recommendation follows the Bank of Thailand's decision in October to cut rates, which the IMF endorses as a step towards enhancing inflation and easing debt burdens for consumers. Thailand's household debt has surged to $486 billion, up from approximately $400 billion in early 2019. In light of this, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is advocating for a rate cut, especially after last year's economic growth fell short of expectations at 2.5%. The Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to meet next Wednesday to discuss interest rates. Most economists surveyed by Bloomberg News anticipate that the central bank will maintain the current policy rate of 2.25%, which has remained steady since a surprise cut in October. The IMF maintains its 2.9% GDP growth forecast for Thailand in 2025 but warns of potential risks from global trade tensions, commodity price volatility, and significant private sector debt, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-21

Thai Woman Arrested for ATM Card Theft from British Expat in Pattaya Picture courtesy: The Pattaya News A 54-year-old Thai woman has been arrested in Pattaya for allegedly stealing an ATM card from a British expatriate and spending 40,000 baht. The arrest was made by Pattaya City police and Task Force 2 officers at a restaurant near Soi Jomtien 4. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352458-thai-woman-arrested-for-atm-card-theft-from-british-expat-in-pattaya/

Picture courtesy: The Pattaya News A 54-year-old Thai woman has been arrested in Pattaya for allegedly stealing an ATM card from a British expatriate and spending 40,000 baht. The arrest was made by Pattaya City police and Task Force 2 officers at a restaurant near Soi Jomtien 4. The woman, named Kam, was apprehended following an arrest warrant from the Pattaya Provincial Court. The incident occurred on 2nd February, when the British man, referred to as Mr A, had invited Kam to his hotel room in Pattaya. The expat later found his Kasikorn Bank ATM card missing, along with withdrawals amounting to 40,000 baht. Despite being limited by a foot infection, Mr A contacted local media to highlight his predicament. This led the Pattaya police to review CCTV footage, which helped them identify and locate Kam. Upon being confronted, Kam admitted to using the stolen ATM card to fund a shopping spree. This is not her first offence, as she has been previously convicted of theft and gambling violations. Now in custody, Kam is facing additional legal action as authorities focus on curbing repeat offenders who target unsuspecting tourists in the area, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-21

Briton's Dream Anniversary Trip to Thailand Turns into a Medical Nightmare Picture courtesy: Daily Mail A dream holiday to Thailand for Pamela Gatehouse, a British grandmother, has taken a tragic turn into a medical emergency, leaving her family rallying for support. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352456-britons-dream-anniversary-trip-to-thailand-turns-into-a-medical-nightmare/

Picture courtesy: Daily Mail A dream holiday to Thailand for Pamela Gatehouse, a British grandmother, has taken a tragic turn into a medical emergency, leaving her family rallying for support. The 69-year-old from Carshalton, Surrey, intended to celebrate her golden wedding anniversary with her husband, John, in Thailand. However, following a bout of tonsillitis contracted in India, Pamela's health rapidly declined in Thailand. What began as a common sore throat escalated dramatically. Pamela developed a severe infection, resulting in a gruesome wound on her neck that required immediate medical intervention. Rushed to hospital on February 12, the day after her birthday, she has since undergone four surgeries to remove infected tissue, incurring medical expenses of £15,300 (approximately 651,000 baht) so far. The Gatehouses are facing mounting medical costs, with expected total expenses reaching at least £33,300 (about 1.42 million baht). Picture courtesy: Daily Mail With their travel insurance failing to cover the necessary treatments, John has resorted to maxed-out credit cards and is now appealing to the public for help through a fundraiser. In addition to the financial strain of ongoing medical treatments, the prospect of returning home is daunting. A commercial flight with a stretcher could cost around £42,500 (approximately 1.81 million baht), while an air ambulance is estimated at £140,000 (about 5.97 million baht). Daughter Claire, based in the UK, is fervently working to assist her parents from afar. Meanwhile, John remains by Pamela's bedside daily, determined to support her through this harrowing ordeal. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has been notified, but immediate financial support is critical. The family hopes that contributions to their fundraiser will provide the assistance they desperately need during this challenging time, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-21

Thailand Seeks Facebook, TikTok Aid Against Online Scams ASEAN NOW composite Thailand is intensifying efforts to combat online scams, with a particular focus on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. The House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Society, led by chairman Siam Hathasongkorh, convened a meeting to tackle the surge in scam victims on these popular platforms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352455-thailand-seeks-facebook-tiktok-aid-against-online-scams/

ASEAN NOW composite Thailand is intensifying efforts to combat online scams, with a particular focus on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok. The House Committee on Communications, Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Society, led by chairman Siam Hathasongkorh, convened a meeting to tackle the surge in scam victims on these popular platforms. Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) and Anti-Online Crime Centre (AOC) officials joined discussions, exploring the feasibility of increasing internet access restrictions along the Thai-Myanmar border, notorious for scam syndicate operations. A critical point of discussion was asset recovery for victims, although current legislation limits these efforts. While a new cybersecurity bill has cleared the cabinet, it awaits parliamentary approval for broader enforcement. Scammers' use of cryptocurrency further complicates retrieval processes, as digital assets challenge traditional auction methods used for physical goods. Emphasising public awareness, Mr Siam urged people to disregard suspicious calls from unidentified numbers. He highlighted a case where a university student, duped by scammers, transferred over 500,000 baht after a prolonged phone call. Plans to restrict border internet access aim to curb scams, but there are concerns about potential impacts on local residents. A committee visit to Mae Sot is scheduled to evaluate these effects, alongside National Telecom and network operator representatives, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-21

Pattaya Bars Empty Amid Low Season and Shifting Tourism Trends Reference file photo courtesy: Wikipedia ANALYSIS Pattaya's tourism dynamics have shifted significantly, transforming the city that was once bustling with Western tourists into a hub primarily frequented by Asian visitors. This change has led to bars that were once thriving during the traditional high season now finding themselves empty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352451-pattaya-bars-empty-amid-low-season-and-shifting-tourism-trends/

Reference file photo courtesy: Wikipedia ANALYSIS Pattaya's tourism dynamics have shifted significantly, transforming the city that was once bustling with Western tourists into a hub primarily frequented by Asian visitors. This change has led to bars that were once thriving during the traditional high season now finding themselves empty. Historically, Pattaya attracted a surge of European and North American tourists during the winter months, who filled bars, hotels, and nightlife venues. However, the city now predominantly hosts tourists from Japan, Korea, India, China, and the Middle East. These groups travel year-round, unlike their seasonal Western counterparts. This demographic shift has influenced the local economy, demanding a pivot from traditional bars to attractions that cater to new tourist preferences. As shopping centres and family-friendly venues gain popularity, nightlife spots face a decline in patrons. New developments such as Terminal 21 and Central Festival signal this changing focus. Despite the change in tourist demographics, bars continue to open, leading to an oversupply in a market no longer reliant on European visitors. Whereas Western tourists heavily populated nightlife districts, today's diverse visitors spread their spending across shopping, dining, and cultural experiences instead. The concept of a "low season" is fading, given the consistent flow of Asian tourists. Pattaya's future lies in broadening its appeal to include family and luxury tourism, supported by ongoing government and private sector investments. In this evolving landscape, businesses must adapt to sustain economic growth and maintain Pattaya's reputation as a vibrant destination, reported Pattaya Mail. -- 2025-02-21

Police Chief Dismisses Sovereignty Concerns After 'Liu Zhongyi' Crosses Thai-Myanmar Border Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's National Police Chief, General Kittirat Phanphet, has dismissed concerns about a breach of sovereignty following a visit by Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of China's Ministry of Public Security. Liu visited Thailand's Mae Sot, Tak province, to negotiate the return of Chinese nationals involved in call centre scams back to China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352445-police-chief-dismisses-sovereignty-concerns-after-liu-zhongyi-crosses-thai-myanmar-border/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's National Police Chief, General Kittirat Phanphet, has dismissed concerns about a breach of sovereignty following a visit by Liu Zhongyi, Assistant Minister of China's Ministry of Public Security. Liu visited Thailand's Mae Sot, Tak province, to negotiate the return of Chinese nationals involved in call centre scams back to China. General Kittirat assured that the Thai government is prioritising action against the scam problem at its borders and collaborates closely with international security forces, including China. He emphasised that these interactions are coordinated and that there is no interference in Thailand's sovereignty. The police chief highlighted ongoing efforts by Thai authorities to tackle criminal activities and investigate any local involvement. He stressed that transparency and diligence are central to these operations, and anyone found complicit will face investigation. Operations in Mae Sot have already led to the detention of 260 individuals, currently under assessment to determine culpability or victim status. General Kittirat noted past visits and interactions with Liu Zhongyi, who appreciated the transparent efforts of Thai police. In light of the collaboration, actions such as cutting power and internet services have begun to yield results against these operations. The police chief is closely monitoring any international involvement in criminal activities, with specific measures in place to prevent the use of Thailand as a base for such operations. These strategic measures aim to safeguard civilians and uphold the law effectively, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-02-21

2.5 Tonnes of Crystal Meth Seized in Major Thai Drug Bust Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV In a landmark operation, Thai authorities have uncovered and seized 2.464 tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, also known as "Ice," in Ayutthaya, marking the largest drug bust in recent years. The operation led to the dismantling of the notorious "Tata Tachileik" drug network. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352443-25-tonnes-of-crystal-meth-seized-in-major-thai-drug-bust/