webfact

Thai Bus Firms Under Siege by Cut-Rate Chinese Competitors File:Chinese bus in China town, Bangkok. Courtesy: Wikipedia The Thai bus industry is grappling with an influx of Chinese operators offering ultra-cheap services, disrupting the local market. The crisis has reached a critical point, prompting a call for immediate action from Thai authorities and industry stakeholders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336472-thai-bus-firms-under-siege-by-cut-rate-chinese-competitors/

File:Chinese bus in China town, Bangkok. Courtesy: Wikipedia The Thai bus industry is grappling with an influx of Chinese operators offering ultra-cheap services, disrupting the local market. The crisis has reached a critical point, prompting a call for immediate action from Thai authorities and industry stakeholders. Wasuchet Sophonsathien, President of the Thai Transportation Operators Association, has highlighted the deep-seated issues. Illegal foreign bus services are rife, usurping market share from licensed Thai operators still recovering from the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. The competition has intensified with a shift in strategy by these foreign entities. A growing number of Chinese luxury tour groups are abandoning larger buses in favour of smaller vans and minivans. Disturbingly, some long-term foreign residents are skirting the law, using personal and international driving licences to operate these vehicles commercially—a practice strictly reserved for Thai nationals. The foreign operators have been exploiting legal loopholes by registering businesses through Thai nominees. This allows them to offer services at drastically reduced rates. For instance, where Thai companies would charge around 7,000 baht for a route from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya, their Chinese counterparts offer it for half the price. These unauthorised operators have established a stronghold by collaborating with foreign agents, hotels, and restaurants to attract and serve tour groups. According to Wasuchet, tourists often use foreign payment apps, making it difficult for Thai authorities to monitor financial transactions and collect taxes properly, reported Bangkok Post. The problem is further complicated by Thailand's visa policy, which allows 60-day stays for nationals from 93 countries. This has led to an uptick in foreigners working illegally in the transport sector to make ends meet. Currently, only 13,000 to 14,000 tour buses are operational, compared to 40,000 in 2019. Many Thai bus firms have struggled to secure funds needed to revive their fleets after the pandemic. Wasuchet has urged the government to crack down on illegal nominees by working with the private sector to detect and eliminate these fraudulent businesses. He also suggested regulating diesel prices to ease operational costs and increasing public spending on events to boost demand for bus services. The urgent calls for regulatory measures and financial support reflect the critical need to level the playing field for Thai bus operators facing unfair competition from illicit foreign entities. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Workers found alive under collapsed tunnel at rail construction site by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Three workers have been found alive under a collapsed tunnel at the high-speed rail construction site between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to retrieve them from 6 metres beneath the debris. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336423-landslide-buries-workers-inside-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-in-nakhon-ratchasima/?do=findComment&comment=19180411

Workers found alive under collapsed tunnel at rail construction site by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Three workers have been found alive under a collapsed tunnel at the high-speed rail construction site between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to retrieve them from 6 metres beneath the debris. The incident occurred yesterday, August 25, at the high-speed rail tunnel construction site between the Janthuek and Klong Khananchit stations in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The collapse happened inside the third tunnel, which spans 1.5 kilometres, approximately 600 metres from the entrance. The tunnel caved in on a vehicle and three workers around midnight. Following the collapse, construction company officials have been continuously searching for the missing workers. The district chief of Pak Chong, Kanatshanom Sricharoen and local government officials, including Kris Phunkasem, head of the Nakhon Ratchasima Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, have been actively monitoring the rescue efforts. The Provincial Governor, Chaiwat Chuenkosum, also visited the site with the provincial police chief, Narongrit Dansuwan, to oversee the rescue operations. A command centre has been established at the Klong Khananchit railway station to coordinate the rescue efforts. Rescue teams have been using pulse-detection equipment to locate the missing workers, believed to be trapped under the tunnel debris for over 24 hours. Officials have been praying for the workers’ survival. According to the authorities on-site, the tunnel excavation involved removing three soil layers before installing support beams. During the excavation, soil from the first and second layers suddenly collapsed, burying two trucks and the workers. Closely monitoring Kanatshanom, who is directing the rescue operations, checked on the progress within the tunnel at 11pm. He informed the media at 4am today that Chaiwat, the provincial governor, has been closely following the situation. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department provided radar scanning equipment, which arrived at midnight and was immediately put to use. The equipment detected the vital signs of the three trapped workers. Kanatshanom confirmed that pulse-detection equipment had arrived and was being used inside the tunnel. Throughout the night, rescue teams, including those with excavators, worked to remove the soil. At 4.30am today, the equipment detected the workers’ pulses approximately 6 metres beneath the debris, indicating they were still alive. Ambulances and medical teams from Pak Chong Nana Hospital are on standby at the tunnel entrance. The three missing workers include a Chinese supervisor, Hu Xiangmin, an excavator operator, Dong Xinlin, and an unidentified Burmese truck driver. Rescue teams work around the clock to safely extract them from the collapsed tunnel. Emergency personnel remain on-site to provide immediate medical assistance once the workers are rescued. The efforts are ongoing, and the situation remains critical as rescuers strive to bring the workers to safety, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Tourist Police Volunteers Undergo Training to Protect Tourists Ahead of High Season By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya Tourist Police launched a training program to boost volunteers’ ability to protect tourists ahead of the high season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336470-pattaya-tourist-police-volunteers-undergo-training-to-protect-tourists-ahead-of-high-season/

Pattaya Tourist Police launched a training program to boost volunteers’ ability to protect tourists ahead of the high season. On August 23rd, 2024, Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phueak-am, Commander of the Tourist Police, presided over the opening of a training program for Tourist Police volunteers aimed at enhancing their ability to ensure the safety of tourists in Pattaya. The event was attended by several high-ranking police officers and over 250 participants, including international volunteers. The training program, titled “Training Program for Tourist Police Volunteers to Enhance Tourist Safety in Pattaya, included lectures on the regulations for volunteers, knowledge related to tourism, the powers and duties of the volunteers, By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-Official Arrested for Negligent Road Work, 38 Warrants Picture courtesy: POLICE News Varieties A former provincial administrative organisation president was apprehended in Bangkok for negligent road work in Chaiyaphum, resulting in multiple injuries. Identified as 54-year-old Yothin, he also faces 38 outstanding arrest warrants for cheque violations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336468-ex-official-arrested-for-negligent-road-work-38-warrants/

Picture courtesy: POLICE News Varieties A former provincial administrative organisation president was apprehended in Bangkok for negligent road work in Chaiyaphum, resulting in multiple injuries. Identified as 54-year-old Yothin, he also faces 38 outstanding arrest warrants for cheque violations. The operation, spearheaded by Police Major General Montree Teskan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), was executed by Police Colonel Ekkasit Pansita and Police Lieutenant Colonel Piyaporn Reansut. Yothin was detained in Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San district, following a warrant issued by the Chaiyaphum Provincial Court on June 26, 2024, for causing harm through negligence. Yothin transitioned to a construction business after his term ended, undertaking a road project in Ban Khwao district, Chaiyaphum province. He failed to supervise the work adequately and neglected to install warning signs, resulting in numerous accidents and injuries among road users. Despite the accidents, Yothin reportedly avoided taking responsibility and did not assist the injured, escalating to legal action and his eventual arrest. During questioning, Yothin admitted to inadequate oversight of the construction work but insisted he did not mean to evade responsibility for compensating the injured parties. He claimed the delay in compensation was due to unresolved discussions about the amount and specifics of the damages. A background check revealed Yothin had 38 outstanding arrest warrants related to cheque offences. He was subsequently handed over to Ban Khwao Police Station for further legal proceedings, as reported by KhaoSod. This situation highlights the critical need for rigorous oversight in public construction projects to ensure safety standards are met. The apprehension of Yothin underscores a commitment to holding individuals accountable for negligence, particularly when public safety is at stake. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Shinawatra to Marcos: Southeast Asia's Rising Political Dynasties Picture courtesy: ThaiPBS Political dynasties are leaving their marks on Southeast Asia, with successors from well-known families in Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia stepping into roles of power, perpetuating their families' political legacies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336467-shinawatra-to-marcos-southeast-asias-rising-political-dynasties/

Picture courtesy: ThaiPBS Political dynasties are leaving their marks on Southeast Asia, with successors from well-known families in Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia stepping into roles of power, perpetuating their families' political legacies. In Thailand, the Shinawatra family stands out. Four family members have held the prime minister's office, starting with Thaksin Shinawatra in 2001. After Thaksin’s ouster, his sister Yingluck and brother-in-law Somchai Wongsawat also served as prime ministers. Most recently, Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, made history by becoming Thailand’s youngest prime minister at 38. Cambodia saw a similar shift when Hun Sen, after 38 years in power, passed the baton to his son, Hun Manet, in 2022. Manet, with academic credentials from West Point, New York University, and the University of Bristol, has brought a new yet familiar face to the Cambodian leadership.** The story is echoed in Indonesia, where President Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is poised to become vice president, running alongside Prabowo Subianto in the 2024 elections. Meanwhile, the Widodo family joins a list of notable political lineages, including those of former presidents Megawati Sukarnoputri, BJ Habibie, and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.** The Philippines boasts the Marcos family, with Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. serving as the current president, following his father's tenure from 1965 to 1986. The Aquino and Macapagal families are also prominent, with both producing presidents over the years.** Elsewhere in the region, Singapore’s political landscape has been shaped by Lee Kuan Yew and his son Lee Hsien Loong. Malaysia saw Abdul Razak Hussein and his son Najib Razak both serve as prime ministers.** In Laos, the families of Kaysone Phomvihane and Khamtai Siphandone continue to dominate political life. This trend underscores the enduring strength of family ties in the political sphere, as lineage and legacy often guide the path to power in Southeast Asia. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin Essential for PM's Survival but Formal Post Undesired - Poll Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit). A recent poll indicates that Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration heavily relies on the involvement of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, though the public does not favour him holding any formal government position. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336466-thaksin-essential-for-pms-survival-but-formal-post-undesired-poll/

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit). A recent poll indicates that Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration heavily relies on the involvement of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, though the public does not favour him holding any formal government position. The poll, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), reveals that 59.01% of respondents believe Paetongtarn cannot effectively run the country without her father's support. Furthermore, 15.42% think it would be nearly impossible for her to govern without his advice. However, opinions on Paetongtarn's capabilities are not entirely bleak, with 14.96% of respondents convinced she can manage without Thaksin's involvement and 9.77% expressing complete confidence in her abilities. One of the most striking findings of the NIDA poll is the public sentiment towards Thaksin's official role in the government. A significant 37.79% of those surveyed believe Thaksin should steer clear of any formal position and instead advise his daughter in an unofficial capacity. Meanwhile, another 26.95% are of the opinion that Thaksin should allow Paetongtarn to wield full control without his intervention. These results shed light on the delicate balance the Shinawatra family must navigate, as Thaksin's influence remains pervasive and controversial in Thailand's political landscape. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006 ended abruptly due to a military coup, leading to his self-imposed exile. Paetongtarn's leadership is already under scrutiny as she tries to steady the government amid Thailand's complex political environment. Whether she opts to heed public opinion by utilising her father's expertise behind the scenes or attempts to assert her independence remains to be seen. Regardless, the poll underscores how crucial Thaksin's role, albeit informal, could be for her administration's survival. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 26 August 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336462-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-26-august-2024/

Authorities in Phuket have begun to clear up after landslides hit Chalong, Karon and Rawai on Saturday resulting in at least 13 deaths and around 19 injuries, several people were left homeless and took shelter in a local temple. The dead were from Myanmar, Russia and a Thai couple. Authorities say there could be further landslides if rain continues. Rescue workers were last night still trying to reach three people trapped inside a high-speed railway tunnel that collapsed in NAKHON RATCHASIMA on Saturday night. The three were two Chinese and a worker from Myanmar. The section that collapsed was about 4 kilometers from the entrance Thailand's deputy prime minister visiting flood stricken areas in the north, Says: a water project proposed in 2011 at a cost of more than 2 trillion baht maybe revived to help combat persistent flooding and drought, however the cost may be more than double today. This year flooding has claimed the lives of at least 22 people in 22 provinces And seen around 31,000 families displaced across the country. Cybercrime officers say Four people have been arrested for setting up companies and bank accounts that were used to funnel the proceeds of an investment scam that resulted in over 70 million baht in losses. One victim filed a complaint after being persuaded to invest 3.7 million baht in foreign stocks which promised high returns. A further 26 people also reported the scam, after being approached via the LINE application. Around the region Malaysia: authorities in Kuala Lumpur yesterday continued their search for an Indian woman who fell down a sink hole into the capitals sewerage system on Friday. Divers from the fire department said conditions were dangerous as they had to deal with strong currents following heavy rain. In Bangladesh… At least 20 people have died and more than 5.2 million have been affected by floods caused by relentless monsoon rains and overflowing rivers, Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: Thundershowers 33C degrees celsius Bangkok: Thundershowers 34 Pattaya: heavy rain with thundershowers 31 Phuket and the south: thundershowers 29 Hua Hin: Sunny becoming cloudy perhaps an isolated thundershower this afternoon 32C 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 2024-08-26 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Immigration Arrests Aussie Smuggling Apple iPhones into Thailand Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Under the policy of Lt. Gen. Itthipol Ittisaranchai, the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanarot, the Deputy Commissioner, all units have been instructed to step up crime prevention and suppression efforts, especially focusing on crimes committed by foreigners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336461-immigration-arrests-aussie-smuggling-apple-iphones-into-thailand/

Under the policy of Lt. Gen. Itthipol Ittisaranchai, the Commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, and Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanarot, the Deputy Commissioner, all units have been instructed to step up crime prevention and suppression efforts, especially focusing on crimes committed by foreigners. Customs officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport called for an inspection of the luggage of Mr. Bradshaw, an Australian national, as he was pushing his suitcase through the “Nothing to Declare” channel. They found over 20 Apple iPhones in his bag. Bradshaw claimed he intended to sell them for a profit. He was charged and handed over to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station for legal action. However, while the case was still in court, Mr. Bradshaw left the country and was later issued an arrest warrant. On August 23, 2024, the Investigation Unit of Immigration Division 1, in collaboration with international authorities, discovered that Mr. Bradshaw had changed his nationality to Canadian and reappeared in Bangkok. On August 24, 2024, Pol. Maj. Gen. Prasath Khemmasit, Commander of Immigration Division 1, Pol. Col. Rapeepat Utsahasiri, Deputy Commander of Immigration Division 1, and Pol. Col. Katchaphon Pathamang, Superintendent of the Investigation Division, ordered an investigation team led by Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Phuangsombat, Deputy Superintendent of the Investigation Division, to gather information. They received a tip-off from an informant that a foreigner wanted on an arrest warrant was staying in the Silom area of Bang Rak, Bangkok. The police then deployed around the area. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath After receiving information from the informant that the wanted individual was staying at a luxury hotel in Silom, the arrest team proceeded to the location. They found a foreigner matching the description of the person on the arrest warrant. The officers identified themselves as immigration police and showed their identification. Upon checking his passport or travel documents, it was confirmed that the individual was Mr. Bradshaw, aged 39, now a Canadian national, who had been granted a tourist visa. The officers had Mr. Bradshaw verify his name, date of birth, and photo. They showed him the arrest warrant, which he acknowledged as being for him, and confirmed that he had not been arrested for this case before. The officers informed him of his rights and allowed him to contact relatives or a trusted person to inform them of his arrest. The arrest team then handed him over to the investigating officer for legal proceedings. The Immigration Bureau calls on the public to report any suspicious activity. They can be reached via their hotline at 1178. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Koh Samui eyes approval of 12.1 billion baht cruise terminal by Ryan Turner Image: Supapong Chaolan/Bangkok Post A new cruise terminal in Koh Samui, set to open in 2032, aims to significantly boost tourism in Surat Thani, Thailand, according to Deputy Caretaker Minister Manaporn Charoensri. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336455-koh-samui-eyes-approval-of-121-billion-baht-cruise-terminal/

A new cruise terminal in Koh Samui, set to open in 2032, aims to significantly boost tourism in Surat Thani, Thailand, according to Deputy Caretaker Minister Manaporn Charoensri. Manaporn, along with Caretaker Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, visited Koh Samui to review the progress of major transport infrastructure projects. Suriya revealed that the ministry has several new initiatives underway to enhance the tourism sector. Manaporn announced yesterday, August, 24, that the Marine Department has completed a comprehensive study on the 12.1 billion baht cruise terminal project, which will cover 47 rai of land at Laem Hin Khom. The chosen location is ideal due to its deep-sea environment, which naturally breaks wind and provides ample space for the port. The study also addresses emergency response measures and insights into the potential for full-scale commercial development, including readiness for public utilities. It explores Public-Private Partnership (PPP) net cost investment as the most suitable financing option. The PPP net cost investment is projected to generate at least 46 billion baht in economic benefits over 37 years, with an expected economic internal rate of return (EIRR) of over 15%, said Manaporn. “The Marine Department has submitted the study to the ministry, which will forward it to the Cabinet for consideration.” She added that the project is expected to receive approval by next month, after which the bidding process will begin. Construction is slated to start in 2029 and will take at least three years to complete. The terminal is anticipated to be fully operational by 2032. Manaporn noted that the terminal is expected to handle 120 cruise landings annually and attract at least 180,000 cruise visitors to the island each year. Manaporn added that the new terminal is poised to stimulate tourism in the southern province. “The project has received positive feedback from private investors, as it is expected to stimulate the province’s tourism.” This initiative is part of a broader effort by the ministry to strengthen Surat Thani‘s tourism infrastructure, ensuring long-term economic benefits and enhanced visitor experiences in the region, reported Bangkok Post. by Ryan Turner Image: Supapong Chaolan/Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Officials Continue Crackdown on Vagrants to Protect City Image By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya City officials have continued their efforts to apprehend vagrants who negatively impact the city’s image as a tourist destination, following the directives of Pattaya City Mayor, Mr. Poramase Ngampichet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336454-pattaya-officials-continue-crackdown-on-vagrants-to-protect-city-image/

Pattaya City officials have continued their efforts to apprehend vagrants who negatively impact the city’s image as a tourist destination, following the directives of Pattaya City Mayor, Mr. Poramase Ngampichet. In the morning on August 24th, 2024, officials from the city’s Special Affairs Department received a report from concerned citizens about two vagrants soliciting money from passersby in front of a convenience store on Third Road in North Pattaya. The officials immediately went to the scene to meet the two. Upon arrival, officials found an unidentified homeless woman, approximately 40-50 years old, along with her 8-year-old son. The woman claimed that she had previously been married to a Scottish man who sent her monthly financial support. However, after losing her ATM card, she no longer had access to the funds to support herself and her son. The authorities arranged for her and her son to be processed with the local homeless center according to the regulations. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Police arrest contract killer after 33 year manhunt in Lopburi by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Lopburi province yesterday apprehended a contract killer who escaped a 33 year prison sentence after a failed assassination attempt at a hotel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336453-police-arrest-contract-killer-after-33-year-manhunt-in-lopburi/

Police in Lopburi province yesterday apprehended a contract killer who escaped a 33 year prison sentence after a failed assassination attempt at a hotel. Chief of Police Supakorn Chantabut, along with Deputy Chief Siwawong Damrongsatchasi, alongside other officers successfully arrested the 56 year old contract killer, Paisan, yesterday, August 24. The arrest took place in Chaibadan district, Lopburi province. The case traces back to November 20, 1989, when an assailant used a firearm to shoot Somjai, a hotel manager, and her brother-in-law Sawiang at a hotel in Trat province. Both victims sustained injuries but the perpetrator managed to escape. Initially, it was suspected that the attack stemmed from a land sale dispute, leading to the hiring of a hitman to kill Somjai. However, the assassination attempt was unsuccessful, leading to his conviction. Paisan consistently denied the charges in all three levels of court: the trial court, the appellate court, and the Supreme Court. Despite his denials, he was convicted and sentenced to 33 years in prison. Paisan fled before he could be imprisoned, leading to a prolonged manhunt that culminated in his capture yesterday, reported KhaoSod. The police team meticulously tracked Paisan’s movements, leading them to the remote hill where he was hiding. The arrest marks a significant accomplishment for the local police, who dedicated considerable resources and effort to resolve this decades-old case. In other news, a 16 year old boy was shot and killed by a 14 year old in Lopburi after the younger boy became jealous over romantic attention towards his girlfriend. The incident occurred yesterday. Police received a report at 7.05pm about a shooting at a three-way junction in Ban Nong Krathum, Maha Phot subdistrict, Sa Bot district, Lopburi province. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the body of a 16 year old boy lying on the roadside with a gunshot wound that had passed through his chest. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Authorities Find No Signs of Illegal Activities During Surprise Inspections at Phan Thong By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi authorities conducted surprise inspections at nightlife venues in the Phan Thong district and found no signs of illegal activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336452-authorities-find-no-signs-of-illegal-activities-during-surprise-inspections-at-phan-thong/

Chonburi authorities conducted surprise inspections at nightlife venues in the Phan Thong district and found no signs of illegal activities. The operation, carried out on the night of August 24th, 2024, was a joint operation between Chonburi Provincial Administration and the Phan Thong Police Station. Officers targeted well-known nightlife venues and karaoke bars in the Phan Thong district, which is about 64 kilometers away from Pattaya. Upon inspection, authorities found a large number of Thai and foreign tourists enjoying themselves at each establishment. They then conducted random urine tests on both patrons and employees to check for drug use. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Drunk municipal inspector injures four in Pattaya crash Picture courtesy: 77kaoded A municipal inspector named Wuttikorn was involved in a car accident in Pattaya while driving under the influence, injuring four people, including a two-year-old child. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336451-drunk-municipal-inspector-injures-four-in-pattaya-crash/