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Freak water spout - 2 missing, Russian falls from Pattaya condo : Tim Newton Today - August 14 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303524-freak-water-spout-2-missing-russian-falls-from-pattaya-condo-tim-newton-today-august-14/

Thailand News - A freak waterspout has hit a tour boat in Phetchaburi - 2 people remain missing, a Russian woman has fallen to her death from a condo in Pattaya, caretaker PM visits new BKK Airport extensions, including new runway #3. Protesters throw paint at Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai party HQs in Bangkok, police arrest Kuwait teenagers in Pattaya for 'hoon' motorcycle racing, another of HM's sons return from self-imposed exile from the US for a visit in Thailand. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Fake abduction ransom scams target Thailand university students by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post University students in Thailand have been coerced into participating in an intricate scam operation, revolving around filming fake abduction videos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303523-fake-abduction-ransom-scams-target-thailand-university-students/

University students in Thailand have been coerced into participating in an intricate scam operation, revolving around filming fake abduction videos. The intention was for these videos to be sent to the student’s parents as a means to extort ransom money. The case emerged when a student from the Lat Krabang district was entrapped in the same scheme, resulting in a rescue operation on August 7. The shady operation is suspected to be coordinated by a gang based in call centres located in Myanmar and Cambodia. These allegations were put forth by Police Major General Panthana Nuchanart, deputy commissioner of Thailand’s Immigration Bureau (IB) and leader of the first Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) team. Elaborating on the fake abduction scam incident, Panthana revealed that the scammers had first contacted the unsuspecting victim, a third-year student from a university in the Bang Khen district of Bangkok. This individual was told that they were communicating with Thailand Post Office staff located in Songkhla province, where her bank passbook was allegedly discovered. The passbook had supposedly been linked to money-laundering activity and was found amid twelve passports from Myanmar, nine ATM cards and a total of eight bank passbooks. The scammers used this fraudulent narrative to convince the student to file a report with Songkhla police. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/thailand-university-students-tricked-into-fake-abduction-scams-for-ransom-extortion -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Massive 200 year old Mother Takian tree resurfaces from Chao Phraya River to astonishment of locals by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of Sanook A centuries-old fallen tree trunk, known as “Mother Takian,” last night resurfaced from the depths of the Chao Phraya River. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303522-massive-200-year-old-mother-takian-tree-resurfaces-from-chao-phraya-river-to-astonishment-of-locals/

Mother’s Day cake inscription misunderstanding goes viral by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Life in Thailand can be full of lost in translation moments but on Mother’s Day – celebrated in Thailand yesterday – a translation was lost between a cake order and the inscription on the cake. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303520-mother’s-day-cake-inscription-misunderstanding-goes-viral/

Life in Thailand can be full of lost in translation moments but on Mother’s Day – celebrated in Thailand yesterday – a translation was lost between a cake order and the inscription on the cake. A Thai woman’s attempt to surprise her mother with a cake went awry when the bakery, instead of just scribing the single line, “Love you, Mum” as instructed, wrote the entire order message. The full order included the woman’s comments in the request indicating the bakery should feel no obligation to fulfil the request if it was not possible. She shared her experience with her Twitter followers, hinting both at the hilarity and the mildly disappointing note. “I had read about others having such stories, never thought I’d have one. Wanted to be a nice daughter and surprise my mother with a cake for Mother’s Day but the surprise I received was stronger. Guess I messed up my request or the bakery was too honest.” She further posted an image of the cake ordered via an app where she had indicated to the bakery, “Write ‘love mum.’ If you can’t, that’s fine.” Instead of going with a simple “Love you, Mum,” the bakery replicated her entire request on the cake. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thai-womans-hilarious-cake-miscommunication-goes-viral-after-mothers-day -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Wanted suspect in massive robbery captured after daylong pursuit by Neill Fronde Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In Chachoengsao Province, police captured a wanted suspect after a daylong hunt. The man was wanted for his alleged involvement in a massive robbery, making off with over half a million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303518-wanted-suspect-in-massive-robbery-captured-after-daylong-pursuit/

Wat Don Thong attracts over a thousand people for luck-enhancing rituals by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The bustling Wat Don Thong in Chonburi Province has seen over a thousand individuals join a queue to receive a holy water bath and face-touching ritual yesterday from Ajarn Chalermrit Kunesko, also known as Ajarn Ae. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303517-wat-don-thong-attracts-over-a-thousand-people-for-luck-enhancing-rituals/

Child abuse allegations surround Samut Prakan father as violent videos surface online by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Yesterday, at 4pm, officers of Bang Kaew police station in Samut Prakan province, came to aid a 14 year old boy and his sister aged 10 in their residence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303511-child-abuse-allegations-surround-samut-prakan-father-as-violent-videos-surface-online/

UPDATE: Waterspout disaster: One dead, one missing as Thai tour boat sinks in Bang Ta Boon Bay by Mitch Connor Bang Ta Boon Bay, via Facebook (Amazing Thailand) In a tragic waterspout disaster off Ban Laem district, one holidaymaker perished, while another remains unaccounted for following the fateful sinking of a tour boat in the midst of Bang Ta Boon Bay. The calamity took place on a recent Saturday afternoon when a waterspout, an atmospheric oddity resembling a miniature tornado, assailed their vessel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303486-search-continues-in-phetchaburi-for-two-missing-tourists-after-boat-capsizes/?do=findComment&comment=18273299

Waterspout disaster: One dead, one missing as Thai tour boat sinks in Bang Ta Boon Bay by Mitch Connor Bang Ta Boon Bay, via Facebook (Amazing Thailand) In a tragic waterspout disaster off Ban Laem district, one holidaymaker perished, while another remains unaccounted for following the fateful sinking of a tour boat in the midst of Bang Ta Boon Bay. The calamity took place on a recent Saturday afternoon when a waterspout, an atmospheric oddity resembling a miniature tornado, assailed their vessel. The rather unusual maritime waterspout disaster, highlighted due to its involvement with a spiralling atmospheric vortex, was reported to the 191 police emergency centre around 5pm. Sampan Jinping, a 63 years old individual who operated the boat, revealed that he had been contracted by a group of seven enthusiasts who were interested in exploring the picturesque surroundings of Bang Ta Boon Bay. As the boat was starting its return journey back towards the mainland, approximately 2 kilometres out to sea, the elements turned hostile with an abrupt strike by a waterspout. The calamitous event unleashed a wave of destruction, sinking the boat and hurling all seven passengers into the deep waters. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/waterspout-sinks-thai-tour-boat-one-dead-one-missing-in-bang-ta-boon-bay -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Pattaya sets 1.9 billion baht budget aiming to revitalise tourism and local economy by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Yienyuet Hoang, Flickr Emphasising tourism and local economy stimulation, the city of Pattaya has delineated its budget allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. Paramet Ngampichet, the Mayor of Pattaya City, announced the conclusion with the budget set to be effective from October 1. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303507-pattaya-sets-19-billion-baht-budget-aiming-to-revitalise-tourism-and-local-economy/

Pink Line monorail set for trials, free rides for two months by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of kirloskarthailand.com A significant advancement in Thailand’s transportation network is poised to launch its trial operations tomorrow, adding to the city’s mass transit system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303504-pink-line-monorail-set-for-trials-free-rides-for-two-months/

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 14 August 2023 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303505-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-14-august-2023/

A group of protestors, rallied in front of Pheu Thai and Bhum-jai-thai party headquarters last night to denounce their efforts to form the next government. The group criticised both parties for potentially teaming up with political allies connected to the May 2014 coup. Several university students were persuaded to make fake abduction videos by gangs who intended to send them to parents to demand ransom money. Police suspect call center gangs possibly based in Myanmar and Cambodia were behind the scheme. Investigations continue. A 32-year-old Russian woman naked from the waist down fell to her death from a seventh-floor condominium room in Sattahip. Police arrived to interview her boyfriend who was holding a drink and appeared to be very drunk. He initially refused to cooperate with police then told officers the woman had fallen out of a window at the apartment. One tourist died and another remained missing after a tour boat was hit by a natural waterspout and sank off the coast of Petchaburi on Saturday. 7 Thai passengers were on a sightseeing trip when the accident happened, One body was found yesterday morning while another is still missing. In Bangkok, The Pink Line train service between Nonthaburi to Min Buri will begin trial runs from Tomorrow, The new line is due to fully open next month. Thailand women's volleyball won the SEAsia League last night when they defeated Vietnam 25-15, 25-23, and 25-22 in Chiang Mai. They previously beat the Philippines and Indonesia. Around the Region: Cambodia's next leader Hun Manet said he met China's foreign minister Wang Yi in Phnom Penh yesterday, they agreed to boost ties between their two countries. China: The death toll from a mudslide inthe northwestern city of Xian has risen to 21, with six people still missing, The mudslide destroyed several houses and cut power to 900 households. The weather: Chiang Mai and the north:bright, cloudy with thundershowers 32C Bangkok: Sunny partly Cloudy, showers 35C Pattaya, sunny partly cloudy 32C Phuket and the south: Cloudy with thundershowers, 29C ‘Hua Hin’: Sunny, partly cloudy, isolated showers this afternoon. 33C. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 -- © Copyright SURF 102.5 FM 2023-08-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Infant Kidnapper Caught, Police Expand Investigation in "Little Toh" Case Picture: Thai Rath Nakhon Pathom, Thailand – Chaos ensued as an infant was stolen from a delivery room at Bang Len Hospital. In a recent development, the authorities swiftly apprehended the suspect who claimed he desired a child. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303495-infant-kidnapper-caught-police-expand-investigation-in-little-toh-case/

Neighbors' Complaints Lead to Discovery of Nearly 20 Trapped Cats in a House Persistent complaints from Village residents about foul odors ultimately revealed a distressing situation: nearly 20 cats trapped inside a residence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303494-neighbors-complaints-lead-to-discovery-of-nearly-20-trapped-cats-in-a-house/

Bhumjaithai Wants Srettha Replaced With Paetongtarn By Thai Newsroom Reporters Pheu Thai’s contestants for prime minister Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath THE BHUMJAITHAI under de facto party boss Newin Chidchob has pressed the Pheu Thai as core of a current coalition to replace Srettha Thavisin with Paetongtarn Shinawatra as partisan candidate for prime minister, a partisan source said yesterday (Aug.13). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303490-bhumjaithai-wants-srettha-replaced-with-paetongtarn/

THE BHUMJAITHAI under de facto party boss Newin Chidchob has pressed the Pheu Thai as core of a current coalition to replace Srettha Thavisin with Paetongtarn Shinawatra as partisan candidate for prime minister, a partisan source said yesterday (Aug.13). Paetongtarn, daughter of de facto Pheu Thai boss/deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, would not be so strictly demanding as Srettha when it comes to the allocation of cabinet portfolios among coalition partners, according to the source who only spoke on condition of anonymity. Paetongtarn and Srettha were among a trio of Pheu Thai contestants for prime minister apart from former justice minister Chaikasem Nitisiri. Srettha, known as personally associated with deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, has reportedly demanded that nobody in a future cabinet practically assume the same portfolio which they may be assuming for the time being, albeit in a caretaker’s capacity. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Pheu Thai’s contestants for prime minister Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: https://thainewsroom.com/2023/08/14/bhumjaithai-wants-srettha-replaced-with-paetongtarn/ -- © Copyright THAI NEWSROOM 2023-08-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Nightclub shooting: Man accidentally fires gun into his own leg by Neill Fronde Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Most nightclub shootings involve some sort of fight or commotion with a melee of people, but not always. A sudden gunshot incident in a popular nightclub in Hat Yai left a man nursing a self-inflicted leg injury, causing considerable alarm among the hundreds of patrons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303489-nightclub-shooting-man-accidentally-fires-gun-into-his-own-leg/

Wild elephant captured after 22 days of disruption by Neill Fronde "Cuff him, boys!" After 22 days on the run, a wild elephant was finally captured under court orders to relocate him. (via Bangkok Post) Perhaps only in Thailand can an elephant be avoiding a court order for disturbing the peace. After 22 days on the lam, a wild elephant has been successfully captured in the Nop Phi Tham district of the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303488-wild-elephant-captured-after-22-days-of-disruption/

Most disagree with Democrats joining Pheu Thai-led coalition: Nida Poll Former Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva Most respondents to a recent NIDA Poll disagree with the Democrat party joining the coalition led by the Pheu Thai party and most of them want Abhisit Vejjajiva to be re-elected as party leader. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303487-most-disagree-with-democrats-joining-pheu-thai-led-coalition-nida-poll/

Most respondents to a recent NIDA Poll disagree with the Democrat party joining the coalition led by the Pheu Thai party and most of them want Abhisit Vejjajiva to be re-elected as party leader. The poll also shows that 58.63% of the respondents have never voted for the Democrat party. The poll was conducted on August 9 and 10 by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA). They gauged the opinions of 1,310 people, aged over 18, of different educational and occupational backgrounds. TOP: Former Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/most-disagree-with-democrats-joining-pheu-thai-led-coalition-nida-poll/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-14 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

Search continues in Phetchaburi for two missing tourists after boat capsizes Rescue teams are continuing their search today (Sunday) for two tourists, who remain missing after a tour boat encountered a waterspout and capsized in an estuary in Bang Tabun Bay in Phetchaburi last evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1303486-search-continues-in-phetchaburi-for-two-missing-tourists-after-boat-capsizes/