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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Authorities have apprehended the mother-in-law and wife of a heroin dealer in Kanchanaburi after they attempted to bribe officials with a million baht to secure his release. On 22 December, a joint operation by Kanchanaburi's Narcotics Suppression Police, Border Patrol Police, and military intelligence successfully intercepted a heroin trafficking network. They initially arrested Wasin Tiankham, 30, and Jindaporn Yooyen, 36, for selling heroin to local youths. The couple was apprehended while delivering heroin to a customer on Saeng Chuto Road, Kanchanaburi. Police found a 350g block of heroin in their vehicle, which they admitted to owning. This led to the arrest of Anucha Muenard, 31, a major heroin distributor in the area. He was caught with 2.8kg of heroin, totalling nine blocks seized. Following Anucha's arrest, his wife, Kamolchanok, attempted to bribe officials, offering two million baht for his freedom. Acting swiftly, the police arranged a meeting. Kamolchanok arrived with her mother, Areeya, and a friend, presenting one million baht upfront and promising the remainder upon her husband's release. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Officers, equipped with video evidence, arrested the trio on the spot. Anucha was returned to custody, while Areeya and Kamolchanok face charges for bribing public officials. The friend was found not to be involved. The case proceeds under the full extent of the law. -- 2024-12-24

British Tourist Faces Charges for 'Destroying an Official Document' Picture courtesy: Siam Rath UPDATE A British tourist has found himself in hot water in Pattaya after his dramatic response to receiving a traffic ticket. Caught on camera, the man consumed the ticket issued for riding a motorbike without a helmet and licence, drinking it down in protest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347002-british-tourist-faces-charges-for-destroying-an-official-document/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath UPDATE A British tourist has found himself in hot water in Pattaya after his dramatic response to receiving a traffic ticket. Caught on camera, the man consumed the ticket issued for riding a motorbike without a helmet and licence, drinking it down in protest. His disruptive behaviour, which included playing loud music and dismissing police efforts to enforce the law, escalated into a scuffle, necessitating police reinforcements for his arrest. Following the incident, on the evening of 22 December, Pattaya Police Chief, Pol. Col. Navin Thirawit, instructed the responsible officer to formally charge the individual, identified as 34-year-old Emmanuel, with "destroying an official document". Immigration authorities had already detained him for an initial inquiry. Emmanuel had entered Thailand on a tourist visa on 10 December. Turning up at the station in a calm and subdued state, he donned a casual black vest and patterned shorts, contrasting sharply with his earlier demeanour. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Police emphasised the importance of adhering to Thai laws while advising him and reiterated their expectations for tourists and residents to comply with local regulations. The legal proceedings will continue as the authorities aim to resolve the issue while educating the tourist on acceptable conduct during his stay in Thailand, reported Siam Rath. ORIGINAL STORY: Foreign Tourist Swallows Traffic Ticket in Odd Pattaya Incident In an unusual scene in Pattaya on Saturday, a foreign visitor attempted to evade a traffic violation by swallowing his ticket. Stopped at a checkpoint outside the Pattaya police station, the shirtless man on a motorcycle was caught without a helmet or valid driving licence. When issued a traffic citation for these infractions, the visitor bizarrely ingested the ticket, washing it down with water, surprising officers and bystanders alike. Police immobilised his motorcycle by locking its front wheel, and despite his initial resistance to arrest, the man eventually agreed to enter the police station for processing. This incident sheds light on the cultural and behavioural challenges faced by Pattaya authorities, emphasising the critical need for tourists to respect local laws. While fines for such violations typically total several thousand Thai Baht, this situation highlights the ongoing struggle of ensuring effective enforcement among international visitors. Ultimately, the encounter adds to Pattaya’s trove of quirky tourist stories, reminding all of the importance of adhering to local customs and regulations. -- 2024-12-24

FILE - 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). In an intriguing twist of tradition, Government House reporters have labelled Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration as a "dad-supported government," highlighting her perceived reliance on her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. This annual naming ritual, where reporters bestow nicknames upon political figures, also saw the Prime Minister nicknamed “Paetongphoey”, indicating her supposed dependence on prepared scripts. The “dad-supported” label stems from Thaksin Shinawatra’s influential role in Thai politics and his visible support for his daughter’s leadership. Thaksin, a former Prime Minister himself, remains a polarising yet influential figure in the nation’s political landscape. This connection has sparked discussions over the autonomy of Paetongtarn's leadership and the extent of her father's involvement in her political strategies. Responding to the moniker, Ms Paetongtarn remarked nonchalantly on Monday, acknowledging that her father imparts valuable experience and advice, which she finds beneficial. Her response was delivered with a composed smile, suggesting she takes the media spotlight in stride. Beyond familial ties, the nickname “Paetongphoey,” which plays on the Thai word for 'script', suggests that Ms Paetongtarn relies heavily on prepared speeches during official engagements. Addressing this, the Prime Minister quipped that she should rather be called “Paetongpad”, since her iPad is her go-to for notes, not paper scripts. The light-hearted banter reveals a leader at ease with public perception, and perhaps, with an appreciation for the media’s jest. Another memorable moment from the current administration, dubbed as the "quote of the year" by reporters, came when Ms Paetongtarn assured the public of her concern for flood victims in the South by stating that her husband hails from there. Her statement aimed to affirm her commitment to addressing the needs of those affected by natural disasters in the region. The annual tradition of assigning nicknames offers a candid snapshot of political sentiment and showcases the unique relationship between the media and political leaders in Thailand. While these monikers may offer a slice of jest, they also underline the continuing conversation about the dynamics within leadership and governance, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-24

PM Paetongtarn Dubbed 'Dad-Supported' by Reporters FILE - 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). In an intriguing twist of tradition, Government House reporters have labelled Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration as a "dad-supported government," highlighting her perceived reliance on her father, Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346974-pm-paetongtarn-dubbed-dad-supported-by-reporters/

Thai police removed after video exposes traffic fine misconduct By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Social Hunter 2022 A viral video on Thai social media led to the temporary removal of a traffic officer from the Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, for allegedly collecting traffic fines personally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346986-thai-police-removed-after-video-exposes-traffic-fine-misconduct/

Russian Tourist, 60, Falls Victim to Gold Necklace Theft by Cunning Duo in Pattaya Picture courtesy of TMN. Police in Pattaya are investigating an incident in which a 60-year-old Russian tourist fell victim to theft after being charmed by two transgender individuals in front of a hotel in the Wongamat area of Naklua. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346955-russian-tourist-60-falls-victim-to-gold-necklace-theft-by-cunning-duo-in-pattaya/

UK & Thai Police Partner to Enhance Custody Conditions in Thailand Photo: The Thaiger In a significant step towards modernising detainee treatment, the Royal Thai Police have teamed up with the UK to revolutionise police custody conditions across Thailand. This collaboration focuses on adopting UK models to raise the quality of life and safety for those held in detention. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346980-uk-thai-police-partner-to-enhance-custody-conditions-in-thailand/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 24 December 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1346978-thailand-live-tuesday-24-december-2024/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Dutch tourist allegedly escapes bills and steals from many Phuket hotels By Petch Petpailin A Dutch tourist reportedly evaded paying bills and stole room keys, along with other items, from several hotels in Phuket but remains at large. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346970-dutch-tourist-allegedly-escapes-bills-and-steals-from-many-phuket-hotels/

UPDATE: Irishman denies involvement in Thai girlfriend’s death in Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV An Irishman denied any knowledge of his Thai girlfriend’s death after reportedly staying with her body for three days in an apartment in Pattaya before other residents noticed the unpleasant odour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346904-jomtien-mystery-death-of-thai-woman-foreign-partner-lived-with-corpse-for-3-days/#findComment-19464963

Irishman denies involvement in Thai girlfriend’s death in Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo via Amarin TV An Irishman denied any knowledge of his Thai girlfriend’s death after reportedly staying with her body for three days in an apartment in Pattaya before other residents noticed the unpleasant odour. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to the five-storey apartment in Banglamung district, Pattaya, to investigate the mysterious death of 45 year old Thai woman Duangta. Police, accompanied by a medical team and rescuers, arrived at the scene at around 1pm yesterday, December 22. In the fifth-floor room, officers discovered Duangta’s body on the bed. She was wearing only denim shorts and no shirt. Her body was in an advanced state of decomposition, and it was estimated that she had been dead for at least three days prior to being found. There were no signs of a struggle or physical assault in the room. The foreign man staying with her, 77 year old Irishman Bearach Beataidh, was not present at the scene. Reportedly, he left the apartment on the morning of the day the caretaker decided to check inside the room. Police located Beataidh later that same day, walking along Jomtien Beach near the Grand Jomtien Palace Hotel. He was escorted back to the apartment for questioning. Photo via Amarin TV Beataidh claimed that Duangta was physically assaulted by someone and requested to stay in the room with him. According to his account, the woman had been staying with him since December 18, while he checked into the apartment on December 16. He initially rented the room daily before changing to a monthly rental agreement. Beataidh did not report Duangta’s death to the apartment staff and remained in the room with her decomposing body until yesterday. He insisted that he had no idea what caused her death. Photo via Amarin TV Apartment staff revealed that Beataidh frequently brought different women to the room but had never exhibited suspicious behaviour. Duangta’s body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for an autopsy to determine whether she died from natural causes or as a result of foul play. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-23

Surat-Bangkok Flight Runs Out of Liquor, Passengers Finish Alcohol Worth 70,000 Baht FILE photo courtesy: Sharp In an unprecedented turn of events, passengers aboard Air India Express's inaugural flight from Surat to Bangkok managed to exhaust the plane's entire alcohol supply before reaching their destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346933-surat-bangkok-flight-runs-out-of-liquor-passengers-finish-alcohol-worth-70000-baht/

FILE photo courtesy: Sharp In an unprecedented turn of events, passengers aboard Air India Express's inaugural flight from Surat (India) to Bangkok managed to exhaust the plane's entire alcohol supply before reaching their destination. The flight, which took off on what was a memorable journey on its new route, saw an unexpected level of indulgence from passengers, resulting in a tale that's going viral worldwide. As the 4-hour flight unfolded, eager passengers enthusiastically consumed the onboard stock of premium alcoholic beverages, reportedly worth ฿70,000. The cabin crew found themselves announcing an alcohol shortage well before landing, a situation that left many travellers on the fully booked flight both surprised and amused. Social media exploded with content as passengers documented their mid-air festivities, complete with videos of the upbeat atmosphere. Passengers not only enjoyed their drinks but also a variety of Gujarati snacks, adding to the convivial onboard climate. Many passengers shared their journey in real-time, capturing smiles, laughter, and empty bottles, creating an online buzz that quickly spread. The incident underscores how quickly camaraderie and a shared sense of celebration can lead to unexpected situations. For many, this flight represented more than just travel between two cities—it became a unique experience characterised by communal enjoyment and a surprising swiftness in depleting the inflight beverage supply. The lively atmosphere and friendly interactions among passengers turned the flight into an unforgettable adventure. While the lack of alcohol for the latter part of the flight may be seen as a logistical oversight, it highlighted the warm, congenial spirit of those on board. This inaugural flight certainly left an indelible mark, becoming a point of reference for future journeys. Beyond the amusing aspects, the story highlights broader themes in air travel and human behaviour, where shared experiences often lead to surprising outcomes. The event reflects not only a fun piece of history for Air India Express's new service but also a nod to the unpredictability and joy of travel. Though the alcohol ran out, the laughter and stories shared ensured that this flight will be talked about for years to come, representing the essence of shared joy and community among travellers, reported Times of India. -- 2024-12-23

Matchmaking Firm Reveals Thai Men's Ideal Women Reference picture courtesy: Wikipedia A recent survey conducted by Bangkok Matching, a prominent matchmaking firm, has shed light on the preferences of Thai men when it comes to choosing a partner. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346930-matchmaking-firm-reveals-thai-mens-ideal-women/

Reference picture courtesy: Wikipedia A recent survey conducted by Bangkok Matching, a prominent matchmaking firm, has shed light on the preferences of Thai men when it comes to choosing a partner. The results paint a picture of the ideal woman as having a fair complexion, standing at least 160 centimetres tall, and securing a monthly income of around ฿30,000. These findings provide intriguing insights into contemporary dating and relationship dynamics within Thailand. The poll revealed that a notable 80% of participating men are more invested in the character and self-sufficiency of a potential partner than her occupation. They emphasised that as long as a woman engages in honest work and maintains independence, her specific line of work is of minor consequence. This attitude reflects a significant shift away from traditional gender roles, indicating that modern Thai men favour partnerships characterised by mutual financial and emotional support rather than the traditional homemaker dynamic. On the financial front, half of the respondents consider a monthly salary of ฿30,000 to be adequate for their prospective partner, while 40% stress the importance of having a job of any sort. These numbers suggest that many Thai men value financial stability and contribution to the relationship from both sides, perhaps in light of broader economic trends influencing contemporary family planning and lifestyle choices. When it comes to educational aspirations, the survey highlighted that 80% of the respondents find a bachelor's degree appealing, signaling a strong preference for higher education. However, about 15% are less concerned with educational background, prioritising other attributes in a partner. The survey also delved into physical preferences. A striking 80% of Thai men indicate a preference for women who are at least 160 centimetres in height, while a mere 0.0001% showed interest in those shorter than 155 centimetres. Additionally, the majority prefer women with slender figures and a pale complexion reminiscent of Chinese aesthetics, reflecting regional beauty standards that continue to influence ideals in Thailand. Interestingly, while Thai men appear to be flexible regarding hairstyles, about half express reservations towards women who have undergone extensive cosmetic surgery, pointing to a preference for more natural appearances, reported The Nation. -- 2024-12-23

Udon Thani Traffic Police Officers Suspended Amid Bribery Scandal FILE Photo by Yuriy Kovalev on Unsplash Eighteen traffic police officers in Udon Thani have been suspended from active duty following allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for leniency on traffic violations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346929-udon-thani-traffic-police-officers-suspended-amid-bribery-scandal/

FILE Photo by Yuriy Kovalev on Unsplash Eighteen traffic police officers in Udon Thani have been suspended from active duty following allegations of accepting bribes in exchange for leniency on traffic violations. The suspension comes after a video emerged on a local Facebook page, "E-Sor Khayee Laek," depicting officers offering motorists a choice between paying a fine on the spot or being issued a ticket. The footage quickly garnered public attention, sparking outrage and prompting calls for accountability. Pol Col Phattanawong Chanphon, who oversees the Mueang Police Station in Udon Thani, confirmed that the incident occurred on December 21 along Mittraphap Road. He expressed his dismay, noting that this is the first case of its kind during his 18-month tenure. In light of the allegations, 18 officers have been temporarily relieved of their duties as part of the disciplinary process. In an effort to restore public trust and reinforce ethical behaviour within the force, Pol Col Phattanawong is planning to confer with the provincial police chief on Monday. The discussion will focus on revising current regulations and refining the procedures traffic officers must adhere to. As the New Year approaches—a period notorious for an increase in traffic accidents—the department is keen to implement strict measures as part of the "Seven Dangerous Days" safety campaign. Strategic checkpoints will be established in four key locations across Udon Thani to enhance road safety compliance. Furthermore, Pol Col Phattanawong has encouraged the community to report any ambiguous or suspect behaviour by officers, assuring the public that any such reports will be thoroughly investigated to ensure transparency and accountability. In a separate but related incident, a traffic officer in Nonthaburi has been filmed collecting fines in cash without providing official tickets at Phong Phet intersection. In response, the Rattanathibet Police Station has initiated an investigation into the officer's conduct. Pol Col Phisut Chantarasuwan, the station's superintendent, has stated that they expect to resolve the case and present findings within a week. Should the investigation conclude that misconduct occurred, both disciplinary action and potential criminal charges will be pursued. The recent revelations have cast a spotlight on the integrity of traffic enforcement procedures in Thailand, with officials now under pressure to enforce stringent checks to rectify any abuses of power, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-23

Thai Immigration Arrests Indian Man for 250-Day Overstay Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Thai immigration officers in Maha Sarakham have apprehended an Indian national, Mr Upendra Yadav, at a petrol station after he overstayed his visa by nearly a year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346928-thai-immigration-arrests-indian-man-for-250-day-overstay/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath Thai immigration officers in Maha Sarakham have apprehended an Indian national, Mr Upendra Yadav, at a petrol station after he overstayed his visa by nearly a year. The arrest comes as part of a clampdown ordered by the Immigration Bureau to apprehend foreigners residing illegally in Thailand. The operation, conducted between 17th and 23rd December, was led by local immigration police in coordination with regional enforcement agencies. Officers spotted Mr Yadav wandering near the lavatory at a petrol station on the Sarakham-Kosum Road. Upon inspection, Mr Yadav managed basic communication in Thai but failed to present valid immigration documents. His visa had expired on 13th April 2023, following his entry into Thailand on a tourist visa for 30 days from Don Mueang Airport on 21st March. Authorities confirmed that Mr Yadav had not submitted any extension requests and had remained in the country unlawfully ever since. He was charged with overstaying by 250 days, a misdemeanour to which he confessed. The detainee has been processed and handed over to the Maha Sarakham police for further legal proceedings, reported Siam Rath. -- 2024-12-23

File photo courtesy: Facebook Pattaya Watchdog EDITORIAL Pattaya, known for drawing millions of tourists worldwide, is a cultural hub teeming with international visitors. One pertinent question for those exploring this bustling city is whether the prevalence of Thai language signs might bewilder non-native speakers. As Thailand's official language, Thai naturally dominates public signage—including road signs, business names, and public notices. Although these signs showcase Thailand's rich cultural heritage, they can pose a navigation challenge for visitors unfamiliar with the Thai script, characterised by its distinctive and intricate characters. In response to global tourism demands, Pattaya has endeavoured to mitigate language barriers. Most signage in tourist-heavy zones, such as main streets, public transport, and dining establishments, is bilingual, featuring English translations or Romanized versions of Thai names. This initiative greatly eases navigation for international guests. Furthermore, key tourist attractions like Walking Street, Jomtien Beach, and prominent shopping areas frequently display signs in additional languages, including Russian, Chinese, and Korean, reflecting the city's diverse visitor base. That said, some challenges persist, particularly in less tourist-centric areas where English signage might be less common. Visitors who venture beyond the primary tourist locales may need to rely on language translation apps or seek assistance from locals to comprehend signs. Additionally, while English signs are relatively widespread, minor errors or unclear translations can occasionally lead to misunderstandings. Despite minor obstacles, Pattaya’s commitment to multilingual signage, combined with the helpfulness of its residents, generally ensures that tourists can navigate the city comfortably, writes Pattaya Mail. For many visitors, deciphering Thai language signs can become a memorable part of the travel experience, enriching their adventure in this dynamic destination. Ultimately, while there may be brief moments of confusion, the city's efforts and its welcoming atmosphere help tourists feel at ease as they explore its vibrant streets. -- 2024-12-23

Navigating Pattaya: Are Thai-Language Signs Confusing Tourists File photo courtesy: Facebook Pattaya Watchdog EDITORIAL Pattaya, known for drawing millions of tourists worldwide, is a cultural hub teeming with international visitors. One pertinent question for those exploring this bustling city is whether the prevalence of Thai language signs might bewilder non-native speakers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346901-navigating-pattaya-are-thai-language-signs-confusing-tourists/

FILE - Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra //AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File In a pointed critique of Thailand's current administration, former Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong has boldly declared that Thaksin Shinawatra, the ex-Prime Minister, is the true orchestrator behind the scenes, despite his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra's official leadership role. This claim was made in Thepthai's recent Facebook post titled "Thaksin is the Real Owner of the Government," as political debate heats up over the influence of familial ties in governance. Thepthai's comments follow Thaksin's recent address at Rajabhat University, in Nakhon Ratchasima, where he outlined an ambitious plan for Thailand's Northeastern region, known as Isaan. His strategy includes promoting local products through soft power and OTOP initiatives, tackling drug issues with a public information app, and boosting the economy by issuing short-term bonds in a novel coin format. If successful, these initiatives could enhance the country’s GDP from the current 2% to a prospective 4-5%. According to Thepthai, such propositions from Thaksin are swiftly turned into policy by the government, reinforcing the perception that Thaksin is a shadow leader. He highlighted the government's policy statement, which closely mirrors Thaksin's vision for Thailand expressed in his speeches, further suggesting a direct influence on official governmental direction. Additionally, Thepthai noted recent moves to suppress influential criminal figures as a testament to Thaksin's sway. Although a special committee proposed by Thaksin and intended to be headed by Paetongtarn has yet to be officially established, law enforcement agencies have already begun initiatives aligned with Thaksin’s recommendations. This swift action suggests that Thaksin's influence may eclipse formal governmental instructions. Thepthai argues that this synergy between Thaksin’s ideas and government policy signifies a shift in power dynamics, with Paetongtarn’s role increasingly seen as a conduit for her father’s directives. "Father thinks, Father determines, Father directs, Father orders," states Thepthai, encapsulating his belief that Thaksin's influence prevails over his daughter's official title as Prime Minister. This commentary arrives amidst ongoing scrutiny of Paetongtarn's government, with questions about the extent of Thaksin's influence, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-12-23

Ex-MP Claims Thaksin is the True Leader of the Government FILE - Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra //AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File In a pointed critique of Thailand's current administration, former Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong has boldly declared that Thaksin Shinawatra, the ex-Prime Minister, is the true orchestrator behind the scenes, despite his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra's official leadership role. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346897-ex-mp-claims-thaksin-is-the-true-leader-of-the-government/

Jomtien: Mystery Death of Thai Woman: Foreign Partner Lived with Corpse for 3 Days Picture from responders The mysterious death of a 45-year-old Thai woman in Jomtien, Chonburi, has left local authorities perplexed, as her foreign partner was found living with her decomposing body for three days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1346904-jomtien-mystery-death-of-thai-woman-foreign-partner-lived-with-corpse-for-3-days/