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Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A total of 250 Thai workers hoping to start lucrative jobs abroad were left heartbroken after discovering they had been victims of a fraudulent recruitment scam. The group, who had collectively paid over 12 million baht, gathered at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the night of 4 January, only to find their flights did not exist. The victims, consisting of men and women from various provinces, had travelled to the airport based on promises of employment in agriculture and industry in Israel. Many had paid tens of thousands of baht to a recruiter known as Ms. Oi, who arranged their travel plans. Upon arrival at the airport, the workers discovered there were no flight reservations in their names. Ms. Salinthip, a resident of Buriram, shared her story: “My son was approached by someone who claimed to know about well-paying agricultural jobs in Israel. We transferred 60,000 baht to Ms. Oi, who said she was the official representative. She instructed us to be at the airport tonight, but when we arrived, we realised there were no tickets. When we questioned Ms. Oi, she claimed she couldn’t contact the person in charge.” Mr. Thanayut, 36, from Sakon Nakhon, revealed that he had transferred 120,000 baht and hired a van to bring him to the airport. “I was promised a monthly salary of 70,000 baht. They said the total fee was over 200,000 baht, with 120,000 baht paid upfront and the rest deducted from my salary. I trusted them because others had apparently gone abroad successfully through this process. I was devastated to find it was all a lie.” Ms. Oi, 28, who acted as the go between, claimed she was also a victim of the scheme. According to her, she was approached by a woman named Ms. Fah, who posed as a diplomat at the Austrian embassy in Thailand. Ms. Fah allegedly convinced Ms. Oi to recruit workers in exchange for a commission of 2,000 baht per person. Ms. Oi explained that after receiving payments from the workers, she converted the money into cheques and handed them, along with the workers’ documents, to Ms. Fah at the embassy. She claimed she had no knowledge of the scam until the victims arrived at the airport. The total amount transferred through her exceeded 12 million baht. Attempts to contact Ms. Fah have since been unsuccessful. Pol. Lt. Chanathun Promraksa, deputy inspector at Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station, advised the victims to file complaints at their local police stations where the transactions occurred. Due to the number of victims and the large financial losses, the victims were encouraged to file a collective complaint with the Crime Suppression Division. The victims plan to gather on 6 January at 10:00 to submit their case to investigators. The incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by fraudulent recruitment schemes, leaving hundreds of families in financial ruin and calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar scams in the future. -- 2025-01-05

Foreign Tourists Stir Controversy in Phuket Tuk-Tuk Sex Ride Phuket found itself at the centre of controversy this week after a video of foreign tourists behaving inappropriately on a tuk-tuk was widely shared online. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347931-foreign-tourists-stir-controversy-in-phuket-tuk-tuk-sex-ride/

Picture captured from facebook video. Phuket found itself at the centre of controversy this week after a video of foreign tourists behaving inappropriately on a tuk-tuk was widely shared online. The incident, which occurred on 3 January, was brought to public attention by Facebook user “Jao Nuek Get-Ho Laeo Tae Mum Mong,” who posted a 37-second clip of the event alongside the caption: “No matter how much I told them to stop, they wouldn’t listen. Do as you please, I guess.” According to the post, the tourists had hired the tuk-tuk to take them to their accommodation. However, shortly after boarding, they engaged in intimate behaviour on the backseat, ignoring the driver’s repeated warnings to stop. The video quickly gained traction, attracting a flood of comments from netizens. Some reacted with humour, while others expressed frustration. Comments included: “Driver, keep your eyes on the road! LOL,” “Thanks for the live sports entertainment,” “What a show! Unbelievable,” and “They should charge extra for this, apparently, the moving vehicle adds to the experience!” This is not the first time such incidents have been reported in Phuket, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas like Patong Beach in Kathu District. Local residents and Thai tourists alike have noted a recurring pattern of inappropriate behaviour from some foreign visitors in the region. The incident has once again sparked debate about the behaviour of tourists in Phuket and the impact it has on the area’s reputation. Locals have called for greater awareness and respect from visitors to preserve the island’s cultural values and maintain harmony between residents and tourists. Video can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEXbmUxJFUu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link or https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=901918792055688&id=100011178493489 -- 2025-01-05

Drunken Australian Man Arrested After Stealing Motorcycle An Australian man has been arrested in Bangkok after stealing a rental motorcycle and leading police on a chaotic chase that ended when he rode into a Peugeot car showroom. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347930-drunken-australian-man-arrested-after-stealing-motorcycle/

Picture of arrest. An Australian man has been arrested in Bangkok after stealing a rental motorcycle and leading police on a chaotic chase that ended when he rode into a Peugeot car showroom. Police from the Phra Khanong station apprehended 41-year-old Beau Gerand Hegarty, an Australian national, on charges of driving under the influence and operating a vehicle without a valid licence. The arrest took place at 18:45 on 3 January inside the Peugeot showroom on Sukhumvit Road, Phra Khanong district. According to authorities, the incident began when Hegarty, allegedly intoxicated, stole a red-and-white Honda CRF 300L motorcycle from the parking lot of Samrong Nuea Police Station in Samut Prakan. The rental vehicle had been impounded following a previous incident in which Hegarty had reportedly damaged it and refused to pay for repairs. Police were alerted by Samrong Nuea station and immediately set up a checkpoint along the suspected route. Officers spotted Hegarty speeding near Sukhumvit 62 and gave chase. Upon noticing the authorities, Hegarty attempted to flee by riding into a Peugeot showroom, where he abandoned the motorcycle and tried to escape on foot. Police managed to apprehend him inside the premises. The motorcycle’s owner, who had rented it out to Hegarty, confirmed that the vehicle was indeed theirs and had been taken without authorisation. The incident was documented in police records at Samrong Nuea station, where the rental owner had previously filed a complaint. Upon his arrest, Hegarty exhibited signs of intoxication but did not possess any illegal items. When asked to present a valid driving licence, he was unable to do so. Officers conducted an on-site breath alcohol test, which recorded a level significantly above the legal limit. Hegarty was taken to Phra Khanong Police Station, where he was charged with driving under the influence, operating a vehicle without a licence, and theft. -- 2025-01-05

Koh Phangan Boat Operators Demand Mid-Journey Payments From Tourists Concerns over tourist safety have been raised on Koh Phangan after reports surfaced of longtail boat operators halting their vessels mid-journey to demand payment from passengers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347929-koh-phangan-boat-operators-demand-mid-journey-payments-from-tourists/

File picture for reference only. Concerns over tourist safety have been raised on Koh Phangan after reports surfaced of longtail boat operators halting their vessels mid-journey to demand payment from passengers. A social media post on 4 January described a troubling incident that occurred during a late-night boat trip. According to the post, at approximately 02.00 on New Year’s Eve, around 20 passengers boarded a boat taxi to travel to a local entertainment premises. The operator allegedly stopped the boat in open waters and demanded 400 baht per person for a one-way fare, refusing to continue the journey until all passengers paid. “The waves were rough, and there was no option to return,” the post explained. “With memories of the recent tragedy where a Korean tourist died in a longtail boat accident, everyone felt they had no choice but to pay.” The incident sparked outrage online, with comments including, “This is daylight robbery,” “Why are the authorities ignoring this?” and “This will ruin our tourism industry.” Others criticized the lack of fare transparency and suggested that payments should be collected before departure. The controversy comes just days after a tragic accident involving a longtail boat off Koh Phangan’s shores. On 29 December 2024, a boat named Pichitchai capsized, leaving 13 people overboard and one Korean tourist dead. In defence, a boat operator from Rin Beach claimed the practice of collecting fares mid-journey was necessary to prevent passengers from fleeing without paying upon arrival. “We’re not trying to be cruel,” the operator argued. “We’re protecting our livelihoods.” The operator also dismissed claims of rough sea conditions during the incident. Wijak Chupharekit, Director of the Regional Harbor Office in Koh Phangan, announced that an investigation is underway. A meeting with around 50 local water taxi operators is scheduled for 7 January, to establish clearer service guidelines. “We must ensure that our transportation services meet high standards and safeguard the reputation of Koh Phangan as a premier tourist destination,” Chupharekit stated. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in regulating transportation services on the island, renowned for its Full Moon Parties and pristine beaches. With the spotlight on local authorities, tourists and residents alike are awaiting decisive action to address these concerns. -- 2025-01-05

Two Nephews Seriously Injured While Rescuing Aunt from Domestic Assault Two nephews sustained severe injuries after attempting to rescue their aunt, who had been assaulted by her husband. The incident occurred at a workers' camp on Soi Wat Plat Priang in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan.The assailant, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, is now being pursued by police. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347926-two-nephews-seriously-injured-while-rescuing-aunt-from-domestic-assault/

Tourist Police Apprehend Foreigners for Illegal Guide Work in Pattaya Authorities have apprehended four foreign nationals allegedly working illegally as tour guides in Pattaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347924-tourist-police-apprehend-foreigners-for-illegal-guide-work-in-pattaya/

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash at Phuket's Notorious 'Danger Curve' A foreign man, whose identity has not been disclosed, lost his life on the morning of January 4, after his motorcycle veered off the road and collided with a guardrail at the infamous Kuan Lim San curve on Wichit Songkram Road in Kathu District, Phuket. Full story and video:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347925-motorcyclist-killed-in-crash-at-phukets-notorious-danger-curve/

Royal Rainmaking Department Deploys Aircraft to Combat PM2.5 in Bangkok Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, accompanied by advisor Pornprom Vikitset and sustainability executives, visited Hua Hin Airport in Prachuap Khiri Khan to observe the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department’s efforts to tackle PM2.5 pollution. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347923-royal-rainmaking-department-deploys-aircraft-to-combat-pm25-in-bangkok/

Navy Officer Found Dead in Rayong Sea After Falling from Inflatable Boat During Duty The body of a naval officer who fell into the sea while on duty in Rayong was found floating at sea on the morning of January 4. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347922-navy-officer-found-dead-in-rayong-sea-after-falling-from-inflatable-boat-during-duty/

Thai Navy Captures Vietnamese Fishing Vessel for Illegal Activity in Thai Waters The Royal Thai Navy intercepted a Vietnamese fishing vessel illegally operating in Thai territorial waters near Koh Kra, Nakhon Si Thammarat, on 3 January. Five crew members were detained, marking the first such operation of 2025. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347921-thai-navy-captures-vietnamese-fishing-vessel-for-illegal-activity-in-thai-waters/

Chai Nat Man Hospitalised After Self-Harm Following Eight-Day Drinking Binge Police in Chai Nat were called to a chaotic scene at a local resort on 4 January, where a 31-year-old man, identified only as Mr A, was found attempting to harm himself after reportedly drinking heavily for eight consecutive days. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347920-chai-nat-man-hospitalised-after-self-harm-following-eight-day-drinking-binge/

Tragic Death of 28-Year-Old Man Found in Car at Mall Parking Lot A 28-year-old man has lost his life after suffocating from carbon monoxide poisoning in his car at a shopping mall parking lot in Nonthaburi. The incident took place on the evening of 3 January, when police were alerted to the scene at a popular shopping centre in the Bang Kraso district of Mueang Nonthaburi. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347919-tragic-death-of-28-year-old-man-found-in-car-at-mall-parking-lot/

Man Suffers Blackout Before Crashing into a Fence in Pattaya A 53-year-old man, believed to have suffered a sudden blackout, possibly caused by narcolepsy, before crashing his car into a fence near a convenience store in Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The man, identified as Kampol Thepnarong, was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347917-man-suffers-blackout-before-crashing-into-a-fence-in-pattaya/

Picture of arrest Authorities have apprehended four foreign nationals allegedly working illegally as tour guides in Pattaya. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Raksa, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at the Tourist Police Bureau, along with officers from Region 2, conducted a surveillance operation following reports of foreigners engaging in unlawful work related to tourism services. The operation focused on the passenger drop-off area near Bali Hai Pier in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Officers observed suspicious behaviour by four foreign individuals, including interactions involving document exchanges and assisting tourists in boarding boats to Koh Larn before returning to wait for the next group. Upon inspection, the suspects, three Russian nationals and one Indian national, were found to be holding tourist visas, which do not permit employment in Thailand. None of the individuals possessed the legally required work permits. Authorities charged the suspects with “working without permission” and referred them to Pattaya City Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. This incident underscores the Tourist Police’s commitment and aims to reassure both Thai and international tourists that key tourism hubs are being closely monitored to ensure compliance with the law and safeguard the integrity of the industry. -- 2025-01-05

Picture and video captured from CCTV. A foreign man, whose identity has not been disclosed, lost his life on the morning of January 4, after his motorcycle veered off the road and collided with a guardrail at the infamous Kuan Lim San curve on Wichit Songkram Road in Kathu District, Phuket. Police from Kathu Police Station, accompanied by medical examiners from Vachira Phuket Hospital and Kusoltham Foundation rescue workers, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the crash. At the crash site, officials discovered a red-plated Honda ADV motorcycle lying in the middle of the road. Evidence of the collision, including long scrape marks on the guardrail and debris pointed to the severity of the incident. Upon inspecting the ravine, approximately three metres deep, they found the body of the victim, a foreign male, wearing a blue t-shirt and shorts. He was lying face down in the grass, having suffered a fatal head injury. The body was recovered and transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further examination. Meanwhile, police continued their investigation, collecting evidence at the scene and reviewing nearby CCTV footage to determine the exact cause of the crash. According to witness Mr Thaworn, a street vendor driving behind the victim, there were warning markings placed near the curve to caution motorists. However, he observed the motorcycle speeding past his vehicle before losing control at the sharp bend. The motorbike struck the guardrail, causing the rider to be thrown into the ravine while the vehicle skidded across the road. Mr Thaworn immediately stopped his car to prevent further incidents and called the authorities. Local residents report that the curve is a frequent site of crashes, with many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The sharp bend and tendency of vehicles to travel at high speeds have earned it the grim nickname "Danger Curve." -- 2025-01-05 ScreenRecording_01-04-2025 17-53-00_1.mp4

Picture from responders. Two nephews sustained severe injuries after attempting to rescue their aunt, who had been assaulted by her husband. The incident occurred at a workers' camp on Soi Wat Plat Priang in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan.The assailant, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, is now being pursued by police. At approximately 20:30 on January 3, police from Bang Kaeo Police Station, along with emergency responders from Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi and Poh Teck Tung Foundation, rushed to the scene following reports of a stabbing. At the ground floor of the workers' camp, in front of Room 365, two injured men were found waiting for help. The first victim, identified as Mr. Boonmee Boonthin, 34, from Tak Province, suffered a deep slash wound to his right arm. The second victim, Mr. Leo Krongwitee, 24, also from Tak, had been stabbed in the back and was in critical condition. Both were taken to Sikarin Hospital for urgent medical treatment. The perpetrator, who is the husband of the victims' aunt, fled on a motorcycle before authorities arrived. According to Mr. Boonmee, who works as a security guard, the incident began when his aunt, Ms. Amphar Chatchor, 48, called him and his younger brother for help after being physically assaulted by her husband. When the nephews arrived at her residence, a heated argument ensued, during which the husband attacked them with a knife, stabbing Leo in the back and slashing Boonmee's arm as he tried to protect his brother and aunt. Ms. Amphar, who had visible bruises on her face and neck, explained that her husband, a heavy drinker, often becomes violent. On this occasion, he choked her during an argument until she managed to fight back and escape his grasp. She called her nephews to help her leave, but when they arrived, the confrontation turned violent. Authorities are investigating the incident and have questioned witnesses. CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed, and police have identified the suspect, who is now the subject of a manhunt. Further action will be taken once the suspect is apprehended. -- 2025-01-05

Woman Tied Up and Threatened in Pattaya Apartment Police in Pattaya are searching for a man who broke into a woman's apartment, tied her up, and threatened her with scissors before fleeing the scene. The victim was rescued when her daughter unexpectedly returned home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347916-woman-tied-up-and-threatened-in-pattaya-apartment/

Suspect Escapes Police Custody by Jumping into River but is Quickly Recaptured In a dramatic escape attempt, a suspect in handcuffs jumped into the Chao Phraya River while police were searching his residence, only to be apprehended shortly afterward. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347914-suspect-escapes-police-custody-by-jumping-into-river-but-is-quickly-recaptured/

Father Mourns Daughter Killed in Tragic Motorcycle Crash on Way Home from Hospital A heartbroken father wept inconsolably after his daughter, who had been unwell, was struck and killed by a pickup truck while riding her motorcycle home from a hospital visit in Ayutthaya. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347913-father-mourns-daughter-killed-in-tragic-motorcycle-crash-on-way-home-from-hospital/

Three-Vehicle Collision in Trang Claims One Life, Uncovers Smuggled Cigarettes A three-vehicle collision on the Trang-Palian Road, near Trang Technical College, has left one dead and two injured. The crash also revealed a smuggling operation involving untaxed cigarettes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347912-three-vehicle-collision-in-trang-claims-one-life-uncovers-smuggled-cigarettes/

Picture courtesy of RTN The Royal Thai Navy intercepted a Vietnamese fishing vessel illegally operating in Thai territorial waters near Koh Kra, Nakhon Si Thammarat, on 3 January. Five crew members were detained, marking the first such operation of 2025. Acting on a tip-off from local sources, the Second Naval Area Command and the Maritime National Interest Protection Centre deployed HTMS Laem Sing for a patrol operation. At 05:30 the patrol identified and seized the Vietnamese vessel, which was using dredging equipment to harvest sea cucumbers. The vessel was located approximately 77 km east of Sichon District (Latitude 8°57’N, Longitude 100°38’E). The detained crew and the vessel were escorted to the Songkhla Naval Base for further investigation. Charges have been filed under three Thai laws: 1. The Royal Ordinance on Fisheries, B.E. 2558 (2015) – Operating a stateless fishing vessel in Thai waters and engaging in commercial fishing without a licence. 2. The Fisheries Act, B.E. 2482 (1939) – Fishing in Thai territorial waters without authorisation. 3. The Immigration Act, B.E. 2522 (1979) – Unauthorised entry into the Kingdom of Thailand. The arrest is part of the Thai Navy’s ongoing efforts to protect the country’s maritime resources, in line with its 2025 mission to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other maritime threats. Illegal fishing activities, particularly by foreign vessels, pose a significant threat to Thailand’s marine ecosystems and economy. Vietnamese fishing vessels, often equipped with destructive dredging tools, damage seabeds and coral reefs, critical habitats for marine life. In the past year alone, an average of 15 Vietnamese vessels were apprehended annually in Thailand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Each vessel is capable of harvesting 15–20 tonnes of sea cucumbers per trip, with market values ranging from THB 300 to THB 500 per kilogram. These operations have resulted in an estimated economic impact of THB 150 million annually. Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakool, Commander of the Second Naval Area, thanked local fishing communities for providing crucial intelligence. He reiterated the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Thailand’s 113,275-square-kilometre EEZ and vowed to take decisive action against any foreign vessels encroaching on Thai waters. “Our mission is to protect Thailand’s maritime resources for future generations. We will not tolerate illegal fishing activities in our waters and will continue to enforce the law to the fullest extent,” Vice Admiral Nares stated. The Royal Thai Navy urges citizens to report any suspicious maritime activities to ensure the continued protection of the nation’s marine resources. -- 2025-01-05