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Police Crack Down on Two Ruthless Loan Shark Networks, Seize Documents and Customer Lists Cyber police have raided and dismantled two major loan shark networks charging exorbitant interest rates of 30-60% per month. The raid resulted in the seizure of numerous customer lists and incriminating documents, with the suspects confessing to their illegal operations. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338170-police-crack-down-on-two-ruthless-loan-shark-networks-seize-documents-and-customer-lists/

Raid to Help 6 Migrants Forced to Work & Sexually Abused by Their Employers A special operations multidisciplinary team raided a townhouse in Lak Si District, Bangkok after the parents of a 14-year-old migrant worker filed a complaint with the police that their daughter had been forced into labour and sexually abused. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338169-raid-to-help-6-migrants-forced-to-work-sexually-abused-by-their-employers/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A cowherd discovered a decomposed body under a neem tree in Singburi province, with the remains infested with maggots and emitting a strong odour. The body, which is believed to have been deceased for over a week, was found in a remote area about 800 metres from the nearest road. At approximately 06:30 on 14 September, Lt. Col. Phuriwat Piluek, Deputy Investigator of the Bang Rachan Police Station, was notified by the village head of Moo 5, Pak Thun sub-district, Bang Rachan district, Singburi province. The report indicated that a cowherd had found a dead body in a forested area of Pak Thun. Lt. Col. Phuriwat, accompanied by medical staff from Bang Rachan Hospital and volunteers from the Watana Sing Foundation, responded to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities had to walk about 800 metres into the forest. They discovered the body of Mr. Somkuan (surname withheld), a 56-year-old brick maker and scrap collector. The deceased was found hanging from a neem tree with a black bag slung over his shoulder. The body was in an advanced state of decay, with maggots crawling over it and a pervasive stench. Investigators found 1,500 Baht in cash, a keychain, and a piece of paper in the victim’s two bags, which have been collected as evidence. The cowherd, Mr. Somboon (surname withheld), who found the body, reported that he was searching for a cow that had escaped into the forest. During his search, he came across the body and alerted the village head. Later, Ms. Pikun (surname withheld), the deceased's wife, arrived and said that Mr. Somkhwan had disappeared from the house with his motorcycle on September 7. She had searched for him in various places where she thought Mr. Somkhwan had gone, but could not find him. She believed that Mr. Somkhwan might have been feeling depressed after having an argument with his family, so he left the house to calm down, which led to the incident. Authorities are now working to determine the cause of death and have sent the body for further examination. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture courtesy of Khoasod. A 20 Baht store in Chiang Rai has come under fire for taking advantage of the recent floods by significantly raising prices. The store reportedly removed old price tags and hand wrote a new, inflated prices, with a basic squeegee being sold for 299 Baht. Flooding has severely impacted the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, causing devastation to homes and properties. Many families have lost possessions as floodwaters damaged their homes, and as the water recedes, the costly process of cleaning and renovation becomes inevitable. In the midst of this crisis, a controversy has emerged. The popular Facebook page ‘Je Moi V+’ received complaints about a so-called 20 Baht store in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, which was accused of not adhering to its 20 Baht pricing model. The Facebook page clarified that while "20 Baht stores" often sell items starting from 20 Baht, not all products are priced at 20 Baht. However, what outraged customers was the store’s removal of original price tags and replacing them with higher, handwritten prices, exploiting the flood situation. Complainants argued that this price hike feels like exploitation, especially when people are already struggling to recover from the flood. Cleaning equipment is essential post-flood, and while some stores reasonably price certain items higher than 20 Baht, they clearly label the prices. This store, however, is accused of tearing off the old price tags and hiking prices, despite the fact that there is no shortage of such goods in the market. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture of the only signs found. Authorities had officially called off the search for a 50-year-old man on the morning of September 14, who had been missing in the forest for six days. Despite extensive efforts, the search team only found a pair of trousers and footprints. The missing man, identified as Mr. Paitoon, disappeared on 8 September after leaving Bunchanuan Village in Sub Yai District, Chaiyaphum Province, and heading into the forest near the foothills, approximately 500 metres from the village. A search team of over 100 individuals, including local officials, soldiers, police, rescue workers, and villagers, along with sniffer dogs from Surathampitak Camp in Nakhon Ratchasima, had been scouring the area in hopes of finding him. During the search, officials discovered signs that Mr. Paitoon had stopped near a water source about 4 kilometres from the village. At the scene, they found a pair of trousers, footprints, and a discarded coffee packet. Despite these clues, the search team and sniffer dogs were unable to locate him. Heavy rain and dense forest conditions severely hampered the search efforts, making visibility difficult and leading to the decision to halt the operation. Ms. Jane, Mr. Paitoon’s 52-year-old sister, remained confident that her brother was still alive. She believed he may have been frightened by the search team and ventured deeper into the forest. "We saw signs that he drank water from the stream, and I believe he’s still out there somewhere," she said. She also expressed her heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the search for their support and efforts in trying to locate her brother. Despite the search being suspended, the family continued to hold out hope and remained optimistic and then in a miraculous turn of events the man was found alive, only three kilometres from his village. Mr. Paitoon was discovered by relatives, lying exhausted on a rock, in an area previously passed by searchers. In the late afternoon of September 14, a group of family members and community leaders continued the search on foot. During this effort, Mr. Wisanu, a 34-year-old relative, noticed footprints that led him to find Mr. Paitoon in a weakened state, lying next to a rock in the forest. Mr. Paitoon was dressed in a blue long-sleeved shirt and blue shorts but was barefoot. The group helped Mr. Paitoon down from the mountain and contacted others to bring a vehicle to transport him to the hospital. Medical staff performed a thorough examination and provided IV fluids and vitamins to aid his recovery. The discovery of Mr. Paitoon left many puzzled, as several searchers had previously passed through the area without noticing him -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A special operations multidisciplinary team and the Prachachuen Metropolitan Police on September 14, raided a townhouse in the Ngam Wong Wan 32 area of Lak Si District, Bangkok after the parents of a 14-year-old migrant worker filed a complaint with the police that their daughter had been forced into labour and sexually abused. From the search of the building, it was found that Mr. Golf, 34 years old, and his wife, 33 years old, were the owners of the house, which contained 6 migrant workers, some of which were youths. 3 of the workers were girls aged 12, 13 and 14 years olds, and another youth aged 17 years old. The youths have all now been rescued and place into protective accommodation. In addition the search of the house found one unregistered firearm and three BB guns. The couple were arrested and taken to the Prachachuen Metropolitan Police Station for legal proceedings. Mr. Ronnarong Thippasiri, Inspector-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, said that the offenders had opened a restaurant and hired migrant labourers to work, long hours, normally to 04:00 each morning. The offenders threatened and forced the workers and youths to stay at the premises, confiscated their phones to prevent them from contacting outsiders and physically abused them, forcing them to work and sexually abused them. From the initial interrogation at the police station, the perpetrators admitted to hiring the youths to work, but denied sexually abusing the youths as alleged. The police will take the victims for a physical examination and will work with multidisciplinary professionals to further interrogate both the youths and their families. The couple are reported to use have used threats against the youths, using chains to tie up them up and using the guns to threaten to shot them, causing the youths to be too scared to dare to try to escape. It was also found that the husband had a previous history of illegal detention. Initially, the police charged him with forcing underage labour , hiring foreign workers without a permit, coercion, illegal detention, abduction of minors, and possession of firearms and ammunition without permission. As for the charges of assault and human trafficking, the police will further interrogate and file detailed charges before taking him to court on September 16. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Cyber police have raided and dismantled two major loan shark networks charging exorbitant interest rates of 30-60% per month. The raid resulted in the seizure of numerous customer lists and incriminating documents, with the suspects confessing to their illegal operations. On 14 September 2024, Pol. Lt. Gen. Worawat Watnakornbancha, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB), ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Phumipat Pattharasriwongchai, chief of CCIB Division 5, alongside Deputy Chief Pol. Col. Bancha Srisuk and Pol. Col. Kukiart Wongphan, superintendent of CCIB Division 5, to lead a raid against an online loan shark network. Two locations were searched in Songkhla province. The first raid, authorized by Na Thawi Provincial Court warrant No. 85/2567, targeted a house in Samnak Kham sub-district, Sadao district. Authorities arrested Ms. Kanyapat (surname withheld), 35, the homeowner. A large number of customer lists and loan agreements exceeding legal interest rates were confiscated. The second raid, backed by Songkhla Provincial Court warrant No. C.253/2567, took place in Khuan Lang sub-district, Hat Yai district. Ms. Laksanaporn (surname withheld), 24, was arrested. Her mobile phone, containing numerous customer contacts and records of online loan advertisements, was seized. Pol. Lt. Gen. Worawat revealed that officers had been monitoring two Facebook accounts, one belonging to Ms. Kanyapat and the other to Ms. Laksanaporn. Both were involved in offering illegal loans to customers in their respective areas, with no regard for legal consequences. The interest rates charged were between 30-60% per month, far above the legal limit. After gathering sufficient evidence, the police secured search warrants, arrested the suspects, and confiscated mobile phones and loan-related documents. Both women confessed to their activities. The suspects now face charges of "operating a personal loan business by providing capital and lending to others without a license" and "charging interest rates higher than legally allowed." They have been handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture from the scene A group of six armed assailants during the early hours of September 14, bombed an ATM and set fire to the Ban Nod Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) office in Sabayoi district, Songkhla Province. The incident occurred around 01:50 with no reported injuries or casualties. Lt. Nathan Khemisaranon, deputy investigator at Ban Nod Police Station, received a report of the incident, which targeted an ATM belonging to the Government Savings Bank located in front of the Ban Nod SAO office. In addition to bombing the ATM, the perpetrators set fire to the administrative office building and a government vehicle. Damage assessments are still ongoing. Police investigations have revealed that the group of six suspects carried out the attack, using firearms to fire approximately 10 rounds into the SAO office before fleeing the scene on three motorcycles. The suspects were last seen heading towards the Ban Kracheh area, near the border with Khuan Pho district in Pattani Province. Authorities from various sectors, including Songkhla Task Force 40, bomb disposal units, and forensic teams, are secured the area to ensure safety and prepare for a detailed damage inspection. The attack is believed to be the work of insurgents seeking to incite unrest in the region. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

ATM Bombing and Arson Attack on Ban Nod Administrative Office in Sabayoi A group of six armed assailants bombed an ATM and set fire to the Ban Nod Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) office in Sabayoi district, Songkhla Province. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338172-atm-bombing-and-arson-attack-on-ban-nod-administrative-office-in-sabayoi/

Cowherd Finds Decomposed Body Under Neem Tree in Singburi A cowherd discovered a decomposed body under a neem tree in Singburi province, with the remains infested with maggots and emitting a strong odour. The body, which is believed to have been deceased for over a week. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338174-cowherd-finds-decomposed-body-under-neem-tree-in-singburi/

Lost Man Found After Six Days in the Forest, Only 3 Kilometres from Village Authorities had officially called off the search for a 50-year-old man who had been missing in the forest for six days, but then then in a miraculous turn of events the man was found alive, only three kilometres from his village. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338177-lost-man-found-after-six-days-in-the-forest-only-3-kilometres-from-village/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with key officials on September 14, made an emergency trip to Nong Khai Province to address the severe flooding situation. Accompanied by senior officials, including Arssit Sapphantharat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Pornpot Pennpas, Director-General of the Department of Lands, Anutin met with affected residents, offering apologies for the hardships caused by the flooding. He assured the public that the government is not neglecting the situation and is working swiftly to provide relief. During the visit, the delegation received a briefing on the water levels at the Nong Khai Irrigation Project and later traveled to Wiang Khuk Subdistrict in Mueang District, where they delivered 350 relief packages. Anutin also toured flood-affected areas by boat, before stopping at Wat Phra That Klang Nam Temple to meet more residents and distribute aid. Speaking to locals, Anutin expressed his sincere apologies, saying, "I want to apologise to every citizen affected by this disaster. The government has not ignored this situation, and we are mobilising resources to provide relief and assistance. Supplies and tools for daily needs are on their way, both for immediate relief and for post-flood recovery." Anutin further announced that the government has already started allocating emergency funds for flood relief. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who visited Chiang Rai yesterday, has directed that the same relief measures applied there be extended to all flood-affected areas. "The government will also implement measures to reduce water and electricity bills for flood victims as part of the relief efforts," Anutin added. He also addressed concerns about looting in flood-hit areas, stating that authorities will increase security patrols to ensure that residents feel safe when they are forced to evacuate their homes. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe RPReplay_Final1726318801.mp4

Deputy PM Anutin Makes Urgent Trip to Nong Khai, Apologises for Flooding Difficulties Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with key officials on September 14, made an emergency trip to Nong Khai Province to address the severe flooding situation. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338178-deputy-pm-anutin-makes-urgent-trip-to-nong-khai-apologises-for-flooding-difficulties/

Railway Authorities Conduct Emergency Drill for Gas Transportation at Bang Lamung Station The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) carried out an emergency response drill at Bang Lamung Railway Station. The drill was part of an ongoing initiative to prepare railway staff involved in operations and maintenance for potential emergency situations, particularly those related to gas transportation by rail. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338195-railway-authorities-conduct-emergency-drill-for-gas-transportation-at-bang-lamung-station/

Picture courtesy of SRT The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) on September 14, carried out an emergency response drill at Bang Lamung Railway Station in Takhian Tia, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The drill was part of an ongoing initiative to prepare railway staff involved in operations and maintenance for potential emergency situations, particularly those related to gas transportation by rail. The exercise was designed to enhance the skills and efficiency of personnel in managing emergency situations in a timely manner, reducing damage and ensuring a swift and effective response. The drill also aimed to strengthen cooperation between the SRT’s safety department and other relevant agencies , with an emphasis on refining problem-solving strategies. Personnel from the SRT’s Bang Lamung Railway Station, alongside officials from the Takhian Tia Subdistrict Municipality and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited, participated in the event. The goal was to equip all involved with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for emergency prevention, mitigation, and recovery. The scenario for the exercise involved a simulated derailment of a train, allowing participants to practice real-time responses to such an incident. The drill focused on improving coordination between different departments and external agencies, ensuring that personnel are fully prepared to act quickly and effectively in an actual emergency. This initiative aims to continuously develop the skills and expertise of railway staff, ensuring that they can manage emergencies in compliance with standard procedures. The SRT has committed to regularly conducting such training sessions to maintain high levels of preparedness and safety across its network. Authorities highlighted the importance of these drills, emphasising that regular training is essential for enhancing operational effectiveness and protecting public safety in the event of a real emergency. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Collision Involving Three Pick Ups Claims One Life, Injures Another in Nonthaburi A crash in Nonthaburi has resulted in one fatality and one injury, with three pick up trucks damaged. The incident occurred when a pickup truck collided with road traffic barriers being set up by construction workers, who were attempting to manage traffic while closing off a section of the road. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338194-collision-involving-three-pick-ups-claims-one-life-injures-another-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A crash in Nonthaburi has resulted in one fatality and one injury, with three pick up trucks damaged. The incident occurred when a pickup truck collided with road traffic barriers being set up by construction workers, who were attempting to manage traffic while closing off a section of the road. At approximately 00:10 on 14 September, officers from the Bang Bua Thong Police Station were alerted to the scene on Kanchanaphisek Road, heading towards Taling Chan, near the Khlong Bang Phai MRT station in Bang Rak Phatthana sub-district. They responded with members of the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Upon arrival, authorities found the body of Mr. Jitti (surname withheld), a 24-year-old road worker, lying next to a road barrier. He was wearing a blue long-sleeve shirt and a reflective vest. Another injured individual, Mr. Jirawat (surname withheld), 33, also a road worker, was taken to Bang Bua Thong Hospital before officers arrived. The crash involved three trucks that had collided and were blocking the road. The first vehicle, a bronze Isuzu pickup, had significant damage to the front right side. The driver, Mr. Masamai (surname withheld), 33, was present at the scene and provided a statement to the authorities. The second truck, also a bronze Isuzu, was a service vehicle and sustained damage to both the front and rear. The third vehicle, a Toyota pickup, had severe rear-end damage caused by the collision with the second truck. Dashcam footage from the truck involved in the collision captured Mr. Masamai driving at high speed and crashing into the road barriers being placed, before hitting the two stationary trucks, which also struck the workers, including the deceased. Mr. Masamai stated that he was driving home from his workplace in Wang Noi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, to his residence in Nong Khaem. He admitted to having poor vision, which might have contributed to the accident, as he did not realise he was going to strike anything until the impact occurred. Mr. Natthaporn (surname withheld), 25, a relative of the deceased, explained that road barriers and warning signs were set up to close two lanes for maintenance work under the BTS station. The barriers and signs were in place to ensure only one lane was available for traffic. Despite these precautions, the pickup truck veered into the closed lane. Police have recorded evidence and statements from Mr. Masamai, who claimed to have experienced a lapse in consciousness. Further investigation will include additional questioning and alcohol testing. The deceased has been sent to the Forensic Institute for an autopsy. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Severe Storm Topples Banyan Tree, Killing 70-Year-Old Man in Prachinburi A 70-year-old man was killed when a massive banyan tree fell onto his house during a heavy rainstorm late at night in Mueang District, Prachinburi Province. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338193-severe-storm-topples-banyan-tree-killing-70-year-old-man-in-prachinburi/

Picture from responders. A 70-year-old man was killed when a massive banyan tree fell onto his house during a heavy rainstorm late at night. The accident occurred at around 23:00 on 13 September in Mueang District, Prachinburi Province. Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Bampen Thammasathan Foundation were alerted to the scene where they found a two-story wooden house, completely collapsed, with a large banyan tree crushing the roof. Under the debris, they discovered the lifeless body of the homeowner, identified as Mr. Wichai, 70, lying face-up, trapped under the wreckage. Rescue workers had to wait for the electricity to be safely cut off before they could retrieve the body. A neighbour, Mr. Pornchai, who lives next door, told reporters that he had been watching television when he heard a loud crash. He asked his son to check outside, where they saw that the house had collapsed. The victim was trapped inside the debris, prompting them to immediately call the village head and rescue authorities. Mr. Wichai, who lived alone in the house, was said to sleep on the second floor. It is believed that the heavy rains caused the 50-year-old banyan tree to fall, crushing the house and causing the victim to fall from the second floor to the ground level. The victim's son and relatives were present at the scene, visibly distraught. Police have sent the body for an autopsy at Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital. Investigators will conduct a thorough examination of the scene before the body is released to the family for funeral arrangements. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Worker Severely Injured by Grinding Disc in Pattaya Slum A man collecting scrap materials was severely injured when a grinding disc broke apart, nearly severing his arm in Pattaya’s Nong Prue area, in a local slum community, primarily inhabited by scrap collectors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338192-worker-severely-injured-by-grinding-disc-in-pattaya-slum/

Picture from responders A man collecting scrap materials was severely injured when a grinding disc broke apart, nearly severing his arm in Pattaya’s Nong Prue area. The incident occurred at 09:00 on September 14, in a local slum community, primarily inhabited by scrap collectors. Rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation in Pattaya were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call. Upon arrival at Nong Krabok 1, Moo 9, they found 40-year-old Damrong Dokpikul from Roi Et province lying on the ground, bleeding profusely. His upper arm was severely lacerated, with his nearly detached limb hanging by a thin thread of skin. In excruciating pain, Damrong was treated on-site by paramedics before being rushed to Banglamung Hospital. A witness, 42-year-old Mr. Sor, recounted the events leading up to the accident. According to him, the victim had been using an angle grinder to separate copper from an air compressor plate. In the process, the grinding disc shattered, causing the sharp fragments to fly and slice through Damrong's arm. Authorities are investigating the incident. -- 2024-09-15 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Sunday 15 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1338191-thailand-live-sunday-15-september-2024/

Bhumjaithai Party Opposes Casinos in Entertainment Complexes Picture courtesy: Wikimedia.org In a notable stance, the Bhumjaithai Party has declared its opposition to including casinos in Thailand’s future entertainment complexes. This announcement came at the end of a two-day parliamentary debate on the Pheu Thai-led coalition government’s policy statement, delivered by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1338154-bhumjaithai-party-opposes-casinos-in-entertainment-complexes/

Motorcyclist Injured in Fall From Rama IV Bridge in Nonthaburi Two car dash-cams captured the moments a woman riding a motorcycle at speed, lost control and fell from Rama IV Bridge, crashing onto a car stopped below. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1338137-motorcyclist-injured-in-fall-from-rama-iv-bridge-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Thaiger capture off dash-cam. Two car dash-cams captured the moments a woman riding a motorcycle at speed, lost control and fell from Rama IV Bridge, crashing onto a car stopped below. The incident occurred at approximately 10:25 on September 12, near the entrance to the municipal parking lot in front of Wat Bo Temple, Pak Kret Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. The injured woman has been identified as Ms. Jantharamat (surname withheld), aged 56. She sustained injuries, including broken arms and legs, from the fall. Rescue volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation quickly responded to the scene and transported her to Chulapathan Hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. Source Thaiger Dash-cam video below. -- 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe RPReplay_Final1726144010.mp4