Army chief calls for discretion in exercising rights, pointing at protesters
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 15 May 2025
Social Media Tattoo Artist “Namwan Laiphrang” Arrested in Drug and Firearms Raid Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Well-known social media tattoo artist Sarawut “Namwan Laiphrang” was arrested at his home in Bang Bua Thong district on 14 May, following a police raid that uncovered illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360687-social-media-tattoo-artist-“namwan-laiphrang”-arrested-in-drug-and-firearms-raid/ -
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Crime Social Media Tattoo Artist “Namwan Laiphrang” Arrested in Drug and Firearms Raid
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Well-known social media tattoo artist Sarawut “Namwan Laiphrang” was arrested at his home in Bang Bua Thong district on 14 May, following a police raid that uncovered illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm. Police from Bang Bua Thong Police Station, led by Pol. Col. Phrut Jamrungratsan and supported by a special operations unit, executed a search warrant at the 45-year-old suspect’s residence in Moo 7, Bang Bua Thong Subdistrict, after receiving a tip-off about possible drug activity at the premises. During the search, officers discovered a loaded .32 calibre revolver, five rounds of ammunition, and two orange methamphetamine tablets. Mr Sarawut, known online as “Namwan Laiphrang,” was immediately taken into custody and escorted to Bang Bua Thong Police Station for further questioning. Upon interrogation, Sarawut admitted that the gun belonged to him and had been purchased from a friend for 10,000 baht, claiming he kept it for self-defence. He also confessed that the methamphetamine was for personal use, stating that he regularly consumed several tablets a day. Sarawut, who operates a tattoo parlour out of his home, also revealed a history of drug offences, stating that he had previously been arrested five times in Nonthaburi province. He once belonged to the same gang as another notorious tattooed figure, “Keng Laiphrang.” Since his release from prison, he has cultivated a significant online following, amassing more than 200,000 followers on Facebook. Pol. Col. Phrut confirmed that Sarawut faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition without a permit, along with violations of the Narcotics Act. Authorities have also seized three motorbikes found on the property to verify whether they were legally owned. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the firearm and drugs, as well as any further illegal activities connected to the suspect. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-15. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 15 May 2025
UPDATE Ukrainian Woman Re-Arrested in Phuket After Failing to Appear in Court Over Damaged Rental Property Picture courtesy of Phuket Police. A Ukrainian woman has been re-arrested in Phuket after allegedly failing to attend a scheduled court hearing in connection with severe damage caused to a rented condominium in the Wichit area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360371-ukrainian-arrested-at-phuket-airport-over-condominium-vandalism/page/2/#findComment-19800930 -
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Another Lazada scam story
Lazada is a minefield. I now only buy small items from official Lazmall shops. Ordered a set of 7 magnetic screwdrivers, the most useful one was missing. Ordered an 'upgrade' mosquito zapper, they sent the basic model. Both times they offered a partial refund, I only needed to send them my bank account number and phone number...I declined and just wrote it off. -
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Defence Secretary Stands by Military Leaders Amid Afghan War Crimes Allegations
Defence Secretary Stands by Military Leaders Amid Afghan War Crimes Allegations Defence Secretary John Healey has expressed unwavering support for two of Britain’s most senior military officers after they were named in a BBC Panorama investigation alleging war crimes by UK special forces in Afghanistan. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Healey said he had “absolute” confidence in the integrity and leadership of General Sir Roly Walker, head of the army, and General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who is slated to become the next head of the Royal Navy. The BBC’s investigation broadcast on Monday night alleged that members of Britain’s elite special forces were involved in the unlawful killing of innocent Afghans over a period spanning more than ten years. Both Walker and Jenkins were referenced in the documentary, with claims implicating them in various aspects of how these allegations were handled. Specifically, the programme accused Jenkins of overseeing the dismissal of hundreds of UK resettlement applications submitted by Afghan commandos who had served alongside British forces, particularly the Special Air Service (SAS). Some of those commandos are thought to be potential witnesses in an inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings, having been present at key moments on the ground. Jenkins, a former vice-chief of the defence staff and one-time director of special forces, was reportedly sent transcripts of conversations in 2011 in which members of the special forces discussed unlawful killings. While he did inform his superior of the contents, the evidence was not passed on to military police. Instead, according to the BBC, it was stored in a classified dossier locked in a safe. When asked directly whether he retained confidence in Walker and Jenkins despite the investigation, Healey responded, “Yes, absolutely.” He continued, “I’ve worked very closely with both,” describing Jenkins as his strategic advisor in recent months, particularly on significant export deals. “I’ve worked very closely with Roly Walker as the new chief of the general staff as well,” he added, reinforcing his view that both men remain fit for leadership. Jenkins was anticipated to be named the new first sea lord last week, but the announcement was unexpectedly delayed. Instead, attention turned to Admiral Sir Ben Key, the current first sea lord, who is reportedly under investigation following allegations of an affair with a junior officer. Despite the delay in Jenkins’ formal appointment, sources within the Ministry of Defence have maintained confidence in him. “One of the good guys in this,” said one defence source, suggesting that Jenkins would ultimately be cleared of wrongdoing. This sentiment, the source added, is echoed by many others within the ministry. The BBC’s investigation has reignited public scrutiny over the conduct of British forces during the war in Afghanistan and raised questions about how internal reports of misconduct were handled. Yet the firm backing from the defence secretary signals that, for now, the government is standing behind its top military figures amid the controversy. Related Topic: Breaking the Silence: Former UK Special Forces Reveal Allegations of War Crimes Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-15 -
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From Caravan Parks to a Billionaire’s Empire: The Rise of the UK’s 'Asylum King'
From Caravan Parks to a Billionaire’s Empire: The Rise of the UK’s 'Asylum King' Graham King, an Essex-born businessman once known for selling mobile homes, has become one of the UK’s newest billionaires as demand for asylum accommodation surges. The 58-year-old founder of Clearsprings Ready Homes, a company contracted by the British government to house, feed, and transport asylum seekers, has seen his wealth jump by 35 per cent in just a year. King now ranks 154th on the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List with a fortune estimated at £1.015 billion—up from £750 million when he first appeared on the list last year. The growth in King’s wealth mirrors the dramatic rise in immigration and asylum claims in the UK. Over 108,000 people applied for asylum in 2024, a record number, up from nearly 92,000 the previous year. The backlog in processing these claims has left around 38,000 asylum seekers in 222 hotels, while an additional 66,000 are being accommodated elsewhere. According to the National Audit Office, the overall cost of providing asylum housing has risen sharply, with the value of ten-year contracts ballooning from £4.5 billion to £15.3 billion. Clearsprings, founded in 1999 and operating out of a modest office in Rayleigh, Essex, has become a central player in this evolving industry. The company’s latest contract with the Home Office—providing services in southern England and Wales—is now estimated to be worth £7.3 billion, a significant leap from its initial valuation of £1 billion. In the year ending January 2024, Clearsprings reported a 60 per cent rise in profits, hitting £119.4 million. King owns more than 99 per cent of Clearsprings, a stake that now places him among Britain’s wealthiest individuals. His journey began in Canvey Island, where he grew up helping run the family’s caravan park, Kings Park, which his father Jack purchased in the 1960s and eventually sold for £32 million in 2007. The family dabbled in multiple businesses including a taxi firm, car dealership, and even nightclubs that once featured artists like Shirley Bassey and Tommy Cooper. The pivot to asylum housing came in the late 1990s when a hotelier’s success with government asylum contracts caught King’s attention. John Pring, a local estate agent, was asked to draft a business proposal for what became Clearsprings. “Jack came to me and said, ‘The government is asking people to tender for this type of work. Graham thinks there’s an opportunity’,” Pring recalled. “The idea was to buy property, rent it to the government and manage it for them.” Despite his fortune, King’s company has faced serious criticism. In 2021, two Clearsprings-run sites—Napier Barracks in Kent and Penally Camp in Pembrokeshire—were described by inspectors as “filthy,” “decrepit,” and “run down.” In 2023, more than 70 people, including children, slept on the street to protest overcrowded conditions in Clearsprings-managed hotels in London. The Home Office recently severed ties between Clearsprings and a subcontractor, Stay Belvedere Hotels Ltd, over “poor performance and behaviour.” Financial scrutiny has also intensified. A Home Office audit revealed that the department could not fully justify £58 million in charges from Clearsprings, which exceeded original agreements. Inspectors recommended stronger invoicing controls to prevent overpayments. King, now reportedly residing in Mayfair and Monaco, enjoys a luxurious lifestyle. He participates in Porsche Sprint Challenge races across Europe and was recently profiled enjoying his time with his Latvian girlfriend, Lolita Lace. Previously married to Austrian-born Carin, with whom he has two children, King left the family’s 60-acre farmhouse in Chappel years ago. His brother Jeff lives in Monaco, while sister Linda remains in Canvey Island. King isn’t alone in capitalizing on asylum housing. Alex Langsam, 86, the owner of Britannia Hotels and Pontins, also appears on the Rich List with a net worth of £401 million. Many of Langsam’s hotels are currently used to house asylum seekers. Clearsprings declined to comment on the latest developments. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-15
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