Damning English survey ranking leaves Thailand almost rock bottom in the World - Singapore and Philippines lead way in Asia
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 1 May 2025
Red Dust Smuggling Ring Busted: Senior Officials Implicated in Toxic Imports Picture courtesy of Matichon. Industry Minister, Mr. Ekkanat Promphan, has revealed a major crackdown on an illegal network smuggling “red dust”, a hazardous industrial waste product, into Thailand. The operation has exposed financial irregularities, forged government documents, and alleged collusion by state officials. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359371-red-dust-smuggling-ring-busted-senior-officials-implicated-in-toxic-imports/ -
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Crime Red Dust Smuggling Ring Busted: Senior Officials Implicated in Toxic Imports
Picture courtesy of Matichon. Industry Minister, Mr. Ekkanat Promphan, has revealed a major crackdown on an illegal network smuggling “red dust”, a hazardous industrial waste product, into Thailand. The operation has exposed financial irregularities, forged government documents, and alleged collusion by state officials. Red dust is a highly alkaline industrial byproduct commonly generated during the processing of bauxite into alumina (used in aluminium production), or from smelting and recycling metals such as steel. It can contain heavy metals and toxic elements, making its disposal subject to strict regulations. Improper handling or illegal dumping of red dust poses serious risks to human health and the environment, including soil contamination and groundwater pollution. For this reason, its import, transport, and storage are closely monitored. The sting, codenamed “Final Mile Operation,” was led by Ms. Thitipas Chotidetchaichanan, head of the Minister’s special task force, alongside the Department of Industrial Works, Samut Sakhon Provincial Industry Office, and the Environmental Crime Division of the police. Armed with a warrant from the Samut Sakhon Provincial Court, the task force raided Hua Chong Industrial Co., Ltd., located in Krathum Baen district. The company is allegedly linked to a larger scheme involving the illegal importation of red dust from abroad. The investigation traces the origin of the red dust back to Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co., Ltd., which reportedly sold the material to Hua Chong Industrial. Digital forensics from the company’s accounting system showed that payments were inflated by over 111 million baht, raising suspicions of money laundering and wider financial misconduct. Moreover, links were uncovered to KMC 1953 Co., Ltd. in Pathum Thani, a company previously charged with smuggling red dust into the country. Forged official documents were allegedly used to facilitate over 10,000 tonnes of imports between August 2024 and early 2025. As of now, 7,000 tonnes of red dust and 200 tonnes of other suspect hazardous materials have been seized and sent for examination by the Department of Industrial Works. Legal proceedings have been initiated against Hua Chong Industrial Co., Ltd. and its director, Mr. Yihan Wang, for possession of hazardous substances and unlawful importation of dangerous materials. Crucially, Minister Ekkanat confirmed that an internal investigation revealed the involvement of certain civil servants who facilitated the import through improper documentation. These individuals face disciplinary action and possible criminal charges. Ms. Thitipas emphasised the scale of the operation, stating: “This is a well-organised syndicate that operated despite previous penalties and shutdowns. Their disregard for environmental and legal consequences. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-10. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 1 May 2025
Two Men Arrested After Gun Attack on Tattoo Shop in Yasothon Picture courtesy of Matichon. Two men have been arrested following a gun attack on a tattoo parlour in central Yasothon, reportedly sparked by a dispute over a woman and a revved engine. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1359370-two-men-arrested-after-gun-attack-on-tattoo-shop-in-yasothon/ -
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Travel Thailand Sees Tourism Uptick but Faces Competitive Challenges
Yes , should be arrivals x days. 100x3days is less that 50x10days -
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Crime Two Men Arrested After Gun Attack on Tattoo Shop in Yasothon
Picture courtesy of Matichon. Two men have been arrested following a gun attack on a tattoo parlour in central Yasothon, reportedly sparked by a dispute over a woman and a revved engine. Pol. Col. Phumi Thongpho, Chief of the Yasothon Provincial Police Investigation Division, confirmed the arrest of 30-year-old Apisit, known by the alias “Hulob,” under a warrant issued by the Yasothon Provincial Court on 29 April. He faces multiple charges including attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, unlawful carrying of a weapon in public, and causing property damage through reckless gunfire. The arrest took place on 29 April at a rented house in Moo 2, Na Wa Subdistrict, Pathum Ratchawongsa District of Amnat Charoen Province, with the cooperation of local police forces. The incident dates back to 28 April at approximately 02:00 when a group of nine men led by Kritsaranai, also known as “Joke,” were leaving a local night club venue in Yasothon city. Around 04:0, while Joke’s group was at a tattoo shop on Ha Thunwa Road, a white Isuzu four-door pickup truck pulled up outside. Moments later, gunfire erupted, with several bullets striking the shop. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Police tracked down Apisit, who was found with a .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, 30 rounds of ammunition, a spent cartridge, the white Isuzu pickup truck believed to have been used in the attack, and clothing worn during the incident. He confessed to driving the vehicle and transporting his associate to carry out the shooting, claiming it was in retaliation for provocative revving of an engine by the tattoo shop group earlier that night, both when leaving the bar and again later at a restaurant. 40-year-old Adirek, also known as “Tong,” was also arrested under a separate warrant. He faces similar charges but has only admitted to storing the firearm used in the shooting. He denies taking part in the actual attack. Pol. Col. Saranpong Jaksukorn, Deputy Chief of Yasothon City Police Station, confirmed that two suspects have been arrested so far, while a third, believed to be the gunman, remains at large. Officers are actively pursuing his whereabouts. Initial investigations suggest two firearms may have been used, as more than ten spent cartridges were recovered from the scene. The motive appears to stem from tensions inside the nightclub, where individuals from the tattoo shop allegedly attempted to flirt with the girlfriend of one of the accused. The situation escalated due to perceived mocking looks and aggressive revving of engines, culminating in the early-morning shooting. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-10. -
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U.S. and Ukraine Sign Strategic Resources Pact and Launch Reconstruction Fund
U.S. and Ukraine Forge Strategic Resources Pact and Launch Reconstruction Fund The United States and Ukraine have signed a new agreement focused on mineral resources and economic recovery, marking a significant step in their evolving strategic partnership. As announced by the U.S. Treasury, the deal includes not only cooperation over Ukraine’s valuable natural resources but also the creation of a joint American-Ukrainian reconstruction investment fund. This initiative aims to help rebuild the war-torn country and support its long-term economic future. For Kyiv, this deal is more than just economic—it’s a lifeline. Ukrainian officials see it as essential to securing ongoing U.S. military assistance in their defense against the Russian invasion, which has devastated large parts of the country and placed immense strain on its economy and infrastructure. The U.S. Treasury emphasized that the agreement stems from Washington’s deep involvement in Ukraine’s defense. "In recognition of the significant financial and material support" the U.S. has provided to the "defence of Ukraine... this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to... accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery," the department said in a statement. The agreement was also framed as a message to Moscow. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made clear that the Trump administration views this deal as part of a broader commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and prosperity. "This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term," Bessent said. His remarks underscored the political and symbolic weight of the agreement, which aims to strengthen Ukraine’s independence while countering Russian aggression. President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed skepticism about continued foreign aid, indicated earlier this year that he wanted the U.S. to benefit more directly from its support to Ukraine. In February, he referred to Ukraine’s rare earth materials as a form of reimbursement for the extensive financial aid the U.S. has delivered. These rare earths are critical for various high-tech industries, including defense and energy, making them strategically important assets. However, negotiations leading up to the deal were far from smooth. Relations between Washington and Kyiv have been tense in recent months, particularly after a reportedly heated Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That meeting led to a stall in talks, with progress on the agreement delayed by political friction and misaligned expectations on both sides. Despite these challenges, the finalization of the mineral resources pact and the establishment of the reconstruction fund signal a renewed commitment to collaboration. It suggests that both governments, despite previous disagreements, recognize the strategic necessity of working together to address Ukraine’s wartime needs and lay the foundation for its post-war recovery. Adpated by ASEAN Now from Sky News 2025-05-01
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