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Penang Now Issuing Multiple Entry Non-immig. B Visas
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U.S. State Dept to Use AI to Revoke Visas of Foreign Students with Alleged Ties to Hamas
It has that problem it doesn't think like a person. Neither did HAL. -
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How much do you pay your Thai woman per month?
I have a Malaysian born Wife . We have been married 48 years and share everything. Race should not enter I to it IF you have the right partner in life whoever that person is. I hate your post ! -
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Autopsy Suggests Suicide in Ex-Cop 'Joe Ferrari' Cell Death
Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The body of former police colonel Thitisan "Joe Ferrari" Utthanaphon was found in his Klong Prem Central Prison cell in Bangkok, dead from an apparent hanging. His case, splashed across Thai media, has once again sparked intense scrutiny over prison conditions and the justice system. Early reports coming from the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS) indicate that suicide by hanging appears to be the primary cause of death for Thitisan. Dr Worawee Waiyawuth, deputy director of CIFS, stated at a press briefing that Thitisan allegedly used a small towel to take his own life. The marks around his neck were consistent with such a towel being used as a makeshift noose. Thitisan, known for his high-profile life and notorious car collection earning him the nickname "Joe Ferrari," had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment. His sentence arose from his involvement in the 2021 torture and murder of a drug suspect—a case that had struck a nerve in Thailand, leading to public outrage and discussions over police corruption. The autopsy did reveal some bruising on Thitisan's body, specifically his back and hip, though these were deemed to be old injuries. The presence of blood at the cell site, according to Dr Worawee, may also be a natural post-mortem occurrence. Nonetheless, tissue samples have been taken for further testing to confirm the preliminary findings. Despite these findings, Thitisan's relatives remain unconvinced it was suicide. They have opted to send his body for another autopsy at Chulalongkorn University, seeking a second opinion on the circumstances surrounding his death. Tensions rise as questions linger over how someone could commit suicide within a supposedly watched environment. File photo courtesy of Thai Rath Adding intrigue to the situation, Klong Prem Central Prison officials reported Thitisan's death around 8.30 pm on Friday. A chilling scene was described: a lifeless Thitisan slumped against the cell door with a towel tied around his neck and bruised fingers, hinting at the struggle in his final moments. In a complicated twist, Thitisan's mother had lodged a complaint in February alleging her son was previously assaulted by a prison guard. She claimed this incident followed after he reported a fellow inmate for misconduct. Such claims deepen the mystery and add to the family's reluctance to accept the suicide theory without comprehensive evidence. With investigations ongoing, including reviews of CCTV footage and other evidence, the spotlight remains on Thai authorities to ensure all events leading to Thitisan's death are transparently scrutinised, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-10 -
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TM6 and the May 1 Deadline: An In-Depth Analysis for Foreign Visitors
Picture courtesy: Police News ANALYSIS The return of a digital entry requirement for foreigners heading to Thailand is drawing closer, with the anticipated launch of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) scheduled for 1st May. The initiative revives the spirit of the defunct TM6 form, aimed at providing a smoother, more secure, and modern travel experience. However, with the clock ticking, clear details and official documentation remain elusive, leaving international visitors, airlines, and travel agencies alike grappling with uncertainty. In essence, the TDAC isn't a new entry permit but rather a digital version of the paper form that weary travellers once filled out upon arrival in Thailand. Essential information required includes passport details, the purpose of the visit, accommodation address, and contact information, such as personal phone numbers and email address. The digital forms will be accessible via the official Thai immigration website or mobile application, with potential provisions for group submissions by tour operators still in the works. The ministry in charge maintains that all foreigners, irrespective of their visa status, will need to submit this digital form online each time they plan to visit Thailand. This sweeping requirement has sparked ire among long-term expatriates, retirees, and others, as the government already possesses their information. While the preferred approach is to complete the form before travel, kiosks at Thai airports and border entries will be available for those who haven't, suggesting that airlines may still allow passengers to board without a received QR code. The primary focus of TDAC is to enhance scrutiny of the millions of international tourists who enter Thailand every year. Currently, immigration officers can only minimally verify tourists' identities and intentions. By implementing TDAC, the Thai authorities aim to better track visitors, reducing risks and improving the overall security landscape. However, clarifications are still needed on how changes to information can be made once submitted, especially if visitors change addresses during their stay. While there is no charge for the TDAC itself as of now, a long-delayed 300 Thai Baht (approximately £7.50) tourist fee is expected to be introduced later this year. How this fee will be integrated into the TDAC process or distinguish who qualifies as a "tourist" remains unclear, notably for long-term residents who oppose such a classification, writes Barry Kenyonn for Pattaya Mail. The anticipated benefits of TDAC include streamlined immigration processes and enhanced tracking capabilities, which may prove invaluable during health crises or emergencies. However, with just weeks to go, the uncertainty around its implementation underscores the oft-cited adage—"the devil is in the details"—as stakeholders await further clarifications. -- 2025-03-10 -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 10 March 2025
Autopsy Suggests Suicide in Ex-Cop 'Joe Ferrari' Cell Death Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The body of former police colonel Thitisan "Joe Ferrari" Utthanaphon was found in his Klong Prem Central Prison cell in Bangkok, dead from an apparent hanging. His case, splashed across Thai media, has once again sparked intense scrutiny over prison conditions and the justice system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1354093-autopsy-suggests-suicide-in-ex-cop-joe-ferrari-cell-death/ -
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Russia’s Espionage Network in Britain: A Growing Threat
The scale of Russia’s intelligence operations in Britain has been exposed with the sentencing of a group of spies connected to the Kremlin. The conviction of three Bulgarian nationals linked to Wirecard fraud mastermind Jan Marsalek marks a significant counter-intelligence victory, but it is only a small success in a much broader conflict. These spies were involved in a surveillance campaign targeting Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian-born journalist for Bellingcat, who had uncovered shocking details about Russia’s poisoning of opposition leader Alexey Navalny in 2020. Despite the crackdown on Russian-linked individuals in London and the strengthening of Britain’s National Security Act in 2023, the threat from Russian intelligence services remains a serious concern. In October 2024, MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned that Russia was actively working to create “sustained mayhem on British and European streets.” He pointed to the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, as the driving force behind arson attacks and acts of sabotage in the UK, aimed at punishing Britain for its support of Ukraine. Russia employs a wide array of traditional and unconventional espionage tactics to operate on British soil. One of the most evident methods is through its diplomatic missions. While the Russian Embassy in London has been reduced in size, it remains an important hub for intelligence gathering. In May 2024, Britain expelled the Russian Embassy’s defence attaché, revealing him to be an undeclared military intelligence officer. Historically, Russian diplomatic properties, such as Seacox Heath in Sussex and the Trade Defence Section in Highgate, have served as operational bases for espionage activities. Another avenue for Russian intelligence is the recruitment of disaffected British government employees. In February 2023, former Royal Air Force (RAF) member David Smith was sentenced to 13 years in prison for handing over sensitive information—including names, phone numbers, and addresses of his colleagues at the British Embassy in Berlin—to a Russian general. Although MI5 managed to thwart Smith’s scheme, the risk of insider recruitment remains ever-present. Beyond these conventional methods, Russia has embraced modern espionage techniques, particularly in the realm of cyber operations. Russian intelligence services have used spear-phishing campaigns to extract data from British individuals and institutions. The FSB-affiliated hacking group known as Star Blizzard has been active since 2019, targeting politicians, NGOs, and academics in the UK. This group employs carefully tailored email scams to trick victims into installing malware, which then facilitates data collection. FSB Centre 18, the organization behind Star Blizzard, has intensified its political interference efforts in Britain, even leaking confidential political documents. Russia has also taken advantage of the expanding private intelligence and security consultancy industry in Britain. In January, the Home Office issued a warning to private security professionals, urging them to be cautious when dealing with clients from Russia, China, and Iran. Many former British intelligence officers now work for private firms, making them valuable targets for Russian operatives seeking classified information. Another key element of Russia’s espionage strategy is the recruitment of sympathetic foreign nationals. Jan Marsalek leveraged the skills and interests of Bulgarian national Orlin Roussev, who had a background in signals intelligence, to enlist him for Russia’s intelligence operations. Roussev, in turn, recruited a beautician, a painter and decorator, and a mixed martial arts fighter from the Bulgarian community in Britain to assist in conducting surveillance on behalf of the Kremlin. Marsalek and Roussev were also involved in efforts to sell American drones to Russia and China and sought to track Ukrainian forces training in Stuttgart, Germany. Though the individuals recruited by Roussev lacked significant espionage experience, Russia also has access to far more capable intelligence assets. One particularly concerning development is Russia’s attempt to recruit former Afghan commandos who were trained by British forces. Exploiting their grievances over the West’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia has sought to enlist these highly skilled soldiers to join its war in Ukraine while also extracting intelligence from them about British military tactics and technology. The sentencing of Marsalek’s spy network in Britain marks a crucial win for counter-intelligence efforts. However, this is only a minor step in addressing the broader and more sophisticated espionage threat posed by Russia. Russian intelligence operations continue to threaten Britain’s democracy, security, and key institutions, making vigilance against these tactics more essential than ever. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-10
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