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Crime CIB Raids Illegal Chinese-Backed Timber Plant in Phitsanulok
Picture courtesy of CIB. Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have raided an illicit timber processing facility in Chai Nam subdistrict, Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok, following public complaints over pollution and health hazards affecting the local community. The operation, led by the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NED), was conducted under a court-issued search warrant after residents reported persistent air pollution, foul odours, and excessive dust believed to originate from the factory. During the raid, authorities identified four individuals at the site: Thanawut (30), Jie Mei, Cheng Qi and Wanwisak. All were charged under multiple offences, including violations of the Forest Act B.E. 2484, particularly Section 73 bis for failing to comply with licensing conditions, and the Chainsaw Control Act B.E. 2545, for possession of chainsaws without proper registration. Five illegal chainsaws were seized, all lacking authorised registration documents. Officers also confiscated unregistered logs and timber inventory books, as well as a processing ledger, revealing the facility’s operation as a veneer wood processing plant. Though officially registered under Thai national Thanawut, investigators discovered that the plant was in fact leased and operated by foreign nominees, Chinese nationals Cheng Qi and Jie Mei, in the name of a registered company. The arrangement raised serious concerns about attempts to circumvent Thailand’s foreign ownership laws. Additionally, the plant was found to be operating without the necessary public health permits, in violation of the Public Health Act B.E. 2535, for running a business deemed hazardous to public health. Authorities suspect that the foreign operators used Thai nominees to gain access to the business, a practice that may constitute unlawful foreign business control. The factory also failed to maintain legally required timber records, further deepening its legal troubles. All seized items have been handed over to relevant authorities, and those arrested face multiple charges. Investigations will continue, with authorities aiming to uncover further individuals and networks associated with the illegal operation. The case underscores the government’s commitment to tackling environmental crimes and unlawful foreign business activities in Thailand. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-05-25. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 25 May 2025
UPDATE Election Commission Confirms Councillor’s Degree Is Genuine Amid Broader Investigations Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Songkhla Election Commission has confirmed that the academic qualifications submitted by Provincial Councillor Siradanai Plaiduang, commonly known as “Sor Golf”, are authentic following a formal investigation triggered by public concern. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1360410-son-of-prominent-mp-sparks-violence-at-songkhla-polling-station/#findComment-19823160 -
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Crime Son of Prominent MP Sparks Violence at Songkhla Polling Station
UPDATE Election Commission Confirms Councillor’s Degree Is Genuine Amid Broader Investigations Picture courtesy of Khaosod. The Songkhla Election Commission has confirmed that the academic qualifications submitted by Provincial Councillor Siradanai Plaiduang, commonly known as “Sor Golf”, are authentic following a formal investigation triggered by public concern. The probe was launched after Mr. Chotinarin Kerdsom, Governor of Songkhla, along with the Department of Provincial Administration, local agencies and members of the public, requested that the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) verify Councillor Golf’s academic credentials used in his candidacy for the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) representing Hat Yai’s District 7. There had been widespread suspicion that Mr. Siradanai had submitted a falsified degree certificate to qualify for the election, prompting calls for criminal proceedings and removal from office if the allegations proved true. Pol. Lt. Col. Somnuek Kulmanee, Director of the Songkhla Provincial Election Commission, confirmed that an investigation had been conducted. Mr. Siradanai had submitted a bachelor’s degree from a university in Nakhon Si Thammarat as part of his application. The Election Commission formally contacted the university, which verified that Mr. Siradanai had indeed graduated, using a valid high school diploma from Thailand’s Non-Formal and Informal Education (NFE) programme. The NFE institution also confirmed the authenticity of his secondary education qualification in a separate letter to the commission. The Election Commission concluded that there were no irregularities concerning his educational background. However, the case does not end there. Mr. Siradanai remains under investigation in separate legal matters. Notably, Thailand’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has reportedly issued an arrest warrant linking him to illegal online gambling operations, with clear financial trails allegedly connecting him to direct profits from the platforms. The Election Commission has stated it will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and relevant agencies in addressing any further allegations or legal breaches involving Mr. Siradanai. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25. -
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Cheap International Phone Calls to the U.K. Using A.I.S.
I tried myTello, but it does not accept US 800 numbers. -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Sunday 25 May 2025
Raid in Bangkok Shopping Mall Uncovers Counterfeit Luxury Goods – Widespread Bribery Exposed Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A large-scale operation by authorities has uncovered a major counterfeit goods ring operating openly in a prominent Bangkok shopping mall. The raid, led by a government special task force, revealed the sale of fake luxury handbags and watches, alongside widespread corruption involving multiple government agencies. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1361685-raid-in-bangkok-shopping-mall-uncovers-counterfeit-luxury-goods-–-widespread-bribery-exposed/ -
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Crime Raid in Bangkok Shopping Mall Uncovers Counterfeit Luxury Goods – Widespread Bribery Exposed
Picture courtesy of Khaosod. A large-scale operation by authorities has uncovered a major counterfeit goods ring operating openly in a prominent Bangkok shopping mall. The raid, led by a government special task force, revealed the sale of fake luxury handbags and watches, alongside widespread corruption involving multiple government agencies. Mr. Jirayu Huangsub, spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the government under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is intensifying efforts to tackle all forms of intellectual property violations in line with World Trade Organisation (WTO) obligations. The crackdown followed over 2,000 complaints received via the Prime Minister’s complaint centre (hotline 1111), many of which involved allegations of bribery to avoid prosecution. Bribes reportedly allowed illegal businesses to continue operating freely, including websites offering pornography, online gambling and unauthorised electronic cigarette sales. Some businesses allegedly paid monthly bribes of 50,000–100,000 baht per shop, contributing to an illicit flow of at least 200 million baht per year per area. A joint task force consisting of the Ministry of Commerce, the Royal Thai Police, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), supported by over 150 officers, carried out the raid on the mall, targeting four floors known for openly selling counterfeit brand-name products. Items seized included fake luxury handbags, watches and travel gear. Officials discovered that several shop owners were foreigners acting as frontmen, especially English-speaking staff, used to attract international customers. Authorities believe these individuals entered the country posing as tourists but were actually working illegally. It was also confirmed that many of these operations were paying bribes to named officials, referred to in reports as Ms A, Mr T and Inspector N. Mr. Jirayu stressed that the government is determined to crack down on such corruption. The operation aims to move Thailand off the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) Watch List, under Special 301provisions, where it currently remains due to ongoing concerns over intellectual property rights enforcement. He noted that while the USTR still lists Thailand as a country of concern, it has acknowledged the government’s progress. Recent reforms include amendments to copyright and patent laws, as well as improvements in the regulation of Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) to ensure transparency in music royalties collection. Efforts are also being made to dismantle transnational criminal networks exploiting the Thai legal and economic systems, using counterfeit trade as a cover for wider criminal activity, including human trafficking and illegal labour. Authorities warned that government officials found complicit in accepting bribes will be held accountable. Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings of counterfeit goods or corrupt officials via the Prime Minister’s Office hotline (1111). Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-25.
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