THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 28 September 2023

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The Police Commission, chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has selected Deputy National Police chief Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol as the new head of the nation’s police force, replacing Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittipraphat, who is set to retire at the end of this month.

 

Pol Gen Torsak to become Thailand’s next top cop

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307717-pol-gen-torsak-to-become-thailand’s-next-top-cop/

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Thai Top Cop Demands Justice from Court Over House Search Warrants

 

PHOTO: Prachachat

 

Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn lodged a complaint with the Criminal Court on Tuesday, September 26th, seeking justice regarding the police search of his residences.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307708-thai-top-cop-demands-justice-from-court-over-house-search-warrants/

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American TikToker condemns Bangkok taxi driver for trying to rip him off
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via TikTok/ @ jasonruppvlog

 

An American TikToker condemned a Thai taxi driver in Bangkok for trying to rip him off by refusing to use a meter and charging him 300 baht for a trip to Khao San Road.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307728-american-tiktoker-condemns-bangkok-taxi-driver-for-trying-to-rip-him-off/

 

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Thai Tourism Eyes Potential Surge in Chinese Tourists Despite a Slow Start to Initial Visa Exemption Program
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

Mr. Sittiwat Chewaratanaporn, President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), stated that although there is an initial visa exemption, the booking of tours to Thailand did not increase further, due to tour operations that had previously been booked before the visa exemption.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307729-thai-tourism-eyes-potential-surge-in-chinese-tourists-despite-a-slow-start-to-initial-visa-exemption-program/

 

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Court Orders Compensation To Thanathorn Over Land Title Deed Revocation
by TNR Staff

 

Progressive Movement Chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. Photo: Thai Rath

 

THE Central Administrative Court ordered the Land Department to pay Progressive Movement Chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit compensation totalling over 4.9 million baht at 3 percent annual interest for having revoked the title deeds of two plots of land in Ratchaburi, Thai Rath newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307730-court-orders-compensation-to-thanathorn-over-land-title-deed-revocation/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Big Joke’s career suffers another setback as Torsak gets top job after Police Commission meeting
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

The Police Commission sitting on Wednesday afternoon has decided to appoint General Torsak Sukwimol as the country’s next National Police Commissioner. The decision appears to be a career blow for Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn, who up to recently, was tipped for the job. It follows a dramatic raid on the home of General Surachate by officers with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Monday morning, which is now subject to a government panel of inquiry ordered by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Wednesday’s Police Commission meeting went ahead with the appointment of the 14th National Police Commissioner amid earlier reports of a postponement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307717-pol-gen-torsak-to-become-thailand’s-next-top-cop/?do=findComment&comment=18380239

 

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American Man Rescued From Drowning at Phuket Beach
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – An American tourist has been rescued from drowning at Karon Beach.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307733-american-man-rescued-from-drowning-at-phuket-beach/

 

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Year-end bonus frenzy: Thai companies make it rain with envy-inducing rewards
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo: by Alexander Mils, on unsplash

 

Over ten renowned Thai companies are set to distribute generous year-end bonuses for 2023, leading to a wave of envy. The highest bonus reported is 7.3 months’ salary plus an additional 37,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307734-year-end-bonus-frenzy-thai-companies-make-it-rain-with-envy-inducing-rewards/

 

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Unmasking the money: The underworld of ‘dummy accounts’ in illicit finance
by Samantha Rose 

 

Photo: by Jefferson Santos, on unsplash.

 

A bank account referred to as a dummy account is typically held by a person who is not the actual owner. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307735-unmasking-the-money-the-underworld-of-‘dummy-accounts’-in-illicit-finance/

 

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Increased Security Measures on Koh Samui Following Govt's ”Free Visa” Policy

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Koh Samui police are intensifying security measures to ensure the safety of tourists on the island after the government introduced the "Free Visa" policy, aiming to boost traveler confidence.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307736-increased-security-measures-on-koh-samui-following-govts-”free-visa”-policy/

 

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Free Visa Policy Boosts Tourism in Chiang Mai

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Chiang Mai's tourism sector is on the cusp of a significant upswing, courtesy of a forthcoming visa-free policy for Chinese and Kazakhstani travelers, set to roll out in November 2023.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307738-free-visa-policy-boosts-tourism-in-chiang-mai/

 

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Internet Users Share Warning from Chuwit, Advising Big Joke to Be Cautious

 

Picture: Sanook

 

Internet users have been circulating a video clip featuring Chuwit Kamolvisit, a former politician and prominent businessman, who issued a warning to Pol. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, also known as "Big Joke," about the potential pitfalls of his bid for the position of National Police Chief. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307740-internet-users-share-warning-from-chuwit-advising-big-joke-to-be-cautious/

 

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Nonthaburi man live streams suicide following legal woes
by Samantha Rose 

 

Image by Africa images

 

A 29 year old man identified as Anan took his life by shooting himself, following a live stream on social media where he vented his frustrations about ongoing court cases.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307741-nonthaburi-man-live-streams-suicide-following-legal-woes/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 28 September 2023
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307743-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-28-september-2023/

 

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Tragic motorcycle collision kills two young men in Buriram province
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Image courtesy of Khaosod Online

 

A shocking collision between two motorcycles in Buriram province resulted in the tragic demise of two young men.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307744-tragic-motorcycle-collision-kills-two-young-men-in-buriram-province/

 

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Thailand braces for heavy rain and strong winds, warns Department of Meteorology
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Image by Bilanol

 

The Department of Meteorology issued its 13th announcement, revealing that numerous provinces are set to be impacted by heavy rainfall on 28-29 September. Strong winds, flash floods, and forest run-offs are expected in many areas. High waves are anticipated in the sea on 28 September.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307745-thailand-braces-for-heavy-rain-and-strong-winds-warns-department-of-meteorology/

 

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Thai AirAsia CEO urges government to curb rising travel costs
by Alex Morgan

 

Image by Laude Creator from LC Photographer

 

Thai AirAsia‘s chief executive, Santisuk Klongchaiya, advocates for government intervention to mitigate escalating travel expenses for tourists, alongside the visa-free scheme for Chinese visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307746-thai-airasia-ceo-urges-government-to-curb-rising-travel-costs/

 

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Lopburi homeowners swing into action against monkey invasion
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod.

 

Homeowners in Lopburi province are calling for assistance from authorities as they battle an ongoing monkey invasion.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307747-lopburi-homeowners-swing-into-action-against-monkey-invasion/

 

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Thai police dismantle major drug syndicate seizing narcotics worth 300 million baht
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Image courtesy of Khaosod Online

 

In a first major operation under new leadership, the Thai Police successfully dismantled a significant drug syndicate, seizing 15 million methamphetamine pills, 443 heroin bars, 420 kilograms of crystal meth, and a significant quantity of Happy Water and Five Five drugs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307751-thai-police-dismantle-major-drug-syndicate-seizing-narcotics-worth-300-million-baht/

 

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Sky Doctor Teams to Expand Nationwide in 100 Days
by Namo Vananupong

 

    
BANGKOK (NNT) - The administration is poised to expand the reach of emergency medical services with the launch of "Sky Doctor" teams across all healthcare zones in the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307753-sky-doctor-teams-to-expand-nationwide-in-100-days/

 

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PM Boosts OTOP Midyear 2023 Exposure
by Tanakorn Sangiam

 

    
BANGKOK (NNT) - OTOP Midyear 2023, an event running from September 23rd to October 1st, saw some key government figures in attendance.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307755-pm-boosts-otop-midyear-2023-exposure/

 

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Mischief in Thailand's police ranks, Phuket 'overcrowded' : Tim Newton Today - Sep 28

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307759-mischief-in-thailands-police-ranks-phuket-overcrowded-tim-newton-today-sep-28/

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International Business Report: Thailand Shows Exceptional Economic Health Moving Forward
by Tarin Angskul

 

    
BANGKOK (NNT) - The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) for H1 2023 shows dramatic improvements in economic conditions and positive sentiment for the private sector, both globally and for Thailand in particularas inflation concerns recede.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307761-international-business-report-thailand-shows-exceptional-economic-health-moving-forward/

 

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2 Thai taxi drivers deceived by scam passenger posing as wealthy man
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ตระเวนข่าว3

 

Two Thai taxi drivers urged Channel 3 and the media to issue a warning after they were deceived by a scam passenger who posed as a wealthy man.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307763-2-thai-taxi-drivers-deceived-by-scam-passenger-posing-as-wealthy-man/

 

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Permit panic: Thailand spots 3,000+ migrant workers in hot water
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo: by Mayank Austen Soofi, on unsplash.

 

The Department of Employment in Thailand identified over 3,000 migrant workers operating without required permits. This discovery was part of an ongoing clampdown on migrants engaged in jobs deemed off-limits for foreign workers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307764-permit-panic-thailand-spots-3000-migrant-workers-in-hot-water/

 

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Prominent foreigners call for clarification on labour laws and new stimulus packages

By Peter Roche

 

 

Foreign business leaders in Thailand are urging the government for political stability and transparency as they roll out stimulus packages to boost the country’s economy. The people interviewed support the “digital wallet” scheme but emphasise the need for transparency in its implementation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307766-prominent-foreigners-call-for-clarification-on-labour-laws-and-new-stimulus-packages/

 

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Transsexual Suspected in Robbery of Bahraini Tourist

 

 

On September 28, 2023, at 01:00 AM, Mr. Hasan (last name withheld), a 55-year-old Bahraini national, reported a theft to Lt. Col. Akkarapong Saenputawong, the Deputy Chief of Investigation at Pattaya City Police Station.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307769-transsexual-suspected-in-robbery-of-bahraini-tourist/

 

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Bridging the gap: DRR lays tracks for Kui Buri railway safety and progress
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Department of Rural Roads

 

The Department of Rural Roads (DRR) has completed two rail crossing bridges in the Kui Buri district, as part of safety measures to prevent road accidents.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307772-bridging-the-gap-drr-lays-tracks-for-kui-buri-railway-safety-and-progress/

 

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Should legalizing gambling and police reform go hand in hand? 

 

 

The latest allegations about the involvement of some senior policemen in online gambling operations have sparked a debate on the urgent need for reform of the police force.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307773-should-legalizing-gambling-and-police-reform-go-hand-in-hand/

 

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Thailand to launch its second Earth satellite next week
 

 

Thailand is set to launch it second Earth observation satellite, THEOS-2, on October 7 at 8.36am (GMT +7) from the Guiana space centre in South America, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space technology development.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1307779-thailand-to-launch-its-second-earth-satellite-next-week/