The Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, faces two charges after financial transactions of his were found linked with the online gambling operators. Four other senior police officers were found involved but their identities had not yet been revealed.

 

Big Joke faces 2 charges over financial links to gambling operators
by Petch Petpailin 

Photo via Facebook/แก้ว เกลือสำเภาทอง

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320510-big-joke-faces-2-charges-over-financial-links-to-gambling-operators/

 

Dutch Expat Found Dead in Pattaya Condominium

 

 

On February 20th, 2024, at 9:30 PM, Pattaya police discovered the deceased body of a 72-year-old Dutch national identified as Mr. Ronald Paul Pijiman in his room at an 8-story condominium along Thappraya Road.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320495-dutch-expat-found-dead-in-pattaya-condominium/

Phuket cracks down on illegal operations in Chinese restaurants

 

Picture courtesy of PR Phuket

 

The bustling tourist hub of Phuket, in Thailand, was recently the scene of an extensive inspection operation. A composite task force composed of representatives from 15 different government entities descended upon six Chinese eateries located in the Naka Market area of Wichit. Alarmingly, three instances of law infringement were uncovered in the process, including one restaurant that was found to be operating without a proper license.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320482-phuket-cracks-down-on-illegal-operations-in-chinese-restaurants/

Probe Proposed Into Thaksin’s ‘Critical Illnesses’
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, left, and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, right. Photo: Matichon

 

FRESH INVESTIGATION WAS today (Feb, 21) proposed into alleged intransparency of certain government officials in charge of the “critically ill” de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320512-probe-proposed-into-thaksin’s-‘critical-illnesses’/

 

Urgent Course Being Launched To Train 5,000 Nurses In 2 Years Amid Severe Shortage
by TNR Staff 

 

Thai nurses on duty. Photos: Thai Rath

 

AMID a critical shortage of 50,000 nurses nationwide, the Public Health Ministry is now launching an urgent course to train 2,500  of them a year over two years for a total of 5,000 starting next year, TV Channel 7 said late afternoon today (Feb. 21).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320513-urgent-course-being-launched-to-train-5000-nurses-in-2-years-amid-severe-shortage/

 

Pattaya Police Arrest Two Chinese Nationals for Illegal Possession of Firearms
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

 

Pattaya —Pattaya police arrested two Chinese nationals for illegal possession of firearms on February 21st, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320514-pattaya-police-arrest-two-chinese-nationals-for-illegal-possession-of-firearms/

 

Tunisian Man Arrested for Theft in Patong
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

 

Patong –A 36-year-old Tunisian man was arrested in Patong for theft.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320516-tunisian-man-arrested-for-theft-in-patong/

 

Phuket El Al flight thwarts communication hijack attempt
by Top Top

 

Photo courtesy of Executive Traveller

 

An El Al flight en route from Phuket to Ben-Gurion Airport in Israel encountered a spine-chilling moment on Saturday night as unidentified hostile elements attempted to seize control of its communication network.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320517-phuket-el-al-flight-thwarts-communication-hijack-attempt/

Thai airlines vow cheaper domestic flights after public outcry
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Six Thai airlines have asked for authorisation to expand domestic flight operations during peak holiday periods, responding to widespread public fury over exorbitant airfares.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320518-thai-airlines-vow-cheaper-domestic-flights-after-public-outcry/

 

UK and Thailand unveil 15.3 billion baht science fund
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a historic move announced in Bangkok, the British Embassy and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) have joined forces to roll out the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320520-uk-and-thailand-unveil-153-billion-baht-science-fund/

 

Danish man denies allegations of theft at first court meeting
by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen

 

A 47-year old Danish man, Jesper Jensen, denied the allegations of theft in his first hearing in the Samut Prakan Provincial Court in Thailand on Monday, the 19 February 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320525-danish-man-denies-allegations-of-theft-at-first-court-meeting/

 

Police Dismantle Intl. Drug Network in Bangkok's Nana area
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

On February 21st, Colonel Tanarat Lukboon, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), along with Lieutenant Colonel Tinnakorn Rangmat, Deputy Commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police, officers from the Immigration Bureau and Tourist Police conducted an operation to dismantle a drug network in the Nana area, Sukhumvit Soi 3/5/7/9/11.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320524-police-dismantle-intl-drug-network-in-bangkoks-nana-area/

 

Thai Goods: Anutin rejects pity-based purchases by foreigners

 

 

In a recent address, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need for significant development in the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) program, a local entrepreneurship initiative aimed at promoting community-made products across Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320526-thai-goods-anutin-rejects-pity-based-purchases-by-foreigners/

 

Southern Thailand sees room revenue surge due to European visitors
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

Southern provinces of Thailand are experiencing a boost in room revenue in the first quarter, thanks to extended stays by European visitors. This increase has occurred despite the lesser number of tourists from China. Room rates have reached a new high, setting a record.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320528-southern-thailand-sees-room-revenue-surge-due-to-european-visitors/

 

Thai businesses fear cost surge due to potential minimum wage hike
by Alex Morgan 

 

Picture courtesy of Apichart Jinakul

Businesses in Thailand are bracing for a potential increase in operating costs, following the government’s proposition to raise the daily minimum wage to 400 baht (US$ 11) within the year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320529-thai-businesses-fear-cost-surge-due-to-potential-minimum-wage-hike/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 22 February 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320530-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-22-february-2024/

 

High-speed car chase in Ayutthaya ends with crash and drug arrest
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A high-speed car chase on Asia Road in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province ended in a dramatic crash and arrest yesterday at 6.30pm.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320531-high-speed-car-chase-in-ayutthaya-ends-with-crash-and-drug-arrest/

 

Chon Buri couple offers 100,000 baht for their missing cat
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

An elderly couple from Chon Buri province is offering a substantial reward of 100,000 baht (US$ 2,787) for the return of their beloved missing cat, Miaow Miaow. The feline, a unique 12 year old neutered male weighing approximately 5 kilograms, has been part of their family since 2011 when he wandered into their home and became a cherished pet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320532-chon-buri-couple-offers-100000-baht-for-their-missing-cat/

 

Three distinct prehistoric animal fossils unearthed in Khon Kaen
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

A new discovery has surfaced in the Tambon Muang Wan region of Nam Phong district, Khon Kaen, as fossils of three different prehistoric animals have been unearthed. This comes as an addition to the previous findings in the same area.

 

Full syory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320533-three-distinct-prehistoric-animal-fossils-unearthed-in-khon-kaen/

 

Thailand braces for 38-degree heatwave with potential thunderstorms
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of lifeforstock, Freepik

Thailand faces a scorching day with temperatures peaking at 38 degrees Celsius and scattered thunderstorms in some areas, the Meteorological Department warns.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320534-thailand-braces-for-38-degree-heatwave-with-potential-thunderstorms/

 

Thai authorities tackle surge in cheap Chinese imports
by Alex Morgan 

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

A surge in cheap Chinese products flooding Thai markets, particularly through e-commerce platforms, has prompted Thai authorities and organisations to seek measures to protect local producers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320536-thai-authorities-tackle-surge-in-cheap-chinese-imports/

 

Fatal argument at Nakhon Ratchasima shop ends with gunshot
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of Daily News

A 23 year old man’s visit to a motorcycle repair shop in Nakhon Ratchasima turned deadly when an argument over motorcycle noise escalated into a fatal shooting.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320539-fatal-argument-at-nakhon-ratchasima-shop-ends-with-gunshot/

 

Thai-US mission launched to find remains of missing HTMS Sukhothai crew

 

 

The Thai and US navies launched a joint operation today, to search for the remains of five crew missing from the sunken HTMS Sukhothai corvette, to salvage some weaponry and to disable some US-made military equipment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320541-thai-us-mission-launched-to-find-remains-of-missing-htms-sukhothai-crew/

 

Thailand's poor police & Thaksin's selfie - Tim Newton Today - Feb 22

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320545-thailands-poor-police-thaksins-selfie-tim-newton-today-feb-22/

 

Polluted water flowing into Kamala Beach again

By Peter Roche

 

PHOTO: Khaosod

Deja Vu, again.

 

Polluted water is once more running into Kamala Beach and flowing into the popular coastal seas.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320547-polluted-water-flowing-into-kamala-beach-again/

 

Do you need elderly care and want to retire in Thailand? A real life scenario

 

 

Craig shares his experience of bringing his father to Thailand to be cared for in a Thai care home.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320548-do-you-need-elderly-care-and-want-to-retire-in-thailand-a-real-life-scenario/

 

Thai Cabinet rejects gender recognition bill, citing crime concerns
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ RSAT- Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand

The Thai Cabinet yesterday rejected the proposed Act on Gender Recognition, Title, and Protection of Gender Diversity, citing concerns about false identities if people are allowed to use preferred titles.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320549-thai-cabinet-rejects-gender-recognition-bill-citing-crime-concerns/

 

Teen mum caught on CCTV locking toddler in dog cage
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

A 17 year old mother was caught on CCTV footage physically assaulting her two year old daughter, confining her in a dog cage within a residence in Plutaluang Subdistrict, Sattahip on Monday, February 19.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320550-teen-mum-caught-on-cctv-locking-toddler-in-dog-cage/

Thai police officers face bankruptcy with debt over 300 billion baht

by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Police General Torsak Sukvimol has indicated that a multitude of law enforcement officers across Thailand are facing impending bankruptcy due to an accumulated debt totalling around 300 billion baht. This revelation came about during his interaction with the House committee tasked with reviewing the 2024 annual budget expenditure bill.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320551-thai-police-officers-face-bankruptcy-with-debt-over-300-billion-baht/

 

Dublin’s AerCap lends 17 aircraft to Thai Airways
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Airways

 

Thai Airways International (THAI) and AerCap have signed agreements to lease 17 aircraft to THAI.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320554-dublin’s-aercap-lends-17-aircraft-to-thai-airways/