THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 18 March 2024

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Enquiry officers from Bangkok’s Thung Song Hong police station have issued a summons for Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, to acknowledge money laundering charges, in connection with the BNKMaster online gambling website, which has been closed by the police and is under investigation.

 

'Big Joke' summoned to acknowledge money laundering charges

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322582-pol-gen-surachate-hakparn-summoned-to-acknowledge-money-laundering-charges/

 

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Thailand’s cannabis sector faces threat from recreational use ban
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of Jeff W, Unsplash

 

The future of recreational cannabis use in Thailand is under siege, with the government set to roll out a ban by year-end while still permitting its medical use. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322593-thailand’s-cannabis-sector-faces-threat-from-recreational-use-ban/

 

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Thai military officer’s road rage prompts armed forces investigation
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A road rage incident involving armed military personnel has prompted an investigation by the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTAF) Headquarters.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322594-thai-military-officer’s-road-rage-prompts-armed-forces-investigation/

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Bangkok Taxi Driver Returns Handbag with $3,310 and Passports to Burmese Owner
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Bangkok—On March 16th, 2024, FM91 Trafficpro publicly revealed the case of a Bangkok taxi driver returning a handbag containing 3,310 US dollars and two Myanmar passports after a passenger left the items behind on March 7th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322595-bangkok-taxi-driver-returns-handbag-with-3310-and-passports-to-burmese-owner/

 

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Tourists, Residents Panic As Fire Breaks Out At Pattaya High-Rise Condo
by TNR Staff

 

Fire at a luxury condo in Pattaya Saturday, Mar. 16, 2024. Photo: Matichon

 

TOURISTS AND local residents fled in panic after a fire broke out at a unit within a 31-storey luxury condominium building on Second Pattaya road at 1.30 p.m. today (Mar. 16) but this was extinguished in half an hour.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322596-tourists-residents-panic-as-fire-breaks-out-at-pattaya-high-rise-condo/

 

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Thaksin Tells Critics: ‘To Each Their Own’
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss talking to reporters in Chiang Mai. Photo: Thai Rath

 

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra today (Mar. 16) bluntly told those who may dislike him for whatever reason “to each their own.”

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322597-thaksin-tells-critics-‘to-each-their-own’/

 

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Two New Zealand Men Arrested in Phuket for Alleged Brutal Assault on Traffic Cop
By Adam Judd

 

 

Phuket—At 3:50 PM, on March 16th, 2024, Chalong police officers captured two New Zealand nationals who allegedly refused to pull over for a traffic offense, evaded police arrest, and were later accused of assaulting an officer who pursued them in Mueang, Phuket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322598-two-new-zealand-men-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-brutal-assault-on-traffic-cop/

 

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Issuance of new work visas for Thai berry pickers in Finland paused

 

 

The Finnish Embassy in Bangkok has temporarily suspended the issuance of new visas to Thais who want to work as berry pickers in Finland, pending the adjustment of regulations to ensure fair treatment for foreign pickers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322599-issuance-of-new-work-visas-for-thai-berry-pickers-in-finland-paused/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thaksin insists he was genuinely ill while in Police General Hospital

 

 

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra claimed today that he did not feign illness and was genuinely sick when he was admitted to the Police General Hospital for treatment, but he is in high spirits, which helped his health to improve.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322597-thaksin-tells-critics-‘to-each-their-own’/?do=findComment&comment=18773748

 

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Woman gives birth on ferry from Koh Chang to Trat
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A sudden birth took place at sea when a Cambodian woman delivered her fifth child aboard a ferry with her husband by her side. The dramatic event unfolded early this morning during the ferry’s journey from Koh Chang island to Laem Ngop district in Trat province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322600-woman-gives-birth-on-ferry-from-koh-chang-to-trat/

 

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Russian arrested on Samui for allegedly robbing compatriot of ฿1.8m in Bitcoins
 

File Image (Photo by Ozan KOSE / AFP)

 

Thai police have arrested a Russian national on Samui Island on charges of robbing a fellow Russian of 1.8 million baht in Bitcoins.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322601-russian-arrested-on-samui-for-allegedly-robbing-compatriot-of-฿18m-in-bitcoins/

 

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UPDATE:

New Zealand men face serious charges after a violent attack on a police officer in Phuket on Saturday
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

Shocking scene shows two New Zealand tourists after they attacked an on-duty police officer on Saturday in the Chalong area of the holiday island. One of the pair snatched the police officer’s Sig Sauer firearm and assaulted him with it. When the policeman, Police Senior Sergeant Major Somsak Noo-iad, tried to recover his gun, a shot was discharged in the ensuing struggle. Top brass have vowed to pursue justice in the case. Indeed, further criminal charges may be brought. Initially, the pair face charges of assault, robbery, obstruction and bribery.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322598-two-new-zealand-men-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-brutal-assault-on-traffic-cop/?do=findComment&comment=18773762

 

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Fatal crash in Udon Thani as driver fatigue leads to tragedy
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic road accident occurred yesterday at 7.50am when a pickup truck veered off course and collided with a streetlight before plunging into the central ditch of Mittraphap Road in Udon Thani, Thailand. The driver, a 56 year old man from Udon Thani, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, in her 50s, sustained injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322602-fatal-crash-in-udon-thani-as-driver-fatigue-leads-to-tragedy/

 

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Grab Rider Shot to Death in Cherng Talay
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Thalang –A grab rider has been pronounced dead after he was shot in Cherng Talay, Thalang on Friday night (March 15th).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322603-grab-rider-shot-to-death-in-cherng-talay/

 

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Chonburi Officials Crack Down on Illegal Kratom Water Sales
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Chonburi —Banglamung district authorities launched an operation to apprehend individuals allegedly involved in the sale of Kratom water to minors on Saturday, March 16th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322604-chonburi-officials-crack-down-on-illegal-kratom-water-sales/

 

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Bangkok governor defends handling of Klong Ong Ang amid criticism
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiPost

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stood firm on Saturday against criticism aimed at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and its handling of Klong Ong Ang in the Samphanthawong district.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322605-bangkok-governor-defends-handling-of-klong-ong-ang-amid-criticism/

 

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Undercover amulet group busted for illegal firearm sales in Samut Prakan
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Police have successfully dismantled a covert operation where a group of young individuals used a Buddhist amulet trading group as a front to sell illegal firearms. The proceeds were used to purchase kratom juice and cannabis for consumption.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322606-undercover-amulet-group-busted-for-illegal-firearm-sales-in-samut-prakan/

 

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Pheu Thai MP Questions Pita’s Motives in Chiang Mai Visit During Thaksins Return
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On March 16th, 2024, Mr. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, a Pheu Thai list MP, questioned the case of Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, the Move Forward Party (MFP)’s chief adviser, in traveling to Chiang Mai to inspect wildfires and air pollution problems while Thaksin Shinawatra and Srettha Thavisin were in Chiang Mai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322607-pheu-thai-mp-questions-pita’s-motives-in-chiang-mai-visit-during-thaksins-return/

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Chonburi Immigration Busts Illegal Foreign Workers in Pattaya Area
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Pattaya—At 12:30 AM, on March 16th, 2024, Chonburi immigration officers launched a field inspection and arrested many illegal foreign workers from neighboring countries in the Pattaya area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322608-chonburi-immigration-busts-illegal-foreign-workers-in-pattaya-area/#replyForm

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Steve Harley death: Cockney Rebel singer dies at 73

 

Steve Harley, the frontman of British rock band Cockney Rebel, has died at the age of 73.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322609-steve-harley-death-cockney-rebel-singer-dies-at-73/

 

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Violent Bar Brawl Leaves Bartender Injured (Video)

 

 

CHONBURI - On March 16, 2567, at approximately 4:30 AM, a violent altercation unfolded outside a liquor store in Area 39, Nong Pru Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322614-violent-bar-brawl-leaves-bartender-injured-video/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 18 March 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322616-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-18-march-2024/

 

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Srettha will not declare Chiang Mai a disaster zone to protect tourism

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the government is refraining from declaring Chiang Mai a natural disaster zone due to the toxic dust crisis, as the negative consequences would outweigh the benefits, particularly impacting tourism.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322621-srettha-will-not-declare-chiang-mai-a-disaster-zone-to-protect-tourism/

 

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Government considers corn import ban to combat PM2.5 dust pollution
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Pattarapong Chapattarasill

 

A potential ban on corn imports from neighbouring countries next year is being considered by the government to tackle the escalating issue of PM2.5 fine dust pollution in the northern regions. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently visited Chiang Mai to assess the preventive actions and updates provided by government agencies regarding wildfire and haze prevention measures.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322622-government-considers-corn-import-ban-to-combat-pm25-dust-pollution/

 

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Swiss technology revolutionises Thai railways with first arch culvert
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of SRT shows An arch culvert from Switzerland is built in tambon Pong Pa Wai in Den Chai district of Phrae province as part of the Den Chai-Ngao section of the 323.10-kilometre Den Chai- Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double track railway project.

 

Swiss technology finds its way into the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) as arch culvert technology is incorporated into the double-track railroad project between Den Chai district in Phrae and Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322626-swiss-technology-revolutionises-thai-railways-with-first-arch-culvert/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thai berry seekers left hanging: Labour Ministry plans visa harvest solution
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture of Thai workers pick wild berries in a forest courtesy of the Ministry of Labour

 

The Labour Ministry of Thailand plans to solve the suspension of visa applications for Thais seeking wild-berry picking jobs in Finland by the 2025 harvest season, as disclosed by Somchai Morakotsriwan, the director-general of the Department of Employment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322599-issuance-of-new-work-visas-for-thai-berry-pickers-in-finland-paused/?do=findComment&comment=18774391

 

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Severe summer storm to hit Thailand with hail and strong winds
by Nattapong Westwood

 

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather alert for the upcoming summer storm, set to impact various provinces with heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail on March 19-20, following a drop in temperature today, March 18.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322630-severe-summer-storm-to-hit-thailand-with-hail-and-strong-winds/

 

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Violence erupts as group attacks volunteer at Bangkok gas station
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Violence erupted at a Sai Mai district gas station in Bangkok when a group of over 30 people assaulted a volunteer from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. The incident, which occurred just past midnight today, March 18, left the victim with serious head injuries after being knocked to the ground and repeatedly kicked.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322631-violence-erupts-as-group-attacks-volunteer-at-bangkok-gas-station/

 

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Thailand and Japan Collaborate to Address Visa Overstays
by Krajangwit Johjit

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai government is collaborating with the Japanese embassy to address issues arising from Thai nationals overstaying their visa-free period in Japan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322632-thailand-and-japan-collaborate-to-address-visa-overstays/