Pol Gen Torsak Sukvimol, the national police chief, maintains that one of his deputies, Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, is not the victim of persecution or of foul play over the issuance of a summons for him to report to Thung Song Hong police station, to acknowledge money laundering charges related to the BNKMaster online gambling website.

 

National police chief refutes claim of foul play in Surachate Hakparn case

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322670-national-police-chief-refutes-claim-of-foul-play-in-surachate-hakparn-case/

Millions Allocated to Combat Forest Fires in the North

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has announced a financial commitment of 272.65 million baht from its central emergency fund to combat forest fires and address the escalating issue of high PM2.5 levels. The decision, made on Sunday (Mar 17), comes amid criticism from opposition MPs regarding the insufficiency of personnel allocated for fire-fighting efforts in the nation's forests.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322677-millions-allocated-to-combat-forest-fires-in-the-north/

 

Kiwi Brothers Slapped With 5 Charges For Assaulting Phuket Policeman
by TNR Staff

 

Pol. Lt. Somsak Noo-iad locked in a chokehold by one of the two men from New Zealand. Photo: Thapapong Trs and shared by Amarin TV

 

TWO BROTHERS from New Zealand who tried to snatch a Phuket policeman’s pistol during a tussle after they were chased and stopped for speeding on their motorcycles face five charges, TV Channel 7 said Monday afternoon (Mar. 18).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322711-kiwi-brothers-slapped-with-5-charges-for-assaulting-policeman/

 

 

Navy stranded without submarine or frigate amid budget crunch
By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk

 

File photo

Amid the uncertainty and delay in its submarine acquisition, the Royal Thai Navy suffered another setback when its slim hopes of procuring a frigate were dashed by lawmakers. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322713-navy-stranded-without-submarine-or-frigate-amid-budget-crunch/

 

Thailand Revokes Visas of Tourists Attacking Policeman

 

 

PHUKET, (TNA) – Authorities have revoked visas of two New Zealanders after they assaulted a traffic police officer in Phuket on Saturday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322711-kiwi-brothers-slapped-with-5-charges-for-assaulting-policeman/?do=findComment&comment=18776605

UPDATE:

 

Big Joke’s police career on the brink as police chief threatens to suspend the high profile top cop from job
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

Deputy Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn is scheduled to give a high-profile press conference in Bangkok on Tuesday with his legal team. It comes following a police summons to his home on Sunday, 17th March 2024 (inset right), by two police vehicles. On Monday, Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol raised the charges to threaten Big Joke’s suspension.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322670-national-police-chief-refutes-claim-of-foul-play-in-surachate-hakparn-case/?do=findComment&comment=18776431

UPDATE:

 

Parents of Kiwi brothers involved in Phuket assault, “distraught”

By Peter Roche

 

The parents of two New Zealand brothers, arrested in Phuket following a weekend incident with a police officer, have expressed their “anguish” as the siblings face their first court appearance.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322711-kiwi-brothers-slapped-with-5-charges-for-assaulting-policeman/?do=findComment&comment=18776617

 

Massive Fire Erupts at Sri Racha Landfill
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Sri Racha, Chonburi — Firefighters in Sri Racha, Chonburi, extinguished a large fire that broke out at a dump site yesterday, March 17th, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322718-massive-fire-erupts-at-sri-racha-landfill/

Group pleads Anutin to examine 200 gun licenses of "Big Joke"
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

"Victims' Rights Advocacy Group" urged the Interior Ministry to scrutinize the purchase and ownership licenses of 200 guns held by "Big Joke," fearing they won't survive past May. Lawyers warned against registrar tampering; Police Chief likely implicated.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322717-group-pleads-anutin-to-examine-200-gun-licenses-of-big-joke/

 

Thai Student Activists Demand Thaksin's Arrest: Present 6 Proposals

 

 

Monday (March 18, 2024), a coalition of student activists, along with the Political Reform Committee (PRC) and the Democratic Army, stormed the Department of Corrections, demanding the arrest of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. They presented six proposals, warning of consequences if not adhered to, invoking Article 157.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322719-thai-student-activists-demand-thaksins-arrest-present-6-proposals/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 19 March 2024

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322723-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-19-march-2024/

 

2 Dead, Many Injured In Tour Bus Accident
by TNR Staff

 

Scenes of the tour bus crash in Nakhon Ratchasima early this morning, Mar. 19, 2024. Photo: Matichon

 

A DOUBLE-DECKER tour bus heading for Bangkok from Bueng Kan hit a pillar and overturned in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in the wee hours of this morning (Mar. 19) killing two persons and injuring 43 others, Matichon newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322724-2-dead-many-injured-in-tour-bus-accident/

 

UPDATE: Arrest Warrant Issued for Tajikistani Man for Intent to Murder after a Russian Man Was Found Dead in Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – An arrest warrant has been issued for a Tajikistani man who has already left Thailand for intent to murder after a Russian man was found dead at a cannabis farm in Chalong.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322725-update-arrest-warrant-issued-for-tajikistani-man-for-intent-to-murder/

 

Bangkok taxi driver detained for sexually assaulting passenger
by Samantha Rose 

 

Picture courtesy of Sanook

A Bangkok taxi driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting a passenger under the guise of a secluded location. On Thursday, March 14, the taxi driver, Thanadol, from Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was apprehended by metropolitan police officers following a warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322728-bangkok-taxi-driver-detained-for-sexually-assaulting-passenger/

 

Tourist Police step up security measures in Hua Hin for holiday season
By Online Reporter

 

 

The Tourist Police have deployed officers with the aim of bolstering confidence amongst tourists during the upcoming Thai holiday season.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322729-tourist-police-step-up-security-measures-in-hua-hin-for-holiday-season/

Improving Cha-am beach and other aim to position Phetchaburi as a must-visit destination
By Online Reporter 
 

 

In recent years, Hua Hin Today has devoted increasing attention to Phetchaburi, a fascinating province that boasts a rich mix of history, culture, and a thriving culinary scene.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322730-improving-cha-am-beach-and-other-aim-to-position-phetchaburi-as-a-must-visit-destination/

Thai police seize 10 million meth pills worth 300 million baht
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A major drug trafficking operation was thwarted when Thai police in Thailand’s Region 1 arrested two suspects for smuggling an estimated 10 million methamphetamine pills, with a market value of around 300 million baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322732-thai-police-seize-10-million-meth-pills-worth-300-million-baht/

 

Mid-air drama: Man’s attempted suicide on Thailand to UK flight
by Bob Scott 

 

Picture courtesy of Eva Air

Breaking news has emerged regarding a man’s attempted suicide on a flight from Thailand to the United Kingdom on Friday. The aircraft was forced to undergo an emergency landing at a London airport after a passenger reportedly tried to take his own life in a cabin toilet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322733-mid-air-drama-man’s-attempted-suicide-on-thailand-to-uk-flight/

 

Kiwi brothers deny all charges, their parents speak out - Tim Newton Today - March 19

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322734-kiwi-brothers-deny-all-charges-their-parents-speak-out-tim-newton-today-march-19/

 

Thai man shoots friend over fake gold necklace
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23

A Thai man allegedly shot his friend at the weekend in a row over money and a gold necklace in the central province of Ayutthaya. The accused reportedly offered his friend a gold necklace as collateral for a money loan but the necklace turned out to be fake so the victim refused to loan his friend the money. An argument then broke out resulting in the gunman shooting his friend.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322735-thai-man-shoots-friend-over-fake-gold-necklace/

 

UPDATE:

Thai govt resists declaring Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite pollution
by Mitch Connor 

 

The Government of Thailand has chosen not to declare Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite escalating air pollution, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The decision was largely influenced by concerns that such a declaration could negatively impact the province’s tourism industry.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322621-srettha-will-not-declare-chiang-mai-a-disaster-zone-to-protect-tourism/?do=findComment&comment=18777426

Thai gold hunter killed in landslide at mine in central Thailand
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ สว่างราษฎร์ศรัทธาธรรมสถาน บางสะพาน - เม่งรุ้ง

A Thai gold hunter yesterday lost his life in a landslide at a mine in the central province of Prachup Kiri Khan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322736-thai-gold-hunter-killed-in-landslide-at-mine-in-central-thailand/

 

Plans for new airport in northern Thailand set to take off
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Thai.News

Plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, yesterday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district.

 

Full sttory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322737-plans-for-new-airport-in-northern-thailand-set-to-take-off/

Forest fires in Thailand increase dangerous PM2.5 levels
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

Forest fires in the northern provinces of Thailand have sparked an increase in atmospheric PM2.5 levels, leading to a stern warning from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322738-forest-fires-in-thailand-increase-dangerous-pm25-levels/

 

Hua Hin expat Martin Harrison honored with British Empire Medal for decades of voluntary service
By Online Reporter

 

 
Dedicated volunteer and Hua Hin based expat, Martin Harrison, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honor in recognition of his commitment to voluntary service spanning over 40 years.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322739-hua-hin-expat-martin-harrison-honored-with-british-empire-medal/

 

UPDATE:

 

Smokin’ setback: Forest fires force Bangkok Airways flight cancellations
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via SiamRath

Bangkok Airways had to cancel six flights at Mae Hong Son Airport this month due to smoke arising from widespread forest fires in the province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322738-forest-fires-in-thailand-increase-dangerous-pm25-levels/?do=findComment&comment=18777668

Immigration officers told to increase screening of foreigners in Thailand

 

Foreigners in Thailand can expect increased scrutiny from the authorities in the wake of several high-profile criminal cases. Khaosod English reports that police have been issued new instructions to strictly enforce immigration laws.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322743-immigration-officers-told-to-increase-screening-of-foreigners-in-thailand/

 

Russian tourist on Pha-ngan Island accused of kicking Thai pregnant woman

 

 

A Thai woman on Pha-ngan Island, who is eight months pregnant, has filed a complaint with the police, alleging that a Russian tourist kicked and injured her.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322745-russian-tourist-on-pha-ngan-island-accused-of-kicking-thai-pregnant-woman/

 

One Piece Exhibition arrives in Bangkok for an unforgettable adventure

 

 

Calling all One Piece fans! The highly anticipated exhibition “The Great Era of Piracy Asia Tour” has finally docked in Bangkok, Thailand! Running until May 12, 2024, at CentralWorld Live, this immersive experience promises to be a must-visit for both seasoned buccaneers and curious newcomers.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322755-one-piece-exhibition-arrives-in-bangkok-for-an-unforgettable-adventure/

 

Commercial surrogacy financier sentenced to 50 years in prison

 

 

The Chinese financier of a transnational commercial surrogacy service and his three Thai accomplices were sentenced to 50 years in prison each today by the Criminal Court, after they were found guilty of being affiliated with a transnational criminal organisation and operating commercial surrogacy services in Thailand.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322756-commercial-surrogacy-financier-sentenced-to-50-years-in-prison/