THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 13 August 2024

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In a relief for British holidaymakers heading to Bangkok, the city is no longer the number one international destination for tourist scams. Bangkok has dropped from the first spot to the sixth spot in the global list of cities with the highest likelihood of scams or thefts.

 

Bangkok sees drop in scam-related incidents for British tourists

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335280-bangkok-sees-drop-in-scam-related-incidents-for-british-tourists/

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Fight Breaks Out Between Tourists and Local Workers on Karon Beach

 

A photograph sparked online controversy today when it depicted a physical fight involving Indian tourists and local umbrella handlers at Karon Beach in Phuket. The image, which showed the locals throwing punches, was posted on a popular social media page and quickly went viral, creating a flurry of reactions from internet users.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335305-fight-breaks-out-between-tourists-and-local-workers-on-karon-beach/

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PM Hopeful Ahead of Crucial Constitutional Court Verdict

 

Srettha Thavisin. Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appears confident he will survive the Constitutional Court's verdict on Wednesday, despite controversy surrounding the appointment of PM Office Minister, Phichit Chuenban. An insider source suggests the PM may receive favourable judgement with a likely 7:2 vote in his favour.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335320-pm-hopeful-ahead-of-crucial-constitutional-court-verdict/

 

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People’s Party Surge: 84% Would Vote Today, Poll Reveals

 

Leader of People's Party, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut leaves after a press conference as they announced the formation of the new political party in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, two days after Thailand’s Move Forward party was dissolved by legal order. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

In a stunning development, a recent Thailand poll indicates that 84% of those surveyed would cast their vote for the newly formed People’s Party if an election were held tomorrow. This landslide support follows the dissolution of the reformist Move Forward Party by the Constitutional Court.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335321-people’s-party-surge-84-would-vote-today-poll-reveals/

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Phuket Sees Surge in Tourist Arrivals This August

 

Plane spotting at Mai Khao Beach in Phuket. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia        

 

Phuket's tourism industry is bustling with activity as the island experiences a massive increase in tourist arrivals this August. The Airports of Thailand (AOT) has reported a significant spike in flights landing on the island, with 20 to 30 flights arriving daily - more than double the number seen last year. The upward trend is expected to continue into the high season.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335322-phuket-sees-surge-in-tourist-arrivals-this-august/

 

[Georgealbert]

Suspicious Suitcases Spark Public Concerns in Sattahip

 

 

Two suspicious suitcases abandoned under a pedestrian bridge along Sukhumvit Road, caused concerns, as there were fears that the suitcases could contain explosives.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335323-suspicious-suitcases-spark-public-concerns-in-sattahip/

 

[Georgealbert]

Police Officer and Her Two Daughters Found Dead in Bathroom

 

A female police officer, along with her two daughters, was found dead in the bathroom of their home. The cause of death is suspected to be exposure to caustic soda.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335324-police-officer-and-her-two-daughters-found-dead-in-bathroom/

 

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Man assaults hairdresser and trashes salon over haircut (video)
by Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A young man dissatisfied with the hairstyle his mother chose assaulted a female hairdresser and trashed the salon, causing damage worth 10,000 baht. The police seek information to help identify the perpetrator.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335325-man-assaults-hairdresser-and-trashes-salon-over-haircut-video/

 

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Bus Collides with Truck in Sing Buri: 22 Injured

 

 

A serious accident reported, involving a regular inter provincial bus that rear-ended a truck, resulting in multiple injuries, in Sing Buri.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335326-bus-collides-with-truck-in-sing-buri-22-injured/

 

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Fire Destroys Temple Pavilion in Maha Sarakham

 

 

An early morning fire broke out and completely destroyed a temple pavilion in Ban Khok Ko Temple, Maha Sarakham

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335327-fire-destroys-temple-pavilion-in-maha-sarakham/

 

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Substandard Chinese Goods Flood Thai Markets, Cause Alarm

 

Reference picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Thailand is facing a significant influx of cheap, substandard goods from China, sparking widespread concern among local businesses and consumers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335328-substandard-chinese-goods-flood-thai-markets-cause-alarm/

 

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Blowback begins about latest visa exemptions and DTV discretion
By Barry Kenyon
 

The Thai digital nomad visa seems less controversial than the other immigration-related changes.

It’s less than a month since the latest immigration-related changes were introduced. But Thai spokespeople are having some trouble swallowing the detail and repercussions. Sisdivachr Chweewarattanaporn, president of Thai Travel Agents, told the Bangkok Post, “The 60-days visa-free scheme for foreign tourists will allow more foreigners to work illegally in Thailand. Typically, those visiting Thailand for tourism tend to stay less than a month.”

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335329-blowback-begins-about-latest-visa-exemptions-and-dtv-discretion/

 

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Chinese Companies Target Thai Bus and Restaurant Sectors for Expansion

 

 

Chinese companies have set their sights on Thailand's struggling bus and restaurant sectors, sparking concern among local business owners. Plagued by high operational costs and continuing losses, many Thai bus operators are now contemplating selling their businesses. This dire situation has caught the attention of Chinese bus manufacturers and operators keen on expanding their market into Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335330-chinese-companies-target-thai-bus-and-restaurant-sectors-for-expansion/

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 13 August 2024

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335332-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-13-august-2024/

 

 

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Former School Director Sentenced to 250 Years for Corruption Scandal

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

In a landmark ruling, the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases Region 6 has sentenced Mr. Suthep Sukthong, the former director of Ban Phon Thong School, to 250 years in prison. The sentence comes after evidence revealed ongoing corruption involving the school's lunch funds, allowing the institution to serve substandard meals to students.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335334-former-school-director-sentenced-to-250-years-for-corruption-scandal/

 

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Thai BBQ Restaurant Caught in Viral Refund Controversy

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

A popular Thai BBQ restaurant recently found itself under a social media spotlight after a customer demanded a refund despite having dined for nearly two hours. The incident, captured in a video, has gone viral, sparking widespread online discussion.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335337-thai-bbq-restaurant-caught-in-viral-refund-controversy/

 

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Temu's Entry Rattles Thai SMEs; Govt Races to Protect Local Businesses

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The recent arrival of Temu, a major international e-commerce platform, has stirred up the Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, acknowledged on August 13 that while Temu's entry brings opportunities, it also presents significant challenges for local businesses.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335341-temus-entry-rattles-thai-smes-govt-races-to-protect-local-businesses/

 

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Thai PM calls for tourist safety in Phuket ahead of high season
by Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Travel + Leisure

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin insists tourist safety in Phuket must be prioritised ahead of the upcoming high season.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335345-thai-pm-calls-for-tourist-safety-in-phuket-ahead-of-high-season/

 

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Russian Man Arrested in Thailand After 1,599 Days Overstay

 

Picture courtesy: Immigration Bureau

 

In a bizarre yet alarming incident, a Russian national has been apprehended in Thailand for causing a public disturbance and begging in local villages. The individual, identified as Mr. Dmitri (surname withheld), 56, was found near the Banana IT shop on Koh Phangan, begging for food and sleeping by the roadside.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335346-russian-man-arrested-in-thailand-after-1599-days-overstay/

 

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Student activists campaign against judges at Thai universities
by Bob Scott Bob 

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

Student activists at Thammasat and Chulalongkorn universities launched campaigns targeting two Constitutional Court judges who also serve as guest lecturers at their institutions. This action follows the court’s recent ruling that led to the disbandment of the Move Forward Party (MFP).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335347-student-activists-campaign-against-judges-at-thai-universities/

 

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE

 

No Conclusion Yet on Caustic Soda as Cause of Death for Police Mother and Two Daughters

 

 

A chemistry professor at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science at Kasetsart University, expressed skepticism about the initial assumption that caustic soda alone caused the deaths.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335324-police-officer-and-her-two-daughters-found-dead-in-bathroom/?do=findComment&comment=19143858

 

[Georgealbert]

Thai Airways Report Reduced Profits Q2 2024

 

 

Thai Airways has announced a decline in net profits for the second quarter of 2024 as the airline progresses with its capital restructuring plan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335349-thai-airways-report-reduced-profits-but-end-of-financial-restructuring-in-sight/

 

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Bangkok taxi driver slashes passenger’s head after overcharge (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via DailyNews and Bright TV

A shameful Thai taxi driver surrendered himself yesterday after trying to overcharge a passenger by 500 baht and subsequently attacking her with a knife on a footpath near Soi Lat Phrao 42/2 in the Huai Khwang district of Bangkok on Saturday, August 10.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335356-bangkok-taxi-driver-slashes-passenger’s-head-after-overcharge-video/

 

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Prime Minister's Secretary General Attends Court Hearing on Behalf of PM

 

File photo for reference only

 

The Secretary General, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, is slated to represent the Prime Minister at a Constitutional Court hearing tomorrow. The issue at hand is whether the Prime Minister inappropriately appointed a former lawyer, previously jailed for contempt of court regarding an alleged bribe attempt, to his cabinet.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335388-prime-ministers-secretary-general-attends-court-hearing-on-behalf-of-pm/

 

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Technician crushed to death while repairing lift at Bangkok airport

 

Photo via Matichon

 

A technician, believed to be a Thai national, tragically lost his life today while repairing a lift at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335393-technician-crushed-to-death-while-repairing-lift-at-bangkok-airport/

 

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Thai man caught for Bangkok rape after 3 week-manhunt - video

 

Photo via PPTV HD

 

Police arrested a Thai man who evaded capture for three weeks after raping a 59 year old woman at an apartment in the Srinakarin neighbourhood of Bangkok.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335394-thai-man-caught-for-bangkok-rape-after-3-week-manhunt-video/

 

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Myanmar worker feared drowned in Samut Songkhram river

 

Picture courtesy of Tourism authority of Thailand official website

 

A young Myanmar worker disappeared while swimming with friends near the central pillar of the Somdej Phra Sri Suriyen Bridge in Samut Songkhram. Despite rescue efforts, strong currents forced a pause in the search, which will resume today.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335395-myanmar-worker-feared-drowned-in-samut-songkhram-river/

 

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New law proposed for quick tech crime recovery in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of Sora Shimazaki from pexels.com

 

A special law to protect victims of technology crimes and expedite their recovery of losses will be introduced by the government, Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced yesterday.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335396-new-law-proposed-for-quick-tech-crime-recovery-in-thailand/

 

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Support floods in for social activist battling costly illness in Thailand

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Residents in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand, have rallied to help aid a social activist suffering from severe illness due to a lack of protein caused by a stomach disease. The activist, Mint, appealed for help as her medical expenses reached 4,000 baht per day.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335397-support-floods-in-for-social-activist-battling-costly-illness-in-thailand/

 

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Russian-Canadian arrested for overstaying, begging on Koh Pha Ngan

 

Photo via KhaoSod

 

Residents on Koh Pha Ngan island in the southern province of Surat Thani alerted the Tourist Police to a Russian-Canadian man found overstaying his visa and begging for food from locals.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335346-russian-man-arrested-in-thailand-after-1599-days-overstay/?do=findComment&comment=19145271