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Crime Customs Seize Crystal Meth Hidden in Lathe Bound for Australia
Pictures courtesy of Khaosod. Customs officers have seized over 33 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, known as “ice”, ingeniously concealed within a metal lathe machine scheduled for export to Australia. The haul, with an estimated street value of more than 100 million baht, was uncovered at Bangkok Port on 26 May. The operation was revealed in a joint press conference held at the Customs Department on 4 June, involving senior officials from multiple agencies. These included Mrs Nanthita Sirikhup, Advisor on Customs Control Systems; Mr Ekawut Na-ek, Director of Bangkok Port Customs; Mr Peeraphong Rampoengchit, Director of Narcotics Suppression Division 6 (ONCB); Pol. Col. Phairoj Khiawnarapai, Superintendent of Narcotics Suppression Division 3; and Lt. Cdr. Sirarin Chaiyasinakkrayot, Operations Director of Bangkok Port Authority. Mrs Nanthita explained that the seizure was a result of strict enforcement of anti-drug trafficking measures under the policy direction of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has prioritised the fight against drug smuggling. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, along with Deputy Finance Minister Julphan Amornvivat, have ordered heightened vigilance from Customs officials, particularly in preventing drug exports through shipping routes. Using a combination of risk management tools, X-ray scanning and physical inspections, Customs officers flagged a suspicious consignment declared as a metal lathe machine. On 26 May at 16:00, the shipment, contained in a wooden crate, was subjected to closer examination. X-ray imagery revealed irregularities within the machine, prompting a physical inspection. Officers discovered 26 foil-wrapped packages and two clear plastic bags hidden inside, all containing a crystalline white substance. Lab tests confirmed the substance as methamphetamine (ice), with a gross weight of 33.73 kilograms. Officials stated that this case constitutes a serious criminal offence, involving an attempt to illegally export a Category 1 narcotic out of the Kingdom, and possession of such narcotics with intent to distribute. These actions are in violation of both Thailand’s Narcotics Code and Sections 244, 252, 166, and 167 of the 2017 Customs Act. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding suspects or arrests but emphasised that investigations are ongoing. The bust highlights the growing sophistication of drug smuggling operations and the need for continued vigilance at all points of entry and exit, according to Customs officials. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-06-05 -
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Thai lady and Arab woman punch on in Phuket Bangla street brawl.
This is the sub-forum to discuss Thai language, not to post news reports in Thai language... -
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Trump Justice Department Probes Biden’s Use of Autopen in Controversial Family Pardons
Why was he pardoned. Did he do something wrong ? -
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 5 June 2025
Bus Operators Protest Ministry’s Ban on Double-Decker Coaches Along ‘Risky’ Routes Picture courtesy of Matichon. A major protest erupted on 4 June, at the Andaman Gateway along the Khao Phap Pha route, as over 100 double-decker buses from across southern Thailand gathered to demonstrate against a controversial government order banning such vehicles from travelling on seven mountainous routes nationwide. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1362718-bus-operators-protest-ministry’s-ban-on-double-decker-coaches-along-‘risky’-routes/ -
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Transport Bus Operators Protest Ministry’s Ban on Double-Decker Coaches Along ‘Risky’ Routes
Picture courtesy of Matichon. A major protest erupted on 4 June, at the Andaman Gateway along the Khao Phap Pha route, as over 100 double-decker buses from across southern Thailand gathered to demonstrate against a controversial government order banning such vehicles from travelling on seven mountainous routes nationwide. The demonstration, led by the Thai Double-Decker Bus Operators Association, was sparked by the Department of Land Transport’s (DLT) directive to prohibit double-decker coaches, both for scheduled and chartered services, from using specific roads deemed hazardous due to steep gradients. The order took effect on 1 June for scheduled buses, while non-scheduled services have been under the ban since 11 April. One of the most contentious routes on the list is the scenic Khao Phap Pha–Phatthalung stretch along Highway 4, which connects Trang and Phatthalung provinces. Operators argue that the ban has forced them to reroute journeys by over 100 kilometres via Satun or Thung Song in Nakhon Si Thammarat, causing immense financial losses. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and shops along the affected routes, have also joined calls for the government to revoke the order. Protesters claim that the order was issued hastily, without due consultation or supporting accident data. According to Mr Suriya Klaewthanong, President of the Thai Double-Decker Bus Operators Association, the ruling fails to meet the DLT’s own criteria for defining hazardous routes, which require a sustained 8% gradient over at least five kilometres and a minimum of five serious accidents per year. By contrast, Khao Phap Pha’s steepest section measures no more than one kilometre and has not seen any reported double-decker bus accidents since its upgrade. “Despite the gradient, this route has never had an accident involving a double-decker,” said Mr Suriya. “The ban was rushed through in just 10 days, instead of the usual 30–60 days required to study impact. It’s legally flawed and appears to be a publicity move ahead of the Songkran festival.” Banners displayed at the protest denounced the Deputy Transport Minister, Mr Surapong Piyachote, who oversees the DLT. Slogans included “No to the 7-route ban”, “No to dictatorship orders”, and “Unfit for office”. The protesters also criticised the DLT Director-General for failing to engage stakeholders and accused him of exceeding his authority. At 10:00, Vice Governors of Trang and Phatthalung provinces arrived to receive a petition addressed to Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit. In a heated exchange, protesters claimed that the ban originated from a recommendation by the Phatthalung transport office, which they say provided misleading data on road steepness. Officials from Trang argued that their province bore the brunt of the economic fallout and called for a mutual review between the two provinces. Mr Wipongsak Mongkolbutr, Deputy Chair of the Association, warned that legal action was imminent. “The announcement does not meet legal standards and violates the rights of operators and local communities. We will petition the Administrative Court on 6 June for an injunction. If the order is ruled unlawful, we will pursue damages through civil court.” He also dismissed claims that double-decker buses were inherently unsafe, citing government data that showed fewer accidents involving them compared to single-decker buses, reportedly three times fewer. The protest ended peacefully, under tight security by police and provincial authorities who managed traffic flow around the protest site. Officials promised to escalate the petition to the national level for further consideration. If the ministry fails to address concerns, the association vowed to escalate protests by sending convoys of buses into Bangkok in the coming days. Seven routes where the ban on double-decker buses applies: 1. Prachin Buri: Highway 304, Kabin Buri – Wang Nam Khiao 2. Phatthalung: Highway 4, Khao Phap Pha – Phatthalung 3. Phrae: Highway 103, Mae Yang Ho – Mae Teep 4. Chiang Mai: Highway 118, Chiang Mai – Doi Nang Kaew 5. Loei: Highway 2013, Bo Pho – Khok Ngam 6. Phetchabun: Highway 2331, Cho Hoa – Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park 7. Nan: Highway 1256, Pua – Doi Phu Kha National Park Operators who violate the ban face fines of up to 50,000 baht. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-05 -
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