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Category: Thailand News

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  • Thai workers question Israel’s safety following fatal Hamas attack

    Thai workers question Israel’s safety following fatal Hamas attack

    The recent attack by Hamas in Israel, which caused the deaths of 24 Thai labourers, is leading to doubts about the suitability of Israel as a destination for workers seeking higher wages abroad. For over two decades, Israel has been a popular choice for Thai workers, particularly those in the agricultural sector.

    Currently, around 30,000 Thai workers are based in Israel with 5,000 of them working near the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip. These workers are no strangers to the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and have occasionally been caught in the crossfire.

    For instance, in May 2021, a Hamas rocket attack on a farm near the Gaza border led to the deaths of two workers and injured eight others.

    In the latest episode of violence, Thai labourers have experienced one of the highest casualty rates, with 24 killed, 16 injured, and another 16 held hostage.

    Amidst the chaos, approximately 7,000 Thai workers have registered for evacuation, with the first group arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport recently.

    This number is expected to rise as the tensions escalate. The situation has left the families of the victims in a state of devastation, while those who are uncertain about the fate of their loved ones are deeply concerned.

    Dream job

    For many Thai job seekers abroad, the pursuit of dreams often involves tolerating hardship in exchange for high pay to help secure a better future for their families.

    Nitthaya Sunthornchai, a 50 year old native of Mukdahan, shared that her younger brother, Sathit Promunart, chose to work in Israel because of the attractive pay which allows him to provide for his family, reported Bangkok Post.

    Workers in Israel reportedly earn about 51,300 baht (US$1,413) per month, plus overtime. These salaries are often sent back home in full to pay off loans taken to cover travel and related expenses.

    Many Thai workers in the agricultural sector take loans from the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives to pay for these costs under the Thailand-Israel Cooperation on the Placement of Workers (TIC) programme.

    However, the number of Thai workers employed near the Gaza Strip has increased five-fold from 1,000 in 2017-2018 to 5,000 now.

    Despite the requirement for employers to implement security measures and emergency preparedness for their workers, the father of one Thai worker survivor of an attack near the Gaza Strip is calling on authorities to review the placement of workers in the red zone.

    Lieutenant General Somchai Virunhapol, a professor and chief adviser with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, advocated for the exploration of job opportunities in safer countries, and a focus on worker safety. He also urged the government to prepare for global economic challenges, including rising oil prices, if the fighting in the Middle East region continues.

    Aranya Sakulkosol, chairwoman of the Thai Overseas Manpower Association, expects the placement of workers in Israel to be suspended for about six months due to the ongoing conflict. She also added that the most immediate concern is getting Thai workers to safety, possibly by evacuating them to neighbouring countries before repatriating them to Thailand.

    In response to reports of Thais having to buy their own tickets home, Pairoj Chotikasathien, permanent secretary for labour, said that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered state agencies to ensure the safe return of Thais from Israel, with all costs absorbed by the government, including those of illegal workers.

    Sending Thai workers to Israel is to be suspended until Israel confirms the security situation is back to normal.

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  • Thai restaurant’s job ad goes viral for unique qualifications and high salary

    Thai restaurant’s job ad goes viral for unique qualifications and high salary

    A Thai restaurant, Xin Rong, has announced several job vacancies, offering a salary range of 70,000 to 90,000 baht. The positions available include clean-up crew, customer service staff, and kitchen staff. The announcement became a viral sensation on social media due to the high starting salary. However, the job listings also come with a peculiar list of qualifications.

    The restaurant posted that prospective employees should have naturally single eyelids and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in hot pot medicine or stove arts or any related field.

    “If you have a beautiful vegetable cutting technique with your left hand and a stunning pork slicing technique with your right hand, you’ll be considered. Special consideration will be given to those who have worked during the Ming or Tang dynasties or have walked the entire length of the Great Wall of China.

    Internet users flocked to comment on the post, some understanding why the salaries were so high given the unusual qualifications. Others debated whether the requirements were serious or just content created for social media buzz.

    The restaurant later confirmed to the viral news page that the job advertisements were genuine. If applicants meet the qualifications and pass the interview, they will be hired. According to the restaurant, they are seeking hardworking individuals with experience and skills. This news has generated a lot of interest and debate among netizens, making it a viral sensation.

    In May, a Chinese man attracted a significant amount of criticism on social media after he posted a set of stringent requirements for his future wife on a dating banner at a public park in China.

    The 34 year old Shenzhen resident’s demands sparked a heated debate about his matchmaking behaviour and gender equality. To read more click HERE

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  • Thai PM defends Corrections Department over ex-PM Shinawatra’s controversial hospital stay

    Thai PM defends Corrections Department over ex-PM Shinawatra’s controversial hospital stay

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stood up for the Corrections Department amidst backlash over the alleged special treatment of Thaksin Shinawatra, the imprisoned ex-prime minister. PM Srettha confirmed that all inmates are treated equally, addressing a controversial photograph that surfaced on social media.

    The picture, which sparked the debate, featured a person resembling Thaksin on a gurney, donning a patient gown and face mask, with two women who appeared to be his daughters by his side.

    Sahakan Phetnarin, the head of the Corrections Department, verified that the man in the controversial image was indeed Thaksin, who was being moved from his hospital room for a CT scan and an MRI.

    The tests, which were ordered by his doctors, took about an hour. Thaksin’s health status remains undisclosed due to privacy reasons, although he was confirmed as safe.

    The 74 year old Thaksin returned to Thailand on August 22 after 15 years of self-exile. On the same day, he was sentenced to an eight-year prison term for three separate cases by the Supreme Court. However, due to health concerns, he was moved from the Bangkok Remand Prison to the Police General Hospital where he has remained since. After petitioning for a royal pardon, his jail term was reduced to one year by the king, reported Bangkok Post.

    Thaksin’s family has been permitted to visit him to remain informed about his medical treatment. As of now, it remains uncertain whether his stay at the Police General Hospital will be extended or if he will be transferred back to the prison. His doctors are expected to provide their professional opinions to the department by October 22.

    Sahakan further explained that a possible extension of Thaksin’s stay exceeding 120 days for medical care and treatment would be reported to the justice minister. Meanwhile, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew expressed his ignorance of Thaksin’s medical treatment specifics but expressed confidence in the authorities’ adherence to rules and regulations.

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  • Thai government denies plans to slash digital wallet initiative budget, aimed at boosting economy

    Thai government denies plans to slash digital wallet initiative budget, aimed at boosting economy

    The Thai government has refuted rumours of cutting funds for the digital wallet initiative from 560 billion baht (US$ 15,426,997,600) to 400 billion baht (US$ 11,019,284,000), stating that the project is not just for the underprivileged but aimed at stimulating the economy more broadly. The government is keen on weeding out the wealthy from benefiting from the scheme, which is expected to cost less than the initially projected 560 billion baht as not all beneficiaries will claim their entitlements.

    Finance Minister, Junlapun Amornwiwat, who also chairs the committee overseeing the 10,000 baht digital wallet project, clarified that the government has not decided on any reductions or changes to the scheme. He pointed out that the initiative is not intended only for the needy, but rather to stimulate the economy by reaching out to a broader demographic, reported KhaoSod.

    “The issue of reducing the funds to 400 billion baht, I never mentioned. Where did these numbers come from? This policy is an economic stimulus, not a welfare policy. It’s not for the indigent but for stimulating the economy to reach more broadly. We are ready to listen to dissenting voices and suggestions, such as whether this measure can truly stimulate the economy, as it may just replace regular spending with digital money. We must consider this issue,” stated Junlapun.

    He mentioned that if there’s a need to decide who should benefit, there should be a scientifically-based mechanism to determine who is wealthy and who is not. This could be based on tax returns, bank account balances, or land ownership. The minister also confirmed that the eligibility process for the digital wallet does not involve registration but requires identity verification in line with Bank of Thailand regulations.

    “Using an ID card to confirm eligibility and having a personal deposit account linked are required. The identity verification process must be completed before downloading the digital wallet application. The working group will work out the details,” added Junlapun.

    The finance minister also stressed that the government is open to suggestions and will operate within the appropriate framework without negatively impacting the overall economy. From current data, it appears that out of 56 million people aged 16 and above, about 54.8 million are eligible for the initiative.

    However, the minister pointed out that not all those who are eligible will claim their benefits. The government is ready to listen to suggestions, follow International Monetary Fund (IMF) guidelines, and consider the views of academics who question the appropriateness of the project. The government will strictly adhere to fiscal discipline.

    “If we say the economy is doing well, today there would be no Prime Minister named Srettha Thavisin. The people would not have chosen him to come and solve the problems. There are only a few ways to make the economy grow, one of which is to stimulate private sector consumption,” the finance minister concluded.

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  • Chiang Mai lottery fervour spikes as fortune tellers offer lucky numbers amid Vegetarian Festival

    Chiang Mai lottery fervour spikes as fortune tellers offer lucky numbers amid Vegetarian Festival

    The lottery buzz is in full swing in Chiang Mai as fortune tellers provide lucky numbers and warn of double digits. Among the popular figures are ones associated with the Vegetarian Festival and the Chinese calendar. Today, the lottery stalls in Chiang Mai are buzzing with people searching for their lucky numbers. Despite the continuous rainfall, hopeful buyers flocked to various lottery stalls in the city and different districts, maintaining a steady rate of ticket sales priced at 100 baht (US$ 2.75) per ticket and 110 to 120 baht (US$ 3 to 303) per bundle.

    Pannee Luepoogern, a lottery vendor in Saraphi district, revealed that the most sought-after numbers were 13, 89, 70, 59, 94, 49, 913, 901, 089, 560, 559, and 942. These were considered lucky numbers. Additionally, several buyers also sought numbers related to significant dates such as the Piyamaharaj Day (23, 523) and the October 14 Declaration of Democracy (October 14, 1973). Numbers related to the Chinese calendar (453, 436, 563, 45, 53, 36, 56), Thailand’s satellite THEO53-2 and the Vegetarian Festival (October 15 to 23, numbers 915, 923) were also in demand, reported KhaoSod.

    Ploypairin, a fortune teller who calculates lucky numbers based on star alignment, shared her predictions for the lottery draw on October 16. She advised caution with double-digit numbers and suggested the numbers 2, 0, and 8 as the date’s pair, with 4 as the friendly pair. She provided a series of two-digit numbers (02, 28, 48, 08, 40, 24, 22, 44, 88, 78, 71, 27, 62, 16, 68, 67) and three-digit numbers (220, 204, 408, 281, 627, 268, 176, 871, 217, 671, 216, 224, 241, 668, 866) as potentially lucky for the upcoming draw.

    Kraisorn Saenganan, also known as Leela Mekin, spoke about his personal lucky number 67, his age, and his house number in Chiang Mai 199/529, as well as his car registration number 8347. He wished good luck to everyone and expressed his belief in a shared fortune for this lottery draw.

    The president of the Chiang Mai Disabled Lottery Vendors Association acknowledged the popularity of the digital lottery, selling out every round. However, the sales of traditional lottery tickets have slowed due to the rainy season. He urged the government and the lottery office to investigate quota misuse by independent organisations, addressing numerous complaints about exploitation.

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  • Fugitive wanted for attempted murder captured after 20 years on the run

    Fugitive wanted for attempted murder captured after 20 years on the run

    A fugitive suspected of attempted murder and evading capture for nearly two decades was ultimately arrested by police In Nakhon Si Thammarat. The fugitive in question had been employed as a firefighter at the Khu Khwang Fire Station.

    The arrest for attempted murder on October 12 was conducted by a unit from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), acting on an arrest warrant issued by the Trang Provincial Court. Forty-one-year-old Sittiphon was charged with conspiring to attempt murder and unauthorised possession of firearms and ammunition.

    The origin of the attempted murder can be traced back to December 2003. At that time, Sittiphon was a college student.

    One fateful day, while he was having drinks with friends outside his rented apartment, a group including a man known only as Santichai, his three friends, and his girlfriend passed by Sittiphon’s place.

    A jovial shout from Sittiphon towards the girl sparked a heated argument. Santichai and his friends confronted Sittiphon and his companions. Things escalated quickly and Sittiphon, armed with a knife, and his friend, wielding a firearm, fought back before fleeing the scene, reported The Pattaya News.

    Following the attempted murder incident, an investigative team gathered evidence leading to the issuance of arrest warrants for the fugitive and his friends. Sittiphon, however, managed to evade capture for nearly 20 years. The arrest warrant was due to expire in a few weeks, on December 3 this year.

    In the course of the investigation, the CSD team tracked down Sittiphon to the Khu Khwang Fire Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat where he was working. He was then arrested and taken to Huai Yot Police Station for further legal proceedings.

    In May, a Thai man who brutally murdered his wife 16 years ago was arrested at a temple in Roi Et province in northeast Thailand. He confessed to beating his wife to death with a helmet in 2007. To read more click HERE

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  • Two wild elephants electrocuted by durian orchard owner’s fence in Thailand

    Two wild elephants electrocuted by durian orchard owner’s fence in Thailand

    Two wild elephants, roughly aged between 20 and 25 and 30 and 35 years, met a tragic end due to electrocution in Surat Thani province. The elephants fell victim to an electric fence positioned by a local durian orchard farmer in Tai Rom Yen National Park located within Kanchanadit, a district in southern Thailand.

    The incident occurred on October 12, when the elephants were discovered lifeless at 11am.

    The local veterinarian team, following a distress call from residents, found the two elephants, one male and one female, on a nearby road. The elephants weighed 3.5 tonnes and 2.5 tonnes respectively.

    A grim discovery revealed wires wrapped around their trunks, leading to a nearby house occupied by a 43 year old man identified only as Jaroon. The Surat Thani police quickly stepped in, bringing him in for further questioning.

    According to Jaroon, the owner of the durian orchard, he had erected an electric fence to safeguard his orchard from wild animals. He claimed that the fence was not regularly activated.

    On the evening of October 11, however, at around 6pm, Jaroon activated the electric fence. At about 11pm that same day, he heard the distressing cries of elephants, but out of fear, hesitated to investigate.

    It was not until October 12 at 6am that he ventured out, only to be confronted with the sight of the two dead elephants on the road, reported The Pattaya News.

    Pornchai Sitthikesorn, the acting director of the Conservation Area Management Office, explained that the land on which the orchard is located was legally leased to Jaroon by the park for agricultural use, in accordance with government policy. Despite this, Jaroon could still face charges under the Wildlife Protection Act for causing harm to the elephants.

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  • Israel-Palestine conflict: Thai death toll rises, government hastens evacuation

    Israel-Palestine conflict: Thai death toll rises, government hastens evacuation

    The conflict between Israel and Palestine has claimed three more Thai lives, bringing the Thai death toll to 24, as reported by the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also reported on Saturday that 16 Thais have been injured and an equal number abducted in the escalating conflict.

    Addressing the press before his departure to Phitsanulok province, the prime minister assured continued efforts to evacuate Thai nationals from the crisis-hit region. He stated that approximately 7,000 Thais have expressed their intention to return home.

    He also expressed gratitude towards commercial airlines, Thai Airways International (THAI), Nok Air and Thai AirAsia, for their invaluable assistance in repatriating Thai citizens.

    The Thai PM revealed that the government is actively seeking assistance from the private sector, with potential plans to send an A340 aircraft, capable of carrying 300 passengers, into Israel to hasten the evacuation process. Coordination for this effort has been entrusted to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, reported Bangkok Post.

    In the midst of this turmoil, the 61 year old Thai PM reiterated Thailand’s neutral position in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He emphasised that the kingdom’s primary concern is the protection of Thai citizens caught in the crossfire.

    Among the returnees is 35 year old Boonchai Sae Yang who arrives at Suvarnabhumi International Airport tonight, Saturday, October 14. His arrival was part of the second group of repatriated Thais from Israel.

    Two days ago, Kittiphong Chaiko, a Thai worker from Nong Bua Lamphu who survived a terrorist attack by the political extremist group Hamas in Israel, returned to his home in Thailand, emotionally distressed and shocked by the loss of his colleagues. He arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport yesterday at 12.20pm, with no plans to return to Israel.

    Upon arrival, Kittiphong respectfully greeted his father, who performed a traditional ritual of tying a string around his wrist to call back his spirit. To read more click HERE

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  • Bangkok father’s repeated sexual assault on daughter leads to pregnancy: Ongoing police investigation

    Bangkok father’s repeated sexual assault on daughter leads to pregnancy: Ongoing police investigation

    A 14 year old girl was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her biological father until she fell pregnant, as revealed by the local police in Bangkok. The girl had been living with her grandparents in Buriram province following her parents’ separation in 2011. She moved to the capital in April to attend school. Her 34 year old mother currently resides in the Prawet district of Bangkok.

    The despicable series of events unfolded around April last year, when the girl’s father, Somchai, brought her from Buriram to a construction camp in Soi On Nut 70/1, where he worked.

    Over the following months, he sexually assaulted his daughter on numerous occasions. When the girl, identified as B, managed to escape and live with her paternal aunt in Soi On Nut 66, Somchai often visited and continued his horrific acts whenever B returned to him.

    In December last year and January this year, around the new year holiday period, Somchai travelled back to Buriram and sexually assaulted B again. He later brought her back to the construction camp in Soi On Nut 70/1 in Bangkok in April. Once school was about to start, B moved to Bangkok for her studies in one of the schools in the city as a second-year high school student, reported KhaoSod.

    By August, a teacher at her school noticed her condition and informed her aunt, suggesting a medical examination.

    The results confirmed that B was pregnant. Her aunt then took her back to Buriram. When her mother learned about the sexual assault situation on August 17, she quickly brought B back to Bangkok to live with her in Prawet Soi 20 and arranged for her pregnancy care at a local hospital. B gave birth on September 30.

    Upon learning about the sexual assault case, officers from Prawet Police Station are now expediting the investigation and collecting evidence to proceed with the legal case against Somchai.

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  • Unusual banana tree fruits from trunk, sparks lottery fever in Nakhon Ratchasima

    Unusual banana tree fruits from trunk, sparks lottery fever in Nakhon Ratchasima

    A banana tree in Nakhon Ratchasima province has caught the attention of locals due to its unusual fruiting pattern. The tree, located in a garden in Bua Yai district, has been found to bear fruit from the middle of its trunk rather than the usual top.

    The tree’s 62 year old owner, Oranwan, led reporters to the curious sight in her garden. The banana tree stands about 3 metres tall with seven bananas emerging from its middle, a deviation from the normal growth pattern which sees the fruit sprout from the top of the plant.

    Oranwan shared that she had planted a variety of banana trees around her home, all of which bore fruit in the usual manner, with a flower bud sprouting at the top. However, this particular tree produced fruit from the middle of the trunk, without any flower buds. Initially, she assumed the tree was diseased or water-logged.

    Two days ago, she noticed that the swollen part of the tree had burst open, revealing the bananas inside. This was an odd occurrence that she had never witnessed before, reported Sanook.

    Oranwan revealed that the night before the discovery, she dreamt she was experiencing labour pains. Waking up with a start, she ventured into the backyard where she discovered the anomaly of the banana tree. She believes this could be a divine sign of impending fortune.

    In response to this unique event, Oranwan lit incense at her shrine, praying for any potential negative outcomes to be averted and for good fortune to come her way, particularly in the form of a lottery win.

    Word of the unusual banana tree quickly spread amongst the local community, prompting many to derive lucky numbers from it. The numbers 79 and 37 were chosen, with many planning to play these numbers in the lottery draw on October 16.

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  • Significant rise in Thai gold prices: ornaments now at 33,500 baht per baht weight

    Significant rise in Thai gold prices: ornaments now at 33,500 baht per baht weight

    The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced this morning a significant increase in gold prices compared to the previous day. The increase was reported to be 550 baht (US$15), with the price of gold ornaments set at 33,500 baht per baht weight. This is a marked jump from yesterday’s closing price of 32,305.96 baht per baht weight.

    The report released today also revealed the buy and sell rates for gold bars in the local market. The buying rate stood firm at 32,900 baht per baht weight, while the selling rate was slightly higher at 33,000 baht. These figures were as per the GTA’s first announcement of the day.

    Similarly, the buy and sell rates for gold ornaments varied. Gold ornaments were bought at 32,305.96 baht per baht weight but sold at a higher rate of 33,500 baht. The global gold price, or Gold Spot, was reported to be at US$1,930.00 per ounce, reported KhaoSod.

    In summary, gold prices of today, as per the GTA’s first announcement, stood as follows:

    Gold bars: Buying rate – 32,900 baht per baht weight, Selling rate – 33,000 baht per baht weight.
    Gold ornaments: Buying rate – 32,305.96 baht per baht weight, Selling rate – 33,500 baht per baht weight.

    Two days ago, the escalating conflict in the Middle East could drive global gold prices to US$1,875 per ounce, as predicted by the GTA.

    The GTA president, Jitti Tangsithpakdi, pointed out that prices have risen by US$20-30 per ounce since the onset of hostilities between Israel and Hamas militants. Gold prices reached a one-week high of US$1,860 on October 11, and briefly touched US$1,870 later that day.

    The GTA foresees gold trading within a range of US$1,845-1,875 in the short term unless the situation in the Middle East deteriorates further. To read more click HERE

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  • Thai worker pays 50,000 baht for flight home amid conflict zone chaos

    Thai worker pays 50,000 baht for flight home amid conflict zone chaos

    A Thai worker who paid for his own flight back home to Thailand revealed the dire situation in a conflict-ridden zone. He disclosed that several of his friends who lost their lives could not be repatriated due to ongoing identity verification. He decided to take matters into his own hands, spending over 50,000 baht (US$1,377) on his journey home.

    According to Boonchai Saeya, the long waiting queue for repatriation prompted him to make this decision. Normally, flight tickets from non-risk zones wouldn’t cost as much. However, he had to cover high costs due to translation fees and the risky nature of the area. His primary aim was to return to Thailand as quickly as possible, vowing never to work in Israel again due to the trauma experienced, reported Sanook.

    On the other hand, another Thai worker who returned today divulged that a group of Hamas had infiltrated his residence, seemingly well-prepared to hold Thai people hostage. They even attempted to lure them out by speaking Thai, greeting them with “Hello, Thai people.” One of his friends almost fell for the ruse and came out but he managed to prevent it just in time.

    Two days ago, a Thai worker in Nong Bua Lam Phu, identified as Paiboon Rattanin was among a group of five to seven Thai workers captured by the Hamas group in Israel. The last contact with the 42 year old Paiboon was on October 6, before his co-workers in Israel sent footage of the group being hauled into a trailer by a tractor.

    Paiboon’s wife, Rungarada Saeken, was alerted to her husband’s capture by his co-workers and immediately requested urgent assistance from local officials.

    The Labour Ministry promptly began investigating the workers’ last known location and workplace to provide swift assistance and inform the Thai government. To read more click HERE

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  • Tropical depression triggers heavy rain warnings for 47 Thai provinces, including Bangkok

    Tropical depression triggers heavy rain warnings for 47 Thai provinces, including Bangkok

    Today, 47 provinces of Thailand, including Bangkok, brace for heavy rainfall due to a tropical depression covering the Gulf of Thailand. The public has been warned to be cautious of flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hillside areas and low-lying regions.

    The sea waves are expected to reach a height of 2 metres in areas affected by thunderstorms.

    The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts that the high-pressure system or a mass of cold air covering the northeast, north, and South China Sea is weakening. This resulted in the tropical depression moving up and crossing the upper south and east of Thailand.

    Coupled with the southwest monsoon prevailing over the Andaman Sea, the south, and the lower Gulf of Thailand, these conditions have led to thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall in the north, and central, including Bangkok and its vicinity, the east, and the south.

    People living in these areas are urged to be wary of potential dangers caused by heavy rainfall and accumulated rain, which could quickly lead to flash flooding and forest runoff, especially in hillside areas near waterways and low-lying areas.

    They should also exercise caution when travelling through areas with thunderstorms. For the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, waves are expected to be about one metre high and in thunderstorm areas, they could exceed 2 metres. Therefore, mariners are advised to navigate with caution and avoid the areas with thunderstorms for the time being, reported KhaoSod.

    Weather for Thailand

    The north will experience a 40% chance of thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, and Nan provinces. The minimum temperature will be 23-24 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature will be 30-35 degrees Celsius, and the wind will come from the east at a speed of 10-20 kilometres per hour.

    In the northeast, there will be a 40% chance of thunderstorms, mainly in Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The minimum temperature will be 23-25 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature will be 29-33 degrees Celsius, and the wind will come from the northeast at a speed of 10-25 kilometres per hour.

    The central region will experience a 60% chance of thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall, especially in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon provinces.

    The minimum temperature will be 25-26 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature will be 33-35 degrees Celsius, and the wind will come from the east at a speed of 10-25 kilometres per hour.

    In the east, there will be a 60% chance of thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. The minimum temperature will be 24-27 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature will be 30-34 degrees Celsius, and the wind will come from the southeast at a speed of 15-30 kilometres per hour.

    Thunderstruck

    The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, and in thunderstorm areas, they could exceed two metres.

    In the south (east coast), there will be a 70% chance of thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall, particularly in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces.

    The minimum temperature will be 24-26 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature will be 32-35 degrees Celsius, and the wind will vary in direction at a speed of 15-30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves about one metre high, and in thunderstorm areas, they could exceed 2 metres.

    In the south (west coast), there will be a 60% chance of thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall, particularly in Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces.

    The minimum temperature will be 24-26 degrees Celsius, the maximum temperature will be 32-34 degrees Celsius, and the wind will come from the northwest at a speed of 15-30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves about one metre high, and in thunderstorm areas, they could exceed 2 metres.

    Bangkok and its vicinity will experience a 60% chance of thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall. The minimum temperature will be 26-27 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature will be 33-35 degrees Celsius.

    These weather conditions are expected to persist over the next 24 hours, and everyone is urged to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts.

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  • Two killed in fiery road accident involving multiple motorcycles and pickup truck

    Two killed in fiery road accident involving multiple motorcycles and pickup truck

    A horrific road accident claimed two lives and injured others in the early hours of today on Asia Highway No. 32 in Ayutthaya province. The accident involved multiple motorcycles and a pickup truck, leading to a fiery aftermath.

    At around 12.30am, the police in Bang Pa-in district of Ayutthaya received a report of a serious road accident involving several motorcycles and a pickup truck, followed by a fire at kilometre 6 on Asia Highway No. 32.

    Upon arrival, the officers found a blue-black Honda Forza motorcycle with Ayutthaya registration 1กร219. The front of the motorcycle was severely damaged and engulfed in flames. After five minutes of firefighting, the officers managed to extinguish the fire.

    Close to the burning motorcycle, the officers discovered the body of a 42 year old man named Sakda, a local from Phachi district, Ayutthaya. The deceased was still wearing his helmet, and his body bore severe injuries, including broken limbs and deep wounds across his body.

    At the scene, a group of motorcyclists riding the same model of motorcycles involved in the accident had gathered. Upon seeing the officers, they quickly dispersed, leaving various motorcycle parts scattered across the road.

    Two injured men were also discovered at the scene, both of whom were immediately transported to Bang Pa-in Hospital, reported KhaoSod.

    Domino effect

    One of the injured men recounted that they had been travelling in a group when one of them crashed into the back of the pickup truck. The subsequent collision caused a domino effect, toppling multiple motorcycles.

    uring the chaos, a group of youths and a pickup truck driver helped lift the motorcycles off the road, while some motorcyclists fled the scene.

    About 200 metres away from the primary scene, the officers found a white Isuzu pickup truck with Ayutthaya registration ผกก754. The rear of the vehicle bore signs of collision and the tail light was shattered.

    The pickup driver reported that he, his wife, and child were returning home from a friend’s house in Pathum Thani province when a swarm of 30-40 motorcycles suddenly swarmed the road.

    Suddenly, he heard a loud crash at the back of his vehicle, and upon looking back, saw a motorcycle lose control, tumble, and burst into flames. Other motorcycles also lost control and crashed into his vehicle, causing further damage.

    Later, another deceased was found in the nearby grass. The 18 year old man, known as Sarawut, was also from Phachi district, Ayutthaya. His body bore signs of broken limbs.

    Near a pond close to the location where the second body was found, a grey Honda Forza with Ayutthaya registration 1กล5837 was discovered submerged in water. The motorcycle’s front was severely damaged.

    Initial investigations suggest that the group of motorcyclists involved in the accident was travelling together. The collision marks and investigation of the accident scene have been recorded as evidence.

    The pickup driver was invited for further investigation, and the bodies of the two deceased were sent to the Forensic Science Institute in Pathum Thani province for autopsy. Further legal proceedings are in progress.

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  • Bang Na mall escalator accident injures child, prompts safety protocol questions

    Bang Na mall escalator accident injures child, prompts safety protocol questions

    A four year old girl suffered injuries after her foot got stuck in the escalator at a shopping mall in Bang Na. Despite the swift response of the mall’s personnel, the rescue operation was delayed due to confusion about which part of the escalator to dismantle.

    The incident occurred yesterday evening and resulted in medical costs exceeding 7,000 baht for the family.

    At 9pm yesterday, a reporter visited the girl’s parents at their residence in Praksa subdistrict, Mueang district, Samut Prakan province.

    The parents recounted the day’s events, describing how they had taken their daughter to the play area at the mall.

    The accident occurred as they descended the escalator at the end of their visit. The girl’s foot was sucked into the escalator while they were looking for the emergency stop button.

    They expressed concern about the mall’s emergency response protocols, suggesting that there was no clear procedure in place for such accidents.

    It took approximately 30 minutes to free the girl’s foot from the escalator. The mall’s personnel arrived at the scene within five minutes of the accident, but the delay occurred during dismantling.

    The most distressing aspect for the parents was using a screen to obstruct the view of the incident, reported Sanook.

    The parents have urged the mall to use this incident as a learning experience to develop clear procedures for handling such emergencies. They believe having a well-defined procedure would have expedited the rescue operation.

    They also suggested the installation of additional sensors on the escalators and called for increased attention and care from the mall towards its customers.

    Following the incident, the girl has developed a fear of playgrounds and escalators. Although there was no bone fracture, her toes were injured, and the psychological impact of the event on the girl’s usage of escalators in the future remains to be seen.

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  • Wealthy Thai heiress discovers she’s biologically unrelated to parents after DNA test

    Wealthy Thai heiress discovers she’s biologically unrelated to parents after DNA test

    A privileged young woman, born to a wealthy family, has discovered she is not biologically related to her parents. Despite growing up in a loving household, she was often told by friends and neighbours that she bore no resemblance to her parents. This eventually led her to undertake a DNA test, which confirmed that she was not their biological child.

    The woman, who had a strong bond with her family, was perplexed by this revelation. As a child, she was often told by friends and neighbours that she did not resemble her parents, with some even jokingly suggesting that she was adopted. However, whenever she questioned her parents about this, they assured her that she was their child and urged her not to overthink it.

    Despite the reassurances, the continuous comments about her non-resemblance to her parents started to bother her, motivating her decision to study abroad after high school.

    During one of her secret visits home, she saw a woman who looked strikingly similar to her, chatting with her parents in the living room. This woman turned out to be her mother’s younger sister, whom the family rarely spoke of as she lived and worked abroad.

    Initially, the woman did not pay much attention to her aunt, despite having met her as a child. However, upon seeing her again, she was astounded by their uncanny resemblance. After days of contemplation, she decided to take a DNA test to verify her blood relation, which revealed that she was not her parents’ biological child. She instantly presented the results to her parents, who responded with stunned silence and apologies, devoid of any further explanation.

    Quest for truth

    In her quest for the truth, the woman approached her aunt, who unveiled the reality she had been oblivious to. Her aunt confessed that she fell pregnant shortly after separating from her husband and decided to keep her pregnancy a secret. After the birth of her child, she handed her over to her older sister to raise as her own, reported Sanook.

    Eventually, the older sister found love and married. On their wedding day, the child’s real father discovered that he was the father of the child and expressed his intention to take his daughter back. However, the older sister and her husband refused, promising to continue raising the child as their own, especially since the father had remarried and had another daughter.

    The couple she had always believed to be her true parents are, in fact, her aunt and uncle. Had she not stumbled upon this secret, they would have taken it to their graves.

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  • Phuket car accident: Retired officer’s wife crashes into vegetarian festival stalls

    Phuket car accident: Retired officer’s wife crashes into vegetarian festival stalls

    A severe car accident in Phuket’s Talat Nuea district left one person dead and eight others injured. The incident involved a Mercedes Benz, driven by the wife of a retired senior police officer, who claimed she experienced dizziness and a blackout and mistook the accelerator for the brake, leading to the fatal crash.

    The Phuket car accident occurred on Ranong Road, a one-way street lined with several vegetarian food stalls ahead of the annual vegetarian festival.

    The Mercedes Benz C300, in a silver bronze colour, lost control and collided with pedestrians, a pickup truck, motorcycles, and food stalls. The front of the car was significantly damaged, the bumper dislodged, and the driver-side windscreen shattered, leaving a hole the size of a human head.

    Today, reporters at the scene described the aftermath of the car accident. The area had been cleared, and the usual activities, including the preparation of vegetarian food for the festival, were in progress.

    A 56 year old woman, Kophan, the owner of a fresh spring roll stall who witnessed the car accident, described it as a horrifying scene. The car first hit two to three motorcycles, then collided with three stores, and finally struck pedestrians before stopping.

    The deceased, a pedestrian who was walking with his wife and child, was identified at the Phuket City Police Station. Phuket City Police Deputy Investigation Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Chotisuwan and Pol. Lt. Col. Romtheera Suwanphan, the Deputy (Investigation) of Phuket City Police, along with Phuket Provincial Evidence Verification officials, inspected the Mercedes Benz and the other vehicles involved in the car accident.

    Lt. Col. Sarawut disclosed that those injured are still receiving treatment at Vajira Phuket Hospital, while some with minor injuries have been treated and have given their statements to the investigation officers.

    The driver of the Mercedes Benz, the wife of a retired senior police officer, is recuperating at Bangkok Phuket Hospital. Preliminary findings suggest that she had a blackout and became dizzy, leading to her pressing the accelerator instead of the brake.

    The investigation into whether she was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident is ongoing. Charges of reckless driving resulting in death and injuries have been filed against her, reported KhaoSod.

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  • Health screening results reveal stress and physical injuries among Thai workers returning from Israel conflict

    Health screening results reveal stress and physical injuries among Thai workers returning from Israel conflict

    The Emergency Medical and Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Public Health unveiled the health screening results of 15 Thai workers who returned from Israel yesterday. Among the workers, two individuals showed signs of stress, seven reported sleep disturbances and two needed psychiatric consultation. In addition, a person who was shot in the leg required ongoing treatment.

    Having fled the violent conflict in Israel, the Thai workers underwent physical and mental health screening at the quarantine centre of Bamrasnaradura Institute. The all-male group was attended to by a medical team from the Medical Department and a mental health rehabilitation team from the Department of Mental Health.

    The mental health screening unveiled that in addition to the two individuals grappling with stress and the seven with sleep issues, two needed to consult a psychiatrist. Moreover, 19 Thai nationals who fled the war from Israel are expected to arrive in the second round today.

    A man from Udon Thani who fought barehanded was cut in the neck and stabbed, resulting in a pool of blood. His shocked wife saw the photo. The Ministry of Public Health has revealed that two Thai individuals from Israel who were shot had to use wheelchairs. They are advised to rest at Bamrasnaradura before returning home.

    Regarding physical health, the screening identified four individuals with wounds, one with acid reflux, and one with a stomach disease.

    The person who was shot in the left leg required ongoing treatment and was referred to Somdej Phra Chao Taksin Maharaj Hospital in Tak province.

    The Ministry of Public Health has disclosed the health screening results of Thai workers who returned from Israel. Two individuals were required to consult a psychiatrist.

    The 15 individuals hail from Nong Bua Lam Phu (four individuals), with the rest from Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Tak, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, and Yasothon, one individual from each province reported KhaoSod.

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  • Siam Paragon shooting claims third victim, music fan loses fight for life

    Siam Paragon shooting claims third victim, music fan loses fight for life

    The tragic shooting at the Siam Paragon shopping mall, where a 14 year old boy opened fire on the public, claimed its third victim. Penpivan, a 14 year old girl and a devoted fan of famous singers Nont Thanont and GOT7, succumbed to her injuries after a ten-day battle. During the shocking event, she sustained critical gunshot wounds to her brain and ribs.

    The horror unfolded in the bustling Siam Paragon shopping mall when a 14 year old Thai boy indiscriminately opened fire, resulting in the immediate death of two women, a Chinese tourist and a woman from Myanmar. There were also numerous injured, one of them being Penpivan. She was a passionate fan of well-known singers Nont Thanont and GOT7 and was unfortunately hit in the brain by two bullets and her ribs by another two, leaving her in a coma.

    Nont Thanont reposted a fan’s message on October 3, seeking information about missing people from the mall shooting incident. It was later discovered that Penpivan had been shot in the head and was in the hospital.

    As of today, the news of Penpivan’s demise was confirmed by a representative of her mother. According to the report, Penpivan, also known as Nungning, peacefully passed away in the early hours of the day. Her death marked the third fatality from the violent incident at the Siam Paragon shopping mall reported KhaoSod.

    Survivors of the Siam Paragon Mall shooting recounted their harrowing experiences. One survivor, Natthaphat (surname withheld), described the terrifying moments she witnessed, including people losing their lives right before her eyes, and her inability to help a Chinese woman in distress. Read more HERE.

    In the wake of the Siam Paragon shooting incident, Thailand has launched a cooperative effort to establish a more effective emergency alert system. You can read more HERE.

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  • Flash Express denies allegations of staff exodus and warehouse crisis

    Flash Express denies allegations of staff exodus and warehouse crisis

    Flash Express, a prominent delivery firm, has refuted allegations of widespread employee resignations and troubling working conditions. The company confirms it’s addressing issues of package backlogs in some branches, but denies an overall warehouse crisis.

    Flash Express clarifies that any staff resignations are isolated incidents and not a nationwide phenomenon.

    Today, Flash Express issued a formal statement in response to the negative news circulating on social media platforms. The company, which ranks among the top couriers in the market, prides itself on delivering top-notch service at competitive prices. Over its five-year operation, the company has consistently strived to maintain a high standard of service to inspire customer confidence despite varying market conditions.

    In its statement, Flash Express acknowledged an increase in package volume, resulting from its partnerships with e-commerce platforms, online shops, and general customers. The rise has led to package backlogs in some branches, but the company insists it doesn’t equate to a warehouse crisis. To manage the situation, they are urgently hiring more staff to clear and deliver packages to customers promptly.

    Flash Express also addressed the issue of employee resignations. The company dismisses claims of widespread resignations, stating that they still employ over 40,000 permanent staff members across the country. Flash Express urges clients to exercise discernment when interpreting social media reports, which are sometimes propagated by malicious groups aiming to tarnish the company’s reputation reported KhaoSod.

    Flash Express promises to navigate through any challenging situations, committed to expanding job opportunities in the country and taking the best care of its employees. They strive to deliver excellent and quality service to all Thais indefinitely.

    Labour exploitation is undeniably a pressing issue for workers worldwide. Recently, a Thai worker used TikTok to shed light on the harsh realities of employment in South Korea. To know more, read HERE.

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  • MFP MP clarifies sexual harassment accusation, second MP faces same claim

    MFP MP clarifies sexual harassment accusation, second MP faces same claim

    After a Move Forward Party (MFP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Prachin Buri province was accused of sexual harassment, another MP faced the same allegation. Details of his identity have not yet been released.

    The Facebook page What MFP Lying About Today (วันนี้ก้าวไกลโกหกอะไร) recently accused Prachin Buri MP, Wuttipong “Jae” Thonglao, of sexually harassing a member of the MFP’s volunteer team. The MP was accused of sending inappropriate sexual messages to the victim.

    Another netizen also confirmed the credibility of the allegation, saying that his girlfriend had also been harassed while working with the MP.

    The accused MP, Wuttipong, later clarified the issue on social media on October 11, saying it was him and the woman in the conversation. However, the conversation took place last year, before he became an MP. He accused the woman and the page of trying to discredit him because he was now investigating corruption in Prachin Buri province.

    “Since the end of the General Election, some people have set themselves up as complainants and called for me to be investigated. For five months, they have been trying to discredit me and the MFP to cover up the corruption I am now investigating. They are digging up information from the past to create a problem for me.”

    Wuttipong went on to say that the issue would not affect his work and that he would never give up his work.

    The MFP asserted that it had already set up a committee to investigate the matter and would announce its conclusion to the public when it was ready.

    The drama does not end with Wuttipong, as the Facebook page has come forward to accuse another MFP MP of the same allegation of sexual harassment. However, the page did not reveal the identity of the person.

    MFP spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu told the media that he and the party had admitted that sexual harassment was a problem in the party. Parit insisted that the MFP would never run away from the problem, but would face it and solve it.

    Parit stressed that the MFP would not hide the misdeeds of party members to protect the party’s image and would not allow them to become part of the party culture.

     

    ORIGINAL STORY: MFP MP accused of sexually harassing volunteer team member

    A Facebook account called What is the MFP lying about today? (วันนี้ก้าวไกลโกหกอะไร), accused a Member of Parliament (MP) in the central province of Prachin Buri from the Move Forward Party (MFP) of sexually harassing a woman from the party’s volunteer team.

    The Facebook page shared a screenshot of a conversation between a man and a woman centred on explicit sexual matters with the caption…

    “You already have two kids. Why are you still so excited about sex?”

    In the chat, the MP allegedly asked the woman about her views on sex toys. The woman expressed her view that such items could be beneficial for everyone but clarified her personal aversion to them. The MP also asked if the woman had ever used a sex toy and she said no.

    The MP did not stop there and offered her a used vibrator that he had not used for a long time, which the woman refused to accept. In another conversation, the MP sent the woman an article entitled “The Secret All Women Want to Know: Easy Ways to Notice a Man with high sexual desire,” saying that the article lacked credibility.

    In response, the woman asserted she had no interest in such matters. Throughout the conversation, the woman remained calm and tried to end the conversation.

    Sexual harassment

    The issue was also shared on Twitter. A netizen reported that his friend was a volunteer working with the MP and had also been sexually harassed.

    According to the victim’s friend, the victim was a member of the MFP’s volunteer team and had been helping the party since the election campaign. As the victim lived in Prachin Buri, she had to work closely with this MP and was able to talk to him.

    The MP reportedly told the woman that he had already divorced his wife and wanted to meet her. However, the woman found out that he was still with his wife and children and broke off the relationship. Despite this, the MP would not end the relationship and allegedly continued to harass her about sex.

    The victim reported that she complained to the party on July 30 but no progress was made. The party ignored the issue and let the accused MP work as normal.

    The MPF replied to a netizen on Twitter that the party had conducted an investigation into the matter since receiving the complaint. The party explained that the investigation committee was set up in August and conducted interviews with each party throughout September. The party assured that it would announce the conclusion of the matter to the public as soon as possible.

    Many netizens criticised the MFP for conducting a quick investigation on almost every issue but not on their problem. They urged the party to investigate the incident as soon as possible.

    Similar case reported

    Regrettably, this incident isn’t an isolated one within the MFP. Last year, a similar incident emerged when MFP Bangkok Metropolitan Council member Arnuparp Tarnthong sexually harassed four young girls at his condominium.

    Arnuparp invited the girls to eat and drink alcohol with him before groping them. The three managed to escape from the condo and later sought help from the non-profit organisation Saimai Survive.

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  • Thai Military Commission’s six-point plan to scrutinize budget and troop size

    Thai Military Commission’s six-point plan to scrutinize budget and troop size

    Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, a member of the Future Forward Party and chairman of the Military Commission, revealed a six-pronged policy framework for the Military Commission of the House of Representatives, aimed at scrutinising the military budget and streamlining troop size.

    According to a Facebook post by Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, the Military Commission of the House of Representatives convened a meeting yesterday, at 1pm, where it established a policy framework for joint operations covering the military budget, debt obligations, business welfare, off-budget funds, resource allocation between the military and civilians, and downsizing of the military, welfare, and welfare of standard and junior soldiers. This policy framework was summarised into six areas:

    1. Monitoring and auditing the budget, debt obligations, procurement of the military and the Ministry of Defence, business welfare, commerce, and off-budget funds to ensure transparency, free from corruption, and public disclosure. Economical Defence is used as a guideline for monitoring government policies to ensure that investment and budget expenditure is in line with the country’s security in a new format that positively impacts the economy and quality of life of the people. For example:

    • Offsetting policy in procurement.
    • Transfer of military land ownership to the government to allocate to farmers or for public benefit. Managing military areas to solve problems for the people such as solving water storage to alleviate flood problems, waste management, and producing electricity from renewable energy from sunlight, biomass or wind.
    • Spearheading prevention and suppression of drugs, smuggling of illegal goods, human trafficking and illegal oil. Using off-budget military funds to invest in research related to the country’s security in a new format.

    2. Creating networks and expanding working groups in various regions across the country to monitor and audit resource allocation between the military and civilians to be fair, reconciling good relations between people and the military, and developing channels for receiving complaints about military problems that are comprehensive and more efficient.

    3. Monitoring and auditing to make the military the right size, having a suitable number of senior officers and regular soldiers for the military mission, free from using troops for labour that is not a military mission or used in jobs that are considered human trafficking or human rights violations.

    4. Monitoring and caring for the well-being and welfare of military officials, junior military officials, regular soldiers, and war veterans to be transparent, fair, and free from torture, oppression, taking advantage, and human rights violations.

    5. Monitoring the performance of the military under the supervision of the civilian government and the principle of civil law. Civilians and soldiers are equal before the law and under the same fair process. No military operations affect the rights and freedoms of the people.

    6. Studying approaches to improve the curriculum of military preparatory schools, troop schools, and institutions under the Ministry of Defence to match social changes.

    The Military Commission will use all six of these guidelines to perform its duties to the best of its ability so that the military’s duties are performed with integrity, and transparency in spending taxpayer’s money, and it must be a military under the command of a civilian government, reported Sanook.

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  • Thai dad’s wall-knocking bedtime method becomes hit among parents

    Thai dad’s wall-knocking bedtime method becomes hit among parents

    For new parents, getting their child to sleep can be a challenging task as each child is unique and requires different care, including their own unique bedtime routine. Recently, a young father shared his unorthodox method of lulling his child to sleep, which didn’t involve singing lullabies or rocking the child around the room. Instead, he would stand, sway, and rhythmically knock on the wall.

    Although the sound of the wall-knocking method may be annoying to some, it is this very sound that sends the little one in this family off to sleep in his father’s arms.

    It turns out, there is a reason behind the wall-knocking bedtime method for the little one. The noise originated from a time when the child was a newborn and the neighbours were renovating their house. The constant wall-knocking sounds became familiar to the little one. Hence, whenever it’s time for the child to sleep, the parents resort to this unique method to send him off to dreamland.

    After the story of this father’s child-rearing experience was shared online, it attracted a lot of immediate attention. Many parents empathised with the young father, understanding his predicament and sharing their own experiences of getting their children to sleep, reported Sanook. Some of the comments included…

    “It’s the same with my son, Henry. After the neighbours’ construction stopped, he began having issues sleeping.”

    “That’s true. When my child was in my womb, I used to sit near the fireplace. After birth, when we slept in an air-conditioned room, it turned out he didn’t like it. He preferred to sleep when it’s warm.”

    “My child is also peculiar. He needs to sleep in a cradle and lean against the wall. After swaying him to sleep, I suffer from the shakes due to the forceful impact.”

    This highlights that each child is unique, and parents often need to find innovative ways to cater to their child’s individual needs.

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  • Hospital reunion: Patient cheered up by former nursing school classmates

    Hospital reunion: Patient cheered up by former nursing school classmates

    A patient in a hospital, typically a place associated with discomfort, was found cheerfully surrounded by a group of radiant nurses, causing quite a hospital reunion stir. The patient, a young man, and these nurses share a unique bond – they were all classmates in nursing school, where the majority were female students.

    The young man was not just one of the few male students but was the only male in their class, which naturally led him to be popular among his peers.

    In school, he was known for his kind nature, always ready to lend a hand. Whenever a task required physical strength, he would step up, providing a sense of relief to his female peers. As such, it was no surprise that he was the most popular person in the class. Whenever his classmates discovered something tasty, they would think of him and buy it for him.

    After graduation, everyone went their separate ways. However, when news of his hospitalisation due to an illness reached his former classmates, many of them, who were working as nurses in the same hospital, came to visit without prior appointments.

    Consequently, his hospital room was filled with dozens of women in white uniforms, causing the patient to beam as if half his illness had already subsided following this unprecedented hospital reunion. Other patients looked on with evident envy, reported Sanook.

    There were speculations about what his girlfriend might think about him being surrounded by so many female nurses. To this, the young man responded with a touch of frustration.

    “I was quite popular with the girls in school, but why haven’t I found a girlfriend after so many years since graduation?”

    The unexpected hospital reunion made him reminisce about his student days when he was constantly surrounded by beauty. At least he still had an abundance of it around him almost all the time.

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  • Suphanburi shooting: Mechanic critically injured in shock attack

    Suphanburi shooting: Mechanic critically injured in shock attack

    A motorcycle mechanic was shot in a surprising attack in Suphanburi, leaving him critically injured. The brutal Suphanburi shooting incident occurred near a grocery store and a grilled chicken shop in the Sam Chuk district. The police are urgently on the search for the gunman, reviewing CCTV footage to trace the escape route and apprehend the perpetrator.

    Upon reaching the scene, officials from Sam Chuk Police Station and the Suphanburi Rescue Foundation discovered a pool of blood and a pair of shoes near 21 year old victim’s green motorcycle.

    Uthai Chuekratok was shot five times, once in the neck and four times in the back with a .22 calibre handgun. He was found unconscious in a pool of blood and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

    Preliminary investigations into the Suphanburi shooting revealed that Uthai was helping his girlfriend close her grilled chicken shop before the incident.

    He was seated on his parked motorcycle, facing the shop and his back to the road. The attacker approached from behind, crossing a bridge over the Chonlatarn canal.

    The first shot missed Uthai. However, upon hearing the noise, Uthai turned around, allowing the assailant to fire five more shots at close range. The assailant then fled the scene via the same route.

    The police have identified the attacker and are gathering further evidence for an arrest warrant. Initial reports suggest that the motive may be personal. Investigation teams from Sam Chuk Police Station and Suphanburi Provincial Police are intensifying their manhunt for the assailant.

    They are examining CCTV footage along the suspected escape route to help apprehend the criminal and bring him to justice, reported KhaoSod.

    Eyewitnesses reported hearing two loud sounds, followed by three more, resembling gunshots. After a while, they ventured out to investigate the noise, only to find a man lying in a pool of blood. They were unable to provide any further details, only that the victim was a motorcycle mechanic.

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  • Phuket family’s plea for justice after harrowing hit-and-run incident

    Phuket family’s plea for justice after harrowing hit-and-run incident

    A Phuket resident publicly shared the harrowing ordeal of a hit-and-run incident that took place last Sunday, October 8. The incident involved his family being struck by a pickup truck while they were on their Honda PCX motorbike.

    The 36 year old man, Wittaya, and his wife along with their young son were en route to Robinson shopping mall in Thalang for grocery shopping when their bike was hit by the truck. The truck driver, instead of checking on the injured family, chose to flee the scene.

    Wittaya revealed the hit-and-run accident occurred just before 8pm on Thepkasattri Road near Wat Tha Rue.

    “I was driving my bike in the left-hand lane of the road, as usual, with my wife and son as passengers when suddenly the speeding truck collided with us.”

    The family suffered severe injuries as a result of the hit-and-run collision. Wittaya’s wife sustained cuts and bruising to her torso, legs and arms, while their son suffered cuts on his face, legs, ankles, wrists and hand. Wittaya himself suffered facial injuries that required 20 stitches.

    “Blood was pouring from my head wound and I was very dizzy, I could not see properly initially.”

    Despite his impaired vision, Wittaya distinctly remembers the driver of the pickup truck choosing to speed away from the crash site.

    “Pick-up trucks should not be driving that fast. I imagine he was travelling around 80-100 kilometres an hour which is reckless when there is a small child as a passenger. It could have been fatal had the pickup truck been travelling even faster.”

    Pictures courtesy of Phuket News.

    In the aftermath of the collision, a taxi driver who happened to be passing by stopped to assist Wittaya and his family, helping to move his son from the road to a safer location.

    “I would like to thank the taxi driver for his help at a time when we needed it.”

    Wittaya has since lodged an official complaint with the police and is urging the driver responsible for the accident to come forward. He is also appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time of the incident and may have car camera footage to step forward, reported the Phuket News.

    Wittaya believes that such footage could potentially help to identify the vehicle that caused the accident.

    “I have made an official complaint to the police but if anyone nearby at the time of the incident has car camera footage it would be very helpful if they could also come forward in the hope we can identify the vehicle that caused this distress.”

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  • Revised police hair length rules in Thailand: Insights from the chief

    Revised police hair length rules in Thailand: Insights from the chief

    The National Police Office recently abolished its regulation, which required male officers to have a short haircut with a maximum length of 3 centimetres on top. The new regulation allows officers to have hair up to 5 centimetres on top and 1 centimetre on the sides and back.

    National Police Chief, Torsak Sukvimol, explained that the change in hairstyle policy stems from directives given by all National Police Chiefs for commanders to visit their subordinates in the field. This is to boost morale amongst officers working on the ground.

    Torsak highlighted that, during his visits to the three southernmost provinces, he noticed that officers’ adherence to the short hair regulation made them easy targets for insurgents.

    “Since I’ve had the opportunity to take up this position, I wanted to implement this as a policy. This is not a top-down approach but a top-up one based on the realities faced by the officers.”

    Torsak emphasised that the decision was not solely his but came from discussions with all commanders who recognised the importance of the officers and the critical nature of their work in the three southernmost provinces.

    In these specific areas like the three southernmost provinces, hairstyles should not make officers targets for those with ill intentions.

    Similarly, for investigators, maintaining such a hairstyle would only allow them to pretend to be monks, limiting the scope of their undercover operations.

    For other duties, existing regulations are in place. Any group involved in special operations not located in specific areas will continue to follow these regulations. Thus, everything is adjusted according to the mission, and officers will know which hairstyle is appropriate for which mission, reported KhaoSod.

    Torsak stated that he initially wanted this to be a gift on October 17, but he didn’t want the hair issue to be a significant concern. Instead, his focus is on adapting to the problems and obstacles officers face in the field. From now on, visits should not only be about inspections but also about resolving issues. This is a policy for all commanders.

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  • Survivor of Israel terror attack returns to Thailand, plans to rest and recover from trauma

    Survivor of Israel terror attack returns to Thailand, plans to rest and recover from trauma

    Kittiphong Chaiko, a Thai worker from Nong Bua Lamphu who survived a terrorist attack by the political extremist group Hamas in Israel, returned to his home in Thailand, emotionally distressed and shocked by the loss of his colleagues. He arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 12.20pm today, with no plans to return to Israel.

    Upon arrival, Kittiphong respectfully greeted his father, who performed a traditional ritual of tying a string around his wrist to call back his spirit. This ancient tradition is believed to protect those who have experienced trauma. Kittiphong expressed his relief at being back in Thailand, admitting that he believed he would never return. His workplace in Israel was destroyed, and he is currently not mentally prepared to discuss the traumatic event or make any future plans.

    He noted that two to three of his colleagues were killed in the attack. Another Thai worker in Israel, known only as Ball, stated that he had only been working there for five months of a five-year and three-month contract when the incident occurred. The danger forced Ball to evacuate, unsure if he would survive, as violent groups surrounded the area.

    “From now, I will return home to rest and clear my mind. I am under a lot of stress from the incident and financial issues. My wife gave me the last of our savings to buy a plane ticket because she was worried and didn’t want me to stay there.”

    Another worker stated that his employer provided his flight ticket as his contract had ended.

    As soon as they arrived in Thailand, they planned to return to their families immediately. Their traumatic experiences underscore the dangers that overseas workers can face, highlighting the need for support and protection.

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  • Domestic violence shock: Thai celebrity’s assault on girlfriend

    Domestic violence shock: Thai celebrity’s assault on girlfriend

    A brutal domestic violence incident involving a minor celebrity and his girlfriend has become the talk of the town in Thailand.

    The couple’s dispute, revealed in CCTV footage, was ignited when the 43 year old woman discovered that her 38 year old boyfriend, a supporting actor in various TV shows, had been unfaithful to her with five other women.

    The couple, who had been acquainted for five to six years and had been seriously dating for the past two years, had a relatively peaceful relationship until last year.

    The man was said to have initially taken good care of the woman until she discovered his infidelity in September. Upon confrontation, the man violently attacked the woman, leaving visible injuries on her body and eyes.

    The woman intended to expose her boyfriend’s infidelity by showing evidence of his communications with the five other women on his phone, which led to the violence captured in the now-viral video.

    After the incident, the man sought forgiveness and promised to change, leading the woman to give him another chance and not report the assault. However, the violence and borrowing of money persisted, driving the woman to finally file a police report.

    “By the end, I realised he wouldn’t change. He couldn’t return to being a good person. I won’t speak to him anymore. Our communication will only be through the police. I will not have any contact with him at all.”

    Unfortunately, due to the elapsed time since the incident, the police could not charge the man. Instead, they issued a restraining order, prohibiting him from approaching his ex-girlfriend.

    On October 6, the man agreed to the terms of the restraining order and compensated the woman for medical and therapeutic expenses amounting to 10,000 baht. The woman shared her story as a cautionary tale to other women experiencing domestic violence, urging them to report such incidents immediately.

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  • Tragic death of Thai police recruit prompts investigation into training methods

    Tragic death of Thai police recruit prompts investigation into training methods

    A tragic incident occurred during a police training exercise, leading to the death of a 26 year old recruit. The incident took place at Than Muk Camp in Sadao district, Songkhla province.

    After the recruit, Pakorn, also known as Byte, collapsed during a 10-kilometre run on Monday, October 9 his instructor ordered him to complete the run, leading to his death the following morning. The instructor, identified as Lieutenant Panyavuthi, is now under investigation.

    Pakorn joined the Border Patrol Police (BPP) and began his training at the Than Muk Camp, or Special Training Unit 9, on October 1. His training was cut short when he collapsed after completing 6 kilometres of a 10-kilometre run, reported Sanook. Despite his evident physical distress, his instructor, Lieutenant Panyavuthi, ordered him to complete the run. The recruit’s death occurred the morning after, on October 10.

    The instructor in question, Lieutenant Panyavuthi, was a recent graduate of the training course himself and was supervising a group of BPP students on their 10-kilometre run. His actions are now under scrutiny following the tragic incident.

    Upon learning of the incident from the media, the National Police Chief, Torsak Suwimon, ordered a detailed investigation to ascertain the facts of the case. He also instructed his team to provide the necessary assistance and compensation to the deceased recruit’s family.

    “Before any actions are taken, it is important to establish the facts. Justice must be served for both parties involved.”

    Torsak’s comments underscored the importance of a thorough investigation and the assurance of fair treatment for all parties involved.

    In related news, 23 military students at the Army Reserve Training Centre in Narathiwat, Thailand, were hospitalized with severe muscle and kidney injuries, including rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.

    The injuries resulted from strenuous exercise in hot weather, with some requiring hemodialysis. The responsible trainer has been temporarily relieved of duties, and a thorough investigation is ongoing.

    The incident prompted promises of system reform and support from military officials and the Commander of the Royal Thai Army. To read more, click HERE.

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  • Thai airlines rescue mission: Stormy skies delay Thai citizen return from Israel

    Thai airlines rescue mission: Stormy skies delay Thai citizen return from Israel

    The government spokesperson revealed that commercial airlines AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Airways are ready to retrieve Thai citizens from Israel, but current weather conditions are posing challenges. The spokesperson highlighted that alternative routes are under consideration in case of inaccessibility caused by severe weather or war conditions.

    At Government House at 10.25am today, Chai Wacharonke, the spokesperson for the prime minister’s office, addressed the preparations to bring Thai citizens back from Israel. He stated that commercial airlines, including AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Airways, are prepared to execute the rescue mission.

    Chai further explained that while these airlines are ready to fly, the severe weather conditions might pose significant challenges, making the situation inconvenient.

    Chai said there could be strict restrictions on entering and exiting certain routes, and some paths might not be permitted due to abnormal situations or war conditions, reported Khao Sod.

    “Therefore, the rescue process will follow the instructions of PM Srettha Thavisin and the Minister of Finance. If flying becomes impossible, we might have to consider other routes. The method might involve moving people to safe locations or waiting at nearby borders before proceeding with the retrieval.”

    In related news, Pairoj Chotiksathien, the Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Labour, addressed the issue of Thai workers being sold to new employers in Israel, stating it does not violate Israeli labour laws.

    An investigation by the Labour Attaché in Tel Aviv confirmed this. The Labour Attaché also visited Thai workers in evacuation points, where some expressed a desire to return to Thailand or change jobs.

    Additionally, 13 Thai workers were reported injured due to unrest in Israel, with 25 fatalities pending confirmation. The first group of evacuees was set to return to Thailand, with support from the Ministry of Labour. To read the full story, click HERE.

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  • Thai official gets 52 years sentence for misuse of government vehicle

    Thai official gets 52 years sentence for misuse of government vehicle

    Rungrak Lookbua, the Director of the Department of Religious and Cultural Education under the Provincial Administration Organization of Yasothon, has been indicted by the Anti-Corruption Commission for misuse of a government vehicle for personal gain.

    The Director, along with his team, was accused of using a government vehicle for commuting and golfing. The charges were brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Anti-Corruption Cases, Zone 3.

    Adul Wandee, the representative of the Anti-Corruption Commission in Yasothon, today revealed that the verdict was delivered on August 24. The verdict concluded that the accused had committed a crime by using a government vehicle for personal gain.

    He had been using the said vehicle for commuting between his residence and the Provincial Administration Organization of Yasothon, never parking the vehicle at the latter. Additionally, the vehicle was also used for golfing at the Army Golf Course, Unit 16, Bodindecha Camp.

    The court sentenced Rungrak Lookbua to a total of 105 years in prison, based on the charges brought against him. However, due to his confession, the court reduced his sentence by half, to 52 years and six months. But, considering the total charges, his sentence does not exceed 50 years, following the Criminal Code, Section 91(3).

    The accused was serving as the Director of the Department of Religious and Cultural Education at the time of the incident.

    Prison sentence

    His co-accused, Sathiraphon Naksuk, served as the Mayor of the Provincial Administration Organization of Yasothon, and Phongsiri Mueanchat served as the Deputy Mayor. The incident occurred from July 2014 to June 2015 and July 2015 to March 2016, reported KhaoSod.

    Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were found guilty under the Criminal Code, Section 157, and the Organic Law on Anti-Corruption, B.E.2542 (A.D.1999), Section 123/1.

    They were sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to report to the probation officers every four months throughout their probation period. They were also ordered to perform 36 hours of community service.

    Adul Wandee warned that this case serves as a crucial lesson for local administrators, government officials, and state enterprises in Yasothon province. They must monitor the use of government vehicles by their subordinates to ensure compliance with regulations and laws and for official use only.

    Personal gain by compromising public interest could lead to legal action as in this case. The administrators must also share the responsibility. The case is not yet concluded, and the accused have the right to appeal to higher courts to prove their innocence.

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  • 75 year old Thai woman loses over 18 million baht to romance scam

    75 year old Thai woman loses over 18 million baht to romance scam

    A 75 year old Thai woman lost over 18 million baht to a romance scam within just a few months of making contact with the scammer. The scammer tricked her into investing in a deceitful company called Gold Future.

    The victim’s son told Channel 7 that his mother invited him to invest in the Gold Future business in early July. She told him that he would make twice as much money from the investment. He immediately knew it was a scam because of the impossible profit and warned his mother to stay away from it.

    Then, in August, the Thai woman borrowed 1 million baht from him and his brother. His mother later told him that she had borrowed money from relatives to settle their household expenses. He was confused because his mother never had financial problems before.

    He later found out that his mother had transferred 18 million baht to the scammer on October 6. He brought this issue to her attention but she remained steadfast in her belief that Gold Future was a legitimate enterprise. He had to ask his friend, who was a police officer, to explain it to her until she understood.

    The mother agreed to tell her sons the whole story. She explained that a Thai man called Thavisak, also known as Tee, reached out to her via Facebook. Tee initiated their conversation by pretending to send a message to the wrong person, thus initiating a connection.

    The mother admitted that she had been taken in by Tee because he had expressed his concern by sending her flowers when she was hospitalised.

    The mother said she continued talking to Tee and started a romantic relationship with him. Tee then invited her to invest in the Gold Future business and she transferred 100,000 baht to Tee for the first time on July 13. She then sold her diamond and gold accessories and borrowed money from relatives to invest in the business.

    According to her son, his mother transferred money to the scammer 17 times and more than 18 million baht swapped accounts.

    The son said he called Tee after learning about the money his mother had transferred. Tee assured him that his business was entirely genuine and vowed to send him documents to prove the claim.

    He tried to establish Tee’s real identity by checking with the flower shop but the shop refused to disclose customer information.

    The son said he had already filed a police report and the case is still under investigation. He wanted to warn every family to keep a close eye on old family members to avoid falling prey to these scammers.

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  • Thai worker death toll in Israel hits 21, PM Srettha exploring evacuation

    Thai worker death toll in Israel hits 21, PM Srettha exploring evacuation

    The death toll of Thai workers in Israel has risen to 21 following another reported death, announced Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The news came out early on this morning, October 12, detailing the ongoing violence since Hamas initiated an offensive over the weekend.

    Sharing this development at 9.10am Malaysian time, PM Sretta did not elaborate on the factors leading to the latest casualty. The previous 20 Thai fatalities were reportedly due to the assault instigated by Hamas militants from Gaza on September 7 or subsequent rocket attacks.

    In light of these events, Thai officials are exploring avenues to safely evacuate their citizens from the volatile conflict zone. Considering various options, the 61 year old Thai prime minister indicated that evacuation by sea appeared to be the most viable solution, but the necessity to cross the Gaza Strip, which is currently a high-risk area, negates this possibility. An alternative would be land evacuation via Jordan.

    The Thai prime minister also conveyed that the government is dispatching additional personnel to Israel to expedite and ensure the safety of evacuations. He mentioned a batch of 15 Thais had already left Israel, with their arrival in Thailand anticipated at 11pm later that day, reported Bangkok Post.

    Eleven Thais in Israel missed the first evacuation flight. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin initially reported that the death toll of Thais in Israel due to the conflict between Hamas and Israel had reached 20.

    Additionally, 11 Thai citizens scheduled to return to Thailand today, October 12, hadn’t reached the meeting point.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Thai Embassy urged Thai nationals in Israel to register online for travel assistance. So far, 5,019 people have registered.

    The Thai PM expressed condolences and requested Israeli government support to evacuate Thai citizens. He mentioned the worsening situation and difficulties in returning Thais safely, including relying on Israeli military vehicles. To read more click HERE.

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  • Thailand and Malaysia plan to boost bilateral trade and border growth

    Thailand and Malaysia plan to boost bilateral trade and border growth

    Economic collaboration between Thailand and Malaysia is set to amplify, with plans to boost bilateral trade and foster growth along the Thai-Malaysian border. Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesman, revealed these plans following a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his Malaysian counterpart, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, held at the Malaysian PM’s office in Putrajaya.

    During the meeting, a broad array of mutual interests were discussed. PM Srettha emphasised Thailand’s commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation for the shared growth and prosperity of both nations. Furthermore, he proposed a deeper alliance in the agricultural and food sectors, with an emphasis on halal food products.

    In line with their plans to materialise cooperation, both leaders consented to establish a Task Force Group centred around areas of mutual interest, such as tourism. The discussion also explored the potential for a fresh bilateral trade target, considering that Thailand and Malaysia are currently ASEAN‘s top trading partners. Enhancing border connectivity and trade ties are identified as top priorities to bolster trade relations.

    The 61 year old Thai prime minister expressed a desire to extend cooperation into the digital economy, green economy, hi-tech sectors, and foreign direct investments. PM Srettha demonstrated a firm resolve to transform southern Thailand and northern Malaysia into a hub of growth for shared benefits.

    The Bangkok-born Thai PM also promised to expedite infrastructure projects to improve the connectivity between the two countries, facilitate the transportation of goods and augment people’s travel experiences. He asserted that if both countries collaborated to promote tourism sites along the border, it would greatly enhance the local economy.

    PM Srettha affirmed Thailand’s readiness to collaborate closely with Malaysia in strengthening ASEAN and promoting regional peace and prosperity.

    Following the meeting, he and his delegation attended a dinner hosted by the Malaysian prime minister. Today, he will journey to Singapore to meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and top Singaporean business professionals before heading back to Bangkok later in the day.

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  • One-legged Thai dine-and-dasher ‘hops’ it, leaves 5,700 baht bill in central Thailand

    One-legged Thai dine-and-dasher ‘hops’ it, leaves 5,700 baht bill in central Thailand

    A one-legged Thai man hopped out of a restaurant and a petrol station in the central province of Ayutthaya in a daring dine-and-dash manoeuvre, resulting in a 5,700 baht loss. A female staff member who accompanied the legless man was also abandoned in the midst of it all.

    The restaurant’s manager, speaking to Channel 3, revealed that the 60 year old one-legged Thai man arrived in his sedan around 7pm on Tuesday, October 10. The man, wearing a T-shirt and shorts, relied on a forearm crutch, as one of his legs was missing.

    As per the manager’s account, the one-legged Thai man dined solo at the restaurant, situated in Ayutthaya’s Bang Barn District, partaking in a substantial meal alongside beer until the establishment closed at midnight. When it came time to settle the bill, the staff presented a total of 5,200 baht. Regrettably, the man professed a lack of cash to make the payment.

    In an effort to affirm his sincerity, the one-legged Thai man stated his intention to visit a nearby petrol station’s ATM. To ensure his integrity, he requested the company of one of the staff members.

    When he arrived at the petrol station, instead of going to the ATM, the one-legged Thai man drove directly to the filling station and ordered 500 baht of fuel. Then, the man declared an engine malfunction and asked the restaurant staff worker to lend a hand by pushing his car.

    The woman got out to push but the one-legged Thai man reignited his engine and zoomed away from the petrol station without paying again.

    The petrol station attendant revealed to Channel 7 that the man arrived at 1.40am with the woman. He heard the man inform the woman that he would withdraw the money at the ATM once the vehicle’s tank was replenished. However, the man drove out leaving the woman at the scene.

    The restaurant manager urged the one-legged Thai man to return to pay the cost. If the man did not do so, the restaurant would lodge a complaint with the police.

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  • Teen’s truckin’ troubles: Migrant worker smuggling ends in pickup predicament in central Thailand

    Teen’s truckin’ troubles: Migrant worker smuggling ends in pickup predicament in central Thailand

    A 19 year old man was apprehended for smuggling 13 illegal migrant workers in a pickup truck that he claimed to have borrowed from his father under the pretence of visiting his girlfriend. Phinwit Udomphon, an officer from the Ayutthaya Provincial Police, stated that efforts to curb the smuggling of illegal workers into Bangkok and its surrounding provinces continue unabated.

    At 6pm yesterday, highway patrol officers in Ayutthaya were conducting a routine inspection on Phahonyothin Road when they noticed a grey Isuzu pickup truck with the registration number GN 7852 showing signs of carrying an unusually heavy load.

    After signalling for the vehicle to stop and being ignored, a chase ensued, leading to the apprehension of the vehicle at kilometre markers 73-74 in Sanab Theb, Wang Noi district.

    Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered 14 Burmese nationals, including ten men and three women, crammed inside the vehicle. The driver, 19 year old Apivich Saewaeng, was a resident of Tak province. None of the passengers had legitimate travel documents.

    Questioning revealed that another grey Isuzu pick-up truck, with the registration number BB 3118 from Tak, had been leading the way from Tak and had separated at Wang Noi.

    Officers coordinated with other units and managed to apprehend that vehicle as well, discovering three additional occupants. Another driver, identified as 37 year old Go Saewaeng, also from Tak province, was arrested.

    Photo taken from Khaosod

    Apivich confessed that this was his first offence. He said he had been hired by an unidentified individual to pick up the migrant workers from the Wang Chao area in Tak and transport them to Bang Pa-In in Ayutthaya, where another vehicle was supposed to pick them up.

    He was promised a payment of 10,000 baht for smuggling. The pickup truck he was driving belonged to his father, whom he deceived by saying he was going to visit his girlfriend in Bangkok.

    Go, the scout vehicle driver, claimed that he and the three passengers were from the same hometown and were on their way to work in Rayong province. He had agreed to lead the way after being contacted to do so.

    The migrant workers revealed that they had entered Thailand illegally via natural routes and crossed over in Mae Sot, Tak. They were guided to a pickup point by a broker who charged them approximately 10,000 baht each. They had been travelling for two days without food, prompting the highway patrol officers to purchase food and water for them.

    All suspects were taken into custody and handed over to the Wang Noi Police Station in Ayutthaya for legal proceedings.

    Photo courtesy of Khaosod
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