Foreign 'Mafia' Harass Tourists in Pattaya, Taunt Local Police. In Pattaya, tensions are rising as foreign mafia members have been harassing restaurant customers and showing blatant disregard for the law. ASEAN NOW



 

In Pattaya, tensions are rising as foreign mafia members have been harassing restaurant customers and showing blatant disregard for the law.

 

The latest incident occurred in Soi Pattaya Tai 17, where a foreign man, believed to be of Burmese origin, regularly enters a restaurant demanding money from tourists.

 

When confronted by the restaurant owner, Ms. Saipirun (surname withheld), the man arrogantly replied that he was asking the customers, not her, showing no respect for the local business.

Ms. Saipirun explained that this individual has been coming to her restaurant daily, causing discomfort among the patrons. "When I asked him to leave, he just shrugged it off," she said. "He claimed that he wasn't afraid of anyone, including the police." On one occasion, she threatened to call the police, but the man confidently retorted that he wasn't afraid of the authorities and encouraged her to call them.

 

Local residents have also expressed their frustration regarding the ongoing harassment. A concerned Facebook user recently posted about the situation, asking if any agencies could take serious action against foreign beggars who not only request money but also display inappropriate behaviour.

 

Many have reported similar experiences, noting that these individuals often approach tourists with aggressive tactics, shouting and demanding money in a manner that leaves visitors feeling unsafe.

 

This isn't an isolated incident. There have been reports of foreign beggars acting like mafia in the area, intimidating both locals and tourists. They often appear intoxicated, shouting for money or food, and have been known to grab doors in an attempt to force entry.

 

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

Residents recount instances where these individuals aggressively approached diners, particularly at night, causing alarm for both locals and foreign visitors.

 

Despite the frequent harassment, law enforcement has been unable to effectively address the issue. Some locals feel that the police are not taking the situation seriously enough, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unprotected. The ongoing presence of these individuals has led to a decline in the sense of security in what is traditionally a vibrant tourist hub.

 

Local residents and business owners are urging the authorities to take immediate action to resolve the problem and restore safety in Pattaya, a popular global tourist destination.

 

They are calling for increased police presence in the area and a crackdown on these foreign mafia groups to ensure that Pattaya remains a safe and welcoming environment for tourists and residents alike, reported Daily News.

 

TOP Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

-- 2024-10-19

Thailand Probes Thaksin's Alleged Political Manipulation. Thailand’s Election Commission is ramping up efforts to address sweeping allegations of power misuse by Thaksin Shinawatra. As the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, Thaksin is accused of clandestinely steering both his party and its coalition partners, despite being legally barred from political involvement following past criminal convictions. ASEAN NOW

FILE - Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

 

Thailand's Election Commission is ramping up efforts to address sweeping allegations of power misuse by Thaksin Shinawatra. As the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai party, Thaksin is accused of clandestinely steering both his party and its coalition partners, despite being legally barred from political involvement following past criminal convictions.

 

Thaksin's alleged activities include orchestrating secret meetings with leaders from various coalition parties, such as Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, Chart Thai Pattana, and Prachachart.

 

These gatherings reportedly took place after Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was ousted by a split decision from the Constitutional Court for ethics violations. Key decisions regarding the country's future leadership and the distribution of cabinet portfolios were allegedly made during these covert meetings at Thaksin's residence.

 

The Election Commission's decision to form an ad hoc committee highlights the seriousness of the accusations. The investigative body, led by Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee, is tasked with a 30-day probe to unearth the truth behind allegations of Thaksin's dominance over party dynamics.

The inquiries arose from multiple petitions, demanding not only the investigation but also the possible dissolution of both the Pheu Thai and involved coalition parties.

 

If found guilty, the repercussions for Thaksin could be severe. He could face imprisonment and further tarnishing of his political legacy. His daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, would also face significant consequences, including removal from office. Such an outcome would destabilise the existing political order, triggering a reshuffle in the government and possibly even new elections.

 

Thaksin's manoeuvres have reignited attention on his controversial political career, reflecting the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family in Thailand's political theatre. Observers note that this situation showcases the complex interplay between personal influence and official governance in the country's tumultuous political environment, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

The upcoming investigation by the Election Commission is poised to be a pivotal moment. It will scrutinise these accusations, aiming to uphold legal and ethical standards within Thai politics while managing the potential fallout of any findings that could reshape the current political landscape. As the probe progresses, it promises to test the resilience of Thailand's political institutions in maintaining transparency and justice.

 

-- 2024-10-18

Thailand's Central Bank Cuts Interest Rate to Boost Economic Growth. Thailand’s central bank has surprised markets with an unexpected decision to cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points, reducing it from 2.5% to 2.25%. ASEAN NOW

 

Thailand's central bank has surprised markets with an unexpected decision to cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points, reducing it from 2.5% to 2.25%. The move comes after five consecutive meetings where the rate was held steady, and amid persistent calls from the government for monetary easing to support a sluggish economy. 

 

Despite inflation remaining below target, the decision aims to address the rapid appreciation of the baht and ease the debt burden faced by households.

 

Economic analysts had not widely predicted this change, with only four out of 28 economists anticipating such a reduction. The shift in policy, which last saw a rate increase in September 2023, is part of a strategy aligned with the government's fiscal stimulus efforts.

 

The central bank forecast economic growth improving slightly to 2.7% in 2024, and 2.9% in 2025, although the growth is modest compared to regional peers.

Thailand has been grappling with high household debt and borrowing costs alongside weak export figures. As of June, the country's household debt ratio was 89.6% of GDP, one of the highest in Asia. The latest reduction in the interest rate aims to alleviate some financial pressures by lowering debt servicing costs, potentially spurring more consumer spending and investment.

 

Alongside Thailand, the Philippine central bank also cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points, citing manageable price pressures and aiming to maintain inflation within its 2% to 4% target range. However, the Bank of Indonesia maintained its rates, aligning with analyst predictions.

 

The unexpected rate cuts in both Thailand and the Philippines reflect broader efforts in Southeast Asia to support economic activity amid challenging global conditions. The impact of these monetary policy decisions will likely unfold over the coming months as markets and consumers adapt to the new financial landscape, reported Thai Newsroom, Reuters.

 

-- 2024-10-16

The real deal about the end of one of Thailand’s unpopular address forms - Pattaya Mail

The real deal about the end of one of Thailand's unpopular address forms

Pattaya MailOctober 16, 2024

Cancelling the TM6 arrival form is an initial step to reform paper-based immigration bureaucracy.

The chopping of the Tor Mor 6 small arrival registration form is a staging post to a wholly electronic visitor entry system. Historically, the TM6 was distributed to airline passengers about to land who, always wearily and often unreadably, scribbled their Thai address and local phone number after borrowing their neighbor's pen. It was abolished for airline passengers as early as July 2022, partly out of covid concerns and partly because it was generally pointless.

However, the form survived for some visitors by land and all by sea until now suspended on October 16 by the Cabinet at least until April 2025. By then, according to the interior ministry, the ETA or Electronic Travel Authorization should be in place for all visa-exempt foreigners, the ones from 93 countries who receive 60 days on arrival. These countries include all the nations providing significant numbers of international vacationers.

These guys and gals, probably by Easter next year, have to apply online for permission to enter Thailand and, on permitted arrival, will be able to pass through immigration's electronic gates at entry points with a personally-provided QR code. The individuals will likely be refused boarding at airports or refused entry at seaports and border checkpoints unless the bureaucracy has been successfully completed.

Although the ETA, required for every visit, will be notionally free that's not the end of the story. Thailand will introduce the long-delayed tourist tax of 300 baht by air and 150 baht by land and sea. It has long been argued that collecting cash at entry points would lead to long queues and much frustration by visitors and immigration officers alike. ETA provides the answer by insisting you pay beforehand and electronically by card.

At some stage in 2025 the ETA system will be extended to include all foreigners entering Thailand, including all non-immigrant visa holders such as retirees. Such a system is becoming common worldwide, for example in UK which starts its electronic entry bureaucracy for all visitors next month. Basically, ETA replaces decisions by immigration officers on the ground by prior electronic checking of wannabe entrants.

TM6 forms, previously required for some land and all sea arrivals, have been suspended until at least April 2025. By then, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system is expected to be implemented for visa-exempt foreigners.

Before that can happen, Thai authorities have to combine several independent data bases which currently check for passport authenticity, prior travel history, criminal history in Thailand and international warrants. The 300-150 baht tourist tax, eventually to be levied on all foreigners except those with a valid work permit or permanent residence status, will be used to update tourist sites and provide limited insurance for tourists including compensation for loss of limbs or death. It is decidedly not comprehensive medical insurance for all.

Once ETA is fully in place, it will be powered by machine learning and the algorithm used will automatically perform all pre-examination tests. Questions often asked such as "How many times can you do a border run with visa exempt?", or "Can I use my Destination Thailand Visa again by leaving Thailand and returning the same day?" will be settled remotely. Where technological advancement leaves traditional visa extensions at local immigration offices, or paper trails such as the "housemaster" TM30 and the 90 days report, can only be deferred to our technological future.



Thai PM Faces Allegations of Media Freedom Breach. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has found herself under scrutiny following a petition filed by Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a frequent petitioner, accusing her of breaching media freedoms. Mr Ruangkrai has claimed that her recent interactions with the press could result in her removal from office. ASEAN NOW



Picture courtesy: Springnews

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has found herself under scrutiny following a petition filed by Ruangkrai Leekitwattana, a frequent petitioner, accusing her of breaching media freedoms. Mr Ruangkrai has claimed that her recent interactions with the press could result in her removal from office.

 

On Monday, Mr Ruangkrai submitted a formal request to the Election Commission (EC), urging an investigation into Ms Paetongtarn's response to a journalist during a press interaction. He argues that her remarks were not befitting a public officeholder, potentially breaching Section 184 of Thailand's Constitution. If verified, this could lead to the prime minister losing her position as dictated by Section 170.

 

The controversy began during a media engagement at Government House. A particular interaction, featured on the ch3plus.com website, captured the prime minister's dissatisfaction with reporting related to the government's stance on constitutional amendments. This stemmed from a query about disagreements with coalition parties regarding proposed amendments perceived as a policy reversal.

Ms Paetongtarn expressed her preference that such questions be avoided, reiterating that coalition consultations on key issues occur regularly. She also noted that current government priorities were focused on flood relief efforts, pushing amendments to a lower priority.

 

The prime minister further suggested that cohesive governance was in the national interest, cautioning against questions that might incite division. Mr Ruangkrai, however, contends that her responses could be seen as infringing on the media's constitutional rights to report on governmental affairs.

 

This is Mr Ruangkrai's second petition against Ms Paetongtarn, the first being an accusation of ethical misconduct related to appointing advisors with criminal records. The EC's findings will dictate whether the matter escalates to the Constitutional Court for a conclusive ruling, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2024-10-15

Phuket Tourism Worries Mount Over Climate Change Impact. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlights that flooding has become an annual occurrence in several areas, including Kata, Karon, and Kamala. ASEAN NOW



 

Phuket tourism operators are increasingly anxious about climate change's tangible consequences, affecting both Thailand and key tourist source markets through severe weather and flooding.

 

Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, highlights that flooding has become an annual occurrence in several areas, including Kata, Karon, and Kamala.

 

This year, landslides in Kata and Karon tragically resulted in foreign fatalities, while recent floods submerged roads in Kamala, causing inconvenience and traffic disruptions.

 

Thaneth notes that despite anticipating 500 billion baht in tourism revenue, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Phuket's infrastructure struggles to cope with increasing tourist numbers. He expresses disappointment over the central government's lack of action on improving water management and urban infrastructure.

 

Virintra Papakityotsaphat, president of the Tourism Council of Phuket, underscores the critical risk posed by climate-induced natural disasters. She advocates for enhanced governmental regulations, particularly against illegal constructions obstructing floodways. This would help prepare infrastructure to better withstand such events.

On a broader scale, recent global weather incidents, such as Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which recently hit Florida, illustrate the wider climate impact.

 

These events disrupt travel plans, with airlines cancelling numerous flights, potentially deterring tourists from travelling to Thailand during peak seasons. However, Virintra remains optimistic about Phuket's diverse tourist base, attracting visitors from Russia, Europe, India, and China.

 

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for marketing in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, adds that while the US travel market might experience short-term effects, Thailand aims to welcome at least 1 million US visitors this year. Furthermore, the Tourism Authority is focusing on promoting Thailand as a sustainable, eco-friendly travel destination, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Picture courtesy: MGR online

 

-- 2024-10-12

Thailand Tightens Airport Screening Amid Afghanistan Health Alert. This decision follows reports of an outbreak of an unidentified illness in Afghanistan, where over 500 people have been infected and two have died. Symptoms include severe fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, and high fever. ASEAN NOW



 

On October 9, 2024, Dr. Phanumas Yanwetsakul, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control (DDC) under Thailand's Ministry of Public Health, announced that the country is enhancing health screening measures at all major airports.

 

This decision follows reports of an outbreak of an unidentified illness in Afghanistan, where over 500 people have been infected and two have died. Symptoms include severe fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, and high fever.

 

The DDC has instructed the Bureau of International Communicable Disease Control and Quarantine to closely monitor the situation. Airline staff on flights from affected regions are advised to wear masks and gloves while serving food and cleaning restrooms. Crews are also encouraged to watch for symptoms among themselves and passengers.

At Thailand's primary airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, U-Tapao, and Hat Yai, heightened screening will focus on travelers arriving from Afghanistan. 

 

Anyone showing symptoms, such as a high fever or other signs related to the illness, will undergo additional screening at international communicable disease control checkpoints.

 

Dr. Phanumas emphasized that these measures aim to prevent any potential spread of the disease into Thailand. The DDC will continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation to protect public health, reported Siam Rath.

 

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath

 

-- 2024-10-10

Bangkok Post - Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok. The nationwide peak was outside the Bangkok area, 58.8µg/m3 in Muang district of Kanchanaburi, and the lowest was 3.2µg/m3 in Muang district of Phangnga. The Meteorological Department said the fug was expected to remain over Greater Bangkok until Oct 16.

Toxic smog returns to Greater Bangkok

Smog blankets Bangkok on Tuesday. (Photo: Pattanapong Hirunard) 

Several areas in Bangkok and nearby provinces were blanketed with hazardous levels of smog on Tuesday, the pollution trapped in stagnant air.

The Pollution Control Department reported that levels of particulate matter 2.5 microns and less in diameter (PM2.5) exceeded the safe threshold of 35 microgrammes per cubic metre of air in 24 hours in parts of the capital and in Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon as of 11am on Tuesday.

In Bangkok, unsafe levels of PM2.5 ranged from 37 to 48.8µg/m3 in parts of Bang Bon, Bang Kholaem, Bang Khunthian, Bang Na, Bang Phlad, Bang Rak, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Bung Khum, Chatuchak, Chom Thong, Khlong San, Laksi, Nong Khaem, Pathumwan, Phasicharoen, Pomprap Sattrupai, Rat Burana, Samphanthawong, Sathon, Thon Buri, Thawi Watthana, Thung Khru and Wang Thong Lang districts.

The 48.8µg/m3 peak was in Sathon district.

In provinces near Bangkok, unhealthy levels of PM2.5 were in Krathumbaen and Muang districts of Samut Sakhon (38.3-53.4µg/m3); Muang and Phra Pradaeng districts of Samut Prakan (37.9-46); Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi (45.9); and Muang district of Nakhon Pathom (46.1).

The nationwide peak was outside the Bangkok area, 58.8µg/m3 in Muang district of Kanchanaburi, and the lowest was 3.2µg/m3 in Muang district of Phangnga.

The Meteorological Department said the fug was expected to remain over Greater Bangkok until Oct 16.



Heavy rain triggers flash flooding across Pattaya, authorities provide traffic assistance - Pattaya Mail

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Heavy rain triggers flash flooding across Pattaya, authorities provide traffic assistance

Pattaya MailOctober 7, 2024

Local authorities, including traffic police and special operations teams, quickly deployed to assist residents and manage the situation.

PATTAYA, Thailand – On Sunday, October 6, heavy rain persisted for approximately two hours, leading to flash flooding in multiple areas across Pattaya. Local authorities, including traffic police and special operations teams, quickly deployed to assist residents and manage the situation. At 5:20 PM, officers were seen directing traffic at Wat Tham Samakkhee Intersection towards Khao Talo Junction, preventing vehicles from driving through submerged areas.

In several locations, such as South Pattaya's Sukhumvit Road near the Esso gas station, pumps were activated to drain the floodwaters. By 5:30 PM, water levels had already risen to around 20 centimeters near the "Moom Aroi" intersection at Paniad Chang, while at the Sukhumvit 75 pumping station, water on the road reached heights of 60 to 80 centimeters, stretching for about 400 meters, making it impassable for both small and large vehicles.

As the rain began to ease around 5:47 PM at Sukhumvit 45, authorities noted a flooded stretch approximately 100 meters long, leaving only one lane passable. Pumps continued to operate normally.

By 6:00 PM, water levels had started to decrease at various points, and by 7:23 PM, vehicles were able to resume using both inbound and outbound lanes on Sukhumvit Road, where floodwaters had receded to about 10 centimeters.

Officers were seen directing traffic at Wat Tham Samakkhee Intersection towards Khao Talo Junction, preventing vehicles from driving through submerged areas.

In the recent meeting, District Chief of Banglamung Weekit Manarotkit urged all relevant agencies to closely monitor weather conditions and risk factors such as accumulated rainfall, reservoir water levels, drainage from dams, and upstream water situations. Agencies should also keep a close watch on weather forecasts and warnings from authorities. If there is a risk of flash floods, landslides, waterlogging, or strong winds, local government bodies in at-risk areas must be immediately informed.

Additionally, it was emphasized that alerts should be communicated to local leaders, including village chiefs, community leaders, volunteers, and the public through formal and informal channels. The public should also be encouraged to stay informed of official warnings from government agencies. This proactive approach will help ensure that responses are swift and effective in the event of any emergency.

Water levels had already risen to around 20 centimeters near the "Moom Aroi" intersection at Paniad Chang

The Sukhumvit 75 pumping station, water on the road reached heights of 60 to 80 centimeters, stretching for about 400 meters, making it impassable for both small and large vehicles.

Vehicles were able to resume using both inbound and outbound lanes on Sukhumvit Road, where floodwaters had receded to about 10 centimeters.