PATTAYA – January 1, 2013 [PDN]; a reporter was informed in the late night hours that someone shooting a gun had raked the mirrored windows of the office of the Superintendent of Pattaya police station.
The superintendent, Pol. Col. Suwan Cheawnawinthawat, normally occupies the office, which is located behind the police station. But he was not in his office at the time of the shooting and no one was injured.
After the shooting, Pol. Lt. Col. Songkhram Pun-eam, the expert investigation officer, went to inspect the scene and reported his findings to his high-ranking superiors. The black mirrored windows were severely damaged with many jagged holes. The investigating officer collected several spent bullet shells that had fallen at the scene.
Full story:http://www.pattayada...ked-by-gunfire/
--PATTAYA DAILY NEWS 2013-01-02
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SURAT THANI
Thai man charged with murder of British holidaymaker
Photo : Ekkapun is escorted by police in Surat Thani Wednesday.//EPA
SURAT THANI: -- Police have arrested a 26-year-old Thai man for allegedly killing a British holidaymaker who was caught in the crossfire between two groups of Thai men on the first day of 2013 in Surat Thani's Koh Phangan district.
Police identified the suspect as Ekkapun Klaewkla. Police said he confessed to killing Stephen Ashton, 22, a city trader, during an exchange of fire with another group of men who allegedly fired at his group.
Police quoted Ekkapun as claiming that his group was outnumbered during a fight at about 5am on January 1, so he decided to use his homemade gun to protect himself. Ashton was hit accidentally.
Ashton was dancing on the sand when he was caught in the crossfire. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Ashton reportedly was on holiday with five friends, had travelled to one of the top locations on young Britons' gap year wish list - Haad Rin beach on Koh Phangan island.
Ekkaphan is to be charged with murder and carrying a gun in public.
Police said the victims' parents would travel to Koh Phangan to pick up their son's body.
-- The Nation 2013-01-02
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Posted 2013-01-02 15:30:26
New Year death toll rises to 332
The Nation
BANGKOK: -- The country's road accident casualties in the first six days of so-called "seven dangerous days" of the New Year holiday period reached 332 deaths and 3,037 injuries in 2,884 accidents nationwide, the National Road Safety Centre said Wednesday.
Deputy Permanent-Secretary for Interior Panadda Diskul reported that from December 27, 2012 to January 1, 2013 the reported cumulative death was 17 more people and the cumulative accident was 28 cases more than the last New Year period, whilst the cumulative injuries lowered by 79 persons. Trat was now the only province with no report of accident.
On January 1 alone, 72 people were killed and 583 persons were injured in 533 road accidents and the highest daily death toll was in Angthong at eight deaths and the highest daily injury was in Nakhon Si Thammarat at 28 persons.
-- The Nation 2013-01-02
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Nation
BANGKOK: -- The country's road accident casualties in the first six days of so-called "seven dangerous days" of the New Year holiday period reached 332 deaths and 3,037 injuries in 2,884 accidents nationwide, the National Road Safety Centre said Wednesday.
Deputy Permanent-Secretary for Interior Panadda Diskul reported that from December 27, 2012 to January 1, 2013 the reported cumulative death was 17 more people and the cumulative accident was 28 cases more than the last New Year period, whilst the cumulative injuries lowered by 79 persons. Trat was now the only province with no report of accident.
On January 1 alone, 72 people were killed and 583 persons were injured in 533 road accidents and the highest daily death toll was in Angthong at eight deaths and the highest daily injury was in Nakhon Si Thammarat at 28 persons.
-- The Nation 2013-01-02
Posted 2013-01-04 07:22:37
SOUTH INSURGENCY
3,380 killed in nine years of violence
PAKORN PUENGNETR
THE NATION
On anniversary of 2004 Narathiwat raid, injury count stands at 8,388
NARATHIWAT: -- A total of 3,380 people have been killed and 8,388 wounded in terror attacks since the resumption of insurgent violence in the deep South nine years ago today, according to figures released yesterday by the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre.
The attacks included 2,480 roadside and vehicular bombings, the centre said.
Of the 1,629 assault rifles and handguns seized by insurgents during their attacks - including 413 M16 rifles taken in the January 4, 2004, raid on a Narathiwat Army depot that re-ignited the insurgency - only 508 have been retrieved.
Of the 501 security-related criminal cases brought to court, 304 - or 60.6 per cent - ended in acquittals, resulting in 780 suspected insurgents walking free.
The budget for operations to contain the violence and carry out development projects next year will reach a record Bt21.124 billion, compared with Bt16.277 billion last year and Bt13.45 billion in 2004.
In all, 8,778 security-related legal cases were reported, along with 109,043 general criminal cases or cases not yet classified as either common crimes or insurgency-related. Of the security-related cases, 2,079 were committed by known insurgents while the remaining 6,699, or 76.32 per cent, were committed by insurgents not known to authorities.
In the 2,079 cases, 1,472 suspects have been arrested or are in custody, while 607 are on the run.
Identified insurgents number 9,822, comprising 310 religious leaders and clerics; 207 at the command level; 1,113 core leaders; and 2,262 specially trained RKK commandos, with the remainder being sympathisers or supporters.
Cases of violence broke down as follows: 7,014 shootings; 2,480 bombings; 1,513 cases of arson; 92 other types of murders; 171 raids to steal guns; 65 protests; 301 assaults; 2,197 acts of disturbance; 219 gunfights; and seven others.
-- The Nation 2013-01-04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3,380 killed in nine years of violence
PAKORN PUENGNETR
THE NATION
On anniversary of 2004 Narathiwat raid, injury count stands at 8,388
NARATHIWAT: -- A total of 3,380 people have been killed and 8,388 wounded in terror attacks since the resumption of insurgent violence in the deep South nine years ago today, according to figures released yesterday by the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre.
The attacks included 2,480 roadside and vehicular bombings, the centre said.
Of the 1,629 assault rifles and handguns seized by insurgents during their attacks - including 413 M16 rifles taken in the January 4, 2004, raid on a Narathiwat Army depot that re-ignited the insurgency - only 508 have been retrieved.
Of the 501 security-related criminal cases brought to court, 304 - or 60.6 per cent - ended in acquittals, resulting in 780 suspected insurgents walking free.
The budget for operations to contain the violence and carry out development projects next year will reach a record Bt21.124 billion, compared with Bt16.277 billion last year and Bt13.45 billion in 2004.
In all, 8,778 security-related legal cases were reported, along with 109,043 general criminal cases or cases not yet classified as either common crimes or insurgency-related. Of the security-related cases, 2,079 were committed by known insurgents while the remaining 6,699, or 76.32 per cent, were committed by insurgents not known to authorities.
In the 2,079 cases, 1,472 suspects have been arrested or are in custody, while 607 are on the run.
Identified insurgents number 9,822, comprising 310 religious leaders and clerics; 207 at the command level; 1,113 core leaders; and 2,262 specially trained RKK commandos, with the remainder being sympathisers or supporters.
Cases of violence broke down as follows: 7,014 shootings; 2,480 bombings; 1,513 cases of arson; 92 other types of murders; 171 raids to steal guns; 65 protests; 301 assaults; 2,197 acts of disturbance; 219 gunfights; and seven others.
-- The Nation 2013-01-04
More Russians Robbed By Gunmen In Pratumnak
PATTAYA:--Two Russian couples were robbed at gunpoint by four men riding two motorbikes near Pratumnak Hill. The Russians were eating and drinking near a footpath when the motorbikers robbed them and then drove away. The area is also where two Russian ladies were abducted and robbed and raped on Christmas Day. The suspects in that case have just been arrested.PATTAYA – January 2, 2012 [PDN]; At 5:50 a.m., a report of four Russian tourists being robbed at gunpoint was received through the police radio by Pol. Lt. Col. Anake Srathongyou, suppression inspector of Muang Pattaya police station.
There were 4 criminals riding on 2 motorcycles who robbed the Russian tourists. The incident occurred on soi 5 in Khao Pratamnak in south Pattaya.
Police went to the scene with patrolling forces, and found the two male and two female Russian tourists. They were standing on the roadside still in shock. Two victims gave their names as Ms. Katerina Koruygina, 27 years old; and Mr. Roharts (he did not say his surname), 27 years old. The other two Russian victims did not disclose their names.
Police questioned a bystander who had witnessed the robbery from a distance. He was identified as Mr. Jakrit Seekasan, 28 years old, a security guard at a local company.
Full story: http://www.pattayada...n-in-pratumnak/
--PATTAYA DAILY NEWS 2013-01-03
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Posted 2013-01-05 08:16:19
UFO spotted in Sakon Nakhon on Christmas Day
You just can't fake this stuff.
SAKON NAKHON: -- The Thai online community is buzzing about an alleged photo of a UFO that was taken by an eighth grade student on Christmas Day.
As you can see above, the photo is totes convincing and anyone who says otherwise is a joyless cynic.
On Dec 25, Sawang Dindaeng School in Sakon Nakhon organized a variety of outdoor activities to celebrate its “Sports Day.” One of the participants, Thidarat Boonlee, enjoyed the proceedings so thoroughly that she felt like she had to take a photo to commemorate the occasion.
At 2PM, Thidarat pulled out her mobile phone and took a snapshot of her friends, who were seated on the grandstand opposite. In addition to her friends, the high schooler found that she had snapped a photo of a flying saucer. [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...-christmas-day/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-05
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You just can't fake this stuff.
SAKON NAKHON: -- The Thai online community is buzzing about an alleged photo of a UFO that was taken by an eighth grade student on Christmas Day.
As you can see above, the photo is totes convincing and anyone who says otherwise is a joyless cynic.
On Dec 25, Sawang Dindaeng School in Sakon Nakhon organized a variety of outdoor activities to celebrate its “Sports Day.” One of the participants, Thidarat Boonlee, enjoyed the proceedings so thoroughly that she felt like she had to take a photo to commemorate the occasion.
At 2PM, Thidarat pulled out her mobile phone and took a snapshot of her friends, who were seated on the grandstand opposite. In addition to her friends, the high schooler found that she had snapped a photo of a flying saucer. [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...-christmas-day/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-05
Posted 2013-01-07 12:14:46
Taxi passenger dragged out of car by driver
By Coconuts Bangkok
BANGKOK: -- At 4AM yesterday, a female tour guide filed a police report against a taxi driver accusing him of refusing to provide her service and physically assaulting her.
The incident began at a pub on Soi Sukhumvit 11 in the early hours of Jan. 6 when Kanyanat Chamwecha, a 33-year-old guide, was trying to take a taxi home. Despite the large number of cabs queuing by the sidewalk, none was willing to drive her to Sukhumvit 39.
“They were waiting only for foreign passengers since they paid more,” a furious Kanyanat told police. “I decided to call on passing taxis instead” [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...-car-by-driver/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-07
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------By Coconuts Bangkok
BANGKOK: -- At 4AM yesterday, a female tour guide filed a police report against a taxi driver accusing him of refusing to provide her service and physically assaulting her.
The incident began at a pub on Soi Sukhumvit 11 in the early hours of Jan. 6 when Kanyanat Chamwecha, a 33-year-old guide, was trying to take a taxi home. Despite the large number of cabs queuing by the sidewalk, none was willing to drive her to Sukhumvit 39.
“They were waiting only for foreign passengers since they paid more,” a furious Kanyanat told police. “I decided to call on passing taxis instead” [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...-car-by-driver/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-07
Posted 2013-01-08 07:43:43
20% more drunk drivers this New Year's holidays
The Nation
BANGKOK: -- Nearly 5,000 drunk drivers were sentenced to community service or probation this New Year's holiday, an increase of more than 20 per cent over last year, the Probation Department announced yesterday.
From December 27 to January 2, there were 4,956 drunk-driving cases prosecuted - 867 more than a year ago, Probation Department chief Ruenwadee Suwanmongkol said.
About 68 per cent of the convicted drunk drivers were company workers aged 30 to 38. Bangkok had the most cases at 398, followed by Maha Sarakham at 289 and Surin at 243.
Ruenwadee said a new law punished drunk drivers as well as passengers with open alcohol containers in moving vehicles, with jail terms of six months and/or a fine of Bt10,000.
-- The Nation 2013-01-08
The Nation
BANGKOK: -- Nearly 5,000 drunk drivers were sentenced to community service or probation this New Year's holiday, an increase of more than 20 per cent over last year, the Probation Department announced yesterday.
From December 27 to January 2, there were 4,956 drunk-driving cases prosecuted - 867 more than a year ago, Probation Department chief Ruenwadee Suwanmongkol said.
About 68 per cent of the convicted drunk drivers were company workers aged 30 to 38. Bangkok had the most cases at 398, followed by Maha Sarakham at 289 and Surin at 243.
Ruenwadee said a new law punished drunk drivers as well as passengers with open alcohol containers in moving vehicles, with jail terms of six months and/or a fine of Bt10,000.
-- The Nation 2013-01-08
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Cars bring Bangkok to standstill
By Billy Adams
BANGKOK: -- Government tax rebate for first-time owners boosts vehicle sales in a city where rush-hour traffic can last all day.
They still call it rush hour, only now it lasts most of the day. As car sales soar, there's a noticeable drop in the number of places you can get them out of second gear.
Bangkok, long-standing poster-child for urban gridlock, is driving itself to a standstill.
And Thailand's Government has been doing its bit to accelerate the process.
Last year, over seven million vehicles fought for space in an area supposed to accommodate just 1.5 million. Then new Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra fulfilled a popular election promise to give first-time car buyers a generous tax rebate.
The scheme was supposed to end at the New Year, but has been so successful it's been extended to March, by which time Bangkok will be home to a further 500,000 cars.
"The congestion is very bad and next year it's only going to get worse," says Dr Thongchai Panswad, a sustainable transport activist who founded the Thailand Cycling Club to promote travel on two wheels. We need to do a lot of things, but most of all we need to reduce the number of cars." [more...]
Full story: http://www.nzherald....jectid=10858163
-- The New Zealand Herald 2013-01-10
By Billy Adams
BANGKOK: -- Government tax rebate for first-time owners boosts vehicle sales in a city where rush-hour traffic can last all day.
They still call it rush hour, only now it lasts most of the day. As car sales soar, there's a noticeable drop in the number of places you can get them out of second gear.
Bangkok, long-standing poster-child for urban gridlock, is driving itself to a standstill.
And Thailand's Government has been doing its bit to accelerate the process.
Last year, over seven million vehicles fought for space in an area supposed to accommodate just 1.5 million. Then new Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra fulfilled a popular election promise to give first-time car buyers a generous tax rebate.
The scheme was supposed to end at the New Year, but has been so successful it's been extended to March, by which time Bangkok will be home to a further 500,000 cars.
"The congestion is very bad and next year it's only going to get worse," says Dr Thongchai Panswad, a sustainable transport activist who founded the Thailand Cycling Club to promote travel on two wheels. We need to do a lot of things, but most of all we need to reduce the number of cars." [more...]
Full story: http://www.nzherald....jectid=10858163
-- The New Zealand Herald 2013-01-10
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Posted 2013-01-10 09:51:45
Inside Man: safecracking US national arrested in Bangkok
By Coconuts Bangkok
BANGKOK: -- American national Harris Jay Vertlieb was arrested in Bangkok on Wednesday for allegedly breaking into 53 safe deposit boxes at the well known Seascape Beach Resort in Koh Samui.
Police arrested the suspect near a spa on Sukhumvit Soi 13 in the Watthana district.
Mr Vertlieb, 53, has been accused of drugging both a security guard and a hotel receptionist with sleep-inducing medication prior to carrying out the heist. [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...ted-in-bangkok/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-10
By Coconuts Bangkok
BANGKOK: -- American national Harris Jay Vertlieb was arrested in Bangkok on Wednesday for allegedly breaking into 53 safe deposit boxes at the well known Seascape Beach Resort in Koh Samui.
Police arrested the suspect near a spa on Sukhumvit Soi 13 in the Watthana district.
Mr Vertlieb, 53, has been accused of drugging both a security guard and a hotel receptionist with sleep-inducing medication prior to carrying out the heist. [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...ted-in-bangkok/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-10
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Posted 2013-01-11 10:08:54
World's safest airlines named
Thai Airways Hits Bottom 10 In Safety Survey
Finland's national carrier, Finnair, has been named the world's safest airline by a European group of airline safety enthusiasts.
Air New Zealand was named the second-safest airline in the world, with Virgin Australia coming in at number nine. Qantas was ranked 13th and Jetstar 20th.
The Germany-based Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre, or JACDEC, calculates its annual rankings based on aircraft loss accidents and serious incidents where an accident nearly occurred over the past 30 years.
The resulting Safety Index relates the accidents to the revenue per passenger kilometre [RPK] performed by the airline over the same time.
None of the top nine ranked airlines had lost an aircraft or had a fatality during the 30-year period, but many had also not been active for the full 30 years.
Cathay Pacific ranked third, followed by Emirates and then Etihad Airways which was only established in 2003.
Qantas ranked 13th despite a similarly clean aircraft loss record since 1983. However, JACDEC director Jan Richter said Qantas had experienced multiple incidents where a serious accident had nearly occurred in recent years. [more...]
Full story: http://www.smh.com.a...0110-2cikq.html
-- The Sydney Morning Herald 2013-01-11
Finland's national carrier, Finnair, has been named the world's safest airline by a European group of airline safety enthusiasts.
Air New Zealand was named the second-safest airline in the world, with Virgin Australia coming in at number nine. Qantas was ranked 13th and Jetstar 20th.
The Germany-based Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre, or JACDEC, calculates its annual rankings based on aircraft loss accidents and serious incidents where an accident nearly occurred over the past 30 years.
The resulting Safety Index relates the accidents to the revenue per passenger kilometre [RPK] performed by the airline over the same time.
None of the top nine ranked airlines had lost an aircraft or had a fatality during the 30-year period, but many had also not been active for the full 30 years.
Cathay Pacific ranked third, followed by Emirates and then Etihad Airways which was only established in 2003.
Qantas ranked 13th despite a similarly clean aircraft loss record since 1983. However, JACDEC director Jan Richter said Qantas had experienced multiple incidents where a serious accident had nearly occurred in recent years. [more...]
Full story: http://www.smh.com.a...0110-2cikq.html
-- The Sydney Morning Herald 2013-01-11
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Posted 2013-01-12 07:26:30
Polish woman killed by speed boat propellers at Jomtien Beach
PATTAYA: -- A Polish tourist who was in Pattaya with her Husband, a prominent Doctor in his home country, died from her injuries after she was struck by propellers of a speed boat engine at Jomtien Beach on Friday morning.
Mrs. Wanda Horst Sikorska aged 57 and her husband were part of a luxury cruise tour group who had travelled down from Laem Chabang, where their Singapore Cruise Boat was docked, to spend a day at Jomtien Beach. The cruise left Singapore on an Asian tour with Cambodia being its next stop. The pair were due to return to Laem Chabang Port for 2pm on Friday when the boat was scheduled to leave.
Mrs. Sikorska reportedly went for a swim but was unaware that buoys were placed in the water which were meant to alert swimmers to the speed boat zone where swimming is not permitted.
Full story: http://www.pattayaon...-jomtien-beach/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-12
PATTAYA: -- A Polish tourist who was in Pattaya with her Husband, a prominent Doctor in his home country, died from her injuries after she was struck by propellers of a speed boat engine at Jomtien Beach on Friday morning.
Mrs. Wanda Horst Sikorska aged 57 and her husband were part of a luxury cruise tour group who had travelled down from Laem Chabang, where their Singapore Cruise Boat was docked, to spend a day at Jomtien Beach. The cruise left Singapore on an Asian tour with Cambodia being its next stop. The pair were due to return to Laem Chabang Port for 2pm on Friday when the boat was scheduled to leave.
Mrs. Sikorska reportedly went for a swim but was unaware that buoys were placed in the water which were meant to alert swimmers to the speed boat zone where swimming is not permitted.
Full story: http://www.pattayaon...-jomtien-beach/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-12
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Posted 2013-01-14 16:25:33
Danish resident falls from 23rd balcony at Jomtien Condominium
PATTAYA:--Just after 9am on Monday, a Danish man is reported to have fallen to his death from a 23rd floor balcony onto air-conditioning compressors located on the 5th floor.
Police and medics rushed to the condominium complex on Jomtien Beach and despite efforts at the scene to resuscitate the victim he was pronounced dead-at-the-scene moments after doctors arrived.
The dead man was identified as Mr. David Roegen aged 22 from Denmark and he was known to be living in room number 2317. Inside the room, Police found evidence of drug taking but no actual narcotics were found.
Full story:http://www.pattayaon...en-condominium/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PATTAYA:--Just after 9am on Monday, a Danish man is reported to have fallen to his death from a 23rd floor balcony onto air-conditioning compressors located on the 5th floor.
Police and medics rushed to the condominium complex on Jomtien Beach and despite efforts at the scene to resuscitate the victim he was pronounced dead-at-the-scene moments after doctors arrived.
The dead man was identified as Mr. David Roegen aged 22 from Denmark and he was known to be living in room number 2317. Inside the room, Police found evidence of drug taking but no actual narcotics were found.
Full story:http://www.pattayaon...en-condominium/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-14
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'Rich' man draws online ire for attempted hit-and-run
By Coconuts Bangkok
Photo: Facebook
BANGKOK: -- Thai internet users are expressing outrage at a “rich” man who first rear-ended another vehicle, then threatened that vehicle’s driver before attempting to flee the scene.
The man, who remains unnamed, tried to shirk responsibility for the traffic incident, claiming that he had friends in high places who could help ensure that he wasn’t punished.
This time, however, the “rich man” might have got more than he bargained for. A witness to the incident uploaded photos of the man on Facebook shortly after the events transpired, setting off a chain reaction of online outrage that has painted the man as representative of the worst that wealthy Thailand has to offer.
Regardless whether or not the man was [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...raffic-dispute/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-15
By Coconuts Bangkok
Photo: Facebook
BANGKOK: -- Thai internet users are expressing outrage at a “rich” man who first rear-ended another vehicle, then threatened that vehicle’s driver before attempting to flee the scene.
The man, who remains unnamed, tried to shirk responsibility for the traffic incident, claiming that he had friends in high places who could help ensure that he wasn’t punished.
This time, however, the “rich man” might have got more than he bargained for. A witness to the incident uploaded photos of the man on Facebook shortly after the events transpired, setting off a chain reaction of online outrage that has painted the man as representative of the worst that wealthy Thailand has to offer.
Regardless whether or not the man was [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...raffic-dispute/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted 2013-01-15 08:15:22
Husband and wife shoot each other in Huay Kwang
By Coconuts Bangkok
Lat Phrao Soi 48
BANGKOK: -- Huay Kwang police are investigating homicide case in which a husband and wife reportedly shot one another following a jealous argument.
Police were called to a home on Lat Phrao Soi 48 at around 9am this morning and found the body of 42-year-old Chumphon Phanban on a bed on the second floor with a gunshot wound to the head.
On the floor next to the bed, they found [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...-in-huay-kwang/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-15
By Coconuts Bangkok
Lat Phrao Soi 48
BANGKOK: -- Huay Kwang police are investigating homicide case in which a husband and wife reportedly shot one another following a jealous argument.
Police were called to a home on Lat Phrao Soi 48 at around 9am this morning and found the body of 42-year-old Chumphon Phanban on a bed on the second floor with a gunshot wound to the head.
On the floor next to the bed, they found [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...-in-huay-kwang/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Painter disguised as police officer allegedly robs 11 cabbies
By Coconuts Bangkok
BANGKOK: -- Yesterday, Don Mueang police announced the arrest of a 40-year-old painter, who was caught disguised as a plainclothes law enforcement officer and attempting to steal money from a taxi driver.
Sithichai Nonthalak was nabbed at Don Mueang Airport on Vibhavadi Rungsit Road on Jan 15. The capture followed 11 police reports filed by taxi drivers who had been cheated by Sithichai after providing him services. Sithichai made away with more than THB40,000 in cash over the last three months.
Police said that Sithichai deliberately called [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...obs-11-cabbies/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-17
By Coconuts Bangkok
BANGKOK: -- Yesterday, Don Mueang police announced the arrest of a 40-year-old painter, who was caught disguised as a plainclothes law enforcement officer and attempting to steal money from a taxi driver.
Sithichai Nonthalak was nabbed at Don Mueang Airport on Vibhavadi Rungsit Road on Jan 15. The capture followed 11 police reports filed by taxi drivers who had been cheated by Sithichai after providing him services. Sithichai made away with more than THB40,000 in cash over the last three months.
Police said that Sithichai deliberately called [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...obs-11-cabbies/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Danish driver arrested and Police Officer shot in bizarre South Pattaya incident
PATTAYA: -- A Police Officer was shot in the leg and a Danish pick-up driver was arrested following a suspected hit-and-run road accident in Jomtien late on Friday Night.
Police were made aware of a pick-up being driven by a foreign man which failed to stop at the scene of a road accident where the vehicle was suspected of colliding with a motorbike on Jomtien Second Road and were called-in to locate and stop the pick-up, a Bronze Toyota Vigo.
The vehicle was located on the Pratamnuk Road in South Pattaya but it failed to stop and the decision was taken by Police stationed on the road to shoot the tyres on either side to stop the vehicle and its driver.
As two officers stationed on either side of the road opened fire on the vehicle one of them inadvertently shot his colleague located on the opposite side of the road. The vehicle was eventually stopped in Jomtien Beach Soi 5, close to the Immigration Office. After two of the tyres had deflated and the vehicle could not be driven any further. It’s driver was named as Mr. Vagn Zehngraff aged 57 from Denmark, who Police described as “extremely intoxicated”.
Full story: http://www.pattayaon...ttaya-incident/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-19
PATTAYA: -- A Police Officer was shot in the leg and a Danish pick-up driver was arrested following a suspected hit-and-run road accident in Jomtien late on Friday Night.
Police were made aware of a pick-up being driven by a foreign man which failed to stop at the scene of a road accident where the vehicle was suspected of colliding with a motorbike on Jomtien Second Road and were called-in to locate and stop the pick-up, a Bronze Toyota Vigo.
The vehicle was located on the Pratamnuk Road in South Pattaya but it failed to stop and the decision was taken by Police stationed on the road to shoot the tyres on either side to stop the vehicle and its driver.
As two officers stationed on either side of the road opened fire on the vehicle one of them inadvertently shot his colleague located on the opposite side of the road. The vehicle was eventually stopped in Jomtien Beach Soi 5, close to the Immigration Office. After two of the tyres had deflated and the vehicle could not be driven any further. It’s driver was named as Mr. Vagn Zehngraff aged 57 from Denmark, who Police described as “extremely intoxicated”.
Full story: http://www.pattayaon...ttaya-incident/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-19
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PHUKET BREAKING NEWS: Woman executed with single gunshot to head
Phuket Gazette
UPDATE: Police are now searching for a black Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck without license plates, which pulled alongside the victim's vehicle when the shooting occurred. Police have yet to obtain descriptions of the gunman or the driver.
PHUKET: -- A woman driving alone south of Phuket Town was killed by a single gunshot to head this evening.
Police arrived at the scene, at the junction of Kwang Road and Chao Fa West Road (map here), soon after 8pm.
The victim was driving a white Chevrolet Captiva when the execution was carried out. Police have yet to release details of the woman’s identity, but she is believed to have been travelling northbound when the attack occurred.
Rescue workers at the scene confirmed that woman was killed by a single shot to the head through driver’s side window.
After the attack, the vehicle continued at speed and came rest only after crashing into a street lamp by the side of the road.
Police at scene are contending with a crowd of onlookers gathered at the site.
At latest report, police have blocked northbound traffic along Chao Fa West Road, a major road linking the southern beach areas of Phuket with Phuket Town and the airport, in order to search for the bullet casing.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
Tonight's murder comes while hundreds of officers have been posted on the island to boost safety in Phuket through a 30-day blitz on crime
Source: http://www.phuketgaz...head-20001.html
-- Phuket Gazette 2013-01-19
PHUKET BREAKING NEWS: Woman executed with single gunshot to head
Phuket Gazette
UPDATE: Police are now searching for a black Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck without license plates, which pulled alongside the victim's vehicle when the shooting occurred. Police have yet to obtain descriptions of the gunman or the driver.
PHUKET: -- A woman driving alone south of Phuket Town was killed by a single gunshot to head this evening.
Police arrived at the scene, at the junction of Kwang Road and Chao Fa West Road (map here), soon after 8pm.
The victim was driving a white Chevrolet Captiva when the execution was carried out. Police have yet to release details of the woman’s identity, but she is believed to have been travelling northbound when the attack occurred.
Rescue workers at the scene confirmed that woman was killed by a single shot to the head through driver’s side window.
After the attack, the vehicle continued at speed and came rest only after crashing into a street lamp by the side of the road.
Police at scene are contending with a crowd of onlookers gathered at the site.
At latest report, police have blocked northbound traffic along Chao Fa West Road, a major road linking the southern beach areas of Phuket with Phuket Town and the airport, in order to search for the bullet casing.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area.
Tonight's murder comes while hundreds of officers have been posted on the island to boost safety in Phuket through a 30-day blitz on crime
Source: http://www.phuketgaz...head-20001.html
-- Phuket Gazette 2013-01-19
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Posted 2013-01-13 23:15:44
Mystery over tourist's body found floating off Phuket beach
PHUKET: Kathu Police are investigating the death of a Dutch tourist whose body was found floating in the sea off Patong this morning, in front of the Phuket Graceland Hotel.
Tanyaluk Sakoot
Sunday 13 January 2013, 10:12PM
In front of hundreds of tourists Mr Marina's body is readied to be taken to Patong Hospital. Photo Golf Thairat
In front of hundreds of sunbathing tourists, the body of Stefan Henricus Marina, 27, was retrieved by rescue workers. It was estimated he had been dead about an hour.
Hanging around his neck was a pouch containing his passport, cash in both baht and euros and an empty pill packet that once contained Benzodiazepine, a sedative.
There was a severe wound to the back of his head.
Pol Capt Pathapee Srichai of Kathu Police said investigators are working on two theories: that he was walking on the rocks at the south end of Kalim Bay and slipped, banging his head and then sliding into the water; or that he was murdered and then thrown into the ocean.
Mr Marina’s body was taken to Patong Hospital for autopsy.
Source: http://www.thephuket...beach-36253.php
PHUKET: Kathu Police are investigating the death of a Dutch tourist whose body was found floating in the sea off Patong this morning, in front of the Phuket Graceland Hotel.
Tanyaluk Sakoot
Sunday 13 January 2013, 10:12PM
In front of hundreds of tourists Mr Marina's body is readied to be taken to Patong Hospital. Photo Golf Thairat
In front of hundreds of sunbathing tourists, the body of Stefan Henricus Marina, 27, was retrieved by rescue workers. It was estimated he had been dead about an hour.
Hanging around his neck was a pouch containing his passport, cash in both baht and euros and an empty pill packet that once contained Benzodiazepine, a sedative.
There was a severe wound to the back of his head.
Pol Capt Pathapee Srichai of Kathu Police said investigators are working on two theories: that he was walking on the rocks at the south end of Kalim Bay and slipped, banging his head and then sliding into the water; or that he was murdered and then thrown into the ocean.
Mr Marina’s body was taken to Patong Hospital for autopsy.
Source: http://www.thephuket...beach-36253.php
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Bus Driver Accused Of Raping Girl In Bus Toilet.
An Udon Thani bus driver was arrested by police and charged with raping a 7-year-old girl in the toilet of the bus. The incident reportedly occurred about six months ago, when the bus was parked at the Udon Thani bus terminal. The suspect denied the accusations and told police he only accompanied the girl in the toilet.
UDON THANI – January 12, 2012 [PDN]; a bus driver was arrested by police for the suspected rape of an underage girl in the bus toilet. The suspect was identified as Mr. Kriangsak Jamsaidee, 34 years old, who is the second driver of the air-conditioned Nonkhai-Bangkok bus.
He is charged with raping a girl under 13 years old girl who was not his wife, regardless of whether it was with or without her consent. The incident reportedly occurred while the suspect had parked the bus to wait to pick passengers at the Route 1 bus terminal in Mharkkhang, Udon Thani.
Full Story: http://www.pattayada..._medium=twitter
--PATTAYA DAILY NEWS 2013-01-13
An Udon Thani bus driver was arrested by police and charged with raping a 7-year-old girl in the toilet of the bus. The incident reportedly occurred about six months ago, when the bus was parked at the Udon Thani bus terminal. The suspect denied the accusations and told police he only accompanied the girl in the toilet.
UDON THANI – January 12, 2012 [PDN]; a bus driver was arrested by police for the suspected rape of an underage girl in the bus toilet. The suspect was identified as Mr. Kriangsak Jamsaidee, 34 years old, who is the second driver of the air-conditioned Nonkhai-Bangkok bus.
He is charged with raping a girl under 13 years old girl who was not his wife, regardless of whether it was with or without her consent. The incident reportedly occurred while the suspect had parked the bus to wait to pick passengers at the Route 1 bus terminal in Mharkkhang, Udon Thani.
Full Story: http://www.pattayada..._medium=twitter
--PATTAYA DAILY NEWS 2013-01-13
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Thai mum sells child bride for B2,000LOP BURI: -- A mother forced her 13-year-old daughter to marry a 34-year-old man who paid a bride price of 2,000 baht, The Pavena Foundation for Women and Children (Pavena) reported on Friday.
The girl told foundation staff that the man had come over for a drink with her parents at her home on Tuesday. He later entered her room and hugged her while she was sleeping. He fled after she screamed for help.
The following day, the man came into her room again and forced her to have sex with him. When she told her parents, they asked the man to come over and then offered her as his bride for 2,000 baht.
Foundation chairwoman Pavena Hongsakul and the police immediately went to the child's house after receiving complaints from villagers about the incident. The man, his parents, and the victim's parents were brought in for questioning.
The man and his relatives protested that he had done nothing wrong. They said that there were other men in the village who had married and lived with girls who were 12 or 13 years old.
Ms Pavena said that event though the parents from both sides gave their consent for the marriage, it still violated the law which protects children below the age of 15. The government has full authority to intervene.
The child will receive trauma treatment from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, she added.
-- Bangkok Post 2013-01-13
The girl told foundation staff that the man had come over for a drink with her parents at her home on Tuesday. He later entered her room and hugged her while she was sleeping. He fled after she screamed for help.
The following day, the man came into her room again and forced her to have sex with him. When she told her parents, they asked the man to come over and then offered her as his bride for 2,000 baht.
Foundation chairwoman Pavena Hongsakul and the police immediately went to the child's house after receiving complaints from villagers about the incident. The man, his parents, and the victim's parents were brought in for questioning.
The man and his relatives protested that he had done nothing wrong. They said that there were other men in the village who had married and lived with girls who were 12 or 13 years old.
Ms Pavena said that event though the parents from both sides gave their consent for the marriage, it still violated the law which protects children below the age of 15. The government has full authority to intervene.
The child will receive trauma treatment from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, she added.
-- Bangkok Post 2013-01-13
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Thai teachers no longer allowed to sell things to their studentsBy Coconuts Bangkok
BANGKOK: -- The Teacher Civil Service and Educational Personnel Commission’s new ethics guidelines for Thai teachers contain what seems like a fairly common-sense clause: It says that teachers should not be allowed to profit off of their students.
Specifically, the Commission has called on teachers to stop plying their pupils with cosmetics, insurance and dietary supplements.
Among the other strictures put forth by the Commission [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...their-students/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-23
BANGKOK: -- The Teacher Civil Service and Educational Personnel Commission’s new ethics guidelines for Thai teachers contain what seems like a fairly common-sense clause: It says that teachers should not be allowed to profit off of their students.
Specifically, the Commission has called on teachers to stop plying their pupils with cosmetics, insurance and dietary supplements.
Among the other strictures put forth by the Commission [more...]
Full story: http://www.coconutsb...their-students/
-- COCONUTS Bangkok 2013-01-23
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Posted 2013-01-23 12:21:46
American expat held for Phuket shooting incident
Tanyaluk Sakoot
Eric Peter
PHUKET: -- An American expat living in Phuket was arrested on Saturday morning (January 19) on firearms charges, after saying the gun in his possession “went off by itself”.
Eric Peter, 33, appeared in Phuket Provincial Court later that same day on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm in a public place.
People living near Chalong Circle called police early on Saturday morning after being woken at 5am by the sound of a gunshot.
Half an hour later Pol Lt Wuthiwat Leangboonjinda, duty officer at Chalong Police Station, arrested Mr Peter.
In his possession officers found a revolver and 49 bullets. Mr Peter told police that he was not trying to shoot anyone but that the gun “went off by itself”.
He added that the gun was not his; it belonged to a Thai who had given it to him as security against a loan of B50,000.
“I just brought it with me,” he explained.
After appearing in court, he was released on bail to await his next hearing.
Source: http://www.thephuket...ident-36557.php
-- The Phuket News 2013-01-23
Tanyaluk Sakoot
Eric Peter
PHUKET: -- An American expat living in Phuket was arrested on Saturday morning (January 19) on firearms charges, after saying the gun in his possession “went off by itself”.
Eric Peter, 33, appeared in Phuket Provincial Court later that same day on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm in a public place.
People living near Chalong Circle called police early on Saturday morning after being woken at 5am by the sound of a gunshot.
Half an hour later Pol Lt Wuthiwat Leangboonjinda, duty officer at Chalong Police Station, arrested Mr Peter.
In his possession officers found a revolver and 49 bullets. Mr Peter told police that he was not trying to shoot anyone but that the gun “went off by itself”.
He added that the gun was not his; it belonged to a Thai who had given it to him as security against a loan of B50,000.
“I just brought it with me,” he explained.
After appearing in court, he was released on bail to await his next hearing.
Source: http://www.thephuket...ident-36557.php
-- The Phuket News 2013-01-23
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Australian Arrested on Phuket for Shooting German Tourists
By Staff Reporter
PHUKET: -- On the Island of Phuket, Police have arrested an Australian accused of shooting two German tourists by accident during a debt collection that went horribly wrong
Reports from the island suggest that the Australian was actually aiming at a Danish man who is said to have owed money for a motorbike rental, but that the Australian missed and instead put a bullet in each of the two Germans who happened to be nearby.
The two Germans 41 year old Johann Baschenegger and 71 year old , Joseph Werner, were staying at an Hotel on Patong’s Soi Sansabai and managed to get back inside to raise the alarm.
Emergency services treated them on the scene and the elderly gentleman is reported to be in a satisfactory condition at the local hospital, the younger of the two [more...]
Full story: http://www.pattaya10...german-tourist/
--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-01-23
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By Staff Reporter
PHUKET: -- On the Island of Phuket, Police have arrested an Australian accused of shooting two German tourists by accident during a debt collection that went horribly wrong
Reports from the island suggest that the Australian was actually aiming at a Danish man who is said to have owed money for a motorbike rental, but that the Australian missed and instead put a bullet in each of the two Germans who happened to be nearby.
The two Germans 41 year old Johann Baschenegger and 71 year old , Joseph Werner, were staying at an Hotel on Patong’s Soi Sansabai and managed to get back inside to raise the alarm.
Emergency services treated them on the scene and the elderly gentleman is reported to be in a satisfactory condition at the local hospital, the younger of the two [more...]
Full story: http://www.pattaya10...german-tourist/
--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-01-23
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60,000 Baht theft from Central Pattaya convenience store
PATTAYA:--The 66 year old owner of a convenience store in Central Pattaya reported a 60,000 Baht theft of cash in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police were called to the store located in Soi 13 off Pattaya Third Road just after 2.30am and met with the owner, Khun Oobon, who was alone at the time of the alleged theft.
She explained that a Thai man wearing a woolen hat, entered her store and intended to purchase many items with a combined value of over 1,300 Baht. Khun Oobon was asked by the man if she had a box to put the items in. She went out to the back of the store but forgot to take her bag with her which contained the money and her bank cards.
Full story:http://www.pattayaon...venience-store/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-23
PATTAYA:--The 66 year old owner of a convenience store in Central Pattaya reported a 60,000 Baht theft of cash in the early hours of Tuesday.Police were called to the store located in Soi 13 off Pattaya Third Road just after 2.30am and met with the owner, Khun Oobon, who was alone at the time of the alleged theft.
She explained that a Thai man wearing a woolen hat, entered her store and intended to purchase many items with a combined value of over 1,300 Baht. Khun Oobon was asked by the man if she had a box to put the items in. She went out to the back of the store but forgot to take her bag with her which contained the money and her bank cards.
Full story:http://www.pattayaon...venience-store/
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-23
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Thai militants kill teacher in school canteen
NARATHIWAT, Thailand, Jan 23, 2013 (AFP) - Thai insurgents shot dead a teacher in front of dozens of children in a school cafeteria on Wednesday, police said, in the latest deadly attack on an education worker.
Cholathee Charoenchol, a 51-year-old Muslim, was shot in the head at Tanyong school in Bacho district in Narathiwat province as at least 30 pupils and several teachers looked on, according to officials.
He was the 158th teacher and other school staff killed during a nine-year-old insurgency that has gripped Thailand's Muslim-majority deep south near the border with Malaysia.
Bacho police said two insurgents parked their motorcycle in front of the school canteen and walked into the building, where one of them shot Cholathee with a pistol.
"There were between 30 and 40 students in the cafeteria when he was shot," local police chief Colonel Pakdi Preechachon said.
Thousands of schools closed temporarily in December in protest at a lack of security for teachers, who are targeted by the shadowy network of militants for their perceived collaboration with the Thai state.
They reopened after the government pledged to beef-up security.
Colonel Pramote Promin, the spokesman for the army in the south, said a lack of cooperation from Muslim villagers was making it hard to protect teachers "no matter how strict security measures are".
"This school is situated in an area where 100 percent of the villagers and all of teachers and students are Muslims," he said.
Near daily attacks -- including shootings, bombings and even beheadings -- mean violence is a part of life for many in Thailand's far south.
More than 5,300 people, both Buddhist and Muslim, have been killed since 2004, according to local conflict monitor Deep South Watch.
-- ©Copyright AFP 2013-01-23 | AFP News Sponsor
NARATHIWAT, Thailand, Jan 23, 2013 (AFP) - Thai insurgents shot dead a teacher in front of dozens of children in a school cafeteria on Wednesday, police said, in the latest deadly attack on an education worker.
Cholathee Charoenchol, a 51-year-old Muslim, was shot in the head at Tanyong school in Bacho district in Narathiwat province as at least 30 pupils and several teachers looked on, according to officials.
He was the 158th teacher and other school staff killed during a nine-year-old insurgency that has gripped Thailand's Muslim-majority deep south near the border with Malaysia.
Bacho police said two insurgents parked their motorcycle in front of the school canteen and walked into the building, where one of them shot Cholathee with a pistol.
"There were between 30 and 40 students in the cafeteria when he was shot," local police chief Colonel Pakdi Preechachon said.
Thousands of schools closed temporarily in December in protest at a lack of security for teachers, who are targeted by the shadowy network of militants for their perceived collaboration with the Thai state.
They reopened after the government pledged to beef-up security.
Colonel Pramote Promin, the spokesman for the army in the south, said a lack of cooperation from Muslim villagers was making it hard to protect teachers "no matter how strict security measures are".
"This school is situated in an area where 100 percent of the villagers and all of teachers and students are Muslims," he said.
Near daily attacks -- including shootings, bombings and even beheadings -- mean violence is a part of life for many in Thailand's far south.
More than 5,300 people, both Buddhist and Muslim, have been killed since 2004, according to local conflict monitor Deep South Watch.
-- ©Copyright AFP 2013-01-23 | AFP News Sponsor
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Ukrainian found hanging from tree in Bang Saray
Bang Saray:--On Wednesday Police were called to an area of woodland in the Bang Saray area in Sattahip District to investigate reports of a foreign man who was discovered hanging from a tree.
Police arrived and inspected the body of the man who was carrying a Russian driving license in his pocket under the name of Mr. Rakhman Reynart aged 26 from Ukraine. Close to the body was a motorbike which had been rented in Pattaya from the Tappraya Car Rental company based in Jomtien by Mr. Reynart.
A piece of rope had been tied to the tree and the noose had been tied around the neck of the victim whose face was covered by a shirt.
Full story:http://www.pattayaon...ree-bang-saray/
Caution is advised when opening the above link as the images are quite disturbing
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-24
Bang Saray:--On Wednesday Police were called to an area of woodland in the Bang Saray area in Sattahip District to investigate reports of a foreign man who was discovered hanging from a tree.Police arrived and inspected the body of the man who was carrying a Russian driving license in his pocket under the name of Mr. Rakhman Reynart aged 26 from Ukraine. Close to the body was a motorbike which had been rented in Pattaya from the Tappraya Car Rental company based in Jomtien by Mr. Reynart.
A piece of rope had been tied to the tree and the noose had been tied around the neck of the victim whose face was covered by a shirt.
Full story:http://www.pattayaon...ree-bang-saray/
Caution is advised when opening the above link as the images are quite disturbing
-- Pattaya One 2013-01-24
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Dutch firm apologises over Buddha toilets
The Nation
BANGKOK: -- The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok announced yesterday on its Facebook page that Boels rental, the company that put pictures of the Lord Buddha on the doors of portable public toilets in Brunssum City, has apologised to the Thai and Buddhist communities.
After the Embassy brought the Thai reactions to the rental company's attention, the Embassy said the company said it was not aware of the negative impact of Buddha toilets and they would immediately withdraw the designs from the market.
Mass-communication expert Somkiat Onwimon, who published the Dutch Embassy's letter on his Facebook page, urged Thais to forgive the Netherlands, while the Knowing Buddha organisation expressed their thanks to the Dutch Embassy for its quick response in solving the issue.
The move followed a social media uproar started by Thai Facebook users Anuchit Pomthong and Nok Ja, who launched an online campaign to demand the removal of the Lord Buddha pictures from the portable toilets.
-- The Nation 2013-01-24
The Nation
BANGKOK: -- The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Bangkok announced yesterday on its Facebook page that Boels rental, the company that put pictures of the Lord Buddha on the doors of portable public toilets in Brunssum City, has apologised to the Thai and Buddhist communities.
After the Embassy brought the Thai reactions to the rental company's attention, the Embassy said the company said it was not aware of the negative impact of Buddha toilets and they would immediately withdraw the designs from the market.
Mass-communication expert Somkiat Onwimon, who published the Dutch Embassy's letter on his Facebook page, urged Thais to forgive the Netherlands, while the Knowing Buddha organisation expressed their thanks to the Dutch Embassy for its quick response in solving the issue.
The move followed a social media uproar started by Thai Facebook users Anuchit Pomthong and Nok Ja, who launched an online campaign to demand the removal of the Lord Buddha pictures from the portable toilets.
-- The Nation 2013-01-24
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Posted 2013-01-24 11:03:50
Ikea ad upsets Thai Trans group
ScandAsia news Newsdesk
BANGKOK: -- Thai Transgender Alliance is protesting against IKEA Global for its 'negative and stereotypical' advert.
Thai Transgender Alliance have sent an open letter to IKEA to complain about a 'negative and stereotypical' advert, Gaystarnews reported.
The offending advert, called Luem Aeb (meaning 'forget to deceive'), was broadcast on Bangkok's sky train system from 28 December 2012 to 13 January 2013 and on YouTube.
'The MTF transgender/transwomen character is openly mocked as being "deceitful",' read the open letter to IKEA from Thai Transgender Alliance.
'The transgender content of the advertisement is negative and stereotypical in nature, perpetuating misunderstanding transgenderism as human sexuality for "deceitful and deviant lifestyle".'
The advert shows a woman who is so surprised by a sale item that she speaks with a male voice. The man she is with looks shocked and horrified. The last scene of the advert shows the man running away as the woman carries a box of flat-packed furniture by herself.
The letter from Thai Transgender Alliance demands that IKEA Global issue an official public statement about the advert.
You can watch the video here:
http://youtu.be/YxtaTn8zSwg
ScandAsia news Newsdesk
BANGKOK: -- Thai Transgender Alliance is protesting against IKEA Global for its 'negative and stereotypical' advert.
Thai Transgender Alliance have sent an open letter to IKEA to complain about a 'negative and stereotypical' advert, Gaystarnews reported.
The offending advert, called Luem Aeb (meaning 'forget to deceive'), was broadcast on Bangkok's sky train system from 28 December 2012 to 13 January 2013 and on YouTube.
'The MTF transgender/transwomen character is openly mocked as being "deceitful",' read the open letter to IKEA from Thai Transgender Alliance.
'The transgender content of the advertisement is negative and stereotypical in nature, perpetuating misunderstanding transgenderism as human sexuality for "deceitful and deviant lifestyle".'
The advert shows a woman who is so surprised by a sale item that she speaks with a male voice. The man she is with looks shocked and horrified. The last scene of the advert shows the man running away as the woman carries a box of flat-packed furniture by herself.
The letter from Thai Transgender Alliance demands that IKEA Global issue an official public statement about the advert.
You can watch the video here:
http://youtu.be/YxtaTn8zSwg
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Swingers Resort Orgy Raided by Pattaya Police
PATTAYA:--A 61 year old Dutchman, Anthony Verloop has been taken into custody on Sunday to face charges of operating an organized Orgy at a Jomtien Resort along with a local lady who is said to have assisted him
Organised through a website, the event was advertised as a night for Swingers, and is reported to have offered group sex to the 10 couples, of both local and overseas nationality, within the grounds of the Rama Kien Resort.
Tourists are said to have registered for the night’s events on a website which was monitored by the Police, as many websites are, and undercover officers were sent to investigate at the Rama Kien Lifestyle Resort , Thapphraya, 15 Moo 10, Jomtien.
The one o clock morning raid was concluded after those under cover officers notice that the couples, who were in many cases, semi naked, were offered the opportunity to indulge in sexual activities both inside the resort rooms and within the grounds.
As the raid commenced, so guests, in various states of attire, are reported to have try to flee the scene as Officers found used condoms, together with sex toys which had been supplied to get the party into full swing. The night, which cost 2300 baht per person, is not thought to have been a one off event and the resort website is, perhaps, overly open about the possible activities there.
Describing themselves as a small hideaway resort which welcomes the open minded and liberated couples their website states their philosophy as ”everything can, nothing must” but perhaps they were less than wise to tell visitors that “A stay at Rama Kien is a great way to meet other couples who are open minded or curious about the lifestyle. A unique opportunity to meet other liberated people and like minded couples. Our place is a wonderful way to fulfill your fantasies without the worries of being disturbed. What goes on at Rama Kien stays at Rama Kien.”
http://www.pattaya10...y-raid-pattaya/
--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-01-27
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PATTAYA:--A 61 year old Dutchman, Anthony Verloop has been taken into custody on Sunday to face charges of operating an organized Orgy at a Jomtien Resort along with a local lady who is said to have assisted himOrganised through a website, the event was advertised as a night for Swingers, and is reported to have offered group sex to the 10 couples, of both local and overseas nationality, within the grounds of the Rama Kien Resort.
Tourists are said to have registered for the night’s events on a website which was monitored by the Police, as many websites are, and undercover officers were sent to investigate at the Rama Kien Lifestyle Resort , Thapphraya, 15 Moo 10, Jomtien.
The one o clock morning raid was concluded after those under cover officers notice that the couples, who were in many cases, semi naked, were offered the opportunity to indulge in sexual activities both inside the resort rooms and within the grounds.
As the raid commenced, so guests, in various states of attire, are reported to have try to flee the scene as Officers found used condoms, together with sex toys which had been supplied to get the party into full swing. The night, which cost 2300 baht per person, is not thought to have been a one off event and the resort website is, perhaps, overly open about the possible activities there.
Describing themselves as a small hideaway resort which welcomes the open minded and liberated couples their website states their philosophy as ”everything can, nothing must” but perhaps they were less than wise to tell visitors that “A stay at Rama Kien is a great way to meet other couples who are open minded or curious about the lifestyle. A unique opportunity to meet other liberated people and like minded couples. Our place is a wonderful way to fulfill your fantasies without the worries of being disturbed. What goes on at Rama Kien stays at Rama Kien.”
http://www.pattaya10...y-raid-pattaya/
--Pattaya 103 FM 2013-01-27
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Norwegian Shot by Ex-Wife's New Thai Husband
A 34-year-old Norwegian man was shot in the neck by a gun that discharged while he was fighting with the husband of his ex-wife in Nakhon Sawan province. The Norwegian reportedly owns the gun, and got angry after not being allowed to take his young daughter for a custodial visit.
KHAMPHAENG PHET – January 27, 2013 [PDN]; at 12 p.m., a report of a man being shot and injured was received by Pol. Maj. Paisarn Wannachai, Inspector, Meuang Khamphaengpech police station. He rushed to inspect the scene with the detective police team and the rescue officers.
The incident occurred on an upper floor stairway in a building that houses the Krua Kan Eng restaurant, located on Wang Khang road, Tambon Nai Meuang. The Isarn food restaurant is located on the first floor of the 3-story building.
At the scene, police found the injured victim, identified as Mr. Thomas Kruner, age 34, nationality Norwegian. He had been shot in his neck and severely injured. The officers hurried to send him to Sawanpracharak hospital, Nakhon Sawan province.
Waiting for the police was the gunman, identified as Mr. Manoonsak Cheuycham, who was standing to surrender himself to the police and still shaken by the incident. During questioning, Mr. Manoonsak said he had been sleeping in the bedroom on the third floor with his wife, whom he recently married. She was identified as Ms. Piyathida Singreuang, age 34, the owner of the restaurant downstairs.
They had been living together for only two months, he said. Ms. Piyathida also has a 3-year-old daughter, whom she had when she was married to Mr. Thomas. Earlier that day, Mr. Thomas had come to take his daughter temporarily in their custodial arrangement. But Ms. Piyathida had refused because her daughter was sick.
Mr. Manoonsak said he awoke when Mr. Thomas suddenly entered their apartment and began destroying their property. Mr. Manoonsak tried to stop him, so they began fighting. Then both of them fell down on the stairway outside, which made the gun that Mr. Thomas had with him fall on the floor.
Both men tried to grab the gun, and during their struggle the gun automatically shot by itself twice. Mr. Thomas was shot in the neck, and was severely injured and bleeding heavily. So Mr. Manoonsak removed the magazine from the gun and waited for the police.
Full story: http://www.pattayada...w-thai-husband/
-- Pattaya Daily News 2013-01-28
A 34-year-old Norwegian man was shot in the neck by a gun that discharged while he was fighting with the husband of his ex-wife in Nakhon Sawan province. The Norwegian reportedly owns the gun, and got angry after not being allowed to take his young daughter for a custodial visit.
KHAMPHAENG PHET – January 27, 2013 [PDN]; at 12 p.m., a report of a man being shot and injured was received by Pol. Maj. Paisarn Wannachai, Inspector, Meuang Khamphaengpech police station. He rushed to inspect the scene with the detective police team and the rescue officers.
The incident occurred on an upper floor stairway in a building that houses the Krua Kan Eng restaurant, located on Wang Khang road, Tambon Nai Meuang. The Isarn food restaurant is located on the first floor of the 3-story building.
At the scene, police found the injured victim, identified as Mr. Thomas Kruner, age 34, nationality Norwegian. He had been shot in his neck and severely injured. The officers hurried to send him to Sawanpracharak hospital, Nakhon Sawan province.
Waiting for the police was the gunman, identified as Mr. Manoonsak Cheuycham, who was standing to surrender himself to the police and still shaken by the incident. During questioning, Mr. Manoonsak said he had been sleeping in the bedroom on the third floor with his wife, whom he recently married. She was identified as Ms. Piyathida Singreuang, age 34, the owner of the restaurant downstairs.
They had been living together for only two months, he said. Ms. Piyathida also has a 3-year-old daughter, whom she had when she was married to Mr. Thomas. Earlier that day, Mr. Thomas had come to take his daughter temporarily in their custodial arrangement. But Ms. Piyathida had refused because her daughter was sick.
Mr. Manoonsak said he awoke when Mr. Thomas suddenly entered their apartment and began destroying their property. Mr. Manoonsak tried to stop him, so they began fighting. Then both of them fell down on the stairway outside, which made the gun that Mr. Thomas had with him fall on the floor.
Both men tried to grab the gun, and during their struggle the gun automatically shot by itself twice. Mr. Thomas was shot in the neck, and was severely injured and bleeding heavily. So Mr. Manoonsak removed the magazine from the gun and waited for the police.
Full story: http://www.pattayada...w-thai-husband/
-- Pattaya Daily News 2013-01-28
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Frenchmen Mistakenly Beaten By Brutal MiXX Bouncers
Three French tourists reported being beaten by five security guards in the MiXX Discotheque on Walking Street. The victims claimed the guards had mistakenly assumed they had thrown ice in the disco, and savagely beat them with batons, brass knuckles and stun guns.
PATTAYA – January 27, 2013 [PDN]; A report of three French tourists being beaten by bouncers at a Walking Street disco was received by Pol. Sub. Lt. Nakornrach Nonseelard, investigative officer on duty, Pattaya police station.
The three victims came to the police station to file the complaint. They were identified as Mr. Dardouri Djemee, age 39; Mr. Kaamouchi Jamel, age 27; and Mr. Djemat Mohamed, age 24. Both Mr. Dardouri and Mr. Kaamouchi are employees of the France airport.
They said that about 5 a.m. that morning, they were beaten by five bouncers in the MiXX Discotheque on Walking Street near the Laem Balihai pier.
Mr. Dardour said they were celebrating a birthday party with friends at the disco. While they were enjoying themselves at the party, a group of foreigners reportedly threw ice at another group of foreign tourists.
The injured tourists complained to the security guards in the disco, who thought the trouble makers were the birthday party group. The guards then used their batons, brass knuckles and electric stuns to start beating the Frenchmens’ group.
Full story: http://www.pattayada...-mixx-bouncers/
-- Pattaya Daily News 2013-01-28
Three French tourists reported being beaten by five security guards in the MiXX Discotheque on Walking Street. The victims claimed the guards had mistakenly assumed they had thrown ice in the disco, and savagely beat them with batons, brass knuckles and stun guns.
PATTAYA – January 27, 2013 [PDN]; A report of three French tourists being beaten by bouncers at a Walking Street disco was received by Pol. Sub. Lt. Nakornrach Nonseelard, investigative officer on duty, Pattaya police station.
The three victims came to the police station to file the complaint. They were identified as Mr. Dardouri Djemee, age 39; Mr. Kaamouchi Jamel, age 27; and Mr. Djemat Mohamed, age 24. Both Mr. Dardouri and Mr. Kaamouchi are employees of the France airport.
They said that about 5 a.m. that morning, they were beaten by five bouncers in the MiXX Discotheque on Walking Street near the Laem Balihai pier.
Mr. Dardour said they were celebrating a birthday party with friends at the disco. While they were enjoying themselves at the party, a group of foreigners reportedly threw ice at another group of foreign tourists.
The injured tourists complained to the security guards in the disco, who thought the trouble makers were the birthday party group. The guards then used their batons, brass knuckles and electric stuns to start beating the Frenchmens’ group.
Full story: http://www.pattayada...-mixx-bouncers/
-- Pattaya Daily News 2013-01-28
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Italian arrested after naked Phuket joy ride
Phuket Gazette
PHUKET: -- Police arrested an Italian man who stole a BMW that was left running in front of a laundry shop near Phuket Technical College yesterday.
Responding to a report from Surawit Siangdee, 36, that his black BMW had been stolen at 3:30pm, Phuket City Police notified police stations island-wide.
Thalang traffic police spotted the car, with mag wheels and lowered suspension, at traffic lights on Don Chom Tao Road at 6:30pm. The officers stopped the vehicle and apprehended the 46 year old man, who was reportedly not wearing any clothes at the time of his arrest.
After convincing him to get dressed, the officers took him to Thalang Police Station, Phuket City Police chief Sermphan Sirikong told the Phuket Gazette.
“We tried to talk with him, but he wouldn’t say anything, he just sat and covered his head,” Col Sermphan said.
The Italian's arrest came just 24 hours after Thung Thong Police, concerned for his safety, stopped him from jumping into Bang Wad Dam.
The officers took him to Thung Thong Police station, from where he disappeared a short time later, officers told the Gazette.
Police have notified Francesco Pensato, the Italian honorary consul in Phuket, Col Sermphan said.
In the meantime, the Italian has been charged with theft, he added.
The Phuket Gazette are aware of the man's name but have decided to withhold it.
Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ride-20062.html
-- Phuket Gazette 2013-01-28
Phuket Gazette
PHUKET: -- Police arrested an Italian man who stole a BMW that was left running in front of a laundry shop near Phuket Technical College yesterday.
Responding to a report from Surawit Siangdee, 36, that his black BMW had been stolen at 3:30pm, Phuket City Police notified police stations island-wide.
Thalang traffic police spotted the car, with mag wheels and lowered suspension, at traffic lights on Don Chom Tao Road at 6:30pm. The officers stopped the vehicle and apprehended the 46 year old man, who was reportedly not wearing any clothes at the time of his arrest.
After convincing him to get dressed, the officers took him to Thalang Police Station, Phuket City Police chief Sermphan Sirikong told the Phuket Gazette.
“We tried to talk with him, but he wouldn’t say anything, he just sat and covered his head,” Col Sermphan said.
The Italian's arrest came just 24 hours after Thung Thong Police, concerned for his safety, stopped him from jumping into Bang Wad Dam.
The officers took him to Thung Thong Police station, from where he disappeared a short time later, officers told the Gazette.
Police have notified Francesco Pensato, the Italian honorary consul in Phuket, Col Sermphan said.
In the meantime, the Italian has been charged with theft, he added.
The Phuket Gazette are aware of the man's name but have decided to withhold it.
Source: http://www.phuketgaz...ride-20062.html
-- Phuket Gazette 2013-01-28
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British tourist who survives 22ft fall off balcony in Thailand flies home with a quarter of his SKULL in his hand luggage
Lee Charie, 32, fell from balcony on island of Koh Tao in December last year
Doctors were forced to remove quarter of his smashed skull
Lee was transferred back to Britain with missing chunk of his head in a box
Experts plan to use removed skull as mold to design titanium plate
By Larisa Brown
A British tourist who miraculously survived a 22ft fall onto his head from a hotel balcony in Thailand flew home with his skull in his hand luggage .
Lee Charie, 32, smashed the left side of his skull when he fell from the balcony on the island of Koh Tao in December last year.
Hotel staff found Lee unconscious on the ground and he was rushed to a local clinic then a larger hospital on nearby island Koh Samui.
Read more: http://www.dailymail...nd-luggage.html
-- DAILY MAIL 2013-01-30
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Lee Charie, 32, fell from balcony on island of Koh Tao in December last year
Doctors were forced to remove quarter of his smashed skull
Lee was transferred back to Britain with missing chunk of his head in a box
Experts plan to use removed skull as mold to design titanium plate
By Larisa Brown
A British tourist who miraculously survived a 22ft fall onto his head from a hotel balcony in Thailand flew home with his skull in his hand luggage .
Lee Charie, 32, smashed the left side of his skull when he fell from the balcony on the island of Koh Tao in December last year.
Hotel staff found Lee unconscious on the ground and he was rushed to a local clinic then a larger hospital on nearby island Koh Samui.
Read more: http://www.dailymail...nd-luggage.html
-- DAILY MAIL 2013-01-30
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