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Demonstrators keep up pressure for government to resign

THE thousands of people protesting at Ratchaprasong intersection this evening (Oct. 25) pressed on with demands for the government to resign and the release of their detained friends and vowed to continue fighting for democracy till they win, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

At 6 p.m. the demonstrators stood up and gave the three-finger salute after which they turned on their mobile phone flashlights, turning the area into a sea of stars, and then sang the national anthem.

Police gear up to handle protest at Ratchaprasong intersection

THE Metropolitan Police is all ready to handle a demonstration at Ratchaprasong intersection from 4 p.m. onwards today (Oct. 25) and will be adhering to laws in effect during normal circumstances, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Yingyot Thepchamnong, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said National Police Chief Pol.Gen. Suwat Jangyodsuk ordered this police unit to take care of the rally with emphasis on the safety of the people, including the protesters, and property as well as facilitating the traffic in the surrounding area

Chuan puts the brakes on tight control of Parliament during special session

THE President of National Assembly has halted a move to impose stringent control of the Parliament during the two-day extraordinary session starting tomorrow even though some groups are expected to stage rallies there, INN News reported.

Mr. Chuan Leekpai, the National Assembly head, cancelled the security action plan by pointing out that Parliament is not a controlled area, said Dr. Sukit Atthapakorn, adviser to the president of the House of Representatives.

Prayut refuses to resign, calls for reconciliation

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha refused to buckle under the pressure mounted by a wave protests and close to the 10 p.m. deadline set for him to resign refused to do so, Thai Rath newspaper reported this evening (Oct. 24).

Speaking at 9.12 p.m. after attending a prayer ceremony at Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkalaram temple together with his wife, Mrs. Naraporn Chan-o-cha, cabinet ministers and the general public, Gen. Prayut said his government is sincerely solving problems and cannot resign right now because the country is beset by an economic crisis.

Police ask for court injunction to evict protesters

POLICE moved to obtain an injunction from the court to evict protesters rallying in front of Bangkok Remand Prison on Ngamwongwan road today (Oct. 24) after their leaders set a 10 p.m. deadline for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign, Sanook.com reported.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, said that the rally by the protesters, who had camped overnight at this spot, is an offense and they did not heed a notice issued by the head of Thung Song Hong police station to disperse.

Democrats say trust parliamentary system to resolve crisis

THE DEMOCRAT Party urged all sides to believe that the parliamentary system will be able to find a way out of the crisis for the county and is eager for constitution amendments to be raised during the extraordinary session on October 26-27, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Oct. 24).

The party’s spokesman Rames Ratanachaweng said Parliament is where representatives of the people are performing their duties, with his party having collected the viewpoints of the constituents and will present the information in detail during the extraordinary session to together find a solution to the crisis.

Protesters set deadline for PM to quit by 10 p.m. tonight

THE People’s Party representatives and their ally issued a deadline in front of Bangkok Remand Prison at 10.10 a.m. this morning (Oct. 24) for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to step down by 10 p.m. tonight while inviting all groups to join together and map out their strategy, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Songpol Sonthirak, speaking on behalf of People’s Party, and Mr. Jatupat Boonpattararaksa, or Phai Dao Din, as head of his Khon Kaen group, invited people from all walks of life, students and artists to join together in creating a colourful gathering and working out activities under the concept “Must chase out Prayut, must read books and must do homework.”

Rally in front of prison in Bangkok, and yellow-shirt one in Sukhothai

PROTESTERS are setting up a stage and getting ready to camp overnight in front of Bangkok Remand Prison where some of their leaders are incarcerated after one of them, Mr. Jarupat  Boonpattararaksa, or Phai Dao Din, was released, Thai Rath newspaper and Sanook.com reported this evening (Oct. 23, 2020).

Upon being released Phai Dao Din gave a speech on top of a pick-truck right in front of the prison saying the protesters would not retreat and that the ten days he was in prison made him feel that he had not lost anything at all from all that he had done.

Frenchwoman found infected with coronavirus after clearing quarantine

THE Public Health Ministry has not yet confirmed that a 57-year-old Frenchwoman found infected with Covid-19 on Koh Samui after travelling there with her family upon clearing 14-day quarantine in Samut Prakan province has in fact caught the disease in Thailand, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 23).

Dr. Sophon Iamsirithaworn, director of the General Communicable Diseases Division, said this woman’s husband and son have no symptoms and a Swab (PCR) test at Bangkok Samui Hospital yesterday showed they are not infected. They have been separated from their infected family member.

81 protest-related lawsuits filed in 10 days

A POLICE report shows that during 10 days of demonstrations, from October 13 till today October 23, a total of 81 lawsuits have been filed against 77 adults and four youths with 70 bailed out and eight imprisoned, Amarin TV reported this afternoon.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, said of the total of suspects, three are being prosecuted for repeat offenses.

Unapproved digging triggers gas pipe blast killing 3, injuring 52

A BACKHOE digging near an old gas pipeline in Bang Bo district of Samut Prakan province without prior permission triggered a big explosion after rupturing it with the large ball of fire killing three persons and injuring 52 others, Sanook.com reported.

The explosion had a radius of approximately 100 metres in Soi Preng Wisuthathipbodee School, Preng subdistrict, with a 500-metre radius around the site having been blocked and only authorized personnel allowed access.

Drill on dealing with protesters at Govt House amid jeers

A DRILL took place at the tightly-controlled Government House to deal with possible attempt to gain entry by protesters this afternoon (Oct. 22) with buses and vans brought in and barbed wire rolled out while students at nearby schools who saw the preparation gave the three-finger salute and shouted to get out, Amarin TV reported today (Oct. 22, 2020).

At 1 p.m. today reporters at Government House said a rehearsal was underway after protesters had marched close to the complex last night and submitted a letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign within three days or else they would be back to stage more rallies.

Taking the first step back! PM revokes severe emergency in Bangkok

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha kept his word that he would take a step back as announced over TV pool last night by repealing the serious emergency in Bangkok area with immediate effect at around noon today (Oct. 22), Amarin TV reported.

In his announcement last night Gen. Prayut said both sides should take a step back and wait for a resolution of the current crisis through the parliamentary process.

Leader of mob who attacked student close to minister

THE man who threw a loudspeaker at a female student during a confrontation at Ramkhamhaeng University between the student demonstrators and yellow-shirt royalists yesterday has been identified in a photo together with a minister, Sanook.com reported this morning (October 22, 2020).

The melee at the university occurred after both groups held rallies there at around the same time with police having set up a barrier separating them.  However the yellow-shirt royalists pushed their way through to the other side leading to the student demonstrators later leaving the campus and holding their rally in front of Hua Mak police station.

Protesters set deadline for PM to quit while he makes conciliatory move

ONE of three demonstration groups in Bangkok this evening (Oct. 21) marched from Victory Monument to Government House where they submitted a letter calling on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to resign within three days while the Prime Minister said over television pool that both sides should take a step back and let these issues go to Parliament for deliberation, Thai Rath newspaper, reported

At Chamai Maruchet bridge representatives of the protesters submitted a letter to Pol. Lt. Gen. Phukphong Phongpetra, chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, who was accompanied by Government House officials asking Gen. Prayut to resign and stop the prosecution of their friends and other members of the general public.

Protesters start gathering while Voice TV is not being shut down

DEMONSTRATORS started coming down to the road from the skywalk at Victory Monument at 4 p.m. today (Oct. 21) with this being the appointed time announced by the People’s Party, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

They initially gathered at a sidewalk near the base of the monument and started giving speeches, at this point traffic was running normally through the roundabout.

Police confirm no order to use live ammunition

POLICE are concerned that disagreements between the two groups will now flare up while debunking fake news that live ammunition will be used against protesters, INNnews.co.th and Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 21).

Pol. Maj. Gen. Piya Tawichai, deputy head of the Metropolitan Police, along with Pol. Col. Siriwat Deephor, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, told the Press that police had mapped out strategies to cope with disagreements between the two groups getting out of hand.

Two protest leaders taken to court, third motorcade arrest

TWO key protest leaders were taken from the Region 1 Border Police Bureau to the criminal court to request for pre-trial detention at 11 a.m. this morning (Oct. 21), INNnews.co.th reported.

Chanasongkram policemen took the duo, Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, leader of Thammasat Alliance and Rally, and Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, a Thammasart University student and leader of the Free Youth group, to the court to request detention under Section 116 of the Criminal Code.

Demonstrators take a day off to rest

AFTER demonstrators were called to assemble at all stations at 6 p.m. today (Oct. 20) to give the three-finger salute after paying respect to the national anthem the Free Youth group revealed its big surprise, which is that there is no surprise, because they decided to halt rallies for a day, Sanook.com reported.

In its message the group said their page had announced that a big surprise is forthcoming, but there is none today because it was decided to halt rallies for a day with a deadline set for the government to accept their demands.

Special parliament session on October 26-27

THE Cabinet has approved the promulgation of a Royal Decree to open an extraordinary parliamentary session for a general debate without vote under Section 165, TV Channel 7 and INNnews.co.th reported this afternoon (Oct. 20,2020).

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said the government wants to hold this session quickly because parliament is reconvening on November 1.

PM insists he does not want to violate rights amid media move

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said after today’s (Oct. 20) Cabinet meeting that while he does not want to violate rights and liberties it was necessary for the police to get a court order to shut down some online media outlets for inciting divisions in the country, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Gen. Prayut added that this government “will live in love and die loyally” like the lyrics of a song.

Vendors deny being CIA agents as teased by amused netizens

A COLOURFUL development from the demonstrations that have been taking place over the past few days is a online thread that jokingly questions whether food vendors are CIA agents in disguise because they always show up at the protest venue before anyone else gets there, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 20, 2020).

In trying to get an answer to this question Sanook.com reporters quizzed some vendors at Kasetsart intersection, which was the main site of yesterday’s protest, as to how they tend to arrive before protesters, police and reporters.

Kasetsart intersection packed with protesters

THE huge demonstration at Kasetsart intersection this evening (Oct. 19) saw a political activist, some students and members of the general public taking turns in giving speeches in an orderly manner, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

One of the speakers, a girl student, told the demonstrators that today is her birthday and what she wants the most is democracy. They really appreciated what she said and sang happy birthday.

Order to suspend use of Telegram messaging app

A LETTER of instructions issued by the chief responsible for resolving a serious emergency situation, number 11/2020, wants the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to suspend the use of Telegram messaging application, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 19).

This action was taken after protesters moved to distribute news through such apps.

Four media outlets, 300,000 illegal URLs face action

THE Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is today (Oct. 19) getting ready to prosecute several media outlets for publishing and presenting news that go against the emergency decree while also taking action against 300,000 illegal URLs (web pages), Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Minister of Digital Economy and Society Putthipong Punnakan said the chief responsible for resolving a serious emergency had asked the ministry to investigate and suspend the broadcasting of four media outlets that affect state security.

Chuan holding talks with parties to find a way out of crisis

TALKS are being held with representatives of political parties to lay the groundwork for the House of Representatives to find a solution to the current political crisis, TV Channel 7 reported this morning (Oct. 19, 2020).

Mr. Chuan Leekpai, president of the House of Representatives, said internal discussions are taking place with political parties, and while Parliament cannot interfere with the government’s work, it could send a recommendation to relevant parties or the government to consider.

Rallies in 3 areas of Bangkok ending at 8 p.m.

A PROTEST leader confirmed that rallies taking place today (Oct. 18) in three key areas of Bangkok and neighbouring Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi provinces that started late afternoon will end at 8 a.m., TV Channel 7 reported.

In Bangkok demonstrations sprung up at Victory Monument, Asoke and Bangna intersections. The Pathum Thani demonstrators gathered at Future Park Rangsit shopping mall while those at Nonthaburi at the MRT Bang Yai station.

Protesters start flocking to Victory Monument area

THE People’s Party demonstrators started gathering at Victory Monument area from 3.50 p.m. onwards  today (Oct. 18) after the Facebook page of the Free Youth group confirmed the rally at this location with a smaller one in Asoke area from 4 p.m. onwards, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The message also mentioned assembly points at various provinces across the country.

Another rally called after apology issued for last night’s water truck chaos

ALL the groups in the People’s Party network jointly published their message on all social media platforms at 11 a.m. today (Oct. 18) calling on demonstrators to be ready at 3 p.m., Thai Rath newspaper and Sanook.com reported.

The message said, “3 p.m., please be ready at every train station near you”.

Meanwhile a Thoburi vocational student group, Gear of Red Thonburi, issued a statement this morning apologizing for the chaos that occurred in Wong Wian Yai at 10 p.m. last night.

Protesters at all three key rally sites start dispersing

DEMONSTRATORS at three key areas of Bangkok, Lat Phrao intersection, Wong Wiang Yai and Udom Suk station, started dispersing close to 8 p.m. this evening (Oct. 17) as urged to do so by their leaders after giving the three-finger salute and singing the national anthem, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

There was a slight disturbance at Lat Phrao five-way intersection after word spread that a water truck was seen coming down Saphan Kwai road.

Protest kicks off at Udom Suk BTS station

DEMONSTRATORS began holding a rally at Udom Suk BTS station at 4.14 p.m. today (Oct. 17) with this being one of the points the People’s Party had selected for their protest, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The rally had initially started at Udom Suk junction but as more people flocked in, the crowd spread out to the BTS station. However, traffic was still able to flow despite the large gathering.

Rally called at all stations while PM insists international standards upheld

THE United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration announced at around noon today (Oct. 17) that all its followers should get ready to protest all train stations at 3 p.m., TV Channel 7 reported.

The group’s latest statement also mentioned that if trains stop running before the appointed hour, participants are to adhere to the concept that all train stations are “places of assembly.”

Protesters call off rally after tear gas, water cannons fired

AFTER being hit with tear gas sprayed together with water and several rounds of dye-mixed water cannons the protesters at Pathumwan intersection called off their rally after first trying to withdraw to adjacent Chulalongkorn University campus, Sanook.com reported this evening (October 16, 2020).

The timeline of the heavy-handed police action is as follows:

– At 8.45 p.m. Police fired more rounds of water cannons near BTS National Stadium station in front of MBK shopping mall where some protesters had gathered.

Protest starts after being moved to Pathumwan intersection

ANOTHER demonstration got underway at 5 p.m. today (Oct. 16) but the location was moved from Ratchaprasong to Pathumwan intersection, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The protesters stood around beneath the skywalk at this intersection and gave the three-finger salute while calling on people on the skywalk to come down and join them.

Communication cables burst into flames in Pattaya

SOME badly tangled communication cables suddenly caught fire in front of a convenience store in Pattaya this morning (Oct. 16) leading to disruption of services provided by various companies in the neighbourhood, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Policemen at Pattaya city station rushed to the site of the cable fire at Hanuman bend on Pattaya 2 Road, Jomtien beach, at 10 a.m. after alerting Pattaya Disaster Mitigation Unit to send in fire engines and asking the Provincial Electricity Authority unit at this seaside city to cut power to this area.

PM refuses to quit as another protest looms

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha today (Oct. 16) flatly refused to step down as demanded by People’s Party protesters who after breaking up their rally at Ratchaprasong intersection last night called for another one at the same place at 5 p.m. today, Sanook.com reported.

Speaking after a special Cabinet meeting with ministers standing alongside him Gen. Prayut said the meeting approved a serious emergency for Bangkok with this legally having to be permitted again every three days.

One of two royal motorcade suspects arrested

ONE of two political activists wanted on the charges of intending to harm Her Majesty the Queen’s liberty during the demonstration on Wednesday Oct. 14 has been arrested by Ladprao police, Sanook.com quoted TV Channel 8 as saying this morning (Oct. 16, 2020).

Mr. Ekachai Hongkangwan was arrested while travelling to surrender at Dusit police station and was taken for questioning at Ladprao station.

Street lights switched off at Ratchaprasong intersection

THE CONFRONTATION between the demonstrators and the security force at Ratchaprasong intersection turned quite tense this evening (Oct. 15) with the authorities having switched off street lights but the protesters succeeding in retaking the skywalk from which they had been earlier evicted, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The demonstrators cried with joy when the skywalk was retaken while crowd control police units beefed up their numbers after totally securing all points at this intersection.

Demonstrators flock to heavily guarded Ratchprasong intersection

DESPITE tight security being mounted at Ratchaprasong intersection after the declaration of state of emergency early this morning (Oct. 15) demonstrators still flocked there in keeping with a call by their arrested leaders to do so at 4 p.m., Thai Rath newspaper reported.

At 3.06 p.m. one protester held up a white bow and asked to tie it on the arm of an officer, saying, “I won’t touch you first, please just stretch your arm, I have prepared lots of bows, there is nothing at all, no violence.”

Ruamrudee alumnus creates novel full-face respirator

A TEAM of UBC (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) engineering students, led by Faheem Saeed, a fourth-year UBC Mechanical Engineering student specializing in Biomedical Engineering, have created an affordable, breathable, full-face N99+ respirator that is reusable and completely transparent – possibly the first of its kind.

Made of optical-grade polycarbonate, it provides a complete seal around the face and uses a pair of KP100 filters on either side to filter out up to 99.97% of airborne particles measuring 0.3 microns and above, making it suitable for both Covid-19 and wildfire smoke protection. The eyes are also sealed to protect them against entry of any particulates and to prevent irritation from wildfire smoke.

Police strongly warn protesters to not gather at Ratchaprasong

AFTER the declaration of serious emergency in Bangkok by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha before dawn today (Oct. 15) police issued a stern warning to protesters to not assemble at Ratchaprasong intersection this afternoon, Thai Rath and Sanook.com reported.

Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya Thawichai, deputy head of Metropolitan Police, said in declaring this emergency Prime Minister Prayut appointed National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Suwat Chaengyodsuk to resolve the situation.

Protesters block off Govt House, staying there tonight

THE People’s Party demonstrators reached Government House at 6.10 p.m. and settled there for the night after taking over the stretch of Phitsanulok Road in front it while periodically shouting “Out Big Tu” (Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s nickname is Tu and he often referred to as Big Tu or Uncle Tu), Thai Rath Newspaper reported this evening (Oct. 14, 2020).

The movement’s key leaders, lawyer Anon Nampa, Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, and Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, told police from their mobile stage to stay out of Phitsanulok road stretch in front of Government House.

Ex-wife arrested for killing former husband’s new girlfriend

THE WOMAN who shot dead her former husband’s new girlfriend and also injured him in Lampang province early Sunday morning has now been arrested and has confessed to the crime, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 14, 2020).

Ms. Niranuch Okwang, 50, was arrested in neighbouring Phayao province after an informer told police that he saw her grey Lampang registered Toyota sedan parked in front of a house there.

Protesters start marching towards Govt House

THE People’s Party demonstrators started moving towards Government House at 2.35 p.m. today (Oct. 14) after negotiations with police at Mahakan Fort intersection whereby they were allowed to head there via Nakhon Sawan road and not Ratchadamnoen Nok, Thai Rath newspaper reported

While negotiations took place the protesters intermittently shouted, “open the way.”

Two Turks break out of detention centre in Mae Sot

TWO Turkish men used a saw blade to cut the bars at their detention room in Mae Sot and fled last night with police hunting for them at this city bordering Myanmar, Sanook.com reported this afternoon (Oct. 14, 2020).

The two men, Mr. Murad Yeslicana, 41, and Mr. Razid Ashim, 29, had been sent by Immigration Division 3 police for detention at Mae Sot Immigration Office on February 15, 2020, and were held here throughout until their escape last night.

Protest kicks off with police vehicle being forced to leave

AFTER moving up their demonstration at Democracy Monument from 2 p.m. to 8 a.m. this morning (Oct. 14), the protest leaders expanded the assembly area to cover one traffic lane of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and then forced a police vehicle that had driven in to warn them that they are breaking the law to leave, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The demonstrators spread out from the sidewalk onto one traffic lane at 9.20 a.m. by moving their tents there. One of their leaders, lawyer Anon Nampa, apologized to the public for this inconvenience on stage and asked the police to help commuters.

India’s new bridges may worsen standoff with China

By Bloomberg, published by Mint

INDIA opened dozens of new bridges — many of them providing all-weather access along its disputed border with China — in a move that could provoke a fresh round of tensions.

Eight of the bridges are in the Ladakh province, where India and China have each amassed over 50,000 soldiers, tanks, missiles and have put fighters on stand-by, while eight are in Arunachal Pradesh in India’s remote northeast, a region claimed by China where the border dispute is the sharpest, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Monday. Another four are in the Himalayan region that witnessed a months-long military standoff in 2017 over the Doklam plateau, claimed by China and Bhutan, India’s ally.

Probe launched into small boy’s death at home

THE Governor of Kalasin province today (Oct. 13) ordered an investigation into the death of a three-year-old boy after his father and doctors raised suspicions that it was unlikely he fell off his bed and then slipped in the bathroom as relatives claimed, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The boy, A (fictitious name), three years and five months old, died at 8 p.m. on Saturday October 10. His body was checked by doctors at Kalasin Hospital who said injuries indicate that he might not have fallen off his bed and then after that slipped in the bathroom and died as his relatives claimed.

Woman kills ex-husband’s new girlfriend and flees

POLICE in northern Lampang province are hunting for a 50-year-old woman who shot dead her former husband’s new girlfriend and also injured him at their home before driving off, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Pol. Capt. Phasaworn Bunthiam, deputy inspector for investigation at Mueang Lampang station, rushed to the victims’ shophouse after being alerted of the shooting at  6.45 a.m. yesterday (Oct. 12).

Legal consumption of kratom to be tightly controlled

A NEW draft law is being worked out to control the consumption of kratom once the draft Narcotics Act to remove it from the drugs list is passed by Parliament, Sanook.com reported this morning (October 13, 2020).

After the Cabinet approved in principle to remove kratom from the drugs list in March this year, a draft law to do this was sent to the Council of State, the government’s legal arm, to consider, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said.

Drug used to treat stomach ulcers ‘successful against coronavirus’

By AFP staff, published by Channel NewsAsia

Hong Kong – An affordable anti-microbial drug used to treat stomach ulcers and bacterial infections has shown promise in combatting the coronavirus in animals, scientists in Hong Kong announced today (Oct 12).

Researchers set out to explore whether metallodrugs – compounds containing metal that are more commonly used against bacteria – might also have anti-viral properties that could fight the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

Mae Sot checkpoint remains open with Myanmar trucks still rolling in

SMALL Myanmar trucks continued to cross over to Thailand via the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge at Mae Sot border town despite three drivers having recently tested positive for coronavirus with this triggering a protest yesterday to completely shut the border, Siam Rath reported today (October 12, 2020).

These Myanmar trucks all stopped at the loading area in front of the checkpoint waiting for Thais to drive up and load and unload goods.

Young girl is with dad at ICU, not told mum died in horror crash

AMONG the relatives watching over 10 of 42 people still hospitalized after yesterday’s horror train and bus collision that killed 18 travellers is a five-year-old girl who came with her grandfather to be with her dad who is in the intensive care unit, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 12, 2020).

Mr.  Vej Phukongpha, the grandfather of five-year-old Mink and father of the critically injured man, Mr. Jakkaphong Phukongpha, 27, said he did not dare yet tell the little girl that her mother, Ms. Melada Phukongpha, died in the crash at a level crossing in Chachoengsao province yesterday, even though she did ask about her.

Thailand will likely be hit by 3 storms in a row

THREE tropical depressions are expected to roar into Thailand during October 11-20 as observed by Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, chief executive officer of Team Consulting Engineering and Management Plc, or Team Group, Sanook.com reported today (October 12).

He warned the public that these storms could bring week-long rain in parts of the country and to be prepared for the bad weather.

Mae Sot locals stage protest to shut border and keep Covid-19 out

A GROUP of residents at Mae Sot border town staged a protest at the second Thai Myanmar Friendship Bridge this afternoon (Oct. 11) calling on the authorities to shut all border crossings to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to Thailand, TV Channel 7 reported.

Their demonstration was triggered by two Myanmar truck drivers testing positive for coronavirus and later one more truck driver from the neighbouring country also doing so.

October 14 rally ‘will last at least a week’

A LEADER of the pro-democracy movement said on stage in Nakhon Ratchasima province today (Oct. 11) that the October 14 demonstration will last at least a week with the protesters to march to Government House to pressure Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to step down, Sanook.com quoted Voice TV as saying.

Anon Nampa, a lawyer and political activist, told his supporters that the People’s Party had enough funds to demonstrate at the Democracy Monument for at least a month, but they should pack their bags for a seven-day stay as part of their strategy of “eating one bite at a time.”

17 dead, many injured in horror bus-train collision

A BUS taking factory workers from Samut Prakan to Chacheongsao province for a religious ceremony at a temple there was completely smashed by a train at 9.30 a.m. this morning leaving 17 people dead and estimated 29 to 30 injured with officials still trying to get some of the bodies out of the wreck, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 11, 2020).

Police have blocked off the accident site, a level crossing near Kwaeng Klan railway station, Bang Toei subdistrict, Mueang district, as rescuers continue the arduous task of getting the bodies out from the wreck and identifying them. Some are still stuck in the smashed truck while others lie beneath the front section of the train.

Fish dying in badly polluted Central Plain canal

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

PART OF A MAJOR canal in a Central Plain area is being critically polluted with blackish, odorous water, killing fish raised in submerged cages.

Authorities are yet to find out about the polluted water which has been allegedly released into a drainage waterway which is connected with Raphiphat canal in Nong Khae district of Saraburi province. Raphiphat canal is the major canal upon which many farmers largely depend.

Doctor in high-speed crash tried to save victim’s life

A DOCTOR who appeared drunk and refused a breath test tried to save the life of a motorcyclist he hit but upon failing to do so, dashed off to his hospital, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 10, 2020).

The chain reaction collision occurred at 3.45 a.m. on the outbound side of Phaholyothin road in front of Ying Charoen market. A CCTV camera in front of this market showed that a black sedan coming at high speed forcefully hit a big bike in front of it and then slammed into a green pick-up truck pulling out of the market.

TOWERING INFERNO Huge fire engulfs 33-storey block of flats in South Korea

 

By Jon Lockett, The Sun

A HORROR blaze has ripped through a 33-storey tower block in South Korea sending burning debris tumbling to the ground below.

Shocking images and videos posted online show giant flames engulfing one side of the apartment building – which is home to around 130 families.

Red shirts ‘will be joining October 14 rally’

A FORMER Pheu Thai MP and one of the leaders of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship said today (Oct. 9) that the majority of red-shirt supporters will be joining a demonstration called by students on October 14 despite the government saying otherwise, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Worachai Hema, a former Pheu Thai MP from Samut Prakan province, dismissed a statement by Vice Minister Suporn Atthawong, who is a former red-shirt leader, that most of the movement’s followers will be staying away from the upcoming rally.

Thai army denies using Twitter accounts for information operations

THE Thai army denied using almost a thousand Twitter accounts for alleged information operations against political opposition figures which the giant microblogging and social networking service cited as the reason for blocking them, Amarin TV reported this afternoon (Oct. 9, 2020).

Lt. Gen. Santiphong Thampiya, deputy chief of staff and army spokesman, clarified that the army used all social media platforms to promote its work, especially helping the people during disasters particularly those triggered by powerful storms.

UFO sightings stir excitement in Chiang Mai

 

THE northern Chiang Mai city is gripped by UFO mystery today (Oct. 9) after a university student and his friends shared a video clip of an unidentified flying object (UFO) in an air control zone above Doi Suthep taken in July and then saw it again last week but it was too far away to be filmed, Amarin TV reported.

Mr. Krisana Inwan, 21, a 4th year student at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, and his two friends Mr. Machaya Yamamut, 22, and Ms. Arawanya, 22, said the video clip was taken on the rooftop of a shopping mall in this city in the afternoon of July 20 this year.

Film-going could ‘become extinct’ warns director

By BBC staff

WONDER WOMAN director Patty Jenkins has said that movie-going is facing a real threat of extinction.

Her new superhero movie has been delayed three times during the coronavirus pandemic.

She is among dozens of top Hollywood directors appealing to the US government to provide a financial lifeline to cinemas.

Frantic Covid-19 testing in Mae Sot after infected Thai crosses over from Myanmar

FEAR gripped Mae Sot town on the border with Myanmar after a Thai businessman who crossed over today (Oct. 8) tested positive for coronavirus with doctors and officials frantically testing cargo vehicle drivers coming over the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, Sanook.com reported.

The Thai businessman was only found to be infected with this deadly infection after a second test was performed. He has been admitted to Somdej Phrachao Taksin Maharat Hospital for treatment.

Stressed out ‘Spiderwoman’ climbs up police cell

A STRESSED OUT woman who had been arrested on a weapon possession charge climbed up to the top of a three-metre-high police cell and only came down after her mother was brought in to gently coax her, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 8, 2020).

There was panic at Suthisarn police station at 10 a.m. this morning when Ms. Ployphatcha (surname withheld), 37, climbed to the top of the cell and stayed suspended there.

Motorcyclist returns forgotten handbag with cash, jewellery to shopper

A WOMAN who left her handbag containing cash, gold and diamond jewellery worth hundreds of thousands of baht in the trolley at a hypermarket got it all back from the finder, an unidentified motorcyclist she forgot to reward, Amarin TV reported this morning (Oct. 8, 2020).

The lost-and-found incident occurred at a Big C store in Phetchabun province yesterday afternoon with Mrs. Pannataporn Kaysaythong, 65, relating that just as she was loading her shopping into her car, her daughter called saying there were visitors waiting to see her at home.

Trump campaign’s next steps unclear after White House return

By AP, published by New Indian Express

Washington – US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House is poised to reshape the campaign’s final four weeks as aides debated how to move past an extraordinary setback while grappling with how to send an infected president back on the road.

A race that had remained steady throughout the tumult of 2020 now threatens to slip away from the president after he spent 72 hours hospitalized with Covid-19, the very disease that has fundamentally altered the country he leads and the campaign he wanted to run.

Two policemen, a guard punched up in restaurant brawl

A FRACAS at a barbequed shrimp restaurant led to nine guards badly beating up two off-duty policemen and another guard who moved in to help one of them, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon.

A Facebook member shared a video clip of the punch-up, which is going viral on the Thai social media, with this showing nine guards of Por Kung Phao restaurant in Lak Si – Saphan Mai area of the metropolis continuing to beat up one of the two policemen who was lying unconscious on the ground.

PM: Only specific areas to be initially opened to limited number of tourists

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today (Oct. 7) that agencies concerned are discussing the reopening of the country to tourism but where Phuket is concerned this could only start after the vegetarian festival ends on October 25 but the whole island would not be opened to them, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Foreign tourists coming in have to be monitored right from the start, being quarantined before setting off on their journey, and will be restricted to the beach and hotel they opt to stay and allowed to do so.

Former boxing champ in coma after insect bite

A VERY popular and successful Thai boxer of yesteryear, whose professional name was Dok Mai Pa P. Pongsawang, is in coma after a bite by an unknown insect led to bloodstream infection, Amarin TV reported this morning (Oct. 7, 2020).

The former star boxer, whose real name is Mr. Jamnian Mulkesorn, 52, and who now works as an employee of the technical division of Yang Talat sub-district municipality, Yang Talat district, Kalasin province, after hanging up his gloves around 30 years ago, was bitten by the insect on his left thigh last Wednesday September 30 while cutting grass.

Loch Ness Monster ‘caught on sonar’ as 30ft shape

By Jon Rogers, The Sun

A LOCH Ness Monster hunter thinks he has caught a sonar image of the beast, giving the “most compelling” evidence the creature really does exist.

The image was caught by Cruise Loch Ness director Ronald Mackenzie while he was skippering a catamaran on Wednesday afternoon.

If the image is correct it could mean Nessie is around 33ft long, although an expert said it could just be a shoal of fish.

Debt collector badly injured after firing shots at factory workers

THERE was panic at a factory after a stressed out debt collector drove in and fired three shots at workers just as they were leaving for home but fortunately no one got injured while he himself got badly hurt when he backed out of the compound and hit a barrier, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 6, 2020).

The shooting, at a factory in Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Rayong province, occurred when three security guards, Mr. Hongthong, Mr. Wittaya and Mr. Sutin, opened the gate at around 8:10 p.m. to let the workers leave at the end of their shift.

Two held for smuggling marijuana from Thailand to Myanmar

POLICE are moving to arrest other members of a marijuana trafficking gang after two of them, both Myanmar nationals, were arrested at Mae Sot border town in possession of two lots of the drug totaling 360 kilogrammes which was being taken across the border to the neighbouring country, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (October 6, 2020).

The 360kgs of marijuana would have fetched over 10 million baht overseas.

Trump’s medical status unclear – he could be discharged on Monday

By Reuters staff, published by US News

Washington – US President Donald Trump could be discharged from the hospital where he is being treated for Covid-19 as soon as Monday, according to his doctors, although his condition remains unclear and outside experts warn that his case may be severe.

Sequestered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington since Friday, Trump has released a series of videos in an effort to reassure the public that he is recovering from a pandemic that has infected 7.4 million Americans and killed more than 209,000.

Man playing with ping pong bomb injured after it explodes

A YOUNG man in southern Krabi province is in the intensive care unit after severely injuring his left arm while playing with a ping pong bomb at his girlfriend’s house before dawn this morning (Oct. 5), Channel 7 News reported.

Mr. Thanakorn, 26, was rushed to Krabi Hospital at 5 a.m. by an ambulance sent Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation, which said in a post on its fan page that ambulance staff saw blood splattered all over the room with the man’s left arm bleeding profusely from a large wound that showed a broken bone. 

Arkhom appointed new finance minister

THE Royal Gazette today (Oct. 5) announced His Majesty the King’s royal command appointing Arkhom Termpittayapaisith the new finance minister.

This appointment by His Majesty the King, with the royal command dated October 1, 2020, was made by virtue of Section 158 of the Constitution.

Driver flees blazing car after crash

POLICE are searching for the owner of an Opel sedan who was seen in a surveillance camera clip fleeing  after miraculously getting out of his vehicle that caught fire moments after he had smashed it against a road barrier, Thai Rath newspaper reported this morning (Oct. 5, 2020).

Pol. Lt. Col. Wuttikorn Yuensuk, an investigator at Petchkasem station, rushed to scene of the accident at the U-turn under the bridge over Khlong Phasi Charoen, outbound Kanchanaphisek road, at 12.40 a.m. after calling in a fire engine and rescuers from Po Tek Tung Foundation.

Drug-crazed man stabs four guards at shopping mall

THE man who stabbed four guards at The Mall department store Ngamwongwan branch at 8 p.m. last evening was high on drugs and hallucinating with this confirmed by a urine test, Thai Rath reported today (Oct. 4. 2020).

Pol. Lt. Col. Uthen Hongthong, an investigator at Muang Nonthaburi police station, said the suspect, Mr. Wanchai Boonruang, 33, was still hallucinating when he questioned him and sometimes joked around with the interrogation lasting an hour.

Motorist fuming after road repair crew splashes asphalt on his car

A YOUNG MAN whose car got badly splashed with asphalt as he drove past a renovation site last night is asking who is going to be responsible for the damage after the repair team chief had quickly fled, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 4, 2020).

Facebook member Kiratikorn Sukserm posted photos of his damaged sedan at 1.32 p.m. today and said after his car got badly splashed with asphalt he parked it and went to talk to the man who was driving the sprayer, but he told him to go talk to his chief. However when he approached the chief, he quickly drove away.

Anger over Thai hotel’s ‘appropriation of Cambodian culture’

CAMBODIAN social media was awash with criticism of a Thai hotel that built buildings resembling Angkor Wat and other Cambodian landmarks accusing the owners of “cultural appropriation,” Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 4, 2020).

Quoting Khmer Times newspaper, the mass-circulation Thai daily said that many Cambodians had expressed their displeasure at the hotel on Koh Phangan accusing the owners of having appropriated Cambodian culture and landmarks, such as Angkor Wat, for commercial purposes.

Bangkok governor going all out to help flood-prone inner zone

BANGKOK Governor Asawin Kwanmuang today (Oct. 3) acknowledged in a Facebook post that inner area of Bangkok, which is the capital’s economic zone, has low capacity to absorb rainwater leading to flooding in many points and that urgent measures are being sought to resolve this problem, INN News and Sanook.com reported.

The post came after very heavy and continuous downpour during last evening’s rush hour led to parts of the inner zone, such as Sathorn, Huay Kwang, Din Daeng, Chatuchak, Khlong Toei, Wattana and Phra Khanong, being inundated.

Progressive Movement slams Shopee over political products

THE Singaporean e-commerce platform Shopee has come under attack by the Progressive Movement which pointed out that the group’s products were banned for sale twice recently and each time it was before a big political rally took place, Siam Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 3, 2020).

The leaders of the movement announced that it will not be returning to sell their products on Shopee and urged their followers to loudly question why the huge e-commerce platform decided to impose the ban.

Zoo chief probing missing albino barking deer shot dead 

THE director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand under Royal Patronage was shot dead in southern Songkhla province this morning (Oct. 3) while on a visit to investigate the disappearance of an albino barking deer, a Royally bestowed species, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

It was later revealed that the visiting director, Mr. Suriya Saengphong, was shot dead at an office within Songkhla Zoo by a veterinarian who worked there. The vet then used the same pistol to shoot himself dead at his home.

Thaksin, sister infected with coronavirus, have recovered

FORMER prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister Mrs. Yaowapa Wongsawat, or Jeh Daeng, both contracted coronavirus in Dubai but have now recovered after treatment at a hospital there, a source close to the Shinawatra family told Sanook.com this evening (Oct. 2, 2020).

Aside from Thaksin and Yaowapa, their staff including secretaries and drivers, also came down with this serious illness.

Tots unhurt In Sukhumvit kindergarten blaze

AN ELECTRIC school van burst in flames which spread to another van and also burnt down part of a kindergarten in Sukhumvit soi 38 today (Oct. 2) but fortunately none of the small pupils were harmed as they were having lunch in another building, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Pol. Lt. Col. Eklak Siriyotsophon, an investigator of Thonglor Police Station, was alerted to the fire erupting at the kindergarten at 12.20 p.m. and quickly sent in firemen and rushed there to investigate.

Marine Corps sets sights on Chinese amphibious tanks

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

THAILAND’S MARINE Corps plans to buy three light amphibious tanks from China for a combined price of 398 million baht.

The VN16 light amphibious tanks would be supplied to the Marine Corps by Norinco of China in about a year after a purchase order has been signed, said a Marine Corps officer who only spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump tests positive for the coronavirus

By New York Times

Washington — US President Trump said early this morning (Oct. 2) that he and the first lady have tested positive for the coronavirus, throwing the nation’s leadership into uncertainty and escalating the crisis posed by a pandemic that has already killed more than 207,000 Americans and devastated the economy.

“Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter shortly before 1 a.m. “We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER!”

ATM card finder tripped up by online fraudster

A GOOD Samaritan who upon finding an ATM card tried to search for the owner by posting pictures of it online immediately gave an opportunity to a cyber swindler who used the unmasked number and security code to spend 20,000 baht on an online shopping spree, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Oct. 2, 2020).

Mr. Phonkrit Phonchanthuek, 34, a music instrument salesman, said just as he walked out of the bathroom at a shopping mall in Nakhon Ratchasima province at 7.35 p.m. on Wednesday September 30 he heard the Bangkok Bank ATM machine making a loud sound.

Political analysts warn of US election violence in November

By Elliot Smith, CNBC

WITH US President Donald Trump refusing to commit to a peaceful transition of power in the event that he loses the election and clashes already unfolding in some states, political analysts are uniquely fearful as November approaches.

Asked last week to commit to conceding should the Nov. 3 election go in favour of Democrat Joe Biden, Trump doubled down on his unfounded claims about mail-in ballots leading to widespread voter fraud in justifying his reluctance.

Sex for grades scandal shakes education system

ANOTHER scandal is rocking the Thai education system after the sister of a final year high school student revealed text messages from a teacher negotiating sex for grades with her brother, Sanook.com and Channel 3 television news reported today (Oct. 1, 2020).

In the chat between the male teacher of a famous private school in Surat Thani with the male high school student and brother of the woman who shared the screenshots is an indecent soliciting of sex for grades and passing the exam.

Lamborghini-motorcycle crash stirs online mirth

A CRASH between a Lamborghini super sports car and a humble motorcycle that led to the motorcyclist injuring his leg in Bangkok yesterday attracted a lot of online attention with netizens laughing at the high cost of repairing the posh vehicle, Sanook.com reported today (Oct. 1, 2020).

A photo of the accident at the entrance of a Pracha Uthit alley just in front of The Pimp exclusive gentlemen’s club shared by Facebook user Tavon Singto went viral on Thai social media.

Thammasat: Reports of students infected with Covid-19 fake news

THAMMASAT University today (Oct. 1) categorically denied any of its students have been infected by Covid-19 as claimed by widely circulated news reports with the administrators branding them as fake news, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

The false reports are based on a fake document dated September 22, 2020 which the university administration debunked and stated it had never circulated it nor does anyone there know anything about it.

India shoots down China’s 1959 Line

The Hindu

INDIA and China yesterday (Sept. 29) exchanged sharp statements blaming each other for the continuing border tensions, with New Delhi describing China’s Line of Actual Control (LAC) claims as “untenable” and Beijing saying it “did not recognise” the Union Territory of Ladakh.

“India has never accepted the so-called unilaterally defined 1959 Line of Actual Control (LAC),” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, in response to a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry that the LAC was “clear” and that “it is the LAC of November 7, 1959”.

Korean man hangs self as wife stands by watching him die 

CHONBURI province police were saddened at discovering that a Korean businessman who hanged himself today (Sept. 30) did so while his wife stood close by watching him without urging him to stop nor helping him as he struggled just before dying, Sanook.com reported.

Pol. Lt. Col. Thirathat Trunchan, an investigator at Nong Prue station in Bang Lamung district, got a report at 3.30 p.m. today that a man had committed suicide in this subdistrict so rushed to his house to find out the details.

Thaksin ‘not returning as PM of national government’

PEOPLE close to fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra today (Sept. 30) slammed rumourmongers who have spread news online that he is returning to helm a national government as a royally-appointed prime minister, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

They added that the former prime minister did not know anything about this matter and had criticised this type of information operation as being very bad for the country. 

Manhunt in Krabi after two prisoners escape

TWO male inmates at Krabi prison serving sentences for drug trafficking offenses escaped before dawn today (Sept. 30) with a big manhunt now underway at this popular southern coastal province, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Pol. Lt. Col. Boonsong Longwaree,  chief investigator of Mueang Krabi police station, rushed to the prison upon being notified of the jailbreak at 9 a.m. together with the station chief Pol. Col. Phitsanu Phuangprom and other officers.

Scientists puzzled by Africa’s low fatality rates from pandemic

By Reuters staff, published by The Hindu

AFRICA’S overburdened public health systems, dearth of testing facilities and overcrowded slums had experts predicting a disaster when Covid-19 hit the continent in February.

The new coronavirus was already wreaking havoc in wealthy Asian and European nations, and a United Nations agency said in April that, even with social-distancing measures, the virus could kill 300,000 Africans this year.

Chinese millionaire tourists first to fly in on private jet

SEVEN Chinese millionaires are ready to fly to Thailand on a private jet as soon as the Foreign Ministry approves the Special Tourist Visa for this class of visitors with this being the only official hurdle remaining as everything else is fully now ready, Thai Quote and Sanook.com reported today (Sept. 29, 2020).

Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the Tourism and Sports Minister, said approval for special and long-stay tourists to come to Thailand has already been given by the Cabinet, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, the Interior Ministry with his ministry also fully ready to welcome them having prepared a hotel for their quarantine. 

Gold shop robbery suspect nabbed while trying to flee to Laos

POLICE have arrested a suspect in the heist of 221 baht weight gold jewellery worth 6.5 million baht from a gold shop at Tesco Lotus Wang Hin branch in northeastern Loei province just as he was about to cross the border to Laos via natural routes, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Sept. 29, 2020).

In announcing the arrest of Mr. Chaimongkol Chaiboonupatham, 38, at 1 p.m. today Metropolitan Police Bureau said Pol. Gen. Suchart Thirasawat, the deputy national police chief, is travelling to Loei to bring the suspect back to Bangkok for questioning.

Action taken to protect giant monkeys after two show up

OFFICIALS moved to block any access to Khao Nor hill in Nakhon Sawan province after tourists and local people were thrilled to see two giant monkeys that had come down this very hill last evening (Sept. 28), Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Ms. Viraya Ochakul, director of the Wildlife Conservation Division of the Office of the 12th Conservation Management Area (Nakhon Sawan), together with relevant officials went to this hill today to investigate and confirm whether there were giant monkeys living there. They intend to place cameras in various places in the hope of capturing some footage of these rare creatures.

US-China tech tensions ‘won’t go away even if Biden wins election’

By CNBC staff

TENSIONS around technology will remain between the US and China, even if Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wins the US election in November, according to an analyst.

Ties between the two economic giants have steadily worsened this year, as Washington increasingly targets Chinese tech giants from phone maker Huawei to video-sharing app TikTok. The Trump administration says Huawei and other Chinese technology companies could collect American user data and hand them over to Beijing, a claim both Huawei and TikTok have denied.

Warning issued after ‘pretty’ gets drugged at concert

FRIENDS of a hospitalized “pretty,” which in Thailand means a product presenter or party entertainer, issued a strong warning to others in the same profession after she collapsed at a concert upon having an alcoholic drink laced with a potent drug offered by one of numerous guests, Sanook.com reported.

The incident occurred last Saturday, September 26, during a concert at Ban Ma subdistrict, Bang Sai district, Ayutthaya province. 

PM denies setting up national government, nor quitting

PRIME MINISTER Prayut Chan-o-cha today (Sept. 28) quashed speculations that a national government is being set up with Pheu Thai Party joining in after it votes in a new executive committee, Thai Rath newspaper report.

Gen. Prayut also denied giving up and getting ready to step down from premiership.

Police track gold shop robber’s escape route

ALTHOUGH the man who robbed a gold shop at Tesco Lotus Wanghin mall and escaped with over 200 baht weight gold ornaments yesterday has still to be caught, police have worked out his escape route and are confident of arresting him soon, Siam Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 28, 2020).

The gold shop, Yaowarat Bangkok, lost a total of 221 baht and 50 satang weight in gold ornaments worth about 6.5 million baht. However the shop is insured for theft.

Video clip of emergency room drama going viral

A SHORT video clip (below) shared by Facebook member Teetach Sirithanyachaikul, a doctor at Don Tan Hospital, Don Tan district, Mukdahan province, showing him and a nurse running away from the emergency room after some rowdy teenagers rode up to attack a patient there is going viral on Thai social media, Sanook.com reported.

A message accompanying the clip said he was stitching the patient last evening when he heard a gunshot being fired by a group of teenagers who had driven up on around 20 motorcycles. Then approximately at 7.16 p.m. he dashed off with the nurse.

Police take action against over a thousand gambling sites

WITH Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha concerned about the ease with which children and youths can reach online gambling websites, police are moving to crackdown hard on such activities, Siam Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 27, 2020).

The police together with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission last Wednesday September 23 asked Internet Service Providers (ISP) and mobile phone operators to quickly block access to a total a total 1,202 gambling websites.

Four dead, one injured at wedding shootout

A MAN torn by jealousy after another man talked to girlfriend, who was a bridesmaid at a wedding in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, shot and seriously wounded him with this triggering a firefight with his father leading to all three as well as another guest being killed, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 27, 2020).

Police from Tham Phannara station rushed to the wedding venue in Dusit district where two large marquees had been set up and a band hired to play and entertain the guests.

Door opening to special tourists, but quarantine remaining 14 days

TWO key ministries, Tourism and Sports and Public Health, as well as other related agencies are now ready to open Thailand to special tourists but quarantine will remain 14 days and not reduced to seven days as earlier reported, Thai Rath newspaper said today (Sept. 26, 2020).

Ms. Trisulee Traisanakul, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, said despite Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn having said it would be a good idea to reduce the quarantine for tourists traveling to Thailand on a special tourist visa from 14 to seven days, this would not immediately take effect with relaxation to be a gradual process.

Cracks in Phue Thai Party, ‘new leader to support Prayut’

PHEU Thai Party was rocked by the resignation of its chief strategist Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan and some other Strategic Committee members today (Sept. 26) with sources saying this indicates a shift to support the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Siam Rath  newspaper reported.

Earlier reports that party leader Somphong Amornvivat would also be stepping down were confirmed by other news outlets that he had done so.

Police probing kindergarten teacher who abused students

A YOUNG teacher at a Nonthaburi kindergarten who was seen in a video clip abusing first-year students, pulling the hair of one of them and pushing another to the ground, is being investigated by police after being sacked, INN News and Sanook.com reported today (Sept. 26, 2020).

Parents of the small students went to the kindergarten to find out what was going on after their children refused to leave home. They asked to see the surveillance camera footage and this clearly showed the students being abused.

Paris attack: Two hurt in stabbing near former Charlie Hebdo office

By BBC

TWO PEOPLE have been seriously hurt in a knife attack in Paris near the former offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, officials say.

A suspect has been detained in the nearby Bastille area. A second suspect has also been arrested, reports say.

Army moving to get 60 more Stryker vehicles

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

THE THAI ARMY has planned to procure 60 more Stryker infantry carrier vehicles in order to make a total of 130 under deployment by a future Light Mechanized Infantry regiment.

The 112th Infantry Regiment currently deploys 70 US-built Stryker infantry carrier vehicles and planned to procure 60 more in effort to turn itself into a Light Mechanized Infantry regiment, according to an army officer.

Big hunt for meteorites in Chiang Mai

VILLAGERS at Chiang Mai’s Mae Suek subdistrict are happily searching for meteorites today (Sept. 25) after rumours of some of them having found and secretly kept a football-size one last month was confirmed to be true, Khaosod newspaper reported.

Mr. Inthara Nuknaen, Mae Suk subdistrict chief, revealed that some villagers did find a large meteorite on the night of August 9 when strange lights flashed across the sky, which prompted them to go look around. However while they tried to keep it a secret, rumours spread that they had found something valuable, eventually leading to the group revealing their find.

PM denies lobbying for constitution amendment delay

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today (Sept. 25) denied lobbying MPs and senators to delay constitution amendments after fait accompli last night when the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament voted to set up a committee to scrutinize the six motions that had been debated over the past two days with voting to take place in a month’s time, INN News reported.

Gen. Prayut said the first day of debate at the joint session went well but conflicts arose on the second day while denying giving any orders on these key changes.

Man held for stealing top-up machines to feed drug habit

A DRUG addict desperate for cash to fund his habit confessed to stealing three top-up machines, two in Khon Kaen city and one at a Kalasin district, getting several thousand baht from each of them, Khaosod newsapaper reported this evening (Sept. 24, 2020).

Pol. Col. Anusak Sakdawatcharanon, head of Nam Phong station at Khon Kaen, said investigators tracked down Mr. Phanom Singsawat, 26, at his home in Sam Sung district after a surveillance camera showed him driving off in a pickup with a top-up machine he had yanked from the front of a shop.

Mob gathers at Parliament to push for constitution amendment

WITH the joint Senate and House of Representatives session to vote on six constitution amendment motions today (Sept. 24), the Free Youth group and their allies flocked to the Parliament building in to pile on the pressure for key constitution change, INN News reported.

Aside from the Free Youth group, other demonstrators were from Thammasat Alliance, iLaw, the legal watchdog NGO, the Bad Students group, and the Campaign Movement to Draft a New People’s Constitution.

Myanmar’s ‘maximum containment’ Covid plan pushed to brink as virus surges

Yangon – Myanmar has quarantined tens of thousands of people to prevent a coronavirus outbreak from overwhelming its fragile healthcare system but public health experts and doctors say the strategy is on the brink of collapse as infections surge.

The Southeast Asian nation is housing more than 45,000 people, including Covid-19 patients as well as those yet to be tested, their close contacts and returning migrant workers, in buildings from schools and monasteries to government offices and tower blocks, mostly run by volunteers.

Man yearning for a son kills his newborn daughter

A THAI man of Chinese descent was arrested in Chiang Mai last night (Sept. 23) on the charges of killing his seven-day-old daughter after deep disappointment that she was not born a boy as he had so yearned for, Thai Rath newspaper reported today.

Pol. Col. Kittipong Phetchamunee, head of Chang Phueak station, arrested  Mr. Anuphap Chaipanya, 45, at his house in the same district for premeditated murder of the his seven-day-old daughter, Nicha Chaipanya, after being notified by his wife that the baby had disappeared and she suspected her husband’s involvement.

Tel Aviv set to become first city with electric recharging roads

By Alexis Benveniste, CNN Business

New York – The city of Tel Aviv is working on creating wireless electric roads to charge and power public transportation in the city.

The electric roads are part of a pilot programme led by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality in collaboration with ElectReon, a company developing a system that can charge electric vehicles while they are moving, and Dan Bus Company. The project is being funded by a combination of government and private funds, according to a spokesperson for ElectReon, though a full budget has not been released.

PM guarantees fiscal position remains strong with no payroll crisis looming

PRIME Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha today (Sept. 23) debunked rumours falsely claiming the government is facing such a severe budget problem that civil service payroll could be affected underscoring that the country’s financial position remains strong, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Pointing out that he had already previously clarified this issue, the Prime Minister said relevant agencies had stated that there is no impact because Thailand has reserves to tap into if need be with the cash flow remaining strong.

Interpol to be asked to reissue Red Notice for Red Bull heir’s arrest

THAI POLICE are moving to ask Interpol to again issue a Red Notice for the arrest of Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya in the hit-and-run case that led to a policeman’s death on September 3, 2012 on two charges that the Office of Attorney General has listed, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 23, 2020).

Pol. Col. Krisana Pattanacharoen, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, said Thonglor police station had been informed that the Attorney General’s Office now wants to take legal action against Yorayuth on two counts, reckless driving causing death and cocaine abuse.

Protesters perform ceremony to put senators in the pot

THE Free Youth group held a mobile protest on a pickup truck fitted with amplifiers at various military and police headquarters today (Sept. 23) starting with the army headquarters where they performed a ceremony to put senators in a ritual pot as they called on military commanders to come back and be military officers and not politicians in the Parliament, INN News reported.

The protesters pointed out that senators were appointed by National Council for Peace and Order with no direct links to the people.

Chinese tycoon and Xi critic jailed for 18 years

By CNN Business

Beijing – A Chinese billionaire who criticized President Xi Jinping’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic has been jailed for 18 years on corruption charges, a court said today (Sept. 22, 2020).

Ren Zhiqiang, a retired real-estate tycoon with close ties to senior Chinese officials, disappeared in March after he allegedly penned a scathing essay that month criticizing Xi’s response to the coronavirus epidemic. He was later charged with corruption-related offenses.

Court acquits truck driver charged with possessing 1 Speed pill

HUA HIN Provincial Court quashed a charge of possessing one methamphetamine (Speed) pill filed against a truck driver after a police search on November 13 last year landed him in a legal tangle, Channel 3 News reported today (Sept. 22, 2020).

Mr. Sophon Wongsawat, 47, was driving a truck loaded with rubber sheets from Chumphon to Rayong province when police searched and alleged that they found one Speed pill in the truck. However the suspect has denied drug possession charge throughout.

Protesters who installed plaque face maximum 3 years in jail

CULTURE Minister Ittipol Khunpluem said at 1.30 p.m. today (Sept.22) the Fine Arts Department has been assigned to file a complaint for prosecution with the police against the Thammasat Alliance which over the weekend installed 2020 Khana Rasadorn plaque at Sanam Luang with maximum penalty under Ancient Monuments, Antiques. Objects of Art and National Museums Act 1961 being three years in jail, Thai Rath reported this afternoon.

Their action damaged Thung Phra Men, the official name of Sanam Luang, that was registered as an archaeological site in 1977, he said.

Green light for two long weekends in November, December

THE CABINET meeting today (Sept. 22) presided over by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha approved additional holidays in November and rescheduled a holiday in December to create two more long weekends which would give people an opportunity to travel and this in turn help stimulate the economy, Sanook.com reported.

Thursday and Friday November 19 and 20 have been declared extra holidays with this leading to a four-day long weekend from November 19 to 22.

Scientists: UK heading for 50,000 coronavirus cases per day if no action is taken

By CNBC

London — The UK could be headed for a second, “mini” lockdown for two weeks to counter a resurgence in coronavirus cases, as the government’s top scientists predict how quickly the virus could spread if no action is taken.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reportedly considering another national lockdown to act as a “circuit-breaker” to stop the spread of the virus, according to the BBC. Plans to introduce stricter measures on the public come as daily new infections rise, with almost 4,000 new cases reported on Sunday.

A policewoman kills ex-girlfriend at temple

AN IMMIGRATION policewoman who shot dead another woman with whom she had previously had a relationship at a temple where monks were taking alms early this morning (Sept. 21) has surrendered in her provincial home Suphan Buri where she had fled, Sanook.com reported.

Pol.L/C. Siriwan (surname withheld), 37, told police at Si Prachan station in Suphan Buri where her family had brought her in to surrender that she had previously lived together with Ms. Linlada (surname withheld), 39, on online trader, at the police flat.

Mysterious plastic plaque shows up at Sanam Luang

AFTER THE removal of the second Khana Rasadorn plaque from Sanam Luang last night, with it not yet know who dug it out and whether it has been destroyed, at 2 p.m. this afternoon (Sept. 21) a plastic copy of the same plaque was placed at the same spot, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

The plastic copy has now been removed by Sanam Luang staff who have kept it at a resting tent.

Owner carries dead pet dog to report attack by 3 Rottweilers

THE heart-broken owner of a six-year-old Thai Bangkaew dog carried his body to Krabi police station to report an attack by three Rottweilers after he ran out to help a cat that they were chasing, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (21.9.2020).

Ms. Ruthairat Wongviwat, 38, said the attack took place on Saturday afternoon (Sept.19) while she was working at a resort in Ao Nang district.

Over 200 kgs Ice found near abandoned Chonburi warehouse

AN EAGLE-EYED guard spotted suspicious looking bags hidden in the underbrush near an abandoned warehouse in Chonburi province last night and quickly alerted the police who found over 200 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) neatly packed in six of these bags well hidden at that deserted spot, Khaosod newspaper reported today (September 20, 2020).

Pol. Maj Gen. Thanong Thongpradpetch, head of Police Forensic Science Centre 2, and his team reached the deserted, unlit road leading to the warehouse in Bang Lamung district at around 10.30 p.m. last night to collect evidence and lift fingerprints.

Police expect BMA to remove plaque

THE COPY of Khana Rasadorn plaque installed by demonstrators at Sanam Luang this morning (Sept. 20) will likely be removed by the Bangkok Metropolis Administration which together with the Education Ministry is in charge of this issue, Thai Rath newspaper quoted two senior police officers as saying this afternoon.

This plaque is similar to the one installed by Khana Rasadorn at the Royal Plaza in 1932 after the revolution they mounted had ended absolute monarchy and brought in constitutional monarchy

Penguin calls on Thais to paralyze the country on October 14

IN OFFICIALLY ending the demonstration entitled “September 19 Reclaiming People’s Power” at 9.09 a..m. this morning (Oct. 20) one of the leaders, Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, called on the people and students to stop working and studying on October 14, which is the anniversary of the mass uprising against military dictatorship in 1973, and paralyze the country, Amarin TV reported.

He gave this speech after Ms. Panusaya Sitthichirawattanakul, or Rung, another student leader, had handed over their demands to the Metropolitan Police at 8.50 a.m. with the demonstrators saying they are gathering again in front of the National Assembly on Sept. 24 when the House will be debating constitutional amendments.

Sanam Luang demonstration grows bigger

DESPITE the rain more people are flocking to Sanam Luang ground this evening (Sept. 19) to join thousands of others already there as the demonstration by Thammasat Alliance, entitled “September 19 Reclaiming People’s Power,” grows bigger, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The protesters are well prepared with raincoats and umbrellas and are also wearing face masks.

Demonstration starts at Thammasat University Tha Prachan campus

LEADERS of the demonstrators, who call themselves Thammasat Alliance and their rally “September 19 Reclaiming People’s Power”, were to start giving speeches from 2 p.m. onwards at Thammasat University Tha Prachan campus’ football field, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 19, 2020).

The demonstrators had pushed their way into campus through the gate after cutting the chain that kept it shut at 1.38 p.m. with their leaders being on hand to welcome them.

Tourists stranded for hours after Noul veers ferry off course

THE powerful tropical storm Noul moving across Thailand this weekend caused a ferry carrying 90 people from Koh Chang to Trat mainland to run aground  last night with it taking four hours to safely evacuate all of them, Amarin TV reported this morning (Sept. 19, 2020).

The rescue drama started at 7 p.m. after Mr. Thanya Watthanaweraphong, head of Strategy and Management Division, Trat Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, was notified that a ferry had run aground near Centerpoint’s pier in Laem Ngop district with a total of 90 tourists and crew stranded on board and quickly took a team there to help them.

Chinese PLA soldiers use ‘chaste Hindi’ to taunt Indian troops

By Eurasiantimes.com

DESPITE the five-point India-China agreement for defusing border tensions, China has put the ball in India’s court and said it was crucial for New Delhi to correct its “mistake”, disengage on the ground, and take tangible steps to reduce tensions.

There were other reports of change in tactics by the PLA when they belted-out Punjabi numbers to soften up the Indian troops into dropping their guard in a fiercely contested conflict.

Karen man arrested after beheading girlfriend

A YOUNG Karen man with a 20,000 baht bounty offered for his capture for beheading his girlfriend and removing her heart was caught today (Sept. 18) after a massive hunt near the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The shocking murder of Ms. Ann, 17, at her house in Mae Ramat district of this border province yesterday led to a big hunt for Mr. Ae, who does not have a last name, 21, by a 50-strong team from the local police station and a border patrol police unit who were joined by some rangers and officials.

Interpreter flown back from Saudi Arabia dies of Covid-19

A LABOUR Ministry interpreter who got infected with Covid-19 while working in Saudi Arabia and was flown back to Thailand after his condition improved died around noon today (Sept. 18, 2020) at Ratchawithi Hospital, Sanook.com reported.

Mr. Prida Chuphoodee, an advisor to Chularajmontri, said the 54-years-old Muslim interpreter is a resident of Chachoengsao province and has two sons who are still living in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

Tropical storm Noul slams into Khon Kaen, dumps rain in Phang Nga

ROARING in Thailand before dawn this morning (Sept. 18) was tropical storm Noul directly hitting Khon Kaen city in the Northeast while also triggering continuous rainfall across southern coastal province of Phang Nga, Siam Rath reported.

Noul unleashed heavy downpour and strong gusty winds in Khon Kaen from 4 a.m. onward leading to many roads being flooded, with floodwater highest at Ban Kok road surging to 30 to 50 centimetres for a two–kilometre stretch from of Ban Kok School till Mittraphab highway intersection.

Govt House staff moving papers out as mob is heading there on Sunday

WITH demonstrators who are gathering in Bangkok on Saturday September 19 intending to march to Government House the next day, Sunday, security staff and police have started moving out all important documents from the complex with parking being banned there from tomorrow evening till Sunday, Siam Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Sept. 17, 2020).

Mr. Prateep Kiratirekha, the Prime Minister’s deputy secretary-general for political affairs, held a meeting with all department heads to step up security.

Covid-19 infected boy’s parents worked in Korat, Ayutthaya

THAI health officials have found out that the parents of the two-year-old Myanmar boy who tested positive for coronavirus after the family crossed over to Myawaddy from Mae Sot border town had worked in Nakhon Ratchasima (also known as Korat) and very briefly in Ayutthaya province, Siam Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 17, 2020).

Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said health officials found out through testing and questioning people who came into contact with the family that the couple had worked at a brick block company in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima province, from October 2019 till June 25 this year when both husband and wife quit their jobs and went to Ayutthaya.

MP blasted after being caught watching porno picture in Parliament

AN MP sitting on the government benches in the House of Representatives was photographed watching a pornographic image on his mobile phone while the debate on the budget bill for fiscal 2021 was continuing yesterday (Sept. 16) with this raising criticism among the public, Sanook.com reported this morning.

House Speaker Chuan Leekpai had previously requested MPs to not bring communication devices to Parliament when stating the House standards but it seems some MPs have not been toeing the line.

US pushes arms sales surge to ‘Fortress Taiwan,’ needling China – sources

By Reuters staff and published by Nasdaq.com

Washington – The United States plans to sell as many as seven major weapons systems, including mines, cruise missiles and drones to Taiwan, four people familiar with the discussions said, as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on China.

Pursuing seven sales at once is a rare departure from years of precedent in which US military sales to the island were spaced out and carefully calibrated to minimize tensions with Beijing.

Group submits ‘non-interference’ letter to Trump at embassy

REPRESENTATIVES of the Thai People Group submitted a letter to US President Donald Trump and US Ambassador to Thailand Michael George DeSombre at the embassy this morning (Sept. 16) demanding confirmation of non-interference in the internal affairs of Thailand, Thai Post newspaper reported.

The group’s representatives, Mr. Pichit Chaiyamongkol and Mr. Tawatchai Jaroonchat, were met by the embassy’s political secretary Mr. Kevin M. McCown.

Myanmar boy infected with Covid-19 crossed over by natural route

THE two-year-old Myanmar boy who was found to be infected with Covid-19 at Myawaddy town, across the border from Thailand’s Mae Sot town, on Sunday September 13 after departing Thailand on September 4 did not go across via the official checkpoint but through one of 50 natural channels, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 16, 2020).

Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said with the discovery of this case Myawaddy imposed a curfew on September 14.

Tropical storm Noul to lash Thailand from Friday

TORRENTIAL rain is expected across most parts of the country after category 3 tropical storm Noul makes a landfall in middle of Vietnam and then moves to Thailand’s northeast during September 18-20, Thai Meteorological Department warned this morning (September 16, 2020).

At the same time the southwesterly monsoon across the Andaman Sea, Thailand and Gulf of Thailand will strengthen and also bring more downpour.

India says it has doubled budget for roads and bridges on China border

By Reuters, published by US News

New Delhi – India has doubled the budget for vital roads and bridges along the undemarcated border with China in recent years in response to Beijing’s rapid infrastructure development on its side, the Indian defense minister said today (Sept. 15).

Troops of the two countries are locked in their most serious face-offs for years along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) or informal border in the western Himalayas, raising fears of a broader conflict.

Thailand unveils special 270-day package for tourists

THE Cabinet today (Sept. 15) approved in principle the guidelines for a special category of tourists to come to Thailand for a 90-day stay under the Special Tourist Visa with this extendable twice taking the total to 270 days, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Foreign tourists have to meet certain qualifications to get this visa.

Condo’s concrete awning collapses in Srinakarin area

RESIDENTS of a nine-storey condominium off Srinakarin road near Seacon Square scurried for safety at 5.30 a.m. this morning (Sept. 14, 2020) after a 21.5-metre-long concrete awning affixed between the ground and first floors suddenly collapsed but fortunately there were no injuries, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Sukhumvit fire and rescue staff, rescuers from Po Tek Tung Foundation, civil engineers and Mr. Woraset Wisansak, director of the Prawet district office, rushed to Niran Residence 5 condominium and found that the rubble of the 21.5-metre-long and one-metre-wide awning had blocked the entrance to six ground floor units with staff helping residents trapped within come out safely.

Locals reject projection of Koh Samui as a deserted island

DESPITE a social media post saying that Koh Samui has turned into a deserted island with there now being hardly any tourists around and illustrating this claim with photos showing a deserted beach and closed shops, the island’s authorities and local people jumped in to say this is far from the truth with Thai and foreign tourists still coming to the island, Khao Sod reported today (Sept. 14, 2020).

That this internationally-famous island is still attracting visitors was underscored by Bangkok Airways and the ferry services having to add extra flights and trips to the mainland respectively during the long weekend earlier this month.

Hunt for owner of SUV who escaped in a cab after accident

AFTER A bad accident at Klong Toei intersection early this morning the owner of a Ford Everest  SUV, who eyewitnesses claim was drunk, crossed the road via the pedestrian bridge and hopped onto a cab thus coolly fleeing the scene, Sanook.com reported today (Sept. 13, 2020).

The SUV driver had set off from Ratchadapisek road and reached Rama 4 road’s intersection with Klong Toei market at around 6 a.m. After that, it is uncertain whether it was due to being drunk or drowsy, he suddenly zipped across the road and climbed onto the traffic island, knocking down the traffic pole which fell on a Mercedes Benz sedan.

Party ‘wants Supattanapong to be new finance minister’

WITH THE vital finance minister position now vacant after Predee Daochai’s sudden resignation a few days ago, sources in Palang Pracharath Party say there is an attempt to push forward Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Panmeechaow for this key position because no one else suitable could be found, Siam Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 13, 2020).

However if this happens, the position of energy minister would then need to be filled and party members want Industry Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit to shift to this seat.

Nigerian romance scammers arrested in Phuket

POLICE at Phuket’s popular Patong beach arrested two Nigerian men on the charges of fleecing several women who they had ensnared with their romance trap and also overstaying in this country, Khaosod newspaper reported today (Sept. 13, 2020).

The two men, aged 21 and 19, were arrested in their hotel room at this beach after Patong police were tipped off by Songkhla immigration police who had already arrested some romance scammers.

Finance Ministry denies facing cash shortfall

A FIRM denial of cash flow problems was issued by the Finance Ministry this afternoon (Sept. 12) with a top official stating that it is not true that the ministry is suspending living allowance payments to the elderly and the disabled while only able to pay civil servants and other workers for just three months, Khaosod newspaper reported.

Mr. Lavaron Sangsnit, the director-general of the Fiscal Policy Office, said as the ministry’s spokesman that living allowance payments to the elderly and the disabled have not been omitted but just deferred due to budget adjustment to the number of eligible recipients this month, which is the last month of fiscal 2020.

Cabbies drive woman to provincial home after turning down sex for ride offer

GOING viral in the Thai online world is the kindness of four exhausted taxi drivers who took turns in driving a young woman from Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan after she had been tricked to come to the capital and left stranded with no money and had offered to trade herself for a ride but they had refused to take advantage of her desperation, Sanook.com reported today (Sept. 12, 2020).

Writing about this good deed and sharing it on “Chai Taxing” Facebook page was one of the four cabbies who said they turned down her offer, and even though they were exhausted from driving since morning, they nevertheless pooled in money to fill the gas and together drove her home, taking turns to drive because they were afraid of falling asleep at the wheel.

Lightning kills man at rubber plantation hut

A BOLT of lightning hit a car battery used to power light at a hut in a rubber plantation at coastal Rayong province severely injuring the owner who was sitting close by and leading to his death a short while later, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The tragic incident occurred at 2 p.m. yesterday (Sept. 11) after Mr. Manat Duangchai, 39, had gone to the hut from his house, which is around 200 metres away, and was chatting with a friend who had ridden up on his motorcycle.

US remembers the 9/11 attacks as the pandemic changes tribute traditions

By AP, published by CNBC

AMERICANS are commemorating 9/11 with tributes that have been altered by coronavirus precautions and woven into the presidential campaign, drawing both President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden to pay respects at the same memorial without crossing paths.

In New York, a dispute over coronavirus-safety precautions is leading to split-screen remembrances today, one at the Sept. 11 memorial plaza at the World Trade Center and another on a nearby corner. The Pentagon’s observance will be so restricted that not even victims’ families can attend, though small groups can visit the memorial there later in the day.

Thai footballer likely infected with Covid-19

THE Public Health Ministry is holding a press conference at 5 p.m. today (Sept. 11) after a football player of the Thai Premier League was reported to have tested positive for Covid-19 infection, Thai Rath Newspaper reported.

This likely infection was found just as the new football season is to start this weekend, Sept. 12-13.

Big southern gangster caught after hair-raising chase

POLICE in southern Nakhon Si Thammarat city chased a Mafia don and his underling across five districts last night before finally stopping them by firing shots to flatten rear tyres of their pickup truck and finding three kilogrammes of fresh kratom leaves in their possession, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 11, 2020).

The wild high-speed car chase started when Pol. Lt. Col. Kokiat Thongnun spotted Mr. Thamarong, or Rong, Kongchuay, 38, whose nickname is  Rong Lamjiak and is a big gangster in this city, and his subordinate Mr. Viraphap Bamrungpong, 20, talking to a group of youths near his pickup truck which was parked in front of Robinson Ocean Department Store.

Packaging: A good way for mangosteen farmers to earn more

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

MANGOSTEEN farmers in Chumphorn have been advised to not only harvest the fruit but sort it out and package it for sales.

The National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards has encouraged the mangosteen farmers in Lang Suan district of the southern province to do the packaging of the fruit themselves so that they will directly secure more incomes from both domestic and export markets, according to Korvadi Polkliang, a senior official of the government agency.

Vietnam backs US role in South China Sea, rebuffing Beijing at Asean meeting

By Bloomberg, published by Straits Times

Hanoi – Southeast Asian countries want the United States to play a role in maintaining peace in the South China Sea, Vietnam said, pushing back against Beijing’s comments that American forces were destabilising the region.

“We welcome the US’ constructive and responsive contributions to Asean’s efforts to maintaining the peace, stability and developments in the South China Sea,” Vietnam Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said today (Sept. 10) during a virtual meeting between representatives from the 10-member Asean and US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo.

Jealous young man kills wife, then himself

A YOUNG couple are both dead after the jealous husband stabbed his wife to death in his pickup truck then hanged himself with the seat belt looped over the door handle, Sanook.com reported today (Sep. 10, 2020).

The death of this young couple in the pickup truck with the engine still running was discovered by villagers in a cassava forest at Na Than subdistrict, Kam Muang district, Kalasin province, last evening and they quickly contacted the police.

Foreign cyber criminals hit Saraburi Hospital

TECHNOLOGY crime police are tracking down foreign cyber criminals who mounted a ransomware attack on Saraburi Hospital with other hospitals and government agencies also likely to be similarly hit, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Sep. 10, 2020)

Minister of Digital Economy and Society Putthipong Punnakan and Deputy Police Chief Pol. Gen. Suwat Chaengyodsuk have sent specialists in this field to work with this hospital’s team in gathering all the details.

Student activists in democracy march through Khon Kaen

TWO STUDENT leaders and six other activists summoned by Mueang Khon Kaen police station marched through this northeastern city to drum up support for democracy and push various reforms at 9 a.m. this morning (Sep. 10), Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Parit Chivarak, or Penguin, and Mr. Jarupat  Boonpattararaksa, or Phai Dao Din, the leader of Khon Kaen’s Phor Kan Thee (That’s Enough) group, marched from Chomphon Sarit Thanarat Monument to the police station and stopped at Khon Kaen Wittayayon School to give speeches to the students, urging them to push for the reform of the education system and give the Hunger Games salute.

AstraZeneca pauses coronavirus vaccine trial, shares slip on rollout doubts

By Reuters, published by US News

London – AstraZeneca has suspended global trials of its experimental coronavirus vaccine after an unexplained illness in a participant, knocking the British drugmaker’s shares today (Sept. 9) as prospects for an early rollout dimmed.

The vaccine to combat Covid-19, which AstraZeneca is developing with the University of Oxford, has been described by the World Health Organization as probably the world’s leading candidate and the furthest developed.

Team checks apartment block where Covid-19 infected Korean man stayed

THE Bangkok Metropolitan Administration today (Sept. 9) sent its team to an apartment building in Ladphrao area where the Covid-19 infected South Korean man had stayed prior to flying home with 72 persons seen to be at risk of contracting this deadly diseas, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Moving in to inspect Smile Mansion, at Ladphrao soi 102 in Wang Thonglang district, where the South Korean man, Mr. Kim Taehung, had stayed before his departure for home on Friday September 4, were BMA’s team 3 together with officials from Public Health Centre 15 Ladphrao.

Army Chief says to ask PM about coup rumours

THE Commander of the Thai Army Gen. Apirat Kongsompong refused to directly answer a question on coup rumours and instead told reporters to go ask Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha about this hot issue, Thai Rath newspaper reported this afternoon (Sept. 9, 2020).

Asked whether he would, for the peace of mind of the Thai people, deny a coup will take place, Gen. Apirat simply replied, “go ask the Prime Minister, he is the Defence Minister, what answer did he give yesterday?”

Two motorbike stands in shootout at new mall

A TERRITORIAL battle between two motorcycle stands at a newly-opened shopping mall in Samut Prakarn province broke out last evening (Sept. 8) with the two sides firing shots at each other but fortunately there were no injuries, Sanook.com said this morning.

The gangland shootout broke out at 6 p.m. in Lang Wat Nam Daeng road in Bang Kaeo subdistrict, Bang Phli district, and sent shoppers and vendors at a market opposite the new shopping complex scurrying for safety within its building, Khao Sarn Muarng Prakarn v2 Facebook page said.

India, China accuse each other of firing in the air on tense border

By Reuters, published by Microsoft News

New Delhi/Beijing – India and China have accused each other of firing in the air during a new confrontation on their border in the western Himalayas, in a further escalation of military tension between the nuclear-armed nations.

Hundreds of troops are in eyeball-to-eyeball proximity along the remote border, which erupted in a clash in June that killed 20 Indian soldiers in hand-to-hand fighting.

Star in car crash got ‘general’ dad to threaten police station

A POPULAR Thai star who hit another vehicle while driving drunk early this morning (Sept. 8) got a man who claimed to be his father and a general in the army to threaten the policeman, who tried to get him take a breathalyzer test, that he would transfer the whole station, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

The accident occurred at 5 a.m. this morning when actor Surakiat “Pan” Bunnag, 27, who was driving a Mazda sedan, hit a Chevrolet extended cab pickup driven by Mr. Chatupon Puttakosai, 31, a merchant,  beneath the expressway at Wat Bua Khwan, Bang Khen subdistrict, Mueang district, Nonthaburi province.

Army crushes widespread rumours of a coup

ARMY SPOKESMAN Colonel Winthai Suwari this afternoon (Sept. 8) categorically denied rumours that the current transfer of military equipment is in preparation to mount a coup d’etat, INN News and Sanook.com reported.

He explained that the annual training of army units is presently underway and this is what spurred coup rumours. The army has in fact regularly publicized when training and transport of equipment takes place.

Suicidal man stopped from jumping into the river

THE rush hour traffic on Rama 3 bridge worsened this morning (Sept. 8) after police shut one inbound lane at 8.30 a.m. to rescue a man who had climbed up the sign post and was getting ready to jump into the river, Khaosod newspaper reported.

Pak Klong San police rushed to the scene, and after shutting one traffic lane, tried to convince the distressed man to come down.

US ban worries cloud China’s hopes for chip self-sufficiency

By Reuters, published by US News

Shanghai/Hong Kong – Shares of China’s SMIC <0981.HK> fell by over a fifth today (Sept. 7) after news of potential US sanctions against the chipmaker, wiping about HK$31 billion ($4 billion) off its market value and prompting analysts to predict doom if a ban is implemented.

On Friday, Reuters reported that the US Department of Defense might block American companies from providing goods and services to SMIC, or Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, China’s biggest chipmaker.

Powerful storm wreaks havoc in Nakhon Ratchasima subdistrict

STRONG WINDS accompanying an intense thunderstorm toppled several trees that collapsed on many houses in a Nakhon Ratchasima subdistrict with both locals and tourists scurrying for safety last evening, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

At 11 a.m. to , Mr. Chana Thonethong, Nakhon Ratchasima Mueang district chief, together with Ms. Rachada Jaikla, a member of the Provincial Administrative Organization Council, went to Nong Rawiang subdistrict that had borne the brunt of the worst storm in 40 years to oversee the assistance being given to the victims among whom were tourists from Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram and Surin provinces.

Runaway truck triggers pileup in Chiang Mai

A CEMENT MIXER TRUCK with faulty brakes zoomed down a Chiang Mai road this morning (Sept. 7) and rear-ended a row vehicles parked at the red light setting off chain-reaction crashes but fortunately there were no injuries, Khaosod newspaper reported.

The nerve-wracking multiple-vehicle collision occurred at Rin Kham intersection in Chang Phueak subdistrict of Chiang Mai’s Mueang district at 10.30 a.m. this morning.

Korean man returning home from Thailand infected with Covid-19

WHILE one Thai man returning from India was found to be infected with Covid-19 over the past 24 hours till morning (Sept. 7) and he has been placed in state quarantine, South Korea too has found that one of their nationals returning from Thailand has tested positive for this disease, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

The addition of the new case of Thai returnee takes the Thai total to 3,445 cases with the death toll staying stationary at 58.

Video clip of illegal aliens crossing into Thailand sparks fear online

ALTHOUGH governors of provinces bordering Myanmar have been told to step up control of natural crossings to prevent Myanmar job-seekers from slipping through, with the neighbouring country now hit by a second wave of Covid-19 outbreak, many of them continue trying to illegally get across, Sanook.com reported today (Sept. 6, 2020).

The well-known Mor Lab Panda Facebook page, run by medical technologist Parkpoom Dejhutsadin, released a video clip of ten Myanmar migrant workers hiding in the forest with their belongings.

Coalition parties warned to stop battling for key seat

JUST DAYS after the shock resignation of Predee Daochai as finance minister coalition parties have been told to stop battling for this key seat as it is within the authority of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to choose someone competent to replace him, Khaosod newspaper reported today (Sept. 6, 2020).

In issuing this warning Mr. Sira Jenjaka, Palang Pracharath Party MP for Bangkok, mentioned that Gen. Prayut is the head of the economic team and for this reason this position cannot be part of any party’s quota.

Young man dies in car crash on slippery road

AN EARLY MORNING accident on a rain-drenched slippery road led to a young man who was driving fast from Nonthaburi to Pathum Thani province dying in the wreck of his sedan, Thai Rath newspaper reported today (Sept. 6, 2020).

Pol. Maj. Prasit Kongnayot, an investigator at Chaiyapruek station, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province, rushed to the scene of the accident near Nonthaburi Wittayalai School at 6.30 a.m. together with a physician from the Institute of Forensic Science and rescuers from Po Tek Tung Foundation.

Uzbek tourist plunges to death at waterfall

A YOUNG UZBEK man who travelled from Phuket to Ranong province together with six Russian friends died today (Sept. 5) after falling off the second level of the Ngao waterfall, Khaosod newspaper reported.

Mr. Chalit Sinrojthanakorn, head of Namtok Ngao National Park where the waterfall is located, said the five male and two female tourists had rented three motorcycles and a sedan to go to the waterfall.

Key road shut after fierce downpour topples power poles

TORRENTIAL RAIN this afternoon (Sept. 5) led to several power poles being knocked down causing live wires to dangle over Si Ayutthaya road from Wat Benchamabophit intersection to the Royal Plaza where Equestrian Statue of King Rama V is located and this road is now closed till tomorrow while repairs are made, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

At 12.30 p.m. today Pol. Maj. Prasit Khaoprasert, a traffic inspector at Dusit police station, rushed to check the toppled power poles that had led to a blackout in a part of this area of Bangkok after alerting the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to send in repair teams.

Hunt for cabbie who punctured tyres on five vehicles

A TAXI driver flattened the tyres on five vehicle parked at Nonthaburi province’s Baan Muang district municipality yesterday leaving the owners completely perplexed as to why he did so, Sanook.com reported today (Sept. 5, 2020).

The five victims of this vandalism, which was shared on line by the New Content page, are Mr. Chakrit, 34, the owner of a white Toyota Yaris subcompact with the right rear tyre punctured; Ms. Panwadee, whose white Daihatsu Mira microcar had both rear tyres pierced;  Mr. Pakin, the owner of a bronze-colour Toyota Vios subcompact with left tyre pierced; Ms. Somsri, 54, whose had all four tyres on her Honda Jazz supermini flattened; and similarly Ms. Nitra Prasert, deputy mayor of Bang Muang district, whose red Nissan Amera family car suffered four flattened tyres.

Pineapple farmers suffer as drought hits harvest

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

THIS YEAR’S TOTAL volume of fresh pineapple is forecast to drop due to drought but a rebound is expected next year, according to Tawee Maskhao, deputy director general of the Department of Agricultural Extension.

Some 1.39 million tons of fresh pineapple is expected throughout this year, marking a 17% drop from last year largely due to drought affecting major pineapple-growing areas in the western and eastern regions of the country.

Students gather to wash away ‘sins of the police’

A GROUP of students from Srinakharinwirot University gathered in front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters today (Sept. 4) to clean the sidewalk there and wash away alleged sins of the police, Sanook.com reported.

The students, who represent the Group of Change, said the sign at the police headquarters had been tarnished by People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protesters who in 2014 forcefully shut down many polling stations in Bangkok and the South. The blockade prevented the election from being held on the same day nationwide and paved the way for the coup d’etat.

Rush to test condo residents after first Covid-19 case in hundred days

OFFICIALS at Thung Khru district quickly sprang to action today (Sept. 4) by going to the cluster of six condominium buildings where the inmate who has been found to be infected with Covid-19 lived before being jailed and lots of residents are eager to get themselves tested, Thai Rath newspaper reported.

Mr. Thanachit Chutikarn, director of the Thung Khru district office, along with Dr. Lawan Bunyamanont, acting director of Public Health Service Centre 54, as well as other officials reached Baan Suan Thon Phutthabucha compound where the six buildings are located at 2 p.m. and started collecting the names of those eager to get tested for the deadly disease, with actual tests to be performed by a team of doctors tomorrow.

Young woman kills elderly beautician over bad hair cut

PHITSANOLOK police have arrested  a young woman on the charges of killing an elderly beautician by slashing her throat after a fierce row over what she perceived to be a bad haircut yesterday, Sanook.com reported today (Sept, 4, 2020) .

Pol. Col Phakphum Prapsiphum, head of Mueang Phitsanulok police station, went to the house cum beauty palour of the victim, Mrs Banyat Kanthong, 74, to collect more evidence after tracking down and arresting the suspect, Ms. Araya, 22, last night.

First domestic Covid-19 case after 100 days

A LOCALLY TRANSMITTED case of Covid-19 has been found in Bangkok after the country passed 100 days without any domestic transmission with the patient being a male inmate who was undergoing the first step of the detention process when the infection was discovered, Sanook.com reported this evening (Sept. 3, 2020).

Speaking at an urgent press conference Dr. Suwanchai Wattana Yingcharoenchai, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, Public Health Ministry, said the male inmate was found to have been infected with coronavirus before being sent to Bang Khen Central Prison. On  August 29 he had a mild illness, coughing up some sputum, but it was confirmed yesterday that he was infected with this disease.

Siam Piwat goes green by launching Ecotopia

ADAPTING to the reality of new normal triggered the Covid-19 pandemic is Siam Piwat Company which has just launched Ecotopia on the third floor of Siam Discovery – The  Exploratorium and claims it is the first and the biggest eco-lifestyle destination in Asia.

This new addition followed the realization that coronavirus has heightened awareness of sustainable living, prompting people across the world to change their behaviour, become more health-conscious, and minimize their environmental impact.

BMA gears up for weeks of heavy rain, floods

BANGKOK Metropolitan Administration today (Sept. 3) alerted its key departments to be well-prepared for heavy rain and likely flooding in the capital city from this month till the middle of October as a monsoon trough is covering lower central, eastern and lower northeastern regions during this period, Siam Rath newspaper reported.

Mrs. Silpasuay Raweesaengsoon, BMA’s permanent secretary of Bangkok, told the units involved to prevent problems and resolve difficulties that may arise while helping the people as best they could.

Huge amount of drugs seized in pre-holiday clampdown

IN A STRONG CRACKDOWN on drug trafficking prior to the long-weekend starting tomorrow narcotics police seized 9,830,000 tablets of methamphetamine (Speed), 66 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), 2,050 kilogrammes of mar