Cops’ salaries cut for conman motorcade

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai
Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai

Two military police officers have been detained and are facing disciplinary punishment for leading the motorcade of an alleged conman who claimed to have close ties with several political bigwigs,Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachaisaid on Thursday.

Both soldiers were seen in standard escorting a car occupied by Thanyatep Sirithapsadechakul, 32, who has just been under fire for claiming to have close connections with various political VIPs and high-ranking authorities.

Mr Phumtham said that, following an initial inspection, the two soldiers were detained with their pay cut and retirement suspended.

He suggested lower-level civil officers seeking part-time jobs, such as providing entry protection for bars or pubs, should never accept any improper action, adding he is also working to increase the salaries of low-ranking officers.

Mr Thanyatep’s fraud was first exposed by actress Rinyarat Watchararojsiri, whom he was courting.

On Monday, Mr Thanyatep was charged with violating the Computer Crime Act by inputting false information into the computer system with the intention of deceiving others. He was detained at Khok Khram police station, where he, on the same day, jumped from the 3rd floor to escape.

He was sent to a hospital to receive treatment.

The station’s superintendent, Pol Col Prapas Kaewcheed, said on Thursday that Mr Thanyatep was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday as the X-ray showed no critical injury to his spine despite previously conflicting reports about his condition.

He was sent to the Criminal Court to face other public fraud charges dating back to 2021 and is now being held at Nonthaburi Provincial Prison.

Pol Col Prapas said accusations of lese majeste and other offences relating to him wearing royal decorations are being probed.

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BJT’s coalition loyalty queried

Bhumjaithai members on Sunday take a group photo at the party’s head office, which features the party’s new, all-blue logo. Bhumjaithai Party
Bhumjaithai members on Sunday take a group photo at the party’s head office, which features the party’s new, all-blue logo. Bhumjaithai Party

Key figures in the Pheu Thai Party have called on the Bhumjaithai Party to step away from the coalition following remarks by the latter’s secretary-general, Chaichanok Chidchob, opposing the government’s entertainment complex bill in parliament.

Those pressuring the Anutin Charnvirakul-led party include Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and list-MP Adisorn Piengkes.

Mr Phumtham warned against politicising the bill or misrepresenting it as merely a way of legalising gambling. He said the proposed legislation aims to set up comprehensive entertainment complexes to attract foreign tourists, not promote gambling.

Regarding Mr Chaichanok’s remarks, Mr Phumtham questioned the chain of command within Bhumjaithai under the leadership of Mr Anutin, who also serves as the interior minister.

“Is Mr Anutin or Mr Chaichanok the party leader?” he asked pointedly. “We’ve already had discussions between coalition leaders, with Mr Anutin agreeing on the direction. So, who should I believe now? Mr Chaichanok or Mr Anutin?”

Mr Adisorn went further, expressing deep frustration with what he described as inappropriate behaviour from Mr Chaichanok. Posting on Facebook, he criticised the secretary-general’s lengthy speech in parliament as incoherent and off-topic.

According to Mr Adisorn, Mr Chaichanok spent over 30 minutes talking “nonsense”, ignoring the issue at hand — US tariffs on Thai exports.

“If Bhumjaithai cannot align with the coalition’s direction, then maybe they should step away. It’s simple. Don’t stay in the government just to obstruct progress,” said Mr Adisorn.

He also called out Mr Chaichanok’s use of his lineage — being the son of Bhumjaithai’s spiritual leader Newin Chidchob — as a way to elevate his position and accused him of dressing inappropriately and acting out of turn during the parliamentary session.

Despite Mr Phumtham and Mr Adisorn’s criticism, Mr Anutin and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of Pheu Thai, held a joint press conference on Thursday to reassure the public their alliance remains strong.

Mr Anutin said Mr Chaichanok’s remarks were his personal opinion and not the party’s official stance, adding he had apologised to Ms Paetongtarn for the statement, which may have caused a misunderstanding.

When asked if Bhumjaithai would give its MPs freedom to vote on the bill, Mr Anutin said, “No. We will support the government.”

He also affirmed that Mr Chaichanok, the party’s secretary-general, will have to vote in accordance with the party’s resolution.

When asked if he had discussed the matter with Mr Chaichanok, Mr Anutin said Mr Chaichanok was suffering from stress and should be given a few days to rest.

Ms Paetongtarn suggested she and her party do not view Mr Chaichanok’s statement as an issue, saying she has a good relationship with him.

She defended Mr Chaichanok, saying he had got confused.

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Biker fined for dragging dog in Korat

A man is seen dragging a puppy from a motorcycle through Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday. TV Screen Capture
A person is seen dragging a kitten from a bicycle through Pak Chong region in Nakhon Ratchasima on Wednesday. Screen Screen Capture

A person who was found guilty of dragging his four-month-old dog canine from his bike in a malevolent action against his partner has been fined 10, 000 baht.

After his trial on Thursday for dog violence, Pannawit Padwaew, 35, was ordered to pay a great of 10, 000 ringgit by the Nakhon Ratchasima municipal court in Pak Chong area.

The crime stemmed from an event on Wednesday in which Mr Pannawit was seen by observers dragging a canine named” Salmon” along on a leash over 600 yards from his bike outside the Pak Chong city office.

The puppy sustained scars, deep scratches, and was bleeding. The picture was captured in a movie clip which went viral on social media.

Pakkawan Sukjai, a hear, said she was on her way to pick up her kids from school when she saw the gentleman, noting she thought he was making the dog training.

The guy then sped away, and the dog, able to keep up, was dragged on, she said.

She said she honked and tried to stop the person, and another auto cut in front of the man’s bicycle and stopped him.

Vipawadee Saenkhamboonmak, a member of the Watchdog Thailand Foundation, filed a grievance against Mr Pannawit, which led to his trial.

During the sensor, Mr Pannawit told officers that he had a battle with his partner. In a fit of rage, he tried to get back at his sweetheart by hurting their dog, he said.

The puppy was afterwards put up for adoption. Its new owner, Siripong Sae Kang, said the dog immediately trembled at night at his apartment but recovered the following day.

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Thai road safety centre activated for Songkran

Motorists head to Nakhon Ratchasima on Thursday. The Ministry of Interior opened the Road Safety Operation Centre on Thursday to monitor traffic incidents during the so-called "ten dangerous days" of Songkran from April 11–20. (Photo: Prasit Tangprasert)
On Thursday, vehicles travel to Nakhon Ratchasima. The Road Safety Operation Centre was set up by the Ministry of Interior on Thursday to track traffic incidents during Songkran’s alleged “ten risky time” from April 11 to April 20. ( Photo: Prasit Tangprasert )

The Road Safety Operation Centre was reopened on Thursday by the Ministry of Interior to track visitors incidents from April 11 to April 20.

A complete road protection program, according to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has been put in place by the government to reduce accidents and fatalities during the holidays.

The center serves as a gateway for coordinating efforts between organizations, with an emphasis on law enforcement, network administration, and public awareness campaigns.

Mr. Anutin even advised police to improve safety practices at roads gates to stop accidents, citing previous accidents at checkpoints.

Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob discussed a number of ways to increase road safety, including establishing a control center, lowering the risk of collisions for vehicles and cars, improving road conditions, and providing appropriate reimbursement for accident victims.

According to Pol Gen Permpoon, the department will run 150 round-the-clock car examination points for both conventional and electric cars nationwide in cooperation with the Department of Land Transport ( DLT) and auto-mechanic students from vocational schools.

He emphasized the value of continued coordination between organizations for road safety initiatives, including volunteer portable healthcare units that can respond to medical emergencies on secondary roads.

He stated that the devices won’t concentrate on fatalities or injury, and that they hope there won’t be any accidents during this time.

In a related growth, Transportation Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit predicted that between April 11 and April 17, there will be an estimated 7.01 million cars traveling between Bangkok and the city.

The Highway Department will start a 163-kilometer road connecting Hin Kong and Nakhon Ratchasima called Motorway No 6 in order to relieve traffic.

Individuals will be able to use the 77.9 km Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima parts of the highway, which will be toll-free during the Songkran time.

Minister Suriya noted that the test run is intended to make travel to the northern region safer and more efficient, probably reducing travel occasions by two to three hours.

With over 300, 000 cars anticipated to use the new course during the free trial period, he said, traffic congestion on Mittraphap Road is expected to be reduced by 40 to 50 % and on Phahonyothin Road by 25 to 30 %.

During the seven-day trial, construction on the road, which is already 97.75 % finished, will be temporarily halted.

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Court fines man B10,000 baht for dragging dog behind motorcycle

The dog owner, Pannawit, 35, is forced to stop his motorcycle after a female motorist saw him dragging his dog with his motorcycle along the road in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima on Tuesday. (Capture from a clip posted by Facebook user Charuwan Phuangkham)
Pannawit, a 35-year-old dog owner, is compelled to quit riding his bike on Tuesday in the Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima after a female driver observed him dragging his dog along the road. ( A clip that was posted by Facebook user Charuwan Phuangkham )

A dog owner in the Pak Chong city of Nakhon Ratchasima was filmed dragging his animal while riding his bike along the street on Tuesday and was given a fine of 10,000 ringgit for animal abuse. &nbsp,

After people prosecutors charged the dog owner with animal cruelty, the Sikhiu Provincial Court originally sentenced Pannawit, 35, to a 20 000 baht fine. &nbsp,

According to his confession, the good was reduced to 10,000 baht. There was no prison name. When Watchdog Thailand Foundation posted the judge’s decision on its Facebook page on Thursday, the owner’s title was not made public.

After a movie tape of him dragging the puppy, tied to his vehicle, along the road in front of the Pak Chong city on Tuesday, there was a rumbling among the bloggers. A female vehicle helped to save the dog. The video, which went popular online, was posted by Twitter user Charuwan Phuangkham. &nbsp,

Before Pannawit used a wire to dangle his four-month-old doggie from his motorcycle along the side of the road for more than 600 meters, he had a fight with his boyfriend. A female driver who witnessed the incident intervened and demanded that he quit his bicycle. &nbsp,

Eventually, a Watchdog Thailand Foundation agent reported the dog’s owner to Pak Chong police for animal cruelty. &nbsp,

Pannawit admitted to dragging the puppy when he was called to the police station. He claimed that after the argument with his sweetheart, he was furious.

The owner of a dog dragging his canine with his bicycle along a highway in Nakhon Ratchasima is to be fined 10,000 baht by the Sikhiu Provincial Court.

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Charter court insists on its neutrality

According to the court president, social situations are so important that they are ignored.

According to court leader Nakharin Mektrairat, the Constitutional Court takes a natural place in Thailand‘s politicians and is open to amendments to the constitution that would affect the selection of its courts.

Mr. Nakharin said the Constitutional Court had earned women’s respect as he addressed the situation of the prosecutor’s 28th celebration on April 11.

This is evident in the growing number of requests people have written to the judge asking for decisions in cases where they believe there are constitutional violations.

For petitions can be made through Part 213 of the 2017 military-drafted contract, which allows individuals to file petitions to the Constitutional Court in cases where they believe the practice of state authority is in violation of their rights and liberties.

According to Mr. Nakharin, strong petitions filed with the court have addressed such important issues as the straight of a husband or wife to bring legal action in cases of adultery.

The Civil Code may be amended in June 2024 in order for a person to also be able to reimburse the marriage of their lawfully married family, whether male or female.

The phrase “husband” and “wife” was replaced by the gender-neutral” spouse” in accordance with the decision.

Mr. Nakharin acknowledged that the Constitutional Court does not occur in isolation. Instead, it serves as a complement to the cupboard, parliament, and separate bodies.

The Constitutional Court’s leader said,” Appeals we have received are indicative of how confident people are in the Constitutional Court, that it can solve, more than generate, issues for them.”

The judge will simply take petitions submitted by qualified petition who meet legal requirements.

He claimed that agencies and institutions do not accept the contract court’s authority because they ask for assistance from the court to clarify constitutionally sensitive issues.

He added that the judge had previously had authorized disagreements between state agencies and institutions, which the judge had to resolve, which highlighted its role in upholding the purity of the legislation.

The Constitutional Court simply accepts plaintiffs who meet the legal requirements for review and takes the utmost precautions when doing so. &nbsp,

The jury leader acknowledged that the judges ‘ psychological toll may have been taken by considering political cases, which is typical. The court’s main task is to preserve constitutionality, and political disputes simply make up one of its many responsibilities.

However, “people tend to concentrate their focus on that particular aspect of the jobs,” according to Mr. Nakharin.

He argued that the Constitutional Court should be focused on the situation in which it is deliberating or who is the subject of a complaint.

Mr. Nakharin cited South Korea as an example, where the Constitutional Court last month upheld Yoon Suk-yeol’s prosecution, stripping him of his position, and re-elections.

Mr. Yoon was removed from office after a fatal declaration of martial law that was rapidly overturned.

Mr. Nakharin added that there is no place for the Thai contract court to use it as a device in a political witch hunt because of its steadfast principle of being firmly independent.

Any petition that the judge determines to have an ulterior political motivation may be withdrawn, he said.

He continued, the court is available to any modifications to the selection of its judges as a result of a constitutional amendment.

The Supreme Court and the Administrative Court’s meetings, as well as a collection committee, are now selected to make the courts.

Before they can offer as magistrates, the candidates must have the support of the Senate.

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Couple busted for making sidewalk sex video in Pattaya

According to reports, the Chinese duo state they were unaware that Thai law was in effect there.

A 67-year-old Chinese man is seen setting up a camera on a tripod before stripping down to have sex with a Chinese woman on a footpath in South Pattaya on Wednesday. (Photo: Pattaya police station Facebook)
A 67-year-old Taiwanese person is seen taking a photo with a Taiwanese person on a road in South Pattaya on Wednesday before stripping down to have intercourse with her on a camera. Social photo of Pattaya officers station

PATTAYA- A Foreign couple caught on camera having intercourse on a sidewalk in this tourist town claimed to have done it in other countries but not Thailand because it was against the law, according to police.

After being notified by a security guard that he had seen a foreign person and a international lady having intercourse on the road near the entrance to the Walking Street, police converged on the scene in South Pattaya on Wednesday.

The girl wore only a top, while the man set up a camera on a camera before removing his shirt and pants. In total view of passing drivers and pedestrians, the couple performed.

The guard alerted the officers, who also looked at security camera game, after taking pictures of their antics as proof.

Officers took the pair to the Pattaya City police station for questioning and tracked them to a motel. Lin Tingting, 37, and Oh Zhihang, 67, were the two Chinese citizens.

According to Section 388 of the Criminal Code, the partners has been accused of performing an immoral act in public.

The Taiwanese man admitted to being a photographer and enjoying nude photo shoots with an speaker. He claimed to have collected numerous of these images for his private set around the world.

He claimed that he was unaware that what he had done was against Thai rules. The pair apologised to Indian citizens and the authorities for their actions, according to authorities, which had damaged the reputation of Pattaya tourism.

A Chinese man and a Chinese woman are captured on a security camera performing sex acts on a footpath in Pattaya on Wednesday. (Photo: Pattaya police station Facebook)

The attired offenders are captured on camera by a local security camera. Social photo of Pattaya authorities station

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Police officer shot dead, car set on fire in Narathiwat

immediately afterward, two people were seriously injured while transporting bodies from the field.

A fire-damaged car belonging to Pol Capt Ammarit Abbamaraka is seen in Sungai Padi district of Narathiwat province on Wednesday night. The 35-year-old officer was found dead with gunshot wounds near the vehicle. (Photo: Abdullah Benjakat)
On Wednesday night, a vehicle driven by Pol Capt Ammarit Abbamaraka was discovered in the Narathiwat province’s Sungai Padi region. The 35-year-old commander was discovered dead with gunshot wounds close to the car. ( Photo: Abdullah Benjakat )

A policeman officer was shot dead and his vehicle set on fire on Wednesday night in the Sungai Padi region of this troubled southern province, followed by a bomb explosion outside where two people were only slightly hurt.

A burned-out vehicle was discovered by officers and soldiers responding to a visit from Batubuenae Village Moo 5 in tambon Torteng, according to Pol Lt Hilamee Anusartsanabut, assistant inspection inspector at the Sungai Padi place, who was called at 6.58pm by Sukree Yakareeya, the mind of Phong community.

The car’s owner, later identified as Pol Capt Ammarit Abbamaraka, a 35-year-old assistant investigation officer with the Narathiwat police department, was discovered dead with gunshot wounds about 20 meters away from the damaged vehicle. The body was taken to the Sungai Padi Hospital for an autopsy.

Authorities believed that the shooting and arson were related to the province’s ongoing sectarian unrest.

A roadside bomb went off at Lalaeluwat Village Moo 7 in tambon Riko of Sungai Padi about midnight while the slain officer’s body was being transported along the way.

A pickup truck passing the area was damaged by the explosion. Two men on board the car suffered minor injuries, according to police.

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American charged with royal insult granted bail

Lecturer at Paul Chambers of the University is awaiting a decision regarding a revoked card.

American academic Paul Chambers faces a deadline of 4pm Friday to have his visa revocation stayed or overturned. The Immigration Bureau ordered the revocation after he was charged on Tuesday with lese-majeste. (Photo: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights)
British academic Paul Chambers has until Friday at 4 p.m. to have his visa’s suspension suspended or overturned. Following his arrest on Tuesday on suspicion of lese-majeste, the Immigration Bureau ordered the withdrawal. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights ( Photo )

British intellectual Paul Chambers has been granted bail while he is awaiting trial on a case involving imperial defamation, but he still faces the threat of losing his Thailandese visa to stay there.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights stated in a blog on X on Thursday that the Court of Appeal Region Six approved Mr. Chambers ‘ transfer late on Wednesday on a security of 300, 000 baht.

The legal-aid organization claims that Mr. Chambers has until Friday at 4pm to reverse the order after the Immigration Bureau revoked his visa after being charged this year.

One of the loan parameters is that if he succeeds in obtaining a be force to fight the situation, he may report to Thai regulators every 30 days. &nbsp,

Human Rights Watch had requested Mr. Chambers ‘ immediate release, citing the fact that his “baseless trial poses a serious threat to Thai intellectual freedom and free speech.”

The 58-year-old scientific, who has lived in Thailand since 1993, was likewise “alarmed” by the arrest and detention, according to the US State Department.

Prior to this, police obtained a warrant to search Mr. Chambers ‘ Phitsanulok residence, where he lectures and serves as a special advisor on foreign affairs.

After Mr. Chambers reported to the local authorities to answer a charge brought by him under Part 112 of the Criminal Code, the lese-majeste law, the Phitsanulok Provincial Court on Tuesday denied his first request for parole.

The Third Army Region filed a grievance against Mr. Chambers. He is also accused of breaking the Computer Crime Act, in addition to lese-majeste. The two fees usually combine.

Lese-majeste is guilty of three to fifteen years in prison.

According to the attorneys, the problem was brought on by information that was published on a university webpage to market a conference that Mr. Chambers gave about the yearly Thai military and police reshuffles in October 2024. &nbsp,

The original commercial paragraph, which has since been edited online, apparently contained content that was deemed objectionable to the monarchy. Mr. Chambers claimed that he did not edit the original version.

Mr. Chambers, who holds a PhD in social science from Northern Illinois University, is well-known in scientific circles as a critic on politics and civil-military relationships in Asia, with a particular emphasis on Thailand.

His publications include Praetorian Kingdom: A History of Military Ascension in Thailand and Khaki Capital: The Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia.

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Thailand seeks Myanmar’s aid on toxic river

The pollution in the Kok River may be related to border-cross border inland gold mining.

Thai authorities are awaiting a reply from Myanmar regarding possible participation in addressing harmful contamination that threatens the Kok River, a water supply for Chiang Mai’s river communities.

Collaboration is essential for protecting both public health and the environment along the river’s course, according to the Office of the National Water Resources ( ONWR ).

Authorities were recommending the expulsion of water use because of the toxic levels of pollutants in the waterway, according to ONWR Secretary-General Surasee Kittimonthon.

To encourage Myanmar’s role in the discussion, his company has started discussions with the Mekong River Commission Secretariat and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation party.

Through these local cooperative frameworks, Mr. Surasee said,” We sincerely hope to hear from the Burmese authorities a response.”

We have requested Myanmar’s assistance in establishing a river-quality tracking system and assessing the stream, which will help the two nations use their waters resources more effectively.

According to Mr. Surasee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been looking into political programmes for dialogue with Myanmar.

The ONWR has emphasized the importance of Myanmar’s cooperation, particularly when it comes to putting preventative measures in place to reduce Thailand’s downstream communities ‘ transnational economic effects.

Before joining the Mekong River, the Kok River, which originates in Myanmar and flows through regions controlled by the United Wa State Army, supplies water to areas in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

The Department of Pollution Control’s most recent testing revealed dangerously high levels of heavy metal, especially arsenic and lead, which were found to get twice the uncomfortable levels.

The United Wa State Army, which has allowed foreign companies to invest in the area, is responsible for the contamination, according to the department.

The situation is still critical as the ONWR waits for a response from Myanmar, with urgent calls for regional cooperation to stop further environmental damage and protect public health along the river’s downstream communities, according to Mr. Surasee.

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