Minister wants better security at malls after brawl at Bangkok’s MBK

Students brawl at MBK Center in Pathumwan district, Bangkok on Saturday night. (Screenshot)
On Saturday nights, students battle at the MBK Center in Bangkok’s Pathumwan area. ( Screenshot )

Following a fight inside an inner-Bangkok buying center, MBK, on Saturday, the higher learning minister has demanded more stringent security measures from the government, particularly at malls.

Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, announced on Sunday that she would request that the Royal Thai Police Office increase safety measures in high-risk areas and follow-up student movements to stop fighting in conflict-prone areas.

The tragedy is unacceptable, they say. It was a violent act that caused problems for regular folks. Of program, there must be better ways to stop these situations and condemn criminals, not just from the two establishments but also from all higher education institutions,” she said.

“Educational organizations are places of learning, not of crime. ” I’m indignant that I will do everything necessary to have the issue resolved seriously and sustainably,” said Ms. Supamas.

The chancellor made reference to a dispute between Pathumwan Institute of Technology students from Rajamangala University of Technology’s Uthenthawai Campus and Pathumwan Institute of Technology. In Bangkok, both establishments are located close to Pathumwan International Airport, while MBK Center is in the middle of it.

In the packed inner-Bangkok area, individuals from both institutions have clashed, including at the MBK Center, which has caused innocent people to flee.

At 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, the battle at the MBK Center started frightening various visitors. Five pupils suffered injuries.

Two patients were taken to the local Police General Hospital’s intensive care unit after suffering severe stab wounds, according to Pathumwan officers.

Four kids from the two universities were detained. They claimed to have had an unintended encounter with their competitors at the food judge. At least 10 individuals from each establishment were involved in the altercation, according to authorities.

According to police sources, individuals from each part may show up in small numbers before eventually forming a group inside the shopping center. As a preventative measure, police did request from the MBK Center protection staff to properly research visitors for weapons.

Continue Reading

Censure debate may lead to political change: Palang Pracharath

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at parliament on Feb 27. (Photo: Government House)
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister of Thailand, speaks to legislature on February 27. ( Photo: Government House )

According to the Palang Pracharath Party’s secretary-general, the two-day condemnation argument alone against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will result in legal opponents and social adjustments.

The no-confidence conversation may include a number of legal problems that could be expanded, according to Paiboon Nititawan, the PPRP secretary-general, on Sunday.

He cited the legalization of casinos, the hands of an Alpine golf lessons, and real property in Pathum Thani, and an expert’s control over the prime minister and political events.

” After the condemnation debate, many issues will arise and include legal ones that can be raised.” According to Mr. Paiboon, they does turn out to be requests to the Constitutional Court and the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

A petition to the excellent minister at the Constitutional Court may lead to social change, he claimed.

Mr. Paiboon made it clear that the Election Commission (EC ) was looking into alleged bias against the prime minister and political parties.

” The problem will get worse,” he says. It will be enjoyable if the EC takes notice and decides to send a complaint to the Constitutional Court, according to the PPRP secretary-general.

Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, the PPRP head, did speak for about 10 days in the conversation to provide an description, according to Mr. Paiboon, and PPRP MPs would provide more details.

The PPRP secretary-general added that there are currently causes for the house’s disintegration.

Continue Reading

Chinese fugitive wanted in B11bn fraud case arrested in Bangkok

Immigration police question Zhang Wei, a Chinese national (in white T-shirt) wanted in China over a multi-billion-baht embezzlement case at a Bangkok hotel on Saturday. (Photo: Police Immigration Bureau)
Zhang Wei, a Chinese national ( in a white T-shirt ), is being interrogated by immigration police in China over a multi-billion-baht embezzlement investigation at a hotel in Bangkok on Saturday. Police Immigration Bureau ( Photo )

A Chinese fugitive wanted by immigration police has been detained in connection with a 2.4 billion yuan ( roughly 11 billion baht ) embezzlement case.

Zhang Wei, a Chinese national wanted for economic fraud, was apprehended by police on Saturday at a motel in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong district, according to Pol Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyaluck, the immigration bureau’s chief, on Sunday.

In the 2024 investigation, Mr. Zhang was charged with conspiring with others to extort money from a major development company in the Shandong state. Next, using a fake passport from the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, he fled to Bangkok under the name” Tu Nan.”

No improvement requests were made despite the fact that an original investigation revealed that the suspect’s immigration had expired on March 12. Later, officers discovered that Mr. Zhang had stayed at a posh Ratchaprasong hotel and had security there. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Mr. Zhang, who was stopped by police for an identity test, insisted that he was a citizen of Vanuatu and never Chinese. He claimed that his card had vanished and gave police a photo of his alleged Vanuatu id as evidence of identification. &nbsp,

Police Lt. Gen. Panumas claimed that after biometric identification verifications established Mr. Zhang’s individuality as the wanted Chinese criminal, they took him into custody.

Continue Reading

Unlicensed pub raided, 81 test positive for drugs

Officials tell visitors to cooperate with authorities at Neon pub in Samphran district, Nakhon Pathom, early Sunday morning. (Photo: Department of Provincial Administration)
Early on Sunday night, officials at Neon restaurant in Samphran area, Nakhon Pathom, advise patrons to cooperate with authorities. ( Photo: Department of Provincial Administration )

NAKHON PATHOM: On Sunday at 3 a.m., operational officials raided a bar in the Samphran area and discovered 81 patrons whose premises had been searched for illegal drugs.

After receiving issues that cocaine were present at the Neon pub, officials from the Department of Provincial Administration made a raid it.

Officers found 212 visitors inside the exits during the attack.

The pubgoers allegedly threw narcotics onto the surface of the restaurant, including the white flour of morphine and mdma in small plastic bags, according to the office.

81 guests immediately tested positive for drug abuse, and 81 of the visitors were required to undergo urine testing. 49 gentlemen and 32 women made up their numbers.

The Neon pub’s operators, according to Chaiwat Junthirapong, director general of the division who was present at the scene, were evidently trying to ignore rules because the establishment was no licensed, alcohol was available outside of permitted hours, and drugs were sold.

He may suggest that the provincial government of Nakhon Pathom decide to leave the area for five years.

Continue Reading

More vice, doubt over economic merit top casino worry list: poll

Protesters rally near the Chamai Maruchet Bridge outside Government House in Bangkok against the casino-entertainment complex bill on March 11, saying it will pander to gambling and bring about social deterioration. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Protesters are gathering outside Government House in Bangkok on March 11 to protest the casino-entertainment difficult bill, saying it may deceive gamblers and cause social unrest. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

According to a study by Nida Poll, the majority of Thais are concerned about the rise in vice and gaming addiction and question whether the construction of a casino-entertainment diverse will boost the economy as the government claims.

People were asked to respond to the review to share their lingering or unresolved questions and other concerns regarding the commission’s subsequent approval of a document costs allowing the construction of entertainment complexes that include casinos. The responses were as follows:

32.60 % of respondents were of the opinion that this policy may lead to a world devoid of sin and wickedness and threaten national security.

30.2 % of respondents questioned whether and how it would actually contribute to the country’s economy’s improvement.

28.9 % of respondents questioned what steps the government would take to stop Thai gamblers from developing addictions.

24.8 % of respondents questioned the steps the government would take to stop money laundering.

24.6 % of respondents questioned how the government could stop the casino-entertainment advanced from becoming a haven for powerful individuals and legal cases.

20. 15 % of respondents questioned whether the state had any measures to reduce social effects, and what kind.

18.63 % of respondents questioned whether and how games could properly address the problem of improper playing in casinos.

18.5 % of people questioned whether it would actually draw more visitors and improve their numbers.

17.48 % of respondents questioned what benefits this plan would bring to Thai citizens.

16.56 percent of respondents questioned whether it would provide politicians with money.

14.27 % claimed they had no lingering queries.

12.90 % of respondents questioned whether it would actually lead to more employment opportunities for Thai people.

12.14 percent of respondents questioned how the licence procedure could be held responsible, guilty, and free of corruption.

11. 98 % of respondents inquired before making the decision whether a common vote had been conducted.

10. 15 % questioned whether the state had conducted a feasibility study on this policy.

10 % of the population was questioned on whether the anticipated casino-entertainment complexes would actually reduce the number of Thai citizens who travel overseas to gamble, and whether the community had been asked if they wanted for compounds in their neighborhoods.

9.39 % questioned whether they could trust the policy committee’s impartiality, openness, and responsibilities, as well as the location of the casino-themed entertainment structures.

7.40 % inquired as to why the plan was being put in a rush.

5.7 % of people in Thailand questioned what conditions must be met before entering the game.

4. 50 % posed a question about how the state may prevent casinos from operating in entertainment centers.

3.5 % of respondents questioned whether leisure facilities could exist without gambling.

3.2 % of Thai citizens questioned the entrance fee, stating whether it should be too high or too low.

3.05 % of the respondents inquired if there would be anything else besides licensing costs that could be shared with the state and the areas.

2.21 percent of respondents questioned why the document bill’s key points were never clearly laid out.

2. 14 % of respondents questioned whether the state’s licensing fees would be worthwhile.

1. 60 % questioned why the plan council had the authority to decide crucial information.

Fight worries

When questioned about whether the building of a casino-entertainment challenging could lead to social and political conflict, the interviewees responded as follows:

31.8 % predicted a new, violent conflict may result from it.

It may result in a new issue, but not one that would be aggressive, according to 31.68 %.

26. 9 percent believed that it would be just a matter of competing viewpoints, not a fight.

9.16 % of respondents said there would undoubtedly be no issues brought on by conflicts or problems.

0.8 % of respondents said they were uninterested or did not.

On March 18 to February 20, 1, 310 individuals aged 18 and over from different levels of education and employment were sampled in the survey.

Continue Reading

Thai border security measures to intensify amid criminal threat

Soldiers secure the Thai soil near the border with Myanmar in Mae Sot district, Tak, on March 9. (Photo: Assawin Pinitwong)
Men in Mae Sot area, Tak, on March 9 secure the Thai soil close to the Burmese border in Mae Sot area, Tak. ( Photo: Assawin Pinitwong )

In response to the growing risk of international crimes, the authorities is enforcing border security measures.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the head of the committee on the protection and quality of security risks in border areas, was on Saturday at the committee’s next meeting.

Officials at the meeting reviewed the security situation following, among other things, the suspension of gas exports, energy supplies, and telecom signals to areas of Myanmar that are suspected of hosting digital criminals and individual traffickers.

Additionally, they considered creating a legal expert committee to support the major agency’s work as well as specialized operation centers to combat particular threats, such as medication trafficking on land, sea, and air.

After the meeting, Mr. Phumtham stated that there would be no easing of Myanmar’s power, web, and gas restrictions, adding that these steps are necessary to combat criminal networks that are still active in some of the neighboring nations.

The state is attempting to reduce international crimes more aggressively.

Mr. Phumtham noted that contact center swindling is relocating from Myawaddy, Myanmar, to various locations in Cambodia and Vietnam.

He claimed that Thailand had reached out to Laos ‘ officials and Cambodia’s national defense and interior officials to promote better assistance.

Regarding a plan to establish five Tak province-bordering areas as exclusive safety zones, Mr. Phumtham stated discussions would first be held to determine the feasibility and economic impact of such a measure.

When questioned about long-term solutions to the call center fraud issue, he suggested that the nation that is the country where the epicenter of these scams may take the lead in a joint effort.

Continue Reading

Rama II deaths prompt lawsuit

Workers from the Expressway Authority of Thailand remove debris left by a collapsed beam on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway near Rama II Road in Chom Thong district, Bangkok, on March 16. APICHART JINAKUL
On March 16, staff from the Thailand’s Expressway Authority removed particles from a crashed frame on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon road near Rama II Road in Bangkok’s Chom Thong area. JINAKUL APICHART

After a beam on the Rama III-Dao Khanong Expressway collapsed last Saturday during construction on Rama II Road, the Ministry of Transport and the Expressway Authority of Thailand ( Exat ) filed civil and criminal charges against the contractor, injuring 24 people and injuring six.

On Friday, Transport Ministry official Krichanont Iyapunya and Exat government Surachet Laophulsuk filed the claims against the vendor and the business involved in the decline.

Outgoing roads were closed as a result of the incident, which partially damaged the 15-meter part of the expressway’s Dao Khanong leave slope, while the email Dao Khanong burden plaza for the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, which was partially damaged, was reopened on Thursday.

Exat is then accelerating restoration of the damaged area.

Mr. Kritchanont stated that the police had received information for a possible legal action against those concerned, and that the perpetrators, both legally and criminally, would face criminal and civil penalties.

A committee has been established to investigate the decline by looking at transported building materials, imported tools, and work procedures. Laboratories will be used in the research and a review of administrative errors are expected to be included in the investigation’s 20-day completion.

The project’s 7-8 billion baht procurement process has also been closely monitored by the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI).

If proven to be negligent, the offenders may face up to 10 years in prison and a 200, 000 baht good for causing the incidents, or three years in prison and a 60, 000 baht good for causing serious injuries, excluding legal liabilities.

In the interim, the Lawyers Council and the Thailand Consumers Council are looking into ways to help victims of situations on Rama II Road. Over 2, 500 construction-related incidents on this path have occurred in the 50 centuries since the Rama II Road was constructed, according to TCC secretary-general Saree Ongsomwang, resulting in 144 deaths and injuries for 1, 400 people. &nbsp,

She recommended that dying relatives receive lump-sum payment and receive regular compensation for injuries.

Sumet Ongkittikul, the vice president of the Thailand Development Research Institute ( TDRI), demanded an investigation into the construction quality and work supervision of road projects.

Continue Reading

Collapse deaths on Rama II Road prompt lawsuit

Workers from the Expressway Authority of Thailand remove debris left by a collapsed beam on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon expressway near Rama II Road in Chom Thong district, Bangkok, on March 16. APICHART JINAKUL
On March 16, staff from the Expressway Authority of Thailand removed particles from a crashed frame on the Chalerm Maha Nakhon road near Rama II Road in Bangkok’s Chom Thong area. JINAKUL APICHART

Following the collapse of a beam on the Rama III-Dao Khanong Expressway last Saturday during construction on Rama II Road, which left six people dead and 24 others injured, the Ministry of Transport and the Expressway Authority of Thailand ( Exat ) filed civil and criminal charges against the contractor.

On Friday, Transport Ministry official Krichanont Iyapunya and Exat government Surachet Laophulsuk filed the claims against the company and the business involved in the decline.

Outgoing roads were closed as a result of the incident, which partially damaged the 15-meter part of the expressway’s Dao Khanong leave slope, while the email Dao Khanong burden plaza for the Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, which was partially damaged, was reopened on Thursday.

Exat is currently accelerating restoration of the ruined area.

Mr. Kritchanont stated that the police had received information for a possible legal action against those concerned, and that the perpetrators, both legally and criminally, would face criminal and civil penalties.

A committee has been established to investigate the cause of the collapse by looking at transported building materials, imported tools, and work procedures. Laboratories will be used in the analysis and a legal failure review are expected to be included in the investigation’s 20-day deadline.

The Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) has also been appointed to oversee the project’s 7-8 billion baht procurement process.

If proven to be negligent, the offenders may face legal liabilities, including up to 10 years in prison and a good of 200, 000 ringgit for the deaths, or three years in prison and a 60, 000 baht good for serious injuries.

In the meantime, the Lawyers Council and the Thailand Consumers Council are looking into ways to help Rama II Road’s patients. Over 2, 500 construction-related injuries on the Rama II Road have occurred in the past 50 years, according to TCC Secretary-General Saree Ongsomwang, resulting in 144 incidents and 1, 400 injury. &nbsp,

She recommended that the deceased’s relatives receive lump-sum settlement, and that those who are injured should receive regular compensation.

Sumet Ongkittikul, the vice president of the Thailand Development Research Institute ( TDRI), demanded an investigation into the construction quality and work supervision of road projects.

Continue Reading

UK-Thai ties at a ‘pivotal moment’

As the countries commemorate this year’s 170th celebration of their political relationships, the business relationship between the United Kingdom and Thailand is crucial.

Matt Western, the UK Trade Envoy to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, made this announcement while recently traveling to Thailand for the UK-Thailand Investment Conference.

The meeting focused on strengthening trade and investment relations between the two nations, with an emphasis on developing new industries and maximizing opportunities presented by subsequent agreements.

He urged both nations to take advantage of this opportunity to boost bilateral industry and investment in the new locations. Both nations signed the Strategic Partnership Roadmap in 2024, bringing their assistance to a proper degree. Trade, purchase, and regional cooperation are all covered by this agreement.

Additionally, Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand’s commerce minister, and Douglas Alexander, the UK’s trade policy minister, signed the Enhanced Trade Partnership ( ETP ) in September 2024 to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

These contracts set ambitious objectives for lowering trade barriers and facilitating business exposure to each nation’s markets.

These initiatives, according to Mr. Western, provide a solid foundation for a promising future of growth with the ability to open up new markets for trade and investment in different sectors.

New area of focus

Mr. Western identified a number of important areas where collaboration could lead to significant development for both nations.

One of these is the education industry, where having UK-style curricula institutions in Thailand gives students a chance to get involved even more.

He suggested that Thailand may encourage more students to study in the UK, boosting ties between the two countries ‘ cultural and educational systems.

Another important area for possible collaboration was the mechanical sector, which Thailand has a solid reputation for. He said expanding market access for UK manufacturers may open up important opportunities and that he was interested in more investment from Thai electrical companies.

He said,” I would like to see more funding from UK automotive firms into Thailand,” adding that removing trade barriers may help facilitate this development.

Mr. Western also emphasized the value of fresh energy when comparing standard industries. He sees a promising future for Thai funding in the UK’s clean energy sector, especially wind and solar power projects, with the recent release of the” Invest 2035″ strategy in the UK, which emphasizes economic growth, development, and sustainability.

As both countries work to increase global competitiveness and accomplish climate goals, both countries stand to gain from increased participation in this area.

He also emphasized the growing importance of military and defense cooperation in light of the growing global safety concerns. Mr. Western invited Thailand to look into investment opportunities in the UK’s defense industry because the UK’s” Invest 2035″ plan places a focus on defense production.

He stated that “our prime minister has merely announced increased defense spending that may stimulate this sector.”

This also implies that defense will play a significant role in global industry, with the UK home to some of the world’s top manufacturers, which might be of interest to the Thai military.

a milestone 170 decades of relations

Mr. Western sees the ceremony as an excellent opportunity to improve the relationship as the UK and Thailand mark their 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He said,” There are many opportunities to enjoy this anniversary,” and he hoped that both nations could use this time to find new collaboration opportunities.

The UK-Thailand trade partnership has an exciting future ahead as a result of its 170th anniversary, which provides a fast backdrop for expanding trade and investment into new sectors like education, automotive, clean energy, and defense.

2025 is expected to be a landmark year for UK-Thailand connections, he said, with a solid foundation in place and many potential growth opportunities afoot.

Eastern: Incorporate new industries.

Eastern: Incorporate new industries.

Continue Reading

Border security measures to intensify amid criminal threat

Soldiers secure the Thai soil near the border with Myanmar in Mae Sot district, Tak, on March 9. (Photo: Assawin Pinitwong)
On March 9, soldiers in the Mae Sot city of Tak secure the Thai ground close to the Myanmar border. Assawin Pinitwong is in the picture.

In response to the growing threat of international crimes, the authorities is enforcing border security measures.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the head of the defense ministry and the head of the national security council, was present at the committee’s second meeting on Saturday for the protection and quality of security threats in border areas.

Officials at the meeting reviewed the security situation following, among other things, the suspension of gas exports, electronic supplies, and telecom signals to areas of Myanmar that are suspected of hosting digital criminals and individual traffickers.

Additionally, they considered creating specialized operation centers to combat certain threats, such as drug trafficking on land, sea, and air, in addition to creating a legal expert committee to support the major committee’s work.

After the meeting, Mr. Phumtham stated that there would be no easing of Myanmar’s energy, web, and gas restrictions, adding that these steps are necessary to combat criminal networks that are still active in some of the neighboring nations.

The state is attempting to reduce international acts more aggressively.

Mr. Phumtham noted that call center swindling is relocating from Myawaddy, Myanmar, to different locations in Cambodia and Vietnam.

He claimed Thailand had reached out to Laos ‘ officials and Cambodia’s national defense and inside officials to promote better assistance.

Regarding a plan to establish five Tak province-bordering areas as exclusive safety zones, Mr. Phumtham stated discussions would first be held to determine the viability and economic impact of such a measure.

When questioned about potential long-term solutions to the call center fraud issue, he suggested that the nation that is the scene of these scams may take the place of such a group effort.

Continue Reading