Barkar Nash – Page 891

Former insurance broker âleaked nearly 1m accountsâ

On: November 18, 2023

Prominent figures including top TV news anchor among those exposed

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 16:42

Former insurance broker ‘leaked nearly 1m accounts’ — Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers interrogate a former insurance broker (right) accused of unlawfully selling the data of around 2,000 clients on Saturday. (Photo: CCIB)

A former insurance salesman has been arrested on charges of illegally selling the data of some 2,000 clients as part of a case involving about 1 million individuals.

Authorities from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) on Saturday executed a warrant issued on Thursday to arrest a 45-year-old man identified only as Weeratas at a house on Ratchaphruek Road in Bangkok.

His arrest stemmed from a previous operation in which officers seized data from an estimated 1 million insurance clients. Investigators found that Mr Weeratas had made multiple sales of private information, illegally exchanging 2,000 pieces of data for 1,000 baht per sale with criminal gangs.

Police said the suspect admitted to his actions, explaining that he began the sales following the coronavirus pandemic and was making about 100,000 baht a month.

According to the suspect, due to his previous position as a supervisor in an insurance firm, he had access to a network that could supply him with the information.

Among the individuals found to have had their data exposed was the renowned news broadcaster and journalist Sorrayuth Suthassanachinda. However, police noted that some of the leaked information was inaccurate.

Mr Weeratas realised that authorities were pursuing him after other members of his network were caught. He attempted to evade arrest by closing his social media accounts and switching vehicles as well as residences.

The suspect has been charged with disclosing private information and accessing secure systems and will be processed under the law.

Thai woman sought for âmastermindingâ Taiwanese manâs slaying

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Cameroon and Myanmar nationals in custody, Vanuatu suspect believed to have fled country

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 14:32

Thai woman sought for ‘masterminding’ Taiwanese man’s slaying — A police officer takes one of two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a Taiwanese man to an interrogation room at Bang Na police station on Friday. (Capture from PPTV)

Police are seeking an arrest warrant for a Thai woman said to have masterminded the murder of a Taiwanese man in Bangkok, and are seeking help from Interpol to arrest another suspect from Vanuatu who reportedly fled the country.

The move follows the arrest late Thursday of two men from Cameroon and Myanmar.

Investigators from Bang Na police station on Saturday took the two suspects — Zwe Lin Pyae, 21, of Myanmar and John Agbor, 40, of Cameroon — to the Phra Khanong Criminal Court for approval to detain them for 12 days while they continue their investigation. The officers opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the crime.

Under the law, suspects can be detained for seven 12-day periods, or 84 days in total, before police must press charges or release them.

The two men were arrested on Srinakarin Road in Bangkok late Thursday night on suspicion of murdering the Taiwanese man at a hotel in Bang Na district.

They were charged with the premeditated murder of Chu Chiang Shen, 48, whose body was found in a room on the sixth floor of the Niran Grand Hotel on Udomsuk Soi 17 off Sukhumvit 103 (Udomsuk) Road, on Thursday morning. Hotel staff found the body after the victim’s friend reported that he could not be contacted by phone.

Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thamsuthee, investigative chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), said that the suspects, along with another unidentified European man who remains at large, targeted the victim’s wealth based on information from a Thai woman who ordered the attack, claiming the victim was rich.

Police submitted evidence to the Phra Khanong Criminal Court on Friday to back their case for a warrant to arrest the Thai woman.

As for the fourth suspect, police said he held Vanuatu citizenship and had reportedly fled Thailand. Police are coordinating with Interpol to seek his arrest.

Meanwhile, the wife of Mr Agbor, the Cameroonian suspect, insisted her husband was not involved in the slaying.

The woman, whose name was not released, told police that her husband had known the victim for a long time. Whenever the Taiwanese man arrived in Thailand, he and Mr Agbor often met for meals. She said the victim had introduced her husband to the Vanuatu national.

During questioning, the Cameroonian woman told police that the Taiwanese man had cheated the Vanuatan out of money, and the latter asked her husband to mediate in talks. On the day the crime took place, the Vanuatan contacted Mr Agbor to meet him at the hotel in Phra Khanong. After opening a room on the fifth floor of the hotel, Mr Agbor left.

Mr Agbor later phoned the Vanuatan to ask him whether he had succeeded in getting his money back, but he reportedly heard loud noises during the phone conversation. He then returned to the hotel and found the Vanuatan and Myanmar suspects pepper-spraying the victim’s face, according to the woman.

Mr Agbor reportedly intervened by shielding the victim with his hands, but the man from Myanmar implicated him in the murder, the woman told police.

Famous DJ Trin falls to death in suspected suicide

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 11:41

A renowned radio broadcaster, Trin “DJ Ko” Ruangkitratanakul, fell to his death from a hotel in Bangkok on Friday afternoon in what is believed to be a suspected suicide.

The body of Trin, 36, fell into an area of a house adjacent to the hotel on Soi Sukhumvit 20 in Klong Toey district, said Pol Lt Col Kittichet Kitisarn, investigation chief at Thong Lo police station. His fall was reported to police about 1.30pm.

Police and rescue workers rushing to the scene found the body lying near the kitchen door of the two-storey house.

Hotel staff told police that they heard a loud noise at the fence of the house adjacent to the hotel. They went to check and found the body.

Police said DJ Ko checked into the hotel alone before the fatal fall. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage at the hotel showed him waking alone to the rooftop of the hotel and nobody followed him. The footage showed him entering and leaving the fire exit door five times before going to the rooftop, where he fell to his death.

The officers found his mobile phone, a hotel’s blood-stained bathrobe, a keycard, cigarettes and a lighter at the scene. They believed he jumped to his death and were investigating.

His parents and his elder sister said they did not know why Trin took his own life. The family still had doubts about what drove him to make such a decision.

His mother said her son had no chronic diseases nor work problems, and she could not come to terms with his sudden death.

DJ Ko of 106.5 Green Wave radio won the Nataraja Award for best radio entertainment and music programme host.

Analysis: Move Forward takes step back

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) is struggling to live up to its name as it is mired in internal strife, which is eating away at its popularity, according to political analysts.

For a party which has secured a solid footing in politics over a relatively short time, the MFP has established itself as a visionary party of the present and the future, which defies conventional norms, challenges the status quo and is driven by a young, reformist mindset.

It has championed a high standard of morality in staunchly defending fundamental values and rights, at the forefront of which lies gender equality and non-tolerance for transgressions, including sexual harassment. However, it is this very problem that the party has addressed poorly.

The MFP has consistently been dogged by accusations of misconduct by its members. None have been more damning than the sexual harassment allegedly committed by two of its constituency MPs, and how the MFP has handled the politically explosive scandals has backfired.

It all started with juicy revelations by an anti-MFP webpage called Wannee Kao Klai Kohok Arai (What Lies Have the Move Forward Party Been Telling Today?) that the party harboured two lawmakers who made indecent advances on their female volunteer assistants during the election campaign.

The expose instantly launched serious digging into the allegations by netizens, and before long, the identities of the two male MPs were revealed — Wittiphong Thonglour of Prachin Buri and Chaiyamphawan Manpianjit of Bangkok. The party started a probe, under duress, against the two MPs and at a snail’s pace.

A growing number of supporters and admirers then began losing patience over what they thought should have been a straightforward probe, arguing the evidence against the MPs — which mostly found its way onto social media in the form of online chatroom records — was clear as day.

Already, talk had swirled about the party dragging its feet to protect its own members and not being prepared to forsake its cherished stance of not being sidetracked from its moral high ground.

Some MFP supporters spoke via social media channels to express disappointment with the slow progress of the investigation.

Increasing pressure on the party prompted it to finally release an MP-executive panel decision on Nov 1 that begged even more questions than answers.

The party declared both Mr Wuttiphong and Mr Chaiyamphawan guilty of sexual harassment. However, despite facing identical allegations, the men were treated differently.

A vote saw the axe fall on Mr Wuttiphong. But while he was kicked out of the party, Mr Chaiyamphawan survived expulsion since there were not enough votes against him, as required by the party’s constitution, to oust him.

However, he was given an ultimatum: publicly admit to the alleged sexual misconduct and apologise to his three alleged victims and the public by Nov 3, or else. He was given only one day in which to do so.

As part of the ultimatum, the party also ordered him to compensate his alleged victims and stop any form of communication that would further damage their reputation, both directly and indirectly.

In addition, Mr Chaiyamphawan was warned not to engage in any further acts of sexual harassment.

But as it turned out, it was found that although Mr Chaiyamphawan said he accepted the party’s resolution passed on Nov 1, he had presented more damaging information against the victims in a bid to absolve himself. As a result, a meeting was convened again on Nov 7 to purge Mr Chaiyamphawan.

Even though Mr Chaiyamphawan was on the receiving end of indignation unleashed against him from within and outside the party, critics noted that the MFP was being trapped in a quagmire it had set for itself.

They argued that if the party executives and MPs had applied the same yardstick in the votes on Nov 1, both men would have been expelled, leaving no room for accusations of double standards. After learning of his expulsion, Mr Wuttiphong attributed his being booted out to his lack of connections within the party.

Days later, Mr Wutthipong held a bombshell press briefing in which he revealed he had accused an assistant of a high-profile party MP, who also sits on the MFP executive board, of pocketing kickbacks from a landfill company in Prachin Buri. He insisted this expose cost him his party membership.

According to Nuttaa “Bow” Mahattana, an activist and political commentator, the MFP’s internal probe, which was decidedly instrumental in handing what amounted to a political death warrant for the two MPs, was shrouded in secrecy.

She questioned the procedure the party adopted in considering the cases against the two men, suggesting that if they failed to measure up to standards, the MFP risked being labelled as having crucified its members in a kangaroo court. This would be most unhelpful to the party, which desperately needs to repair the damage to its image.

Is Srettha on borrowed time?

Srettha: Facing criticism over loan plan

When Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dropped a bombshell on Nov 10 about the government’s plan to borrow 500 billion baht to finance the 10,000-baht digital money handout, a chorus of criticism erupted from all corners.

Along with concerns about the massive amount of debt the scheme would create and doubts over whether the stimulus plan can do as intended, critics zeroed in on whether the loan bill would meet the criteria outlined in the law governing fiscal and financial discipline.

Section 53 of the State Fiscal and Financial Discipline Act allows the Finance Ministry to propose a law for borrowing only in an urgent case where there is a need for continued spending to resolve an economic crisis and when waiting for the regular budget process would be too slow.

While the government views the current situation as a crisis, critics do not see eye to eye with them and insist that there is no economic crisis justifying the handout.

Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn argued that the loan bill, which has been sent to the Council of State, the government’s legal arm, to be vetted, did not satisfy any of the criteria in Section 53.

First and foremost, the loan bill must undergo a lengthy scrutiny process in the House of Representatives and the Senate, not to mention that it might be submitted to the Constitutional Court for a ruling. If the borrowing is urgent, why not opt for an executive decree which can be issued by the cabinet?

The digital wallet policy is a one-time handout to some 50 million people who must spend it within six months, so it does not require continued spending. Next, the country is not currently facing a crisis, at least not to the extent experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the senator.

Moreover, the budget bill for the 2024 fiscal year has yet to be deliberated by parliament, and the government can incorporate the digital wallet project into it, the senator said. If the giveaway is included in the annual spending plan, it will match with the Pheu Thai Party’s clarification to the Election Commission regarding the funding source for the flagship policy.

It was reported that the government’s loan bill caused jitters among those who attended the Nov 10 meeting of the digital wallet committee chaired by Mr Srettha.

Near the end of the meeting, Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Office of the Council of State, was said to have expressed concerns about legal issues and possible ramifications if the policy failed to comply with the law.

It was reported that at one point, Bank of Thailand (BoT) governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput mentioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) interest in the policy. He reportedly asked the meeting to record his remarks.

Some committee members, especially those from the coalition partners, appeared visibly anxious.

It remains to be seen how the Council of State will advise the government.

Several political observers believe even if the Council of State rules the loan bill can proceed, there is a slim chance it will be passed by parliament, no matter what the prime minister says.

Before leaving for Apec meetings in San Francisco early this week, Mr Srettha said he had complete confidence that the government’s partners would back the loan bill.

“I am confident the government has the solid support of 320 votes in parliament [to ensure passage of the loan bill],” he said.

Given that the digital wallet policy is on the NACC’s radar and triggering complaints and calls for its scrutiny, MPs from the coalition parties may have second thoughts about giving it the go-ahead, observers said.

They said that, eventually, the loan bill would end up in the Constitutional Court, and if it is found to be unlawful, the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partners could be held accountable. Even if the bill manages to sail through the House, it will hit a roadblock in the Senate.

Senator Chalermchai Fuengkhon revealed that several fellow Upper House members disagreed with the borrowing plan, and they could petition the Constitutional Court to rule on the legality of the bill. One-tenth of senators, or 25 of them, can initiate the process.

According to some observers, Mr Srettha’s fate is tied to the loan bill. As a financial law sponsored by the government, if it fails to clear the House, the premier must choose between resigning and dissolving the House.

However, they say this could prove to be an exit strategy for Mr Srettha, whose popularity rating during the first two months is lower than expected, and he may not last a full four-year term.

Stepping in to take his place would be none other than Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who brought herself into the inner circle by attending a coalition get-together dinner on Nov 8, according to observers.

Move Forward takes step back

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

The main opposition Move Forward Party (MFP) is struggling to live up to its name as it is mired in internal strife, which is eating away at its popularity, according to political analysts.

Already, talk had swirled about the party dragging its feet to protect its own members and not being prepared to forsake its cherished stance of not being sidetracked from its moral high ground.

Some MFP supporters spoke via social media channels to express disappointment with the slow progress of the investigation.

Increasing pressure on the party prompted it to finally release an MP-executive panel decision on Nov 1 that begged even more questions than answers.

The party declared both Mr Wuttiphong and Mr Chaiyamphawan guilty of sexual harassment. However, despite facing identical allegations, the men were treated differently.

As part of the ultimatum, the party also ordered him to compensate his alleged victims and stop any form of communication that would further damage their reputation, both directly and indirectly.

In addition, Mr Chaiyamphawan was warned not to engage in any further acts of sexual harassment.

Is Srettha on borrowed time?

Srettha: Facing criticism over loan plan

While the government views the current situation as a crisis, critics do not see eye to eye with them and insist that there is no economic crisis justifying the handout.

Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn argued that the loan bill, which has been sent to the Council of State, the government’s legal arm, to be vetted, did not satisfy any of the criteria in Section 53.

It was reported that the government’s loan bill caused jitters among those who attended the Nov 10 meeting of the digital wallet committee chaired by Mr Srettha.

It was reported that at one point, Bank of Thailand governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput mentioned the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) interest in the policy. He reportedly asked the meeting to record his remarks.

Some committee members, especially those from the coalition partners, appeared visibly anxious.

It remains to be seen how the Council of State will advise the government.

Several political observers believe even if the Council of State rules the loan bill can proceed, there is a slim chance it will be passed by parliament, no matter what the prime minister says.

Before leaving for Apec meetings in San Francisco early this week, Mr Srettha said he had complete confidence that the government’s partners would back the loan bill.

“I am confident the government has the solid support of 320 votes in parliament [to ensure passage of the loan bill],” he said.

However, they say this could prove to be an exit strategy for Mr Srettha, whose popularity rating during the first two months is lower than expected, and he may not last a full four-year term.

Rights body urges Gaza ceasefire

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 18, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 07:37

The National Human Rights Commission of Thailand (NHRCT) on Friday issued a statement urging an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

In its statement, the NHRCT expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Gaza, which has resulted in the loss of over 10,000 civilian lives, especially women and children. The situation has also led to the displacement of more than 1 million people and has severely hindered the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to the Palestinian population.

“The NHRCT urgently calls upon all relevant parties to address the human rights situation in the Gaza Strip. Immediate ceasefires and unobstructed entry of humanitarian aid are necessary to protect civilians and provide essential supplies to the affected population.

“It is imperative that all parties adhere to the international humanitarian law and ensure humane treatment of civilians, including those no longer participating in the hostilities, and an impartial investigation into alleged abuses be conducted to hold accountable those committing acts in contravention of applicable Geneva Conventions.”

Meanwhile, Kanchana Patarachoke, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said around 390 Thai workers have remained in Israel near Gaza. They reaffirmed that they would not return to Thailand, and they were confident in their employers and the Israeli government’s protection.

“If they change their mind to return home, the Royal Thai Embassy will proceed and help them right away,” she said.

During Nov 22-23, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani will visit Thailand for bilateral talks. He will meet Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, the House speaker. She said that the Thais currently captured by Hamas will be one of the topics during the talks.

6.4 quake hits Myanmar

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Tremors felt around Thailand, experts warn about building safety

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 04:00

Engineers and academics have warned that relevant agencies should put in place strict rules to ensure buildings are able to withstand future earthquakes after a 6.4-magnitude quake struck Myanmar and was felt in several areas of Thailand yesterday.

The earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar at 8.37am yesterday.

The quake was about 100 kilometres northwest of Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, the Meteorological Department’s Earthquake Observation Division announced.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake’s epicentre was located about 76km southwest of Kengtung township in Shan State, occurring at a depth of nine kilometres. Three aftershocks with magnitudes of 4.1, 3.5 and 3.4 were recorded shortly after the quake.

The tremor was reportedly felt in Muang, Mae Suay and Mae Sai districts of Chiang Rai; Saraphi and Muang districts of Chiang Mai; Muang district of Lamphun; some parts of Nan; and several areas in Bangkok. The quake was also felt in Mae Hong Son in the North, as well as Udon Thani and Khon Kaen in the Northeast.

Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, said that the quake was not strong enough to cause buildings in the North to collapse. Some buildings that were shaken by the quake were low-rise or medium-rise structures, he said.

Several buildings over five storeys in Bangkok were also shaken by the quake. But the capital was about 1,000km away from the epicentre, so there should have been no serious impact on the structures of buildings in Bangkok, he said.

He said a ministerial regulation issued in 2021 stipulates certain criteria to ensure the earthquake-proof design of buildings in 43 provinces nationwide, including in the North and Bangkok.

“People should not panic about this earthquake. But we should be prepared to deal with future earthquakes that could be bigger in magnitude or could occur closer to Thailand,” Mr Amorn said.

“Earthquakes cannot be predicted and alerted about in advance. The best measure to deal with earthquakes is to strengthen the structural integrity of buildings. The design and construction of new buildings must be earthquake-proof while old buildings must be reinforced to withstand future quakes,” Mr Amorn said.

Suchatvee Suwansawat, a former president of the Council of Engineers, said the earthquake is a signal that more severe ones could occur in the future.

“I am concerned about Bangkok, where there are at least 10,000 high-rise buildings. But it is fortunate that the government issued a regulation in 2021 to ensure buildings are earthquake-proof. However, City Hall must survey old buildings built before 2021 and tell their owners to reinforce the buildings’ foundations.”

Arun Pinta, chief of the disaster prevention and mitigation office of Chiang Mai, said residents in high-rise buildings, as well as staff and patients at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, said they felt the tremor for about five seconds.

Prasan Sangwandet, director of the Earthquake Observation Division, said the earthquake was caused by the movement of the Kengtung fault in Myanmar’s Shan State. Myanmar has many seismic faults, and earthquakes are common.

Mr Prasan said many aftershocks were reported after the initial quake. More aftershocks are expected to follow for one to two months.

PM courts foreign cash as he hobnobs with elite at Apec meet

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 04:00

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday told his Canadian and Australian counterparts that Thailand is ready to welcome foreign investors amid a global trend for business relocation to the Asean region.

Mr Srettha met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Thursday morning at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in San Francisco, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said yesterday.

Mr Chai said both sides hoped to strengthen cooperation in every area and believed Apec would generate many opportunities for both countries.

Mr Srettha said Thailand’s delegation had attended the summit to announce that it is ready to welcome foreign investment following signs of a global trend of businesses relocating to the region. Many leading international automobile manufacturers are also setting up production bases for electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand.

On this occasion, the premier met with several leading EV makers who have expressed an interest in moving some or all of their capacity to the kingdom.

The Thai government already has a reputation for offering incentives and privileges to promote Thailand as a regional hub for a number of emerging technologies, Mr Chai said.

Mr Chai also said Thailand is ready to strengthen bilateral ties with Canada and discussed opportunities for increased cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Asean-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Meanwhile, Mr Srettha also met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and discussed investment opportunities in Thailand.

Mr Chai said the prime minister had accepted an invitation to participate in the upcoming special summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Asean-Australian relations in Australia in March.

The two leaders acknowledged that significant progress had been made towards an advanced FTA, as well as closer people-to-people exchanges, before highlighting tourism as a pivotal policy for both governments.

Meanwhile, Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Director General of the Department of International Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Mr Srettha sat next to President Joe Biden at the Apec Gala Dinner.

He said the premier had enjoyed a long chat with the president during the two-hour event.

New export markets to be tapped

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

Govt aims for ‘quick win’ to boost GDP

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 04:00

The government is stepping up efforts to boost exports as part of its “quick win” policy to revitalise the economy.

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said yesterday that Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin has laid down a policy to turn the economy around by promoting exports in new overseas markets.

Thailand’s exports have been forecast to register positive growth in the final quarter, and growth is estimated at 1.99% next year with an estimated value of more than US$287 billion, the spokesman said.

The government has devised a plan to support and push for export growth, with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai overseeing the plan’s implementation.

Measures will be taken to achieve “quick wins” by creating trade opportunities in new markets with high potential, such as China and the Middle East, while existing markets will be maintained through free trade agreement negotiations with trading partners, Mr Chai said.

The relevant agencies will work together proactively to promote products made by local communities globally via online and offline marketing, he said.

The government is also promoting the country’s soft power by using innovations and technology to increase the value of domestic goods and services such as Thai food, Thai boxing, and tourism, he noted.

Efforts have been made to integrate trade and tourism to increase retail outlets selling Thai goods on Thai Airways International flights, Mr Chai said.

He said plans are in place to push for a digital government and improve laws that pose hurdles to the export sector, as well as promote green industries and e-commerce.

Moreover, the government has drawn up a plan to upgrade cross-border checkpoints and set up one-stop service centres in seven provinces to facilitate cross-border trade and exports.

“The Commerce Ministry estimates the value of exports in the last quarter at about $25.7 billion a month while export growth is estimated to hit 1.99% next year with an estimated value of more than $287 billion,” the spokesman said.

“If things go according to plan, the trade volume will increase, which will help boost the economy and create jobs and generate income for Thais.”

2 arrests, 1 on run for murder

By: Barkar Nash

On: November 17, 2023

In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED : 18 Nov 2023 at 04:00

Police have arrested two men from Cameroon and Myanmar on suspicion of murdering a Taiwanese man at a hotel in Bang Na district of Bangkok on Thursday.

The Myanmar suspect has confessed that a Thai woman had hired him.

Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thamsuthee, investigative chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), said yesterday that John Agbor, a 40-year-old Cameroonian, and Zwe Lin Pyae, 21, were arrested on Srinakarin Road in Bang Na district late Thursday night.

Hotel staff found the body after the victim’s friend reported that the victim could not be contacted by phone.

According to Pol Maj Gen Theeradet, the arrested suspects, along with another unidentified white European man who remains at large, targeted the victim’s wealth based on information from a Thai woman who allegedly ordered the attack, claiming that the victim was rich.

The gang rented another room on the fifth floor of the same hotel to prepare for the crime.

The three suspects attacked the Taiwanese man in his room around 1am on Thursday, tying his head with a plastic food wrap sheet and using belts to secure his limbs.

An injury above the victim’s right eyebrow made it look as though he had been hit with a heavy object, while the sheet was reportedly full of bloodstains.

The attackers did not find the victim’s money but made off with his notebook, computer, and mobile phone.

Officers said they found two small electronic safes and two suitcases had been left inside the room.

Zwe Lin Pyae told police that Chu Chiang Shen was alive when he left the hotel room.

A police source said that John Agbor denied all charges and insisted on his innocence during the interrogation in which he claimed to be a “language teacher”.

Pol Maj Gen Theeradet revealed that police are tracking the Caucasian suspect caught on the hotel’s CCTV.

An arrest warrant has been issued, he said.

Barkar Nash (Page 891)

Is Srettha on borrowed time?

Is Srettha on borrowed time?