Video footage captured the moment when a pack of stray dogs attacked a Thai woman, wife of a Russian tourist, on Muk Island, Trang province, on December 3, 2024.
TRANG — A Thai woman was severely injured after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs on Muk Island in Trang province. The victim, 30-year-old Angkana from Sukhothai, who is married to a Russian tourist, suffered over 10 wounds.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on December 3rd when Angkana was walking along the beach near her resort. A single dog initially approached her barking, soon attracting 5-6 more dogs that surrounded and attacked her. The attack lasted about five minutes before local residents came to her rescue.
Angkana was taken to Kantang Hospital with multiple bite wounds on her arms, legs, fingers, and hips. She was in severe pain and continued crying from the time of the incident until arriving at the hospital.
Nurses at Kantang Hospital treat wounds of a Thai wife of a Russian tourist who was attacked by a pack of dogs on Muk Island on December 3, 2024.
She later told media that when she first arrived on Muk Island on November 30th, she noticed many dogs but couldn’t tell which were pets and which were strays. The dogs in the village and community areas seemed friendly, and being a dog lover herself, she felt comfortable around them. However, she was unaware that the dogs near the beach were so aggressive. As a tourist, she believes the situation is out of control and authorities should step in to manage these dogs.
Local officials report this is an ongoing problem that has persisted for 4-5 years. The stray dog population has grown significantly after pet dogs were abandoned on the island. Sommboon Tongwaree, a local council member, proposed relocating the dogs to uninhabited Yong Lam Island as a short-term solution.
Resort operator Patcharin Tongwaree, 55, emphasized that such attacks are frequent, affecting both tourists and locals. She noted that with high tourist season approaching, immediate action is needed. Previous attempts at population control through sterilization have been ineffective due to the dogs’ rapid breeding rate.
The island, whose population is 99% Muslim and generally doesn’t keep dogs as pets, now faces a crisis with hundreds of strays roaming freely, threatening tourism and public safety.
South Korean martial law soldiers try to enter the National Assembly compound in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Cho Jung-woo/Newsis via AP)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls the country’s parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea.
Less than three hours later, parliament voted to lift the declaration, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.”
Police and military personnel were seen leaving the Assembly’s grounds after Woo called for their withdrawal. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party’s lawmakers will remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifts his order.
In this photo provided by South Korea Presidential Office, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a press briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (South Korea Unification Ministry via AP).
Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment.
“Democratic Party lawmakers, including me and many others, will protect our country’s democracy and future and public safety, lives and properties, with our own lives,” Lee told reporters.
The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own conservative party.
Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state.
People try to enter as police officers stand guard in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be employed to restrict the freedom of press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of courts.
The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote.
Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said.
In Washington, the White House said the U.S. was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Joe Biden’s administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government.
The military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools. The military said anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant.
Police officers stand guard in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Soon after the declaration, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions.
All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. Television footage showed soldiers who had been stationed at parliament leaving the site after the vote.
Hours earlier, TV showed police officers blocking the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the building.
An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters, likely from the military, that landed inside the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site.
The leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, called the decision to impose martial law “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, called Yoon’s announcement “illegal and unconstitutional.”
Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.”
“I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.”
People watch a TV screen showing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s televised briefing at a bus terminal in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022.
Yoon’s party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also attempted to pass motions to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations of Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls.
During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens,” but he did not elaborate.
Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued inter-Korean engagement.
Yoon has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals.
Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee.
Police arrest two of 20 hybrid scam gang members at a Chiang Mai city apartment on December 2, 2024.
CHIANG MAI — Thai Cyber Police have arrested a key manager of a Chinese hybrid scam network who used artificial intelligence to create an attractive digital persona to deceive victims out of nearly 46 million baht ($1.3 million) in fraudulent investments.
On December 3, Police Lieutenant General Jirapob Puridet led the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) in announcing the arrest of Yuttachai (surname withheld), 26, in Chiang Mai Province. The suspect was apprehended while managing social media advertisements targeting potential victims in Turkey and Africa.
Yuttachai was among 20 suspects arrested in a coordinated operation dubbed “Annihilate Hybrid Scam” on December 2. The suspects face multiple charges including public fraud through identity theft, inputting false information into computer systems, participation in transnational organized crime, and money laundering.
Police arrest one of 20 hybrid scam gang members at a Chiang Mai city apartment on December 2, 2024.
Police Major General Athip Pongsiwapai, Commander of CCIB, revealed that the scammer network operated like a corporate entity, adapting their tactics to maximize profits. The operation primarily used romance scams combined with fraudulent investment schemes, known as “hybrid scams.”
According to investigators, the scheme began in July 2024 when scammers created fake social media profiles featuring an attractive, wealthy man. Using AI technology, they generated video calls that matched the fake profile photos, building trust with victims over several weeks. To appear more convincing, scammers sent diamond rings and flowers to victims before persuading them to invest through a fake application called “Streaming.”
In one case, a victim transferred money 45 times, totaling 45.8 million baht. When confronted, Yuttachai attempted to extract an additional 200,000 baht ($5,800) by claiming he was being forced to work for the scammer network.
A hybrid scam gang member among 20 suspects captured during a police raid at a Chiang Mai residence on December 2, 2024.
The police operation covered 21 locations across 11 provinces, resulting in the arrest of various network members including money launderers, cryptocurrency handlers, and money mule account owners. Over 208 pieces of evidence were seized.
Yuttachai confessed to working as an interpreter and manager for the Chinese-funded operation, which employed 10 teams of 8-10 Thai and Laotian workers each. The network carefully selected victims based on their financial status and family background, using sophisticated social engineering techniques to build trust before introducing fraudulent investment platforms.
Investigation revealed the gang used five fake applications: Streaming, TellMall, ETF Trade, Fhxcm, and Fxcm. According to the Thai Police Online system, 29 cases have been reported with estimated losses of 63 million baht. The network targeted victims from Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
The suspect reportedly earned a monthly salary of 8,000 yuan ($1,100) plus commission from successful scams.
Motorists survey a house damaged by a flood in Tumpat, on the outskirts of Kota Bahru, Malaysia, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
KOTA BARU, Malaysia (AP) — Severe floods caused by monsoon rains killed more than 30 people and displaced tens of thousands in Malaysia and southern Thailand, officials said Tuesday, with both countries preparing shelters and evacuation plans in anticipation of more heavy rain.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said five days of heavier-than-expected rain that battered the country’s east coast last week was equal to the rainfall over the past six months, wreaking havoc in the northeastern state of Kelantan and neighboring Terengganu.
The floods also submerged large tracts of rice fields, causing millions of dollars in losses to farmers, officials said. The heavy downpour also damaged roads, houses and public facilities in Kelantan and other parts of Malaysia. Rescue workers used boats to distribute food to victims trapped in their homes.
Asmah Ibrahim, 60 years old resident reacts as she stands outside of her house damaged by flood in Tumpat, on the outskirts of Kota Bahru, Malaysia, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
“I was awoken around 3 a.m. in the morning. I tried to move my car. I thought the water won’t rise this high. However, at 5 a.m. the water rose nonstop, so I was only able to rescue a few things,” laborer Ayob Othman said outside his partially submerged home in Tumpat district in Kelantan.
Another Tumpat villager, Asmah Ibrahim, despaired over how to rebuild her ruined home. “To eat, drink, I have some cash, but to repair this?” she said. “Where can I find 40,000 ringgit ($9,000)?”
Anwar told Parliament on Tuesday that it would cost an estimated 1 billion ringgit ($224 million) to repair infrastructure damaged by the floods. He said the government will consider compensation for those who lost assets.
The rain eased over the weekend, but the Meteorological Department forecast heavy rains later Tuesday. Anwar said the government is bracing for another monsoon surge that is expected to hit on Sunday.
Children wade through flood water outside their home in Tumpat, outskirts of Kota Bahru, Malaysia, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)Motorists survey the damage caused by a flood in Tumpat, on the outskirts of Kota Bahru in Kelantan state on the east coast of Malaysia, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
National Disaster Command Center data showed about 85,000 people across seven states remained in schools, community halls and relief centers after they were moved out of their homes due to the floods. This was down from about 150,000 evacuees on Sunday. About 88% of the evacuees are from Kelantan and Terengganu.
At least six people died in Malaysia, while the death toll was higher in southern Thailand.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said Tuesday that 25 people perished in floods in the southernmost part of the country in the past week. More than 300,000 households have been affected, with many schools and 98 health facilities forced to close. The health ministry said 34,354 evacuees remained at 491 government shelters on Monday.
Although water levels have receded in several provinces, the department also warned of more heavy rains through Thursday, putting the areas further at risk of flash floods. Authorities prepared shelter, water pumps, evacuation trucks and boats, and put rescue workers on standby to prepare for more downpours.
The floods have affected tourism, with Malaysian officials urging citizens to defer travel plans to southern Thailand, a popular holiday destination.
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Syawalludin Zain reported from Kota Baru. Jintamas Saksornchai reported from Bangkok.
There's no market here! Thai authorities apprehend a Chinese suspect, believed to be a scam syndicate leader, near the Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo Province on Dec. 2, 2024.
BANGKOK — In a significant development following November’s “CIB Crushes Grey Dragon” anti-scam operation, Thai authorities have apprehended a suspected Chinese scam syndicate leader near the Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo Province.
On December 2, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), working jointly with Sa Kaeo Provincial Police and Immigration officers, arrested De Min, a 35-year-old Chinese national. De Min is the husband of Ms. Jiraphan, a 30-year-old Thai suspect previously arrested in Chiang Mai. The arrest took place near a road leading to Cambodia in Non Sao Ae village, Aran Prathet district, Sa Kaeo province.
CIB officers seize SIM boxes during Operation ‘CIB Crushes Grey Dragon’ in Chiang Mai Province.
De Min faces charges of illegally operating and possessing radio communication equipment without proper authorization. Despite being found on a natural trail near the border, he denied any wrongdoing and claimed he was merely heading to the Rong Klua Market.
This arrest is part of an ongoing CIB operation that has targeted 14 locations across 9 provinces, resulting in the seizure of substantial equipment and the arrest of at least 17 suspects. Among them was Ms. Jiraphan, who allegedly managed logistics, including site procurement and equipment installation for GSM Gateway or SIMBOX operations, working alongside her Chinese husband who investigators identified as a major financier and administrator.
Ms. Yin, a 37-year-old Chinese national, arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport for allegedly assisting a criminal on Dec. 2, 2024.
Before his arrest, De Min had attempted to evade authorities by fleeing from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Sawan, abandoning his car and taking a bus to Bangkok in an apparent bid to leave the country. His other wife, Ms. Yin, a 37-year-old Chinese national, was also arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on the same day for allegedly assisting a criminal.
On December 3, Police Colonel Wiwat Jitsopakul from CIB Division 2 announced that the court has denied bail for both suspects, citing flight risk and their connections to international scammer networks. The suspects have been detained at Bangkok Special Prison while investigations continue.
During 3 – 8 November 2024, Mr. Kunanon Nalinthamakorn, a first-year student from Department of Information and Network Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology and Management, KMUTNB Prachinburi Campus, won a bronze medal from the eTool challenge competition at the 2024 Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities in Manila, Philippines. Mr. Kunanon Nalinthamakorn participated in this tournament under the sponsorship of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. This competition aimed at promoting the ICT capabilities of youth with disabilities and improving the awareness of digital accessibility for them. King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok would like to extend warmest congratulations for the student’s outstanding achievement.
Bangkok, December 2, 2024 – Thonburi Phanich Co., Ltd., Thailand’s first official Mercedes-Benz Retail Partner, is pleased to announce the collaboration of the launch of the Red Cross 2024 Lottery. Proceeds from ticket sales, after deducting expenses, will be donated to the Thai Red Cross Society to support its humanitarian initiatives.
This year’s lottery provides participants with the chance to support a meaningful cause with a chance to win outstanding prizes. Tickets are available for just THB 100 each, with the grand prize being a Mercedes-Benz C350e AMG Dynamic, worth THB 3,200,000. Over 100 additional prizes are up for grabs, bringing the total prize pool to more than THB 3,792,140.
Lottery tickets can be purchased conveniently through two channels: online at https://shorturl.at/IP7d7 or by scanning the QR code provided in promotional materials. The draw will take place on December 22, 2024, during the Red Cross Fair at Lumpini Park. Winners will also be announced on the official website (https://www.iredcross.org/) and the Benz Thonburi Group Facebook Page.
The Red Cross Lottery offers an exciting array of prizes, with the Grand Prize being a Mercedes-Benz C350e AMG Dynamic, valued at THB 3,200,000. The Second Prize features a New Honda Monkey 2024 motorcycle, worth THB 99,700. Two Third Prizes of gold bars (1 baht weight) are available, each valued at THB 41,000, along with two Fourth Prizes of iPad Air 11″ 256GB, each worth THB 27,900. Additionally, over 100 other prizes include items such as Samsung 65” QLED TVs, Dyson hair dryers, Samsung refrigerators, PUMA AMG T-shirts,andMercedes-Benz tumblers, offering something special for every winner.
The Red Cross Fair 2024 will take place from December 11–22, 2024, at Lumpini Park, Bangkok. For prize collection, winners are encouraged to contact Thonburi Phanich at 02 405 8818to make the necessary arrangements.
Be a part of making a meaningful impact while seizing the opportunity to win extraordinary prizes. Join hands with us to support the Thai Red Cross Society today.
Terms and Conditions:
All prizes must be claimed by March 22, 2025. Unclaimed prizes will be donated to the Thai Red Cross Society.
Tickets are issued in 1,000 sets, totaling 100,000 tickets, numbered 800000–899999. Only holders of winning tickets are eligible to claim prizes.
Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. All terms and conditions are subject to the company’s discretion. Decisions made by the organizing committee will be considered final.
Tears fall down the cheeks of Jamie Lee Komoroski as family members of Samantha Miller speak about Miller during the plea hearing for Komoroski at Charleston County Court, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Charleston, S.C. (Henry Taylor/The Post And Courier via AP)
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — A woman who admitted to drinking and who was driving well over twice the speed limit when she smashed into a golf cart, killing a bride who had just got married at a South Carolina beach, was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison.
Jamie Lee Komoroski pleaded guilty at the Charleston County courthouse to reckless homicide, felony DUI causing death and two counts of felony DUI causing great bodily injury before her sentencing.
Also hurt in the 2023 crash was the groom, Aric Hutchinson, who cried in court as he recalled the last moments he spent with Samantha Miller — some of their only moments as husband and wife.
“On the golf cart, she told me she didn’t want the night to end and I kissed her on the forehead and then the next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital,” Hutchinson said.
Komoroski, 27, was sentenced to the maximum of 25 years in prison for felony DUI causing death by Judge Deadra Jefferson. She also was sentenced to 15 years in prison for each count of felony DUI causing great bodily injury and 10 years for reckless homicide. The sentences will all run at the same time.
9th Circuit Court Judge Deadra Jefferson listens to Jamie Lee Komoroski plea guilty to multiple charges after a 2023 crash that killed Samantha Miller, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Charleston, S.C. (Henry Taylor/The Post And Courier via AP)
Police said Komoroski drank at several bars on April 28, 2023, and was driving 65 mph (105 kph) on a narrow Folly Beach road with a speed limit of 25 mph (40 kph) when she slammed into the golf cart leaving a wedding. Her blood-alcohol level was 0.26%, which is more than three times the legal limit to drive.
The 34-year-old bride died still wearing her wedding dress. The groom suffered a brain injury and numerous broken bones. The cart was thrown 100 yards (91 meters) by the crash.
After pleading guilty, Komoroski said she realized now she was addicted to alcohol and selfishly didn’t care how her actions affected others. She promised to spend the rest of her life helping addicts and warning of the dangers of drinking and driving. She said she was “devastated, deeply ashamed and sorry” for what she did.
“I wish I could go back and undo this terrible tragedy. But I cannot. I will live the rest of my life with intense regret for what happened that night,” she said.
She said all her work will be dedicated to Miller’s memory.
“I pray God stands by the side of my victims and their families and loved ones for the rest of their lives,” Komoroski said.
FILE – Lisa Miller, left, and her daughter, Mandi Jenkins, wipe tears from their eyes after testifying during a bond hearing for Jamie Lee Komoroski, Aug 1, 2023, at the Charleston County Courthouse in Charleston, S.C. (Gavin McIntyre/The Post And Courier via AP, File)
A number of friends and family of both Miller and Komoroski spoke at the hearing, which lasted nearly three hours. Komoroski’s supporters asked the judge to be lenient because she is young, remorseful and can still do good.
Many of Miller’s family asked for a harsh sentence, saying they can never get her back and that the decisions Komoroski made that night were selfish and permanently scarred many lives. Komoroski looked at most of Miller’s family, including Hutchinson, as they spoke, occasionally wiping away tears.
Hutchinson said he sees more doctors and therapists than he can count because of his physical injuries and the mental anguish of the crash, and that he thinks about it every single day.
Aric Hutchinson speaks about Samantha Miller to 9th Circuit Court Judge Deadra Jefferson during the plea hearing for Jamie Lee Komoroski, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in Charleston, S.C. (Henry Taylor/The Post And Courier via AP)
“I wish I had died that night. I wish I had seen it coming. I’d have jumped off the golf cart so you would only have run me over,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson won $863,000 in legal settlements from three bars that served Komoroski as well as her insurance firm and the company she rented her car from.
Before the sentencing, Miller’s father told Komoroski he was disgusted that she appeared to never take responsibility. He told her she could apologize, but he wouldn’t listen to a word.
“The rest of my life I’m going to hate you and when I arrive in hell and you come there, I will open the door for you,” Brad Warner said. “You have ruined so many people’s lives.”
Undercover officers, including Sub-Lieutenant Polawat Nakthamya who disguised himself as a tattooed wrestler, arrest a 33-year-old Chinese national suspected of sexually harassing and blackmailing a female student in a hotel room in Bangkok's Phaya Thai district on Dec. 2, 2024.
BANGKOK — Thai police caught the perpetrator in an undercover ‘swinging’ operation. A Chinese man was arrested in Bangkok on Monday for allegedly sexually harassing and blackmailing a female student
An undercover officer disguised as a wrestler served as a decoy while six undercover officers hid in a hotel room – in closets, under beds and on the balcony – waiting to arrest the suspect, 33-year-old Chinese national Su Xing Rui, on December 2. Su was wanted for rape and violence against others.
The suspect was arrested at a prestigious hotel on Petchburi Road in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district. The evidence seized included a smartphone with videos of rape, sadistic sexual acts and numerous upskirt videos, as well as a rope allegedly used during sexual intercourse.
The investigation began when an 18-year-old first-year Thai student reported that she was raped at the Phaya Thai police station on November 19, 2024. She reported that she met Su on the sixth floor of the MBK Center where he approached her and pretended to be a tourist. Since she was learning Chinese, she agreed to talk to him. However, Su lured her to a hotel on Phetchaburi Road where he raped her and recorded the assault.
Su later threatened her by text message and asked her to meet up with him again to engage in unconventional sexual activities, including with other men. Out of fear, the victim confided in her family, who then accompanied her to the police to file a complaint.
The police then obtained an arrest warrant, but had difficulty tracking Su down due to his volatile lifestyle. With the help of psychological profiling, the authorities developed a covert operation. They used a female decoy, whom Su asked to organize another man in fantasy clothing for a “swinging” scenario. Sub-Lieutenant Polawat Nakthamya was assigned to play the role, complete with tattoos to mimic a foreigner.
The Chinese suspect denies all allegations, claiming he was “shocked” and had taken stimulants before his arrest.
When Su entered the room at 7:30 p.m., Sub-Lieutenant Polawat confirmed his identity and signaled the team to come out and arrest him.
The suspect denied all allegations, claiming he was “shocked” and had taken stimulants before his arrest. He stated that the rope around his neck was a sexual accessory and refused to provide further statements, insisting he was a tourist and not involved in any scam activities.
Following his arrest, investigators found extensive data on his phone, including videos of sadistic assaults on victims, recordings of sexual encounters with multiple women, and numerous upskirt videos taken in public places. Additional evidence indicated the suspect exhibited a sexual preference for voyeuristic and exploitative behaviors.
Pol. Col. Theeradej Thamsutee noted that the suspect, a foreigner with no fixed residence, was difficult to track down. Behavioral analysis and investigative theories were crucial to trap him. He emphasized that the swift operation probably prevented further victims. Although he had only recently arrived in Thailand, the suspect had already committed several crimes, including filming women’s skirts in public.
The investigation team has provided important evidence to the Phaya Thai Police Station for further legal action.
Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leader of health enrichment products under BRAND’S trademark in Thailand and Asia, reaffirms its commitment to conducting business with corporate social and environmental responsibility, in line with the corporate values of “Growing for Good” and “Giving Back to Society”. This is demonstrated by the success of the water conservation project, which received a certificate for the “Corporate Social Impact Awards 2024” from the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM), recognizing member businesses with outstanding corporate social impact. This award is a testament to Suntory’s dedication to educating youth about sustainable water and environmental conservation. On November, 13, 2024, Mrs. Mathuvalee Stithyudhakarn, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Affairs Director, Thailand and Indochina, represented the company in receiving the certificate from U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec and Mr. Simon Denye, AMCHAM Corporate Social Impact Board Governor Liaison.
“The AMCHAM Corporate Social Impact Award reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for society and the environment,” stated Mrs. Mathuvalee Stithyudhakarn. “Under the ‘One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024’, we are dedicated to raising awareness of water conservation among Thai youth through the Nature Classroom activity, which offers hands-on learning experiences to enhance their ability to apply this knowledge within their community’s context. Additionally, we support the implementation of water conservation projects in schools that address four areas: policy, stakeholder participation, infrastructure development, and community engagement. Through raising awareness of social responsibility and empowering young people to become ‘change agents’, we hope to promote positive behavioral changes and sustainable water resource conservation in local communities.”
“We have implemented the water conservation project since 2021 with the goal of educating Thai youth about the value of water resources from upstream to downstream, and empowering them to spearhead innovative water conservation initiatives in their local communities. To spread awareness about water conservation across the country, we have organized experiential learning activities through the Nature Classroom. Over 37,000 students have participated in educational activities and the implementation of water conservation projects in schools, while more than 180 teachers have received training to sustainably transfer knowledge of water and environmental conservation. We aim for these student leaders and teachers to be representatives in expanding this environmental education model at the national level.”
In the past, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has been dedicated to continuously improving its initiatives to enhance impact on society. The water conservation project began in 2021 with the theme “Save the Water, Save the World,” in partnership with the Environmental Education Center (EEC). It provided nature classroom educational activities along the Andaman Sea’s beachfront, teaching young people about protecting marine water sources and promoting sustainable tourism in Phuket Province. Later in 2022, the company launched the “Give Balance to Water and the World” concept, educating young people from Rayong Province through the nature classroom activities in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health, the Rayong Inclusive Learning Academy (RILA), and the Environmental Education Center. The goal was to promote sustainable tourism and the preservation of Rayong Province’s numerous water sources.
In 2023, by collaborating with the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion and participating schools under the Eco-School project, we expanded the project nationwide. Our goal was to encourage young people to take the lead in protecting their local water resources, such as the upstream in Chiang Rai Province, the midstream in Ubon Ratchathani Province, the downstream in Chachoengsao Province, and the sea in Krabi Province, all under the motto “Protect Water, Care for the Environment for a Sustainable Thailand”.
The year is a significant milestone for the project. In collaboration with government and social sector partners such as the Department of Water Resources, the Department of Pollution Control, the Department of Climate Change and Environment, and the Environmental Education Center, the company has partnered with Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to implement the “One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2024”. Student leaders and teachers from 30 schools in Rayong and Chonburi provinces attended the “Mizuiku Water Hero Camp” and the “Mizuiku Water Model School” activities. A unique opportunity to participate in a field trip to learn about the origin of the Mizuiku program in Japan was also given to the two schools who won the “Mizuiku Water Model School” contest.
Follow Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) on Facebook and LinkedIn: Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand), or visit www.suntorybeverageandfood.co.thfor more information on the company’s sustainability initiatives.
