US Police Dog Helps Thai Authorities Crack Child Exploitation Ring

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29 November 2024, 00:25

BANGKOK — Thai authorities have shut down a criminal organization known as the VIP Group that distributed child pornography through social media platforms, following a coordinated operation led by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

The operation, targeting the asianclip.xyz website and Telegram platform, resulted in three arrests across Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Trang provinces. The network generated over 100,000 baht monthly from more than 20,000 members who paid between 300-1,000 baht for access to explicit content.

The year-long investigation, conducted by DSI in partnership with the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) and various child protection organizations, including LIFT International, Operation Underground Railroad (OUR Rescue), The Scientia Program Foundation and Thai Hotline, uncovered over 20,000 images and 100,000 video clips.

dog help crackdown4 — Thai authorities arrest the website administrator Thatchaphon, alleged money mule Songwut, and Thanakorn, who is accused of producing explicit content by coercing victims.

The network was responsible for the production, distribution and sharing of pornographic content via websites and Telegram groups. Authorities identified more than 2,000 victims connected to the network.

On Nov. 27, authorities conducted raids in four locations in three provinces: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Trang. They executed arrest warrants for suspects involved in the production and distribution of pornographic material.

dog help crackdown2 — Authorities display evidence after discovering more than 20,000 images and nearly 100,000 video clips from the groups.

Among those arrested were the website administrator Thatchaphon, alleged money mule Songwut, and Thanakorn, who is accused of producing explicit content by coercing victims. A fourth suspect remains at large.

The operation marked Thailand’s first fully coordinated law enforcement effort of its kind, utilizing a specially trained US police dog named Winner to detect electronic devices containing evidence.

Victims of exploitation are encouraged to report incidents to the DSI’s Technology and Information Cases Division or the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, with assured confidentiality.

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Thailand Deports 6 Cambodian Activists Facing Treason Charges Over Critical Facebook Comments

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Associated Press

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28 November 2024, 20:27

Cambodia Activists Deported — FILE - Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet attends the East Asia Summit at the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Pool Photo via AP, File)

PHNOM PENH (AP) — Six Cambodian activists charged with treason over Facebook comments criticizing their government have been deported from Thailand to stand trial, a pro-democracy group said Thursday.

The Khmer Movement for Democracy, a movement formed by opposition leaders in exile, criticized the decision to return the four women and two men Nov. 24, saying they will face “inhuman and degrading treatment” in Cambodia’s overcrowded prison system.

Thailand and Cambodia are accused by rights groups of having a de facto agreement to return political dissidents wanted by their home country.

The activists — Pen Chan Sangkream, Hong An, Mean Chanthon, Yin Chanthou, Soeung Khunthea and Vorn Chanratana — are associated with the opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party, which was dissolved ahead of the 2018 general election as part of a crackdown on the opposition.

The Cambodian People’s Party subsequently won every seat in the National Assembly in an election that returned autocratic leader Hun Sen to power.

Hun Sen ruled Cambodia for nearly four decades until 2023, when he stepped aside to make way for his son, Hun Manet, who was elected prime minister later that year in elections that were criticized internationally as neither free nor fair.

The six activists were charged in August by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court with treason after posting statements critical of the Cambodian government’s involvement in a decades-old regional development agreement with neighboring countries, said Am Sam Ath Operational Director of local rights group, Licadho. He confirmed the six had been deported by the Thai government.

The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area (CLV-DTA) agreement was a development plan intended to facilitate cooperation on trade and migration in four northeastern provinces of Cambodia and border areas in Laos and Vietnam. It was signed in 1999 and formalized in 2004.

Critics focused on land concessions, charging that the pact privileges foreign interests, and particularly that it would cede land and sovereignty to Vietnam, a highly sensitive issue because of Cambodia’s historical antagonism toward its larger eastern neighbor.

Nearly 100 people were also arrested in August in Cambodia for protesting the agreement.

Hun Manet defended the crackdown, saying the authorities must protect the social order and security for the sake of all Cambodians, and accused the protesters of seeking to overthrow his government.

His government then pulled out of the CLV-DTA in September, but the charges against those who protested remain.

Kheang Sonadin, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s department of prisons, said all six activists had been assigned to various prisons on Nov. 25.

If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison.

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Thailand Makes Culinary History with “Sorn” First Three-Michelin-Star

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 18:19

sorn14 — Supaksorn 'Ice' Jongsiri receives the Three MICHELIN Stars at the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 Ceremony at Chatra Ballroom, Siam Kempinski Hotel on Nov. 28, 2024.

BANGKOK — In a landmark moment for Thai gastronomy, Sorn has become Thailand’s first-ever three-Michelin-starred restaurant, cementing the country’s position on the global culinary map. The announcement came during the release of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 edition.

Sorn, renowned for its innovative approach to Southern Thai cuisine in Soi Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok, earned this prestigious recognition after steadily climbing the Michelin ranks since its first star in 2019. The restaurant’s journey from one star to three stars in just six years highlights its exceptional commitment to culinary excellence, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.

sorn12 — Sorn, renowned for its innovative approach to Southern Thai cuisine in Soi Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok

The 2025 guide features 462 establishments across Thailand, including seven two-starred restaurants and 28 one-starred venues. Notable among these is Côte by Mauro Colagreco, which was elevated to two stars this year. Five restaurants received their first Michelin star, including AKKEE in Nonthaburi and Aulis in Phang-Nga, marking significant achievements outside Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Jay Fai, the 81-year-old master behind Bangkok’s famous Michelin-starred street food stall, who denied the news about retiring in 2025, has maintained her Michelin star for the 8th consecutive year.

michelin 2025 11 — The group photo of the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Thailand showcase event, featuring representatives from 462 dining venues including the first-ever Three MICHELIN Stars recipient, on Nov. 28, 2024

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guides, noted a growing trend in Thailand’s restaurant scene: “We’re seeing an emergence of young Thai chefs, mostly under 35, who are revolutionizing traditional Thai cuisine with modern sophistication. These chefs, often with international experience, are pushing contemporary Thai cooking beyond its conventional boundaries.”

The guide also recognized sustainability efforts in Thai restaurants, with Baan Tepa joining the prestigious MICHELIN Green Star list for its eco-friendly practices and community involvement. The restaurant joins three other establishments in Thailand holding this environmental distinction.

Special recognition was given to rising talents in the industry, with AKKEE’s Sittikorn Chantop receiving the Young Chef Award for his innovative approach to traditional Thai recipes. Other notable awards included the Opening of the Year Award to Dimitrios Moudios of Ōre, and the Service Award to Yupa Sukkasem of Baan Tepa.

The 2025 edition also welcomed Chon Buri as a new featured destination, adding 20 establishments to the guide and further expanding Thailand’s recognized culinary landscape.

This historic achievement for Sorn and the growing diversity of recognized establishments underscores Thailand’s evolving status as a world-class culinary destination, where traditional flavors meet contemporary innovation.

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Chinese Salon Owner Admits: Bangkok Salon More Profitable Than China

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 16:37

BANGKOK — Police and health officials raided an unlicensed six-story beauty salon and botox clinic in Bangkok’s RCA area, Huai Kwang District on Wednesday, uncovering an illegal operation run by a Chinese national who was practicing medicine without proper credentials.

salon chinese2 — Police and health officials raided an unlicensed six-story beauty salon and botox clinic in Bangkok’s RCA area, Huai Kwang District on Nov. 27, 2024.

The raid revealed that each floor of the building offered different beauty services, with the fifth floor dedicated to unauthorized botox injections. Investigators found evidence of multiple procedures having been performed using potentially unsafe medical equipment.

The salon owner, 42-year-old Ms. Ren Xue Mei of YF Salon, initially attempted to mislead authorities by claiming she was a customer. However, after other employees identified her as the owner, she admitted to operating without proper permits. She confessed that the medical gowns were purchased from Taobao, and the people administering injections were not qualified medical professionals.

“I chose to open a business in Thailand because there’s too much competition in China. The profit margins are better here,” Ren stated before being charged with illegally operating a health establishment as a foreigner without proper authorization.

Six other employees were also arrested in the raid. Among them were two Chinese nationals: Ms. Wen Chun, 28, who worked as a cashier, and Ms. Gao Juan, 44, a foot massage therapist. Both were charged with working without proper permits. Additionally, four Shan ethnic workers from Myanmar, aged 18-20, who worked as hair washers, were arrested for illegal entry and working without permits.

salon chinese1 — Police and health officials raided an unlicensed six-story beauty salon and botox clinic in Bangkok’s RCA area, Huai Kwang District on Nov. 27, 2024.

salon chinese3 — Four Shan ethnic workers from Myanmar, aged 18-20, who worked as hair washers, are arrested for illegal entry and working without permits.

The investigation was initiated following a tip-off received by Police Lieutenant General Thiti Saengsawang about an unauthorized Chinese-operated clinic targeting foreign tourists with services including surgery, massage, spa treatments, facial injections, and vitamin shots.

Authorities seized 14 pieces of evidence, including promotional materials, CCTV memory cards, massage booking records, receipts, rental agreements, medical gowns, saline solutions, anesthetic drugs, and numerous used injection needles and medical waste.

Police Major General Theeradej Thammasuthee, Commander of the Investigation Division, warned the public about the rising occurrence of unauthorized beauty clinics operated by unqualified practitioners using substandard equipment and medications. He urged citizens to choose only licensed facilities with proper Ministry of Public Health certification, qualified medical professionals approved by the Medical Council, and FDA-approved medications.

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Thai Airports Go Biometric for International Passengers on Dec 1

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 15:38

BANGKOK — Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) announced on November 28 that it will implement a new biometric identification system for both domestic and international passengers across its six airports starting December 1, 2024.

The system will be operational at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai Airport, Phuket Airport, and Hat Yai Airport.

The new biometric system, which has been in use for domestic passengers since November 1 and will begin for international passengers on December 1, aims to enhance passenger convenience and significantly reduce processing time at various airport checkpoints from approximately three minutes to just one minute per passenger.

biometric airport1 — Mr. Keerati Kijmanawat, Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), explains that the biometric system has been developed and tested to increase passenger convenience.

Passengers wishing to use the biometric system can register through two methods upon arrival at the airport:

At airline check-in counters, passengers can request staff to register their facial data through the biometric system during the boarding pass issuance process. The system will record both facial features and travel document information.
Alternatively, passengers can use the Common Use Self Service (CUSS) kiosks, where they can select their airline, consent to facial recognition registration, and complete the check-in process to receive their boarding pass. To complete registration, passengers must scan their boarding pass barcode, insert their passport or national ID card, and undergo facial scanning.

After registration, passengers checking in luggage can use the automated Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD) machines. Throughout the remaining airport journey, including security checkpoints and boarding, passengers will no longer need to present their passport and boarding pass.

In compliance with Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and data security standards, all passenger information recorded in the system will be automatically deleted within 48 hours of registration.

This technological advancement represents a significant step forward in streamlining airport operations and improving the passenger experience across Thailand’s major airports.

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Thailand, Singapore Pledge Deeper Economic and Green Tech Cooperation

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 14:43

thai singapore1 — Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the signing of bilateral agreements at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (Government House)

BANGKOK — Thailand and Singapore leaders pledged stronger ties and focused on green investment and food security during their bilateral meeting in Bangkok on Thursday.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomed his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong in Bangkok on November 28, marking Singapore’s leader’s first official visit to Thailand since Paetongtarn took office.

The meeting, held at Government House, culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Thailand’s Office of the Civil Service Commission and Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During their joint press conference, both leaders emphasized the significance of their bilateral relationship as they approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025. Prime Minister Paetongtarn highlighted that although this was their first official meeting in Thailand, they had previously met at the ASEAN Summit in Laos in October and at the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru.

thai singapore3 — Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra welcomes Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during a welcoming ceremony at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/Yokin Charoenying)

The discussions covered a broad range of cooperative initiatives, with particular emphasis on green technology, food security, and educational exchanges. Thailand expressed its commitment to supporting Singapore’s food security through the export of premium rice and organic eggs, while both nations agreed to enhance collaboration in green technology and renewable energy investments to achieve their carbon neutrality goals.

“We look forward to increased investment between our nations,” stated PM Paetongtarn, noting that the partnership would extend beyond traditional areas to include digital economy, sustainability, and human resource development. The Thai leader particularly appreciated Singapore’s provision of educational scholarships for Thai civil servants.

AP24333175238005 — Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, left, shakes hands with Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a joint press conference their meeting at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

PM Wong, in his remarks, expressed enthusiasm about expanding cooperation in new areas, including the digital connectivity within ASEAN and energy security. “Singapore and Thailand have long been friends, and I am delighted that we have agreed to expand our cooperation into new frontiers,” he said.

Both leaders also addressed regional concerns, particularly regarding Myanmar, expressing hope for peace and stability in the region. They agreed that the informal ASEAN discussions in Bangkok would provide an important opportunity to address this issue.

The meeting concluded with both prime ministers looking forward to reciprocal state visits in the coming year, including an anticipated visit by Singapore’s President to Thailand and PM Paetongtarn’s planned official visit to Singapore.

This exchange of high-level visits is expected to further strengthen the bilateral relationship as both nations prepare to celebrate their diplomatic milestone in 2025.

thai singapore2 — Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the signing of bilateral agreements at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (Government House)

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Gunman Surrenders After Triple Homicide in Nong Bua Lamphu

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 13:33

NONG BUA LAMPHU — A 58-year-old gunman surrendered to police on Thursday following an intensive 24-hour manhunt involving over 500 officers across Nong Bua Lamphu and Loei provinces. The suspect, identified as Samart, was taken into custody in a field after allegedly killing three people in Sri Bun Rueang district, Nong Bua Lamphu Province.

The case sparked widespread fear in the community, including among the suspect’s own family members. His son and daughter-in-law in Udon Thani Province were particularly concerned after Samart posted threatening messages toward them on social media, reportedly due to financial disputes.

Jessada “Pang,” the suspect’s 28-year-old son, spoke to reporters from his residence in Udon Thani. “I couldn’t sleep all night worrying about my father,” he said. “Even though he killed people, I still care about him as his son.” Now that his father has surrendered, he plans to travel to Nong Bua Lamphu province immediately.

shooting nongbua money2 — A 58-year-old gunman surrenders to police today following an intensive 24-hour manhunt in Naklang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province, on Nov. 28, 2024.

Jessada said his father was not a hunter as reported in the news, but rather an ordinary person who had a strong interest in guns. He loved collecting guns since Jessada was young – in fact, Jessada’s nickname “Pang” was given by his father in reference to the sound of a gunshot.

The suspect’s son noticed that after his father got a new wife, his personality changed, becoming emotionally unstable with extreme mood swings. Additionally,Jessada revealed that tensions arose after he returned from working in South Korea and was unable to meet his father’s financial demands.

shooing money2 — CCTV footage shows Samart, 54, allegedly shooting and killing Mr. Preecha in Nong Bua Lamphu province on Nov. 27, 2024.

According to local sources, Samart, who worked as a motorcycle mechanic, also operated an unofficial firearms pawn shop. Multiple weapons were reportedly in his possession, including 11mm, .38, and 9mm calibers. Investigators recovered two bullet casings at the crime scene. The Interior Ministry confirmed that Samart did not possess a legal permit for the 9mm weapon used in the shooting.

Initial investigations suggest the motive was revenge against the victim, Preecha, who had reported Samart to authorities for allegedly stealing 10,000 baht from his disability welfare payment during an ATM transaction. The suspect also targeted Preecha’s sister, Lek, believing she had encouraged her brother to file the police report. Due to safety concerns, police have placed Lek under protection at Region 4 Police headquarters.

The case highlights ongoing issues with illegal firearms possession and financial disputes leading to violence in the region. Police are continuing their investigation as the suspect remains in custody.

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Previous report:

Deadly Shooting Rocks Northeastern Thailand, Suspect at Large

Chiang Mai Police Raid on Taiwanese Online Gambling Base, 19 Arrested

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 10:06

CHIANG MAI — A Taiwanese online gambling ring used Thailand as its base of operations, renting luxury properties in Chiang Mai. The ring attracted players from both China and Thailand and generated a monthly cash flow of over 10 million baht ($290K).

On November 27, following an investigation into Taiwanese nationals renting several luxury properties for online gambling, Police Major General Worapong Kamlue, commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division at the Provincial Police Region 5, led a team with a court order to raid three locations linked to the international gambling network betadd.app.

The first raid targeted a luxury condominium on Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 8, Suthep Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Police arrested six suspects, including one Taiwanese national, Mr. Ye, aged 31, and five Thai nationals: Mr. Nakharin (24), Mr. Nuengwinai (28), Ms. Angkana (24), Ms. Thipyarat (20), and Mr. Natthawong (20). Authorities seized evidence including five computers and five mobile phones.

taiwan bet chiangmai1 — One of three locations where PCT 5 police raided and arrested members of a gambling website operation in Chiang Mai, owned by a Taiwanese national, on Nov. 27, 2024.

The second raid took place at Room 708 in a luxury condominium on Ratchaphruek Road, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Eight suspects were apprehended, consisting of one Taiwanese national, Mrs. Huang (24), and seven Thai nationals: Mr. Supharerk (31), Mr. Phatchakorn (22), Mr. Thawisak (23), Mr. Chatpat (22), Mr. Suphakorn (29), Mr. Ratchanon (27), and Ms. Porntiwa (22). Seized items included nine computers and 18 mobile phones.

The third raid occurred at a condominium on Huay Kaew Road, Suthep Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District. Five suspects were arrested, comprising one Myanmar national, Ms. Thida (18), and four Thai nationals: Mr. Suphawit (21), Mr. Thitikorn (26), Mr. Bulakorn (20), and Mr. Thananon (30). Police confiscated five computers as evidence.

taiwan bet chiangmai3 — One of three locations where PCT 5 police raided and arrested members of a gambling website operation in Chiang Mai, owned by a Taiwanese national, on Nov. 27, 2024.

All suspects are charged with organizing or promoting illegal gambling, directly or indirectly encouraging participation in gambling and violating Thailand’s Gambling Act.

The 19 suspects have confessed to working for the online gambling platform www.Betaccc.app, which caters to gamblers from Thailand, China and Taiwan. The platform has over 100,000 members and a monthly turnover of over 10 million baht.

The operation was run by a Taiwanese national, “Mr. Kimmy”,” who handled property rentals and hired staff to manage advertising and promotional campaigns on various platforms, paying employees between 15,000 and 30,000 baht per month. The business had been running for several months. Authorities are now widening the investigation to arrest Mr. Kimmy and others involved.

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Colombian Thief Arrested in Bangkok Luxury Car Robbery Worth $95K

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 01:44

BANGKOK — Metropolitan Police Division 6 and Phlap Phla Chai Police Station have arrested one of two Colombian suspects involved in a high-profile theft targeting a hair dye business owner’s luxury vehicle. The theft resulted in losses of approximately $27,000 in cash (900,000 baht) and 50-baht weight of gold, with total damages amounting to $95,000 (3.2 million baht).

Police arrested 73-year-old Jose Orlando at his condominium in the On Nut area of Bangkok’s Suan Luang district on November 27 at 11:30 p.m. Officers recovered $14,000 (475,000 baht) in cash and a 20-baht weight gold bar valued at $26,000 (880,000 baht), totaling approximately $40,000 (1.355 million baht) of the stolen assets.

colombia steal2 — The smashed left rear window of the white Lexus parked on level B5 at AmChina Town on Nov. 23, 2024.

The incident occurred on November 23 when the businessman parked his white Lexus in the B5 parking level of AmChina Town. After the businessman sold some gold at a shop in Yaowarat and returned to his car with the proceeds plus additional gold bars, the suspects followed him and smashed the left rear window at 4:48 p.m., stealing a bag containing the valuables.

Through CCTV footage, police identified two foreign suspects wearing caps and masks. While Orlando was apprehended, his accomplice has reportedly fled to Cambodia. During questioning, Orlando confessed to the theft, stating he needed money for personal expenses.

The suspect faces charges of theft with property damage and disguise. The investigation continues as authorities seek to recover the remaining stolen assets worth approximately $55,000 (1.85 million baht).

colombia steal 1 — Phlap Phla Chai police officers document evidence, including cash seized from the Colombian suspect, on Nov. 27, 2024.

Four Arrested in Pattaya Herbal Medicine Scam Targeting Tourists

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Khaosod English

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28 November 2024, 00:06

PATTAYA — Tourist Police arrested four suspects at a herbal medicine shop in Pattaya for fraudulently selling products with false claims of rapid weight loss and hair growth.

The raid at Green World Herbal Pharmacy in Moo 10, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi Province, followed complaints from foreign tourists, particularly from Indian tourists, about aggressive Pakistani salespeople making unrealistic promises about seeing results within seven days.

The joint operation involved Tourist Police, Immigration, local police, and public health officials. Authorities seized 28 unlabeled bottles containing various colored powders. The suspects – one Pakistani man, one Myanmar woman, and two Thai women – allegedly threatened customers who refused to purchase their overpriced products, which ranged from thousands to tens of thousands of baht.

The arrests came after an undercover operation using foreign agents posing as customers. The suspects face charges for manufacturing and selling unauthorized drugs, selling herbal products without permits, and working without proper permits. Police seized 11 pieces of evidence.

herbal scam2 — Police arrested four suspects – a Pakistani man, a Myanmar woman and two Thai women – for threatening customers who refused to buy their overpriced products on Nov. 26, 2024.

Pattaya authorities report persistent herbal medicine scams targeting tourists, with some shut-down shops reopening under new management to continue fraudulent operations.

In a recent case, an Indian tourist filed a police complaint after being coerced into purchasing “miraculous” herbal medicine. Two Pakistani men approached him on Pattaya Second Road, claiming they could cure his hand birthmarks within two weeks. Despite stating he couldn’t afford it, the sellers prepared the medicine immediately and pressured him to make the purchase.

These scams are particularly prevalent in tourist-heavy areas of Pattaya and Chonburi, highlighting ongoing challenges in protecting visitors from fraudulent vendors.

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