28.3 C
Bangkok
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Home Blog Page 544

Chinese Driver’s License Claim Sparks Uproar in Chiang Mai

A Chinese woman posts a picture to show that she has obtained a Thai driver's license by simply paying an agent.

CHIANG MAIThe Chiang Mai Provincial Transport Office has clarified the case of a Chinese woman who posted a review claiming she could buy a Thai driver’s license, which became a widely criticized issue among internet users.

On August 31, Mr. Manop Phutthawong, the Chiang Mai Provincial Transport Officer, stated that this case involved a Thai netizen sharing a post by a Chinese woman. The post indicated that this woman, living in Chiang Mai, obtained a Thai driver’s license. In the comments, she claimed she had never learned to drive and simply paid an agent to help her get the Thai license.

The person who shared this post added at the end, “Is this illegal? If so, someone should warn her,” and “I hope everyone won’t criticize all Chinese people or think all Chinese people are bad. Our Chinese friends also hate people like this.”

drive chinese1
A post by a Chinese woman indicates that she is living in Chiang Mai and obtained a Thai driver’s license. In the comments, she claimed she had never learned to drive and simply paid an agent to help her get the Thai license.

Mr. Manop further explained that officials investigated and found that the person in question did come to apply for a driver’s license on August 21, 2024. She came alone, and the transport officials followed the standard procedures. Since she had a Chinese driver’s license, she was able to use it to obtain a Thai driver’s license through a conversion process.

“The officials followed all the Department of Land Transport’s procedures, thus issuing a temporary driver’s license. We’re not sure why she posted such a message or what her intentions were, given that it was a straightforward conversion of a Chinese license to a Thai one,” Manop said.

He affirmed that the Chiang Mai Provincial Transport Office followed proper procedures and did not solicit any benefits from the person who made the post. However, the post has caused damage to the reputation of the Chiang Mai Provincial Transport Office. The office has already sent a letter of explanation to the Director-General of the Department of Land Transport in Bangkok.

______

Advertisement

Expert Urges Government To Raise Tax for Foreign Condo Buyers

BANGKOK  —  Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA) points to the trend towards foreign ownership: a new post-COVID peak will be reached in 2024. It is estimated that 5,700 units will be transferred by the end of this year, surpassing the 1,000-5,000 units that will be transferred annually in 2020-2023.

The government is recommended to collect taxes from foreign property buyers in four areas: “transfer, property tax, inheritance and capital gains” with higher rates than for Thai citizens, ranging from 1-20 percent or 10,000 to 200,000 baht per million baht.

Dr. Sopon Pornchokchai, president of the Real Estate Research and Valuation Center of the Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA), told Prachachat Business that in the first half of 2024, foreign buyers purchased 2,885 condominiums in Bangkok and the Bangkok metropolitan area. This leads to an estimate that foreign buyers will purchase a total of 5,770 units this year, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 2020 to 2023, 1,017, 1,243, 4,203 and 5,036 units were sold to foreigners respectively. The forecast of 5,770 units in 2024 therefore means growth of 15 percent compared to 2023.

According to AREA’s overall statistics, there were 97,813 condominiums on the market in the first half of the year, of which 17,306 units were sold, worth 76.355 billion baht. Foreign buyers purchased 2,885 units, representing 16 percent of the market and 18.205 billion baht ($535 million) or 23 percent of the total market value.

The initial assessment indicates that the decline in Thai purchasing power due to the ongoing economic downturn has led to an increased role of foreign buyers.

The Ratchada-Ladprao zone is a popular area where foreigners bought 1,024 units out of 2,012 available units worth a total of 4.031 billion baht. This represents 51.7 percent of the total sales value in the area. However, the area with the highest sales value is the city center, where foreigners bought 895 units out of 3,730 available units with a total value of 10.373 billion baht ($305 million), accounting for 27.7 percent of the total sales value in the area.

real estate

Foreigners tend to buy units at an average price of 6.31 million baht, which is higher than the average price of 4.5 million baht paid by Thais. In the 2-3 million baht price range, foreigners bought 985 units, followed by 752 units in the 3-5 million baht range. The most popular price segment among foreigners are units costing over 5 million baht.

Dr. Sopon further mentioned that it is obvious that foreigners have a strong preference for buying condominiums in Thailand. Therefore, AREA proposes to the government under Paetongtarn Shinawatra to regulate the purchase of real estate by foreigners by imposing higher taxes on foreign buyers than on Thai nationals, as is common practice in many countries.

He proposed four types of property taxes on foreigners based on market transaction prices (rather than government-assessed values) to raise revenue to boost the economy and increase funds for national development:

  1. Purchase tax or transfer tax: Levied at the Land Department on transactions, with a tax rate of 10-20 percent or 100,000 to 200,000 baht per million baht.
  2. Property Tax: With a tax rate of 1 percent or 10,000 baht per million baht.
  3. Capital gains tax on resale: With a tax rate of 10-20 percent or 100,000 to 200,000 baht per million baht.
  4. Inheritance tax: Proposed at a rate of 10 percent of the market value of the estate or 100,000 baht per million baht.

This is in line with the viewpoint of Prasert Taedullayasatit, president of the Thai Condominium Association, who stated that it is time for Thailand to regulate taxes for foreign property buyers. This is a model practiced in many countries where foreigners are taxed at higher rates than locals.

In the case of Thailand, if such taxes on foreign buyers are introduced, initial estimates suggest that the tax revenue could amount to 10-20 billion baht annually. This revenue could be used to set up a fund to help low to middle-income people gain access to home ownership, easing the burden on the national budget.

Importantly, this measure would boost the economy both directly and indirectly. The real estate sector has a 2.9-fold multiplier effect, i.e. for every million baht ($29,400) in property value, the economic impact extends to related businesses, including renovations, repairs, furniture purchases, household appliances, home decoration and construction projects, generating an economic turnover of 2.9 million baht ($85,200) in the Thai economy.

________

Advertisement

Mpox Outbreaks in Africa Could Be Ended in 6 Months, WHO Chief Says

Red Cross officials create awareness around mpox in the Don Bosco refugee camp in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa)

GENEVA (AP) — The head of the World Health Organization believes the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa might be stopped in the next six months, and said Friday that the agency’s first shipment of vaccines should arrive in Congo within days.

To date, Africa has received just a tiny fraction of the vaccines needed to slow the spread of the virus, especially in Congo, which has the most cases — more than 18,000 suspected cases and 629 deaths.

“With the governments’ leadership and close cooperation between partners, we believe we can stop these outbreaks in the next six months,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing.

He said that while mpox infections have been rising quickly in the last few weeks, there have been relatively few deaths. Tedros also noted there were 258 cases of the newest version of mpox, with patients identified in Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Sweden and Thailand.

AP24220568552413
FILE – This undated image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases shows a colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (red) found within an infected cell (blue), cultured in the laboratory that was captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility in Fort Detrick, Md. (NIAID via AP, File)

Earlier this month, WHO declared the ongoing mpox outbreaks in Africa a global emergency, hoping to spur a robust global response to the disease on a continent where cases were spreading largely unnoticed for years, including in Nigeria. In May, scientists detected a new version of the disease in Congo that they think could be spreading more easily.

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is related to smallpox but typically causes milder symptoms, including fever, headache and body aches. In severe cases, people can develop painful sores and blisters on the face, chest, hands and genitals. Mpox is typically spread via close skin-to-skin contact.

WHO estimated about 230,000 vaccines could be sent “imminently” to Congo and elsewhere. The agency said it was also working on education campaigns to raise awareness of how people could avoid spreading mpox in countries with outbreaks.

Maria Van Kerkhove, who directs WHO’s epidemic and pandemic diseases department, said the agency was working to expedite vaccine access for affected countries — given the limited supply available.

Scientists have previously pointed out that without a better understanding of how mpox is spreading in Africa, it may be difficult to know how best to use the shots.

Earlier this week, the head of Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the continent was hoping to receive about 380,000 doses of mpox vaccines promised by donors, including the U.S. and the European Union. That’s less than 15% of the doses authorities have said are needed to end the mpox outbreaks in Congo.

___

Advertisement

Thailand’s Tourism on Track to Reach 35.6 Million Foreign Visitors

Tourism
Pattaya

BANGKOK —  According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the last four months of this year look promising for foreign tourism in Thailand. 35.6 million tourists are expected, and the targeted revenue of 1.8 trillion baht ($53 billion) in 2024 is likely to be achieved. The floods in northern Thailand have so far only had a minimal impact on tourism.

Following the floods in several areas in northern Thailand, the international offices of the TAT have studied the impact on the number of foreign tourists. They have found that tourists from China and ASEAN countries have postponed their travel plans, although this is not directly due to the floods.

However, this is not directly due to the floods, but to the end of the summer school vacation, which usually lasts from the end of June to mid-August. In the meantime, European tourists are aware of the flooding in the north and the landslides on Phuket, but there are no travel bans or recommendations.

tourism pattaya

Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, explained that the floods are occurring outside the main destinations for foreign visitors, such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai and Chiang Mai. She has instructed all TAT offices to prepare to provide up-to-date information and continue to promote tourism in all areas in line with various stimulus measures.

She also mentioned that the forecast for Thai tourism in the last four months of 2024 (September to December) shows that visitor numbers will exceed last year’s level. An estimated 12.22 million tourists are expected, an increase of 20 percent, generating revenue of 652.826 billion baht, an increase of 29 percent compared to the same period in 2023 and 97 percent of the target. The expected total revenue is 673.738 billion baht.

In 2024, Thailand is expected to welcome 35.9 million foreign tourists, an increase of 28 percent, and generate revenue of approximately 1.818 trillion baht, an increase of 32 percent from the previous year.

tat 08 24
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT

Tourists visiting Thailand towards the end of the year are expected to come mainly from major Asian markets, followed by Europe and South Asia, with the rest coming from other regions.

The current top ten countries with the most tourists visiting Thailand are China (2.03 million), Malaysia (1.83 million), India (707,000), South Korea (740,000), Russia (698,000), Laos (430,000), Singapore (428,000), Taiwan (370,000), Japan (346,000), and the United States (341,000).

Positive factors for tourism include the return of international seating capacity to 46 million seats, representing 82 percent of the 2019 levels and a 24 percent increase from 2023, which had around 37 million seats.

This matches the rising demand for travel and includes important festivals and events such as China’s National Day, Christmas and New Year, and travel following influencers and famous artists from Thailand and abroad, through content featuring filming locations, concerts, or fan meetings with Thai and international artists.

yala31 09 24
Yala Province, August 31, 2024

However, negative factors include aggressive market promotion by competitors in the Asia-Pacific region, such as Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, which use promotions to attract tourists who overlap with Thailand’s target group. Economic uncertainty and the risk of a major economic slowdown as well as international conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian war, Iranian-Israeli tensions and the Russian-Ukrainian war could lead to higher flight prices over a longer period of time.

As far as domestic tourism is concerned, the overall situation for the last four months of the year (September to December) shows growth, with 72.47 million visitors, an increase of 6 percent, reaching 92 percent of the target set. Total revenue amounted to 335.24 billion baht, an increase of 8 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 83 percent of the target revenue in the last four months.

The outlook for domestic revenue in 2024 remains optimistic and is supported by the government’s stimulus measures, tourism promotion through events and the use of soft power such as food, film, fashion and Muay Thai to boost domestic tourism.

________

Advertisement

How Testosterone Affects Men?

Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a crucial role in men’s health and development. From puberty through adulthood, it influences various aspects of the male body and behavior. For those concerned about their testosterone levels, a testosterone test can provide valuable insights into their hormonal health and overall well-being.

What Does Testosterone Do?

Testosterone is responsible for the development of male characteristics and maintains several important bodily functions throughout a man’s life.

Fat Distribution

Testosterone helps regulate where fat is stored in the body. Men with healthy testosterone levels tend to have less body fat, particularly in the abdominal area. Low testosterone can lead to increased fat storage, especially around the waistline.

Hair on the Face and Body

One of the most visible effects of testosterone is the growth of facial and body hair. During puberty, testosterone triggers the development of facial hair and increases body hair growth. It also plays a role in male pattern baldness in genetically susceptible individuals.

Muscle Growth and Strength

image3 28

Testosterone is anabolic, meaning it promotes muscle growth and strength. It increases muscle protein synthesis and helps maintain muscle mass. Men with higher testosterone levels often find it easier to build and maintain muscle through exercise and resistance training.

Production of Red Blood Cells

Testosterone stimulates the production of red blood cells in bone marrow. This is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health, as red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Low testosterone can lead to anemia and fatigue.

Sex Drive

Testosterone influences sexual desire, arousal, and performance. Men with low testosterone often experience a decrease in sex drive and may have difficulty achieving or maintaining erections.

Why You Should Get Testosterone Test

image2 8

A testosterone test can provide valuable information about your hormonal health. It’s especially important if you’re experiencing symptoms like decreased libido, fatigue, muscle loss, or mood changes. Early detection of low testosterone can lead to timely treatment and improved quality of life.

If you’re currently living in Thailand and interested in getting a testosterone test, consider visiting Trin Wellness, as the clinic offers comprehensive hormone testing and personalized treatment plans to help you optimize your health and vitality.

Advertisement

Police Raid Chonburi Luxurious Mansion, Arrest 15 Chinese Scammers

Thai Police
Authorities find 15 Chinese nationals from a call center gang in luxurious two-story mansion on August 30, 2024.

CHONBURI — 15 Chinese nationals who had entered Thailand on tourist visas were arrested as members of a call center scam gang in luxurious mansion in Chonburi Province.

On August 30, Police Lieutenant General Itthipol Itthisarnronchai, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, led Chonburi Immigration Police officers and Nong Prue Police Station officers, armed with a search warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court, to raid a luxurious house in Ban Yai Muk area, Moo 6, Pong Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. The operation aimed to investigate a group of scammers or call center gang.

Upon searching the luxurious two-story mansion situated on over 5 rai (about 2 acres) of land with a surrounding fence and a workspace overlooking a swimming pool, authorities found 15 Chinese nationals from a call center gang.

chinese scammer 08 24 4

They were seated in front of computers, chatting to deceive fellow Chinese nationals. The computer screens displayed stock market graphs. The police identified themselves and arrested the group, led by Mr. Hu Xin, age 40. They seized 18 computers, 90 mobile phones, and a customer list of over 1,000 names.

Police Major General Phantana Nutcharat, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau, revealed that the investigation team received information about a suspicious group of Chinese nationals potentially engaging in illegal activities in Thailand.

chinese scammer 08 24 3

chinese scammer 08 24 2

They had rented a luxurious house for 150,000 baht per month in Pong Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. This group persuaded victims to invest in stocks, with members assigned different roles:

  1. The first role involved calling Chinese victims and persuading them to download WeChat to recommend good stocks.
  2. The second role had victims join a new application group called “Work Puls,” where a scammer acted as an admin to advise on stock investments.
  3. The admin sent daily messages with stock recommendations and had victims install an app for stock trading lessons. The “teachers” recommending stocks were actually members of the same criminal operation.
  4. Initially, they built trust by allowing victims to receive small rewards (20-100 yuan) through Alipay.
  5. After establishing trust, they encouraged larger investments and then scammed the victims out of their money.

Hu, the gang leader, claimed they had only set up their operation three days prior. The amount of money involved is still under investigation but is estimated to be in the tens to hundreds of millions of baht. All arrested Chinese nationals had entered Thailand on tourist visas. The police will continue to investigate and expand their operation to uncover more of this network.

________

Advertisement

Police Urge Fairness in Phuket Dispute Between British and Chinese

Dispute
John, a 51-year-old British husband, and Miss Pookie, 25, who have come to Bangkok to seek help from Mr. Ekapop Luangprasert (center), advisor to the Minister of Interior and founder of the "Sai Mai Tong Rod" page, hold a press conference on August 30, 2024.

BANGKOK — The dispute between an expat and his Thai wife and two Chinese mother and daughter in a luxury department store in Phuket has not concluded. One party traveled to Bangkok on Friday to file a complaint, expressing doubts about the police’s handling of the case. This prompted the Region 8 Police Commander to provide clarification.

On August 30, Commander of Region 8 Police Pol Lt Gen Surapong Thanomjit stated that the investigating officers have gathered evidence in these cases where both parties are victims and accused. The facts from each side will be examined and heard by the public prosecutor and in the court trial.

“Therefore, no party should present only their advantages and criticize the other side, nor should they excessively criticize the police officers’ actions beyond reality,” he said.

His remark followed the press conference of Miss Pookie, 25, and John, her 51-year-old British husband, who have come to Bangkok to seek help from Mr. Ekapop Luangprasert, advisor to the Minister of Interior and founder of the “Sai Mai Tong Rod” (Sai Mai Must Survive) page, a social complaint media channel.

They claimed to fear unfair treatment from the Phuket police after becoming suspects in the altercation with the Chinese mother and daughter in front of the Hermès store in the department store.

farang china1
Screenshots from a Chinese woman’s recording show when she and her mother confronted their counterparts, an expat and his Thai wife, in front of the Hermès store and at the exit of a department store in the heart of Phuket on August 19, 2024.

They alleged that the police told them, “Just give in to them, the Chinese have connections! If you don’t, life will be difficult.” This stressed them greatly, as they felt they hadn’t done anything wrong but were still suspects. They didn’t expect Thailand to be like this.

Miss Pookie recounted that while she and John were walking in the mall, they collided with the Chinese mother and daughter. They tried to avoid them, but the Chinese were on their phones and couldn’t dodge. John then said, “Be careful when walking.” The Chinese daughter shouted that Pookie had bumped into her mother and used vulgar language, saying “f–k you” and giving the middle finger repeatedly, while attempting to physically attack them.

She continued that John told the opposing party not to touch them, but the Chinese didn’t stop. He then put his hand up to protect himself and pushed back gently, causing the Chinese to fall. The Chinese continued to follow them, so she took out her phone to record the incident, showing the Chinese trying to attack her and knocking her phone down twice.

As they exited the mall, the Chinese woman punched John, with mall staff intervening. The Chinese mother and daughter jumped on John’s back and tore his shirt, but they didn’t retaliate and quickly left the scene. They later filed a complaint at Wichit Police Station in Phuket, but the police officers tried to convince them to settle, claiming the Chinese knew influential people.

They alleged that the police offered them three options:

  1. The Chinese mother and daughter would sincerely apologize to them in the media. They proposed that if both parties apologized, they would agree.
  2. Plead guilty and pay a fine, which they felt was unjust.
  3. If they refused both options, they could pursue legal action against the other party, but during the process, the British boyfriend would have issues entering and exiting the country.
phuket dispute
A screenshot from a Chinese woman’s recording show when she and her mother followed and confronted their counterparts, an expat and his Thai wife, at the exit of a department store in the heart of Phuket on August 19, 2024.

Pookie said that despite being the victims, the police didn’t provide justice, making John lose confidence in the Thai justice system. Additionally, after the incident, a Thai person who knew the Chinese woman posted her picture on Facebook with the message “Looking for you, prepare yourself, you’ll be famous soon,” making her worry about her safety due to the opposing party’s influence and connections.

John stated that some police officers suggested they settle, causing him to lose faith in the legal system and justice in Thailand. He wasn’t stressed about paying a fine but was concerned about what was right. Filing this complaint through the media made him feel better.

The altercation between the two parties occurred on August 19 at 2:10 PM. Ms. Yoyo and Ms. W (mother) filed a complaint that day and provided additional evidence to the police on August 21. Ms. Yoyo stated that the incident occurred in front of the Hermès store. Her mother accidentally bumped into the male expat, whereupon she immediately offered a wai (a traditional Thai gesture of apology).

Ms. Yoyo also stated that she and her mother followed the foreigner and his Thai wife, asking them to stay in the mall until the police arrived, but they refused to stop. She then grabbed hold of the foreign man, leading to a struggle that left her injured.

Many Thai netizens commented on this case, after watching the video clips of the incident, saying that Thailand has become a battleground for foreigners and that neither party in the dispute is willing to back down.

Wichit Police Station received complaints from both parties. In the case filed by the Chinese mother and daughter, John was charged with assault on August 25, which he denied. For the case John filed against the Chinese mother and daughter, the police scheduled them to acknowledge the charges on August 31.

___________________

Related article:

Phuket Mall Becomes Unlikely Scene of Farang and Chinese Conflict

Advertisement

Earn 4,000 Bonus Points on 2+ Night Stays with Marriott Bonvoy

August 29, 2024, in Bethesda, MD – This fall promises limitless opportunities to create lasting memories – one of them being Marriott Bonvoy’s global promotion allowing members to earn up to 4,000 bonus points on a 2+ night stay. 

In addition to the global promotion, eligible Marriott Bonvoy Card Members globally can take advantage of the It’s in the Cards ® promotion and earn 2,000 bonus points on a 2+ night stay at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. Marriott Bonvoy Card Members may register for both the global promotion this fall and the It’s in the Cards ® promotion. By doing so, Marriott Bonvoy Card Members can maximize the number of bonus points they can potentially earn after completing the qualifying stay requirements.

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, invites its members to use their points to unlock access to exceptional hotel stays across more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, enabling them to create unforgettable memories. Not only can members redeem points for future stays within Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, but they can also use points to experience one of a kind Marriott Bonvoy Moments, making travel better as a member.   

GLOBAL PROMOTION

Marriott Bonvoy members who register for the promotion beginning today through November 12, 2024, and stay at a participating Marriott Bonvoy property for 2+ nights between September 10 – November 26, 2024, will earn 2,000 bonus points on each paid stay. Plus, members can earn an additional 2,000 bonus points on each stay of 2+ nights at MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy’s unrivaled portfolio of hotels and resorts. Members can earn up to 4,000 bonus points on each stay and experience fabulous entertainment, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind resorts. To see the Terms & Conditions, visit here.

MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy is a uniquely spectacular collection, offering unparalleled-access to extraordinary experiences including, unmatched culinary moments, world-class entertainment and major-league sports offerings. This line-up of remarkable hotels features destinations such as Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, MGM Collection, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, MGM Collection, Bellagio, a Luxury Collection Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection  and additional destinations in Las Vegas and across the United States.   

CARD MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: IT’S IN THE CARDS ® PROMOTION

Marriott Bonvoy Card Members holding any of Marriott Bonvoy’s 32 global cobranded Credit Cards can register their Marriott Bonvoy® Account from August 27, 2024, through November 12, 2024, to earn 2,000 bonus points on each eligible stay of  2+ nights that occur between September 10 – November 26, 2024 at select properties. Eligible Card Members must have a Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card by August 16, 2024 to qualify. To see the Terms & Conditions, visit here.

Advertisement

American Expat Faces Legal Trouble After Phuket Road Rage

legal
Footage from the dashboard camera of another driver, which recorded the incident of an American getting out to confront a Thai driver while stopped at a traffic light. Thai text written at the front states, 'Living in Phuket is getting harder every day.'

PHUKET — Emotional displays on the road can escalate into complicated problems or legal cases, as with the incident that occurred on a street in downtown Phuket Province last Thursday.

On August 30, 2024, investigators from Wichit Police Station in Phuket Province filed charges against Mr. Sunny, a 44-year-old American expat, for property damage and causing fear or alarm by threats.

american phuket
Mr. Sunny and his lawyer meet with the deputy investigator at the Wichit Police Station on August 30, 2024,

This stems from a road incident where he had an altercation with a Thai female driver, which was captured on video and shared on social media.

Ms. San, 26, the other party in the dispute with Mr. Sunny, filed a complaint with Wichit Police Station on the afternoon of August 29. She reported that while driving through a tunnel in Wichit sub-district, the other party’s car attempted to overtake her, honking loudly, and cut in front of her twice without using turn signals.

american phuket3
A screenshot from Ms. San’s mobile phone, which recorded the incident of an American filming to confront her while stopped at a traffic light.

At the time, she didn’t think much of it, assuming the other driver was in a hurry, so she let them pass on the right. When she stopped at a traffic light near a famous department store, the foreign man stopped his car, got out, and hit the back of her car, leaving a dent.

He tried to open her car door, but it was locked. Unable to open it, he returned to his car, then came back to verbally abuse her. She recorded a video of the incident. Later, she posted on social media requesting dashcam footage from other drivers who passed by during the incident to use as evidence for her police report.

Subsequently, Police Colonel Chatree Chookaew, superintendent of Wichit Police Station, ordered officers to check the car’s license plate and summon the owner for questioning. Mr. Sunny and his lawyer then met with the deputy investigator, who found that Mr. Sunny had an international driver’s license.

He stated that he was rushing to take his wife to the doctor. When he encountered the other party’s car braking suddenly, it caused his ill wife to jolt inside the car. This angered him greatly, so when they reached the incident location, he stopped the car and got out to question the other party. After taking his wife to the doctor, he came to meet with the Wichit Police Station investigators and confessed to all charges.

According to Section 392 of the Criminal Code, anyone who causes fear or alarm in others by threats is subject to a maximum penalty of one month imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht, or both.

__________

Advertisement

Green Mission by Chula x GULF Launched to Create Eco-Friendly Innovation

Chula and GULF Join Forces for Green Innovation Hackathon ‘Green Mission by Chula x GULF’

Challenging Students Invent Creative Eco-friendly Solutions Under the Theme ‘Beware Your Step: Go Ahead Without Footprints

The Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, in partnership with Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited (GULF) and Chulalongkorn University Radio Station (Chula Radio Station) under the management of the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, launched the “Green Mission by Chula x GULF” project. The initiative aims to inspire students to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges. This year’s theme, “Beware Your Step, Go Ahead Without Footprints”, encourages participants to create eco-friendly ideas that minimize their impact on the planet. The launch event was attended by Prof. Pisut Painmanakul, Ph.D., Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University; Assoc. Prof. Veera Muangsin, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, Chula Radio Station; Mr. Tanon Tantisunthorn, Executive Officer, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited and Assoc. Prof. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, delivered an opening speech at the Charoen Wittayasak Building, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University.

The press conference also featured a mini hackathon focused on “How to Minimize Carbon Pawprint.” This challenge tasked students from 10 schools with developing innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with pets. The event also included a special session with Mr. Phuwin Tangsakyuen, a renowned actor and alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University. Mr. Phuwin shared public speaking tips to help students present their projects with confidence. The mini hackathon winning team from Mahavajiravudh Songkhla School will advance to the next round of the competition, joining a bootcamp at the Center of Learning Network for the Region (CLNR) in Saraburi Province. The final hackathon will award the winner with a cash prize, a certificate of honor, and a special “Popular Vote by GULF” award determined by social media engagement. The total prize pool exceeds 105,000 baht.

image4 25

Prof. Pisut Painmanakul, Ph.D., Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, stated, “The Green Mission by Chula x GULF project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, GULF, and Chula Radio Station. Chulalongkorn University is committed to nurturing young talent and fostering a sustainable future. This project aims to address the pressing issue of climate change by inspiring students to develop innovative solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We hope that this initiative will spark creativity and foster interdisciplinary collaboration, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable world for all.”

Assoc. Prof. Veera Muangsin, Ph.D., Deputy Director of the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University, and Chula Radio Station FM 101.5 MHz, stated, “As the media platform of Chulalongkorn University, we recognize the importance of environmental issues. Through our radio program Envi Insider by Dr. O, we aim to promote youth engagement in addressing climate change. This project encourages students to develop and implement strategies for managing greenhouse gases and using resources sustainably. By participating in this initiative, students can apply their knowledge to solve real-world environmental problems in their communities. We believe that the new generation of youth has the power to drive positive change in environmental issues. Starting with small steps, they can inspire their peers, friends, and communities to contribute to a more sustainable future.”

image3 27

Mr. Tanon Tantisunthorn, Executive Officer, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, said, “GULF is thrilled to partner with Chulalongkorn University on the Green Mission by Chula x GULF project. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness among Thai youth but also provides them with a platform to contribute to a sustainable future. We believe in the potential of Thai youth to innovate and drive positive change. This project offers students an opportunity to think creatively, learn from experts, collaborate with like-minded peers, and develop problem-solving skills essential for addressing climate change. We hope that the innovative ideas generated through this project will lead to practical applications and solutions. GULF is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable business practices. By supporting this project, we aim to inspire the younger generation to care for natural resources and the environment. We invite all students to join the Green Mission by Chula x GULF project and work together towards a sustainable future.”

Assoc. Prof. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, expressed, “Green Mission by Chula x GULF offers high school students nationwide the opportunity to participate in this project. The Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, recognizes the critical importance of preventing and controlling greenhouse gas emissions, which is the foundation of the carbon footprint concept. While the project involves competition, our primary goal is to ensure that all participants benefit from the experience. Additionally, the project aims to raise awareness about greenhouse gas emissions, their significance, and effective reduction strategies within the Thai context. By engaging secondary school students, we hope to inspire future leaders who prioritize greenhouse gas management in their careers. This year’s theme, ‘Beware Your Step: Go Ahead Without Footprints,’ promotes a circular economy that utilizes resources efficiently and sustainably. Through this project, we can gather valuable data on greenhouse gas emissions and take steps towards a low-carbon society together.”

Mr. Phuwin Tangsakyuen, an alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, said, “As an alumnus of Intania 104, I am excited to share my experience and presentation techniques with the students. Many people feel nervous, tense, or forget their content when speaking in public to a large audience. That happened to me as well. However, with practice, rehearsal, and confidence, you can deliver effective presentations. I was impressed by the dedication and effort of everyone who attended today’s event. I believe that the new generation has the power to create positive change in the world. Let’s start this journey together with Green Mission by Chula x GULF project.”

Join ‘Green Mission by Chula x GULF’ by downloading the application form at https://curadio.chula.ac.th/v2022/activity/detail/?03a4. Applications are open until September 30, 2024. For inquiries, please call 0-2218-3970-74 ext. 102-103 or 081-989-7956. For activity photos, please follow GULF Spark Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/GULFSPARK.TH/ and GULF’s Tiktok channel at https://www.tiktok.com/@GULFspark

image6 14

image5 20

image1 33

Advertisement

Hot News

LATEST NEWS

Bangkok
overcast clouds
28.3 ° C
28.3 °
28.3 °
77 %
3.5kmh
100 %
Sun
34 °
Mon
33 °
Tue
33 °
Wed
33 °
Thu
33 °