Thailand's prime minister said Monday July 15, 2024 that eligible businesses and individuals can register from August for digital cash handouts, a controversial program that will cost billions of dollars and is meant to boost the lagging economy.
JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHA, BANGKOK — Thailand’s prime minister said Monday that eligible businesses and individuals can register from August for digital cash handouts, a controversial program that will cost billions of dollars and is meant to boost the lagging economy.
The government announced in April the widely criticized ambitious plan, named the “Digital Wallet,” meant to give 10,000 baht (about $275) to 50 million citizens in digital money to spend at local businesses.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin posted on the social platform X, saying the registration will begin Aug.1 and that he has given instructions to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.
The “Digital Wallet” was a major campaign promise of the ruling Srettha’s Pheu Thai party ahead of last year’s general election. The government says that this scheme will cause an “economic tornado,” and Srettha has said the stimulus and subsequent consumption are expected to boost gross domestic product growth by 1.2 to 1.6 percentage points.
However, economists have criticized the program, calling it an ineffective way to contribute to sustainable economic growth compared to other measures.
In addition, its financing has faced several hurdles, delaying its planned implementation. At first, the government said the state Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives would cover some of the funding needed. However, after warnings by financial experts, it was announced that the project’s funding would come out of the 2024 and 2025 fiscal budgets.
Deputy Minister of Finance Julapan Amornvivat said at a news conference on Monday the budgetary funding became possible after the plan’s estimated cost dropped from 500 billion baht ($13.8 billion) to 450 billion baht ($12.4 billion), asserting that all estimated 50 million people will still be part of the program as only up to 90% of those eligible utilized them in previous handouts.
Julapan added that the Digital Wallet committee has agreed to exclude tens of thousands of shopowners and cash recipients who have a record of committing fraud in past programs.
The plan also has certain limitations, such as excluding certain goods that are yet to be decided, and earlier proposals suggested oil, services, and online purchases should be among them. Julapan said the Commerce Ministry would handle the exclusions set to be announced next week after the detailed plan is submitted to the Cabinet.
Thailand has in recent years suffered from a sluggish economy that appears to have deteriorated with no clear sign of growth. This month, the World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor projected GDP growth of 2.4% for the year 2024.
The ruling Pheu Thai party had initially suggested digital wallet payments for all Thais 16 and older, but later this was limited to only lower-income Thais, defined as people with yearly incomes not exceeding 840,000 baht (about $23,000) and savings in financial institutions not totaling more than 500,000 baht ($13,700).
Tourists crowded at Suvarnabhumi Airport on February 25, 2024, but the cashier lady at a nearby coffee shop said it's not a particularly busy Sunday afternoon. (Khaosod Photo / Pravit Rojanaphruk)
BANGKOK — On July 15, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, signed a Ministry of Interior announcement regarding the list of countries and territories whose passport or travel document holders entering the Kingdom temporarily for tourism, work, or short-term business purposes are exempt from visa requirements and allowed to stay in the Kingdom for up to sixty days as a special case.
As Thailand has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting the country’s economic conditions and causing a decline in economic activities for businesses and the tourism sector, it is necessary to attract foreign tourists and promote foreign businesspeople with high economic potential in Thailand to enter the Kingdom for tourism, work, or short-term business purposes.
Under the authority of the Immigration Act of 1979, including amendments related to the powers of police officers dated July 10, 2014, and Section 17 of the Immigration Act, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, with Cabinet approval on May 28, 2024, have declared the following:
This announcement is effective from July 15, 2024 onwards.
The list of countries and territories whose passport or travel document holders entering the Kingdom are exempt from visa requirements and allowed to stay in the Kingdom for up to 60 days is as follows:
Republic of Albania
Principality of Andorra
Commonwealth of Australia
Republic of Austria
State of Bahrain
Kingdom of Belgium
Kingdom of Bhutan
Federative Republic of Brazil
Negara Brunei Darussalam
Republic of Bulgaria
Cambodia
Canada
People’s Republic of China (include Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan)
Republic of Colombia
Republic of Croatia
Republic of Cuba
Republic of Cyprus
Czech Republic
Kingdom of Denmark
Commonwealth of Dominica
Dominican Republic
Republic of Ecuador
Republic of Estonia
Republic of Fiji
Republic of Finland
French Republic
Georgia
Federal Republic of Germany
Republic of Guatemala
Hellenic Republic (Greece)
Hungary
Republic of Iceland
Republic of India
Republic of Indonesia
Ireland
State of Israel
Italian Republic
Jamaica
Japan
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Republic of Kazakhstan
Republic of Korea
Republic of Kosovo
State of Kuwait
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
Republic of Latvia
Principality of Liechtenstein
Republic of Lithuania
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Malaysia
Republic of Maldives
Republic of Mauritius
Republic of Malta
United Mexican States
Principality of Monaco
Mongolia
Kingdom of Morocco
Kingdom of the Netherlands
New Zealand
Kingdom of Norway
Sultanate of Oman
Republic of Panama
Independent State of Papua New Guinea
Republic of Peru
Republic of the Philippines
Republic of Poland
Portuguese Republic
State of Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Republic of San Marino
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Republic of Singapore
Slovak Republic
Republic of Slovenia
Republic of South Africa
Kingdom of Spain
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Kingdom of Sweden
Swiss Confederation
Kingdom of Tonga
Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Republic of Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Somphote Ahunai, the former CEO former CEO of Energy Absolute Public Company Limited (EA)
BANGKOK — Thailand’s business giant Energy Absolute Public Company, or EA, once, Bloomberg compared to the Tesla of Thailand, is facing a crisis due to its top executives being investigated for corruption, leading to fears that the company may face a fate similar to STARK.
However, both analysts and Mr. Somphote Ahunai, the former CEO under investigation, insist that EA is different from STARK, which was a stock fraud case.
Mr. Somphote Ahunai and Mr. Amorn Sapthaweekul, two executives of EA, along with Mr. Pornlert Tacharattanopas, were accused of corruption and seeking undue benefits for themselves, stemming from fraudulent purchases of equipment from abroad and software programs for use in EA’s solar power plant construction projects in Lampang Province during 2013-2015.
These three individuals allegedly received a total benefit of 3,465.64 million baht, or 95.6 million US dollars, through “kickbacks” or “profit from the price difference” from the procurement of these projects. The case has been referred to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).
Mr. Somphote Ahunai and Mr. Amorn Sapthaweekul, former executives of EA
Mr. Somphote, former CEO of EA, made his last statement to the media on July 15, assuring that EA is not like STARK and that the company can repay its debts even if all its businesses fail.
He admitted he was saddened and shocked by the allegations from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He apologized for the recent events affecting EA and causing market turmoil, which resulted in investor losses.
“I ask everyone to remain calm. I deeply apologize for how my personal affairs have damaged the company and shaken the confidence of its 3,000 employees. My personal matters will be resolved through the legal process,” said Somphote.
He emphasized that the company has valuable assets and the power plant business consistently generates higher profits per megawatt than the competition. Cash flow from electricity revenue is about 1 billion baht per month, with a book value of 11.10 baht, reflecting the quality and cost efficiency of our projects.
“You might think that we buy cheap and inferior assets, but that’s not true. We have been buying affordable and high quality equipment for over 10 years. Even on projects that are supposed to be corrupt, we have lowered costs. Almost 100 percent of EA’s projects are cost-effective and efficient,” he said.
Mr. Somphote also expressed his confidence in the existing team and the 3,000 EA employees who will continue to drive the company forward. Despite the absence of himself and Amorn Sapthaweekul, he assured that the remaining team is determined to lead EA to success.
Regarding concerns that new projects could fail, he assured that even in this case EA would be able to cover its debts and interest with the monthly electricity revenue. He pointed out that the commercial electric bus project is now profitable and has a positive EBITDA, which proves the profitability of the company.
“I am asking for a chance for EA, a Thai company with over 20 years of commitment and over 50,000 shareholders who believe in the company. I urge investors and the media to check whether my statements are true,” concluded Mr. Somphote.
Mr. Somphote and Mr. Amorn have already resigned from their management positions on Sunday. The EA Board of Directors quickly appointed a new CEO, Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul, a well-known businessman and former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.
New directors were also appointed to replace those who resigned: Mr. Chatchaval Jiaravanon and Mr. Wasu Klomkliang, with Mr. Chatpol Sripratum acting as interim CFO. These changes came into effect on July 14, 2024.
The EA Board of Directors quickly appointed a new CEO, Mr. Somchainuk Engtrakul, and new directors.
On Monday, July 15, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) posted an “SP” sign against the securities of EA since the company was unable to clarify information as SET inquired. The SET’s Sustainable Investment Working Group has also decided to remove EA from the list of SET ESG Ratings Sustainable Stocks.
This decision is based on the company’s failure to meet the criteria set by SET ESG Ratings, which state that “the company must not be accused or convicted by authorities or relevant agencies, nor have any directors or executives accused or convicted by authorities or relevant agencies regarding corporate governance, social or environmental impact.” This decision is effective from July 15, 2024.
The company was incorporated in 2006 under its original name, Suntech Palm Oil, Co., Ltd. It registered as a public company in 2008 and was renamed Energy Absolute Public Company Limited. The company currently operates five major businesses: Biodiesel Business, Renewable Power Plant Business, Lithium-ion Battery Business, Electric Vehicle Hire-Purchase Business, and Waste Disposal and Waste-to-Energy Power Plant Business.
EA once had a company value of 240 billion baht, or 6.6 billion US dollars, in 2021, which was the year when the world’s leading business media Bloomberg likened EA to the Tesla of Thailand. Until this crisis, the company’s value has fallen to 20 billion baht, or 552 million US dollars, with a market cap loss of 116 billion baht, or about 3.2 billion US dollars.
Police officers inspect the “Anzhu Seamate” vacation home project in Maret sub-district, Koh Samui district, Surat Thani Province on July 14, 2024.
KOH SAMUI — The Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), or so-called Forest Police, has inspected a luxury resort project on Koh Samui, discovering it to be owned by Chinese investors and constructed illegally with heights exceeding legal limits. Construction has been ordered to halt immediately.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Watcharin Poosith, the commander of the NED, under the Central Investigation Bureau, has instructed officials together with technicians from the Koh Samui City Municipality to inspect the Anzhu Seamate vacation home project in Maret sub-district, Koh Samui district, Surat Thani province, which is suspected to have been built illegally.
No workers were found on site during the inspection on July 14, indicating that the construction work had already been temporarily halted due to a municipal order because of the illegal construction work. The contractor had claimed to be unaware of the violations, but had agreed to stop work and correct the designs.
The Koh Samui City Municipality filed a complaint with the Bo Phut Police Station about the violation of government orders and the unauthorized construction work. This prompted the NED to inspect the construction site. It turned out that there were usually about 50 workers present every day except Sundays.
The investigation revealed that the buildings are connected structures that, contrary to the approved plans, are more than 10 meters high and exceed the legal height limit of 6 meters.
The project is registered under the name of Anju Cement Company, a Chinese investment group that acquired about 10 rai of land for construction in 2018. Chinese nationals applied for permission to build 34 houses and hired Anju Cement Company as the contractor. However, the construction deviated from the approved plans and was changed from individual houses to connected buildings.
The NED will therefore locate all those responsible in order to question them and take legal action, and will order an immediate halt to construction.
Earlier, on July 13, the forest police had also inspected a villa compound in Bo Phut district, which consisted of 53 houses. It was found that 6-7 houses had already been completed and sold to foreigners for about 10 million baht each, while the others were still under construction.
The “Anzhu Seamate” vacation home project is located in Maret sub-district, Koh Samui district, Surat Thani Province.
Pol. Col. Apisan Chairat, Superintendent of the 5th NED, stated that after a meeting with the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 and reviewing evidence, there is confidence in prosecuting the offenders. Completed constructions were found to be rented out as hotels, targeting foreign guests.
Visible building problems included both authorized and unauthorized structures, with some authorized structures located in prohibited areas, necessitating further investigation into possible government involvement.
This continued inspection and prosecution follows recent aerial surveys by ISOC Region 4 in Koh Samui district to identify encroachments and illegal constructions in forest areas. Numerous hilltop villas were discovered, particularly in Chaweng Noi, Bo Phut Subdistrict.
BMA decorates the city Join in The Celebrations on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary 28th July 2024.
Mr. Aekvarunyoo Amrapala BMA spokesperson revealed that on The Celebration on the Auspicious Occasion of His Majesty the King’s 6th Cycle Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday Anniversary 28th July 2024.
And Queen Sirikit’s birthday Her Majesty the Queen Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, 12 August 2024, BMA was decorated with fresh flowers. Flowering and ornamental plants in yellow tones and various types of plants, more than 2 million plants, and various types of orchids along the route, along with improving the landscape of Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Democracy Monument, Sanam Luang, Maha Jesadabodin Pavilion Plaza
and the area around Chitlada Park Including important roads To be beautiful To join in celebrating the auspicious occasion and express the loyalty of the Thai people. People can join in taking impressive photos. Throughout July – August 2024
Khlong Tan police officers arrest 5 foreign suspects for robbing a British crypto trader.
BANGKOK — Police arrest gang of 5 foreigners for robbing British crypto trader, tying him up and assaulting him. Suspects deny charges, request to testify in court. Officials press multiple charges.
On July 14, Pol. Col. Wachirakorn Wongboon, superintendent of Khlong Tan Police Station, led the arrest of 5 foreign suspects for robbing a British crypto trader. The suspects include Mr. Abdullahi from Denmark, Ms. Shafiq from England, Mr. Ahmed from England, Mr. Hussein from England, and another foreign woman.
Evidence seized includes an Apple iPhone 14, an Apple iPhone 15, one Audemars Piguet watch, one Rolex watch, one ADCD credit card, and 24,000 baht in cash. The total value is over 3 million baht.
Evidence seized
The victim reported that on July 12 at 4:50 AM, he went to socialize with the 5 perpetrators (3 men and 2 women) at a mansion room in Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. He was then threatened, robbed, physically assaulted by punching and electric shock, and tied up with rope and tape in the room.
Investigators identified the suspects as unemployed individuals with large sums of money matching the victim’s report. None had prior criminal records. During questioning, the suspects denied the charges and requested to testify in court.
Initially, officials charged them with multiple offenses including armed robbery, assault causing bodily or mental harm, gang coercion with weapons, unlawful detention, armed extortion, document theft, and carrying weapons in public areas without reasonable cause. The suspects were sent to investigators for further legal proceedings.
Spain's Alvaro Morata holds the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after winning the final match between Spain and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, July 14, 2024. Spain won 2-1. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
BERLIN (AP) — Spain is the king of European soccer for a record fourth time. For England, it’s another agonizing near-miss in the team’s decades-long tale of underachievement.
Completing a tournament the team dominated from start to finish, Spain beat England 2-1 in the European Championship final on Sunday with Mikel Oyarzabal the unlikely match-winner in the 86th minute.
Oyarzabal, a backup striker who came on as a substitute for captain Alvaro Morata, slid in to poke home a left-wing cross by Marc Cucurella, just when the game at Berlin’s Olympiastadion seemed destined for extra time.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, center, scores his side’s second goal during the final match between Spain and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
England, the birthplace of soccer, is still without a major title in men’s soccer since winning the 1966 World Cup and its players watched on forlornly as Morata raised aloft the silver trophy inside the stadium built for the 1936 Olympics.
Add 2024 to the titles won by Spain in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
“Here we are, champions of Europe,” said Nico Williams, whose opening goal for Spain in the 47th minute was canceled out by England substitute Cole Palmer in the 73rd. “We are thrilled and hope this can keep going and we can go for the (2026) World Cup.”
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, front right, scores his side’s second goal during the final match between Spain and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Lamine Yamal, the prodigy who turned 17 on Saturday and is the youngest player to have appeared at a European Championship, set up Williams’ goal with a pass across the face of the area. The two wingers have become the poster boys of an exciting, multicultural team that reflects Spain’s changing demographics.
Yamal’s mother is from Equatorial Guinea and his father is from Morocco, while the 22-year-old Williams has Ghanaian parents who made the long journey to Europe looking for a better life. To make it to Spain, they had to ride on the back of a crowded truck and walk barefoot through the Sahara desert.
“Euphoria! We are so happy. We deserved this,” said Williams, the player of the match with his darting runs and his second goal of Euro 2024. “This is for our fans and our parents, who have supported us throughout.”
Spain’s Nico Williams, left, scores his side’s opening goal during the final match between Spain and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)
Unlike his brother Inaki, who is a Ghana international, Nico chose to play for Spain and will now be regarded as a national hero there.
Spain is back as a major player in senior soccer after winning both the Women’s World Cup — also against England — and the men’s UEFA Nations League in 2023.
Since 2001, Spanish men’s teams have won 23 consecutive major finals in club and international soccer.
“I said before the tournament, nobody can hang with us,” Williams said. “We are a great team.”
Spain won all seven games at this European Championship — an unprecedented feat — and broke the record for goals scored in a single tournament with 15.
There were joyous scenes after the final whistle, with defender Dani Carvajal piled on by jubilant teammates after slumping to the ground. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was thrown into the air by his players. Both Cucurella and Yamal led Spain’s players in jumping over the advertising hoardings to reach the red-and-yellow-clad Spanish fans in the stadium’s east end.
“This is the best (birthday) gift I could have asked for,” Yamal said. “It is a dream come true.”
King Felipe VI of Spain, left, applauds while Spain’s Lamine Yamal celebrates after receiving the Best Young Player of the tournament award after the final match between Spain and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, July 14, 2024. Spain won 2-1. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
After getting his medal, the teenager turned and shook his fist in celebration, stuck his tongue out and showed off a beaming grin.
Meanwhile, fans who had watched the game on a big screen in Madrid celebrated wildly, chanting “champions, champions” in Spanish.
As for England, the men’s team has now lost back-to-back Euro finals — it was defeated in a penalty shootout by Italy in the final in 2021 — and this was another painful loss for a team that will have gone six decades without a major title by the next World Cup.
England’s women have been more successful, though, winning the European Championship in 2021 and reaching the World Cup final two years later.
“This time it just wasn’t meant to be,” Prince William, who attended the final alongside other dignitaries including Spain’s King Felipe, wrote on social media. “We’re all still so proud of you.”
Britain’s Prince William greets England’s Harry Kane after the final match between Spain and England at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, July 14, 2024. Spain won 2-1. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
It was the fourth straight game that the English came from behind since the group stage, but their resilience wasn’t rewarded this time.
A team that has produced big moments when it really mattered at Euro 2024 — including Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16 — couldn’t deliver another one, with Spain midfielder Dani Olmo clearing the ball off the line at a corner in the 89th minute.
“It has been a difficult ride, we have done extremely well to get here, but ultimately we are going to be judged on this game,” England captain Harry Kane said.
“It’s extremely painful,” he added. “It’s going to hurt for a long, long time.”
England coach Gareth Southgate, who has been in charge for eight years and also led the team to the World Cup semifinals in 2018, said it wasn’t the time to make a decision on his future. His contract expires in December.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not just for the World Cup but the next Euros as well,” Southgate said. “There’s a lot to look forward to but at this moment that’s not any consolation.”
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after receiving his trophy from Kate, Princess of Wales after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the men's singles final at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Kate, wife of heir to the throne Prince William, was greeted by a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd as she took her seat in the Royal Box before the start of the championship match between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
Alcaraz defeated Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) to collect his fourth Grand Slam title at age 21.
It was a rematch of last year’s championship match on the grass of the All England Club, which Alcaraz won in five sets.
This one — played in front of a Centre Court crowd that included Kate, the Princess of Wales, in a rare public appearance since announcing she has cancer — was much easier for Alcaraz, at least until he stumbled while holding three match points as he served for the victory at 5-4 in the third set.
The Spaniard won his first Slam title at the 2022 U.S. Open as a teenager, and no man ever has collected more Slam hardware before turning 22 than he has.
He improved to 4-0 in major finals.
Carlos Alcaraz, left, of Spain is congratulated by Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning the men’s singles final at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
The 37-year-old Djokovic, wearing a gray sleeve on his surgically repaired right knee, was denied in his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and record 25th major overall. He tore his meniscus at Roland Garros on June 3 and had an operation in Paris two days later.
Less than six weeks later, Djokovic was hardly at his best on Sunday — and Alcaraz certainly had something to do with that.
It was when Alcaraz was right on the brink of victory that things finally became a tad more intriguing, as some spectators offered chants of Djokovic’s two-syllable nickname — “No-le! No-le!” — while others replied with choruses of “Let’s go, Carlos! Let’s go!”
Alcaraz was up 5-4, 40-love in the third set when the occasion got the better of him. He frittered away his first championship point with a double-fault, beginning a run of five mistakes by him that donated points — and that game — to Djokovic. There was a backhand that went awry. A forehand volley. A forehand. Another forehand. That was the only time all match that Djokovic broke Alcaraz.
Suddenly, it was 5-all. Suddenly, Alcaraz appeared rattled. Suddenly, Djokovic could hope.
But in the ensuing tiebreaker, Alcaraz earned his fourth match point and stayed cool as can be this time. Soon he was climbing through the stands to hug his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, and others.
Carlos Alcaraz, left, of Spain holds his trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic, right, of Serbia in the men’s singles final at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 14, 2024.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Just under 2 1/2 hours earlier, at the outset, the opening game appeared to portend an engrossing, back-and forth contest — and a long one, perhaps worrying some folks about getting to a pub or a couch in time to see England face Spain in the men’s soccer European Championship final in Germany on Sunday night. Alcaraz, of course, had a rooting interest.
All told, that game consisted of seven deuces and 20 points across a hair shy of 14 minutes, containing brilliant moments by both men. Sprinting, sliding, stretching defense by Djokovic. Return winners by Alcaraz. When he slapped a strong reply to a 125 mph (202 kph) serve and drew a wide forehand from Djokovic, Alcaraz cashed in his fifth break chance.
That, it turned out, was the most competitive portion of the proceedings until the third set.
Not to say there weren’t hints of brilliance the rest of the way. Just the outcome never really seemed in dispute.
In the trophy presentation ceremony, the Princess of Wales presented Novak Djokovic with his runner-up plate, followed by presenting the trophy to Alcaraz.
The Princess of Wales presents Novak Djokovic with his runners up plate following defeat the men’s singles final at the Wimbledon tennis championships in, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (John Walton/PA via AP)Kate, Princess of Wales waves to the crowd from the Royal Box, with her daughter Princess Charlotte, and her sister Pippa Matthews, left, looks on ahead of the men’s singles final at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)
During the match, she was joined in the front row of the Royal Box by her 9-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister Pippa Matthews.
Since 2016, the princess has been the patron of the All England Club, which hosts Wimbledon each year. Her ceremonial duties include handing out the winner’s trophies after the singles finals, although she was not on hand Saturday when Barbora Krejcikova defeated Jasmine Paolini for the women’s title.
Kate revealed in March that she has cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. Her lone public appearance since then was attending last month’s birthday parade for King Charles III. Before that event, she released a statement saying she was “making good progress” but still had “good days and bad days.”
Prince William has been a regular at Wimbledon finals but was not going to be there Sunday. Instead, he planned to go watch England face Spain in the final of the men’s soccer European Championship in Germany. He is the president of the English Football Association.
Police identified the suspect on the motorcycle he had ridden on the day of the incident.
KOH SAMUI — A Thai man suspected of raping a Ukrainian woman on Koh Samui was arrested on July 14. He claimed he did not force or threaten the woman in any way.
On July 13, a 32-year-old Ukrainian woman filed a complaint with the Bo Phut Police Station, stating that she was raped by a Thai man on July 8 around 9:00 a.m. at Thong Son Beach.
Subsequently, Police Colonel Den Duang Thongsrisuk, superintendent of Bo Phut Police Station, ordered the investigation team and the crime suppression unit of Bo Phut Police Station, along with Koh Samui Tourist Police, to investigate and find the perpetrator. A suspect was identified from CCTV footage, and the victim confirmed his identity.
Later, police found the suspect in front of a convenience store in Moo 5, Bo Phut sub-district, with the motorcycle he rode on the day of the incident. They identified themselves as police officers and presented an arrest warrant from the Koh Samui Provincial Court dated July 14.
32-year-old Ukrainian woman leads police officials to Thong Son Beach on Koh Samui to point out the location where she was sexual assaulted.
The suspect, named Nattapong, 27 years old, from Khlong Wan sub-district, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, agreed to take the police to his room to seize the clothes he wore on the day of the incident. He was then taken to Bo Phut Police Station for questioning.
Nattapong admitted to being the perpetrator and acting alone, but claimed that the victim consented and that he did not force or threaten her in any way.
The police investigation team charged Nattapong with “raping another person by means of threats, using force while the other person is in a state unable to resist, or by causing the other person to mistake him for someone else.” He was handed over to the inquiry officer at Bo Phut Police Station for legal proceedings.
CCTV footage from Sunthon Kosa Road (Khlong Toei Market) shows Miss Yan walking with Mr. Ma, the suspect, on July 1, 2024.
BANGKOK — The investigation team for the case of the missing Chinese woman in Bangkok has ruled out the ransom hypothesis, as it turned out to be merely a miscommunication within her family. Now, only two motives for murder remain.
On July 14, the family of 38-year-old Miss Yan, who went missing on July 2, and whose body was believed to have been found on Saturday, along with officials from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, met with investigators at Bang Rak Police Station. They filed a request for Thai authorities to transfer the case to Chinese authorities to prosecute the suspect, who has already fled Thailand. Evidence shows he traveled to Hong Kong and Macau.
Miss Yan’s family wants the case transferred to their country because murder under Chinese law carries a maximum penalty of death. However, according to legal procedures, they must wait for the results of the identity verification from the forensic department of the Police Hospital for the body believed to be Miss Yan, found in Chachoengsao Province.
The family members of 38-year-old Miss Yan, who went missing and whose body was believed to have been found on Saturday, go to meet with investigators at Bang Rak Police Station, Bangkok on July 14, 2024.
Chinese Embassy officials stated they would coordinate with Chinese authorities to determine whether they would investigate the case themselves or help arrest the suspect and extradite him back to Thailand for prosecution, as per the cooperation agreement signed between the two countries.
All parties are still waiting for detailed DNA comparison results from the Police Hospital, as the body found was in a decomposed state and couldn’t be identified from tissue samples. Therefore, they need to examine the bones found and compare them with the DNA of Miss Yan’s father.
The family confirmed they had never seen the suspect before and were unaware of the reasons for their daughter’s travel to Thailand.
The family members of 38-year-old Miss Yan, who went missing and whose body was believed to have been found on Saturday, talk with investigators at Bang Rak Police Station, Bangkok on July 14, 2024.
Police Major General Nopsilp Poonsawat, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, provided an update on the investigation, stating that the police have ruled out the ransom motive. This was due to a misunderstanding when Mr. Cai, a 33-year-old student and friend of Miss Yan, called her family to inform them that she was missing and might have been kidnapped like other Chinese students in previous cases.
Miss Yan’s brother-in-law, who received the call, asked what should be done. Mr. Cai merely suggested preparing 1 million yuan (about 5 million baht) in case of ransom. Thus, the ransom issue was just a miscommunication. This case is not related to international criminal gangs or kidnapping for ransom.
Police Major General Nopsilp said that the police are now focusing on personal motives: a love affair and intention to steal property. Based on circumstantial evidence, Miss Yan and the suspect, Mr. Ma, knew each other. CCTV footage clearly shows the woman going with the man voluntarily, both when they met at Sukhumvit 12 and helped each other with luggage, and at Klong Toey Market where they were seen holding hands.
Miss Yan, a 38-year-old Chinese tourist, has been missing in Bangkok since July 1, 2024.
Currently, investigators are gathering evidence to issue an arrest warrant and request a red notice for extradition.
Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Police has implemented measures to screen foreign individuals entering the country to maintain order and ensure tourist safety. They have established a center to suppress international criminals and illegal immigrants, and are coordinating with immigration police, who are the first line of defense against criminals entering Thailand.
Regarding the case, investigators are still focusing on motives related to a love conflict and intention to steal property. The ransom issue is preliminarily considered as just a precautionary measure suggested by the victim’s friend to her family after her disappearance. They will wait to question the missing person’s brother-in-law, who was told to prepare money in case of ransom, when he arrives in Thailand on July 18.
