Police officers find a body believed to be the missing Chinese woman, Miss Yan, in a suspicious, grassy area in Bang Krud Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province on July 13, 2024.
CHACHOENGSAO — The hopes of relatives of Miss Yan, a 38-year-old Chinese woman who disappeared in early July, appear to have faded. On Saturday, police found a body believed to be hers in a suspicious, grassy area in Bang Krud Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province.
However, the police have not yet made a definitive conclusion, as they are waiting for official DNA test results.
From CCTV footage, police suspect a grassy area in Moo 2, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Mueang Chachoengsao District, as the most likely location. This is where Mr. Ma, the suspect, parked his car, opened the trunk, and took out a bag. He spent nearly 40 minutes at this spot.
Officials requested rescue team assistance for a second day of searching on July 13, after finding burned remnants of Miss Yan’s hand bag and documents at another location on Friday. These two areas are 1 km apart.
Rescuers fig the area beneath the pile of tile fragments and find a body believed to be the missing Chinese woman, Miss Yan, in a suspicious, grassy area in Bang Krud Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province on July 13, 2024.
The search team used grass cutters to clear the area. Metropolitan police investigators found two black plastic bags discarded on the roadside opposite a dense forest across from Tha It Village. The bags were tightly packed with soil and tile fragments.
Police Major General Noppasilp Poolsawat, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police, detected an odor emanating from the pile of tile fragments. The Chachoengsao rescue unit then began digging in this area, which had standing water underneath.
After digging about 20 centimeters, the search team found a blue tarpaulin. Upon opening it, they discovered a decomposed body submerged in water. All body parts were intact and not dismembered.
The rescue team also found two silicone implants in the water, one still attached to the left chest. Police coordinated with the forensic department and doctors from Buddhasothorn Hospital to examine the scene. Tissue samples were collected for DNA testing to compare with Miss Yan’s father’s DNA, as the body had been buried for over 10 days.
Miss Yan, a 38-year-old Chinese tourist, has been missing in Bangkok since July 2, 2024.
In the investigation, police questioned Miss Yan’s family members. No one knew of any relationship between Miss Yan and the suspect, Mr. Ma. The relative who received the phone call demanding a 1 million yuan ransom (nearly 5 million baht or $138,000) was Miss Yan’s brother-in-law.
He quickly informed the woman’s family, prompting relatives to fly to Thailand to follow the case. Police have coordinated with the embassy and immigration to check the backgrounds of both Miss Yu and the suspect, including whether the man had previously entered Thailand for any occupation.
Although the suspect left Thailand for Hong Kong on July 3 and used Miss Yu’s money in Macau from July 4-6, the police investigation team will coordinate with the Immigration Bureau and the embassy to bring him in for questioning as soon as possible.
Police release an image of one of the two suspects involved in robbing Mr. Yu in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok, which included a Rolex watch among the stolen items.
BANGKOK — A Chinese tourist was robbed in Huai Khwang district, the so-called Chinatown 2. He was bound and forced to transfer 200,000 baht in digital currency, and a luxury watch worth over 1 million baht was stolen. Suspects fled the country immediately.
On July 13, police officers at Huai Khwang Police Station, Bangkok, investigated a case reported by Mr. Yu, a 27-year-old Chinese man. He claimed to have been robbed near Ma San San Yin Limited Restaurant, Soi Pracha Uthit 20, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok.
The victim stated that on July 9, around 2:00 a.m., two men forced him to transfer 5,139.4 USDT (approximately 218,000 baht) in digital currency. They also stole his Rolex GMT Master II watch with a green dial, valued at more than 1,000,000 baht or USD 27,6000.
The first suspect, an unidentified Chinese man, persuaded Mr.Yu to drive his BMW car out of the restaurant, offering to drive. The suspect then claimed he needed to pick up a friend (the second suspect) at Life Ratchada Condominium on Ratchadaphisek Road, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok.
Mr. Yu’s BMW car, which the two suspects used to tie him up and extort his belongings.
Upon reaching the condominium, both suspects tied up Mr. Yu’s hands and blindfolded him, demanding valuables from the car. Mr. Yu felt what seemed like an electric shock on his back as the car left the scene for an unknown location. The suspects threatened him for his phone and digital wallet passwords, transferred the digital currency, and stole the luxury watch before fleeing.
Police Colonel Prasopchok Iamphinijet, Superintendent of Huai Khwang Police Station, revealed that they have accepted the complaint and are investigating. They’ve interviewed the victim, coordinated with the forensic department to examine the car, sent the victim for a physical examination, and are reviewing CCTV footage. The identities of both suspects have been established.
However, investigations revealed that immediately after the incident, both suspects left the country at around 6:00 a.m. on July 9. Huai Khwang Police investigators are now seeking arrest warrants to pursue the suspects through proper channels.
A foreign tourist dresses in rented Thai traditional costume to take photos inside Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon), or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, in Bangkok on July 13, 2024. (Khaosod Photo / Yokin Charoenyong)
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s team disclosed on Saturday that the PM will sign four announcements to update visa measures on Monday, July 15, that submitted by Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
According to procedural regulations, the announcements will be published in the Royal Gazette, with all measures coming into effect simultaneously on July 15, 2024. The ease entry measures are aimed at attracting more foreigners to Thailand.
This move is in line with the adjustment of tourism plans in response to major challenges in the global and domestic economies, which are slowing down, and rising household debt.
The government aims to attract 36.7 million foreign tourists this year, with a target revenue of 2.3 trillion baht or 63.6 billion dollars from the international market.
Mini Siam, also known as “Miniature Siam” in Pattaya
Looking at the Overview of Tourism in the First Half of 2024 (Jan 1 – June 30), according to Sermsak Pongpanich, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Thailand received a total of 17.5 million foreign tourists, an increase of 35% compared to the same period last year. This generated revenue from foreign tourist spending of approximately 825,541 million baht or 22.8 billion dollars.
The top 5 countries with the highest number of tourists are: China (3,439,482 people), Malaysia (2,435,960 people), India (1,040,069 people), South Korea (934,983 people), and Russia (920,989 people)
These figures indicate that Thailand’s tourism sector needs to make significant efforts to achieve its goals, especially in terms of revenue.
Meanwhile, TAT has unveiled a comprehensive tourism strategy for 2025. This is not considered too early, as tourism has become the main engine driving the Thai economy at present and in the near future.
Foreign tourists dressed in rented Thai traditional costumes to take photos inside Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon), or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, in Bangkok on July 13, 2024. (Khaosod Photo / Yokin Charoenyong)
NatthriyaThaweevong, Chairman of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), has announced on July 8, a centralized operational plan for 2025, designated as the Thailand Grand Tourism Year. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Srettha’s directive to elevate the tourism industry to new heights.
Key Strategies:
Customer-Centric Approach: TAT plans to synchronize operations with tourist journeys, collecting feedback before, during, and after trips to enhance services.
Economic Outlook: With global tourism expected to improve, TAT aims for total tourism revenue of 3 trillion baht in 2024, with an ambitious goal of 3.5 trillion in 2025 set by the Prime Minister.
Foreign Tourist Targets:
2024: 39 million foreign tourists
2025: 40 million foreign tourists
Domestic Tourism:
2024: 200 million domestic trips, potentially increasing by 30 million
2025: 220 million domestic trips
Revenue Goals for 2025:
7.5-10% increase from 2024
Approximately 3.4 trillion baht total
Implementation Plans:
Large-scale events, especially in Q4 2024
Expansion of flight routes
Focus on high-spending tourists in luxury, health, and beauty segments
Support for major cities and emerging tourist destinations
Nationwide tour programs
Enhanced collaboration among different units and agencies
Koh Samui
Challenges:
Competition from other countries, notably China’s low-cost tour packages
TAT’s Operational Structure:
29 domestic offices planned
Collaboration with one agency for every 10 offices within the country
Government Initiatives:
Aim to attract 36.7 trillion baht from foreign tourists
Support for cooperation among state agencies and local government bodies
Hosting conferences in 55 attractive provinces.
President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Chamnan Srisawat mentioned that the government is confident it can reach the revenue goal by welcoming an additional 4 million tourists. It aims to boost domestic travel, attract Malaysian tourists to visit Bangkok, and increase spending. Additionally, more tourists from Arab countries are seeking medical treatment in Thailand.
For 2025, TCT estimates that the number of foreign tourists will be between 40-45 million, and domestic tourists will take about 220 million trips.
Anant Ambani, left, the son of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, holds hands with Radhika Merchant during their wedding ceremony at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, Friday, July 12, 2024. (Reliance Industries via AP)
MUMBAI, India (AP) — The youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, married his longtime girlfriend early Saturday in what many dubbed the wedding of the year attended by global celebrities, business tycoons and politicians, highlighting the billionaire’s staggering wealth and rising clout.
The wedding rituals, including exchanging garlands by the couple and walking around the sacred fire, began Friday and were completed past midnight.
The celebrations of Anant Ambani marrying Radhika Merchant took place at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai and the family home. The marriage culminated months of wedding events that featured performances by pop stars including Rihanna and Justin Bieber.
FILE – Anant Ambani, left, and Radhika Merchant pose for photographers during their pre-wedding ceremony in Mumbai, India, Friday, July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade, File)
Television news channels showed celebrities like Kim Kardashian in a red ensemble and professional wrestler and Hollywood actor John Cena arriving.
International guests also wore traditional dresses by major Indian fashion designers. They put on embroidered “sherwanis,” a long-sleeved outer coat worn by men in South Asia. Cena came in sky blue sherwani and white pants. Nick Jonas wore a pink sherwani and white pants.
Police imposed traffic diversions around the wedding venue from Friday to Monday to handle the influx of guests who flew to Mumbai, where heavy monsoon rains have caused flooding and flight disruptions for the past week.
Billionaire Mukesh Ambani poses for a photograph with his family members from L to R, son Akash, daughter-in-law Shloka, daughter Isha and son-in-law Anand Piramal at the wedding of his son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, Friday, July 12, 2024. (AP Photo /Rajanish Kakade)
The extravaganza and the display of opulence that comes with this wedding has, however, led many to raise questions about rising inequality in India, where the gap between the rich and poor is growing. The event has also sparked anger among some Mumbai residents who say they were struggling with snarled traffic.
“It affects our earnings. I don’t care much about the wedding,” said Vikram, a taxi driver who only uses his first name.
The father of the groom, Mukesh Ambani, 66, is the world’s ninth richest man with a net worth of $116 billion, according to Forbes. He is also the richest person in Asia. His Reliance Industries is a massive conglomerate, reporting over $100 billion in annual revenue, with interests ranging from petrochemicals, and oil and gas to telecoms and retail.
American actor and musician Nick Jonas arrives with his wife Priyanka Chopra at the wedding of Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, Friday, July 12, 2024. (AP Photo /Rajanish Kakade)Bollywood actor couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt pose for a photograph at the wedding of Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, Friday, July 12, 2024. (AP Photo /Rajanish Kakade)
The Ambani family owns, among other assets, a 27-story family compound in Mumbai worth $1 billion. The building contains three helipads, a 160-car garage and a private movie theater.
Ambani’s son, Anant, oversees the conglomerate’s renewable and green energy expansion. He also runs a 3,000-acre (about 1,200-hectare) animal rescue center in Gujarat state’s Jamnagar, the family’s hometown.
The bride, Radhika Merchant, 29, is the daughter of pharmaceutical tycoon Viren Merchant and is the marketing director for his company, Encore Healthcare, according to Vogue.
Ambani’s critics say his company has relied on political connections during Congress party-led governments in the 1970s and ’80s and under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule after 2014.
The Ambani family’s pre-wedding celebrations have been lavish and star-studded.
Indian actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan poses for a photograph with her daughter Aaradhya as she arrives at the wedding of Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, Friday, July 12, 2024. (AP Photo /Rajanish Kakade)
In March, they threw a three-day prenuptial bash for his son with 1,200 guests including former world leaders, tech tycoons and Bollywood megastars, and performances by Rihanna, Akon and Diljit Dosanjh, a Punjabi singer who shot to international fame when he performed at Coachella. The event was also attended by tech billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates.
It was the start of lavish monthslong pre-wedding celebrations that have grabbed headlines and set off a social media frenzy.
In May, the family took guests on a three-day cruise from Italy to France which included Katy Perry singing her hit song “Firework” and a performance by Pitbull, according to media reports.
The family also organized a mass wedding for more than 50 underprivileged couples on July 2 as part of the celebrations.
Last week, Justin Bieber performed for hundreds of guests at a pre-wedding concert which included performances by Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh and Salman Khan.
Ambani also made headlines in 2018 when Beyoncé performed at pre-wedding festivities for his daughter. Former U.S. Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry were among those who rubbed shoulders with Indian celebrities and Bollywood stars in the western Indian city of Udaipur.
Actor Alec Baldwin reacts during his trial for involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie "Rust," Friday, July 12, 2024, at Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, N.M. The judge threw out the case against Baldwin in the middle of his trial and said it cannot be filed again. (Ramsay de Give/Pool Photo via AP)
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A nearly three-year legal saga for Alec Baldwin in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer ended Friday without a verdict but with tears of relief for the actor and a small coterie of family who had settled into a somber daily routine on wooden benches inside a windowless New Mexico courtroom at trial.
In the morning, 16 jurors had filed into the courtroom for a third day of scrawling notes and listening with steepled hands to testimony in the involuntary manslaughter trial against Baldwin in the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, only to be released for the day as the trail took an unscheduled detour.
“Have a great weekend,” Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer said.
Actor Alec Baldwin, left, reacts as his wife Hilaria hugs him during a break in his trial for involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie “Rust,” Friday, July 12, 2024, at Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, N.M. (Eddie Moore/The Albuquerque Journal via AP, Pool)
Outside the jury’s view, the criminal case against Baldwin was teetering as defense attorney’s for Baldwin accused local investigators and prosecutors of concealing evidence that might shed light on the unconfirmed origin of live ammunition on the set of “Rust.”
It was Baldwin’s fifth day in court. He arriving each morning in a black SUV with his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, to a phalanx of outdoor media cameras. Inside the courtroom Monday, at the start, an energetic Baldwin whispered to an attorney, scrawled on a legal pad and passed post-it notes to his legal team.
The defense won an early victory as the judge ruled Baldwin could not be held criminally liable for his role as co-producer on “Rust.” The case would focus on Baldwin’s handling of a gun as lead actor.
Come Tuesday, the defendant’s younger brother, Stephen Baldwin, arrived in the back of the courtroom for jury selections. He would return each day, all day. Among a pool of 70 potential jurors, all but three were familiar with the “Rust” shooting case. By day’s end, a jury of five men and 11 woman were seated for trial.
Actor Alec Baldwin reacts during his trial for involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie “Rust,” Friday, July 12, 2024, at Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, N.M. (Ramsay de Give/Pool Photo via AP)
For opening statements Wednesday, the courtroom was packed to capacity, with half of the gallery reserved for news media, from local network TV to the Times of London, and a few designated photographers. Attorneys and the public filled the other half, some friends and relatives of Baldwin along with local curiosity seekers and traveling amateur trial afficionados.
Seated in court, Baldwin trained his eyes downward on a notepad, away from the jury as prosecutors gave opening statements and overhead video monitors show the aftermath of the fatal shooting at a movie set ranch.
Prosecutors said Baldwin violated the cardinal rules of firearm safety in pointing a real gun toward Hutchins while playing make believe. Defense attorneys argued Baldwin was just doing his job as an actor, reasonably relying on other professional to ensure gun safety, though with tragic consequences.
Baldwin’s older sister, Elizabeth Keuchler, shed tears in court as the statements unfolded. She greeted her brother with an embrace across a courtroom banister and would sit close behind him thereafter.
A prominent critic of Baldwin also took her seat in the front of the court gallery: victims’ rights attorney Gloria Allred, who is representing the sister and parents of Hutchins in a civil trial seeking damages.
Baldwin’s every expression at trial registered on a video feed of the trial transmitted by CourtTV and The Associated Press. There was a restrained and attentive gaze during a first full day of witness testimony Wednesday from the A-list actor with a decades-long career in films and television, from “The Hunt for Red October” to “30 Rock” and as a fixture on “Saturday Night Live.”
Baldwin darted from the courtroom once, but otherwise paced slowly and deliberately through the courtroom and the courthouse, where impromptu interviews and photographs were prohibited.
On Friday afternoon, Baldwin’s outward demeanor changed little, but tension was building in the courtroom, where Marlowe Sommer weighed a motion to dismiss the case and probed revelations that investigators failed to disclose the receipt of ammunition in March by a man who said it could be related to Hutchins’ death.
Prosecutors said they deemed the ammunition unrelated and unimportant, while Baldwin’s lawyers alleged they “buried” it.
Prosecutor Kari Morrissey addresses the media after District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer threw out the involuntary manslaughter case against actor Alec Baldwin for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during filming of the Western movie “Rust,” Friday, July 12, 2024, in Santa Fe, N.M. (Luis Sánchez Saturno/Santa Fe New Mexican via AP)
During an afternoon break, Baldwin took deep, measured breaths as he walked painstakingly from the courtroom. The air whistled slightly as he breathed out with lips pursed. Hilaria Baldwin took his arm and rubbed his back as they paced the hallway.
Back inside, the audience chuckled as defense attorney Alex Spiro sparred with the ammunition supplier for “Rust,” Seth Kenney, who had forged a cooperative relationship with investigators in the aftermath of the shooting.
But the courtroom fell silent amid the clatter of laptop keyboards as the judge questioned a sheriff’s detective about the decision to place the ammunition in an evidence file, separate from the “Rust” shooting case, and whether lead prosecutor Kari Morrissey knew about that.
“When you say that there were discussions and the decision was made by all of you to put that ammo in a separate file, was Ms. Morrissey part of that discussion?” Marlowe Sommer said.
“Yes,” the detective responded.
The case was collapsing. The courtroom gasped as Morrissey acknowledge her co-prosecutor had just resigned.
Tears welled in Baldwin’s eyes, followed by sobbing, as the judge outlined her decision: “The sanction of dismissal is warranted in this case.”
Forensic officers discover evidence of Miss Yan's belongings in a public area in Bang Krud Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province on July 12, 2024.
CHACHOENGSAO — Thai police are investigating the mysterious disappearance of a beautiful 38-year-old Chinese female student named Yan Ruimin, who went missing in Bangkok in early July, causing concern among her family and friends.”
Particularly alarming was the discovery of blood stains on a mattress and pillow in a house on Sukhumvit Soi 16, Bangkok. Miss Yan’s handbag pieces were later found burned in a public area in Bang Krud Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province, where a suspicious man was seen driving around.
Mr. Cai, a 33-year-old student at Bangkok Thonburi University and a friend of Miss Yan, reported her missing to Bang Rak Police Station in Bangkok on Friday. He stated that his friend had traveled from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Thailand as a tourist. He could not contact her since July 1.
Miss Yan’s handbag pieces are found burned in a public area in Bang Krud Subdistrict, Ban Pho District, Chachoengsao Province on July 12, 2024.
Meanwhile, Miss Yan’s relatives have come to Thailand and sought assistance from the Chinese Embassy to help find her quickly. This urgent action follows a mysterious person contacting the family, claiming to have kidnapped Miss Yan and demanding a ransom of 1 million yuan (nearly 5 million baht or $138,000).
The Metropolitan Police investigation team is intensifying their efforts but fears for Miss Yan’s fate. They have outlined the sequence of events as follows:
On July 1 at 17:26, a suspect named Mr. Ma Qingyan, a Chinese national from Anhui Province, drove a Honda City with a Bangkok plate to pick up Miss Yan near Times Square in Bangkok’s Asok area.
CCTV footage from Sunthon Kosa Road (Khlong Toei Market) showed the two stopping by the roadside at 18:05, buying and eating durian, then walking along Rama IV Road. At 19:43, they were seen “holding hands” as they returned to the car and left together.
CCTV footage from Sunthon Kosa Road (Khlong Toei Market) shows Miss Yan walking with Mr. Ma, the suspect, on July 1, 2024.
On July 2, the same car entered Sukhumvit Soi 16. At 20:00, it left for Chonburi Province.
On July 3 at 02:00, the car returned to Chachoengsao Province. The car’s GPS showed it circling 12 locations in Chachoengsao, spending nearly 2 hours at some points. Miss Yan’s last phone signal disappeared at 04:58 near a public park close to Wat Sothon Wararam Temple.
At 13:46, Mr. Ma checked out and returned the rental car before traveling to Suvarnabhumi Airport. He left the country alone on Cathay Pacific flight CX654 to Hong Kong.
On July 4 at 00:12, Miss Yan’s WeChat Pay account was used to purchase items worth 9,694.76 yuan (about 48,300 baht) at a Carrefour in Macau, despite no record of her leaving Thailand.
On July 5 at 09:14, there was a payment of 229 yuan (1,140 baht) for dumplings at The Venetian Macao.
On July 6 at 17:04, a shopping payment of 1,043 yuan (nearly 5,200 baht) was made, and at 18:40, another purchase at a Macau Carrefour was recorded.
Security camera footage at Suvarnabhumi Airport shows Mr. Ma, the suspect in Ms. Yan’s disappearance, leaving Thailand on July 3, 2024.
On July 12, Mr. Cai reported to Bang Rak Police Station that he had been in regular contact with Miss Yan. On June 30, he stayed at the Mandarin Hotel Surawong. On July 1, Miss Yan told him she was going to Phuket. On July 2, he tried to call her but couldn’t reach her.
Later, Police Major General Theeradej Thammasutee, Commander of the Investigation Division, and Police Major General Narawit Sukonthawit, Commander of Chachoengsao Provincial Police, rushed to the scene when notified that officers had found the remains of Miss Yan’s burned bag in an area near where the car had been circling.
Officials now fear that a large pink suitcase, waist-high, which is still missing, may have been used by the suspect to dispose of the Chinese woman’s body or body parts somewhere in Chachoengsao Province.
Authorities are appealing through the media for any members of the public who may have seen the suspicious vehicle before 01:30 on July 3 to provide information to the officials.
Previously, there were 4-5 cases reported in the news where Chinese female students studying abroad, such as in Australia, were lured to Thailand by scammer gangs to extort ransom from their relatives in mainland China. However, in Miss Yan’s case, it’s not yet clear if this is the same situation.
CCTV footage shows 50-year-old man stealing meatballs placed outside a store in Buriram Province on May 24, 2024.
BURIRAM — Netizens divided in Thailand: Should a poor man be charged for stealing meatballs to feed his parents?
An impoverished 50-year-old man stole meatballs placed outside a store to feed his elderly parents and was subsequently arrested by police. This incident sparked widespread debate on Thai social media, leading to legal representation for the man.
Mr. Boontieng, also known as Thong Phitakpan, a 50-year-old resident of No. 5 Village, Non Daeng, Nong Kating Subdistrict, Lamplaimat District, Buriram Province, has been released on bail after he was detained completely for four rounds or 48 days at Buriram Provincial Court.
He was arrested by Muang Buriram Police Station on May 25, 2024 on charges of theft by vehicle at night, one day after the incident.
The stolen goods were “meatballs”,” more precisely known as “standing meatballs”, which became famous because they were named as K-pop singer Lisa’s favorite snack.
The ‘standing meatballs’ which an impoverished 50-year-old man stole from outside a store to feed his elderly parents.
Mr. Thong confessed to the crime and stated that he could not make ends meet for his family. When he saw the meatballs lying unattended outside the store after closing time, he took some to fry. He fed some of them to his children and shared the rest with his parents, who are 88 and 89 years old and live in difficult circumstances, especially his bedridden mother.
Many internet users felt sorry for Mr. Thong and criticized the meatball store for reporting the theft, which amounted to only 300 baht. Others argued that the law must be upheld to set an example; otherwise, anyone could use similar excuses to steal.
The police, though sympathetic, insisted on doing their duty. Pol. Maj. Gen. Rutthapol Naowarat, commander of Buriram provincial police, stated that they had clear CCTV evidence of the suspect’s face, although the shopkeeper later withdrew the complaint.
The shabby hut of Thong’s parents in Nong Krating Subdistrict, Lamplaimat District, Buriram Province, indicates their impoverished condition.
Since the charge was “theft by vehicle at night”,” which carries a penalty of 7 years and 6 months imprisonment, it is a public offense that cannot be settled out of court.
At the same time, the authorities were instructed to deliver some dry food to Mr. Thong’s family in Lamplaimat district to provide them with moral support.
Dr. Wichian Chuptaisong, president of the Lawyers Council of Thailand, noted that this case is eligible for legal aid because the suspect is impoverished and disadvantaged, has no legal counsel and committed the crime out of hunger.
He appointed Mr. Wuttikarn Kulsuwan, chairman of the Buriram Provincial Lawyers Council, to handle the case and post bail for the suspect, as Mr. Thong had no relatives to contact and no one to post his 75,000 baht bail.
Thong rushes to embrace his bedridden mother after being released by court on July 12, 2024.
After the court ordered Thong’s temporary release, officials escorted him to his parents’ home. Upon arrival, Thong rushed to embrace his parents with joy. The first words Mrs. Ui said to her son were, “Behave yourself, my child.” Thong promised that he would not commit any more offenses after this.
Lawyer Wutthikan stated that the Lawyers Council is trying to find ways to help. Although this case carries a severe penalty, the nature of the offense was committed out of desperation. If he has no prior record, the court may be sympathetic and consider an appropriate judgment, as he has the responsibility of caring for his parents.
Bangkok, Thailand: July 11, 2024 – Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, the social and playful new hotel in the heart of the Thai capital, is excited to unveil its very first Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience – an exclusive meet & greet with Korean star Kwon Jung-yeol, plus best-in-house tickets and backstage passes to 10CM’s “Closer to You” concert, and an overnight stay in the commercial epicenter of Bangkok!
Marriott Bonvoy members can prepare to be amazed at 10CM’s “Closer to You” concert, which will be staged on July 27, 2024 at the Lido Connect Hall 2 in Bangkok. Successful bidders for this one-of-a-kind package (plus one friend) will have the chance to meet 10CM’s singer, Kwon Jung-yeol, and experience a private behind-the-scenes tour of the venue.
Then, they can enjoy VIP seats for the two-hour show, which runs from 8 to 10 PM. Afterwards, guests can unwind with a one-night stay in a stylish Moxy Queen room at Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, followed by breakfast for two at Moxy Bar & Restaurant the next morning.
Led by singer-songwriter Kwon Jung-yeol, 10CM debuted in 2010 and has released four albums, including chart-topping hits like “Americano” and “What the Spring??” Their songs are often featured in popular K-dramas like Guardian, Crash Landing on You, My Demon, and Queen of Tears.
Marriott Bonvoy members can now bid for this exclusive package, which will take place on July 27, 2024. Bids start from just 20,000 points! Place your bid HERE within July 19, 2024. For more information, please visit moments.marriottbonvoy.com. This unforgettable experience combines great music and exclusive access, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime!
This exclusive Marriott Bonvoy Moments experience is also available at Moxy Putrajaya, to coincide with 10CM’s concert at EX-8 in Subang Jaya on July 21, 2024. See more details and place your bid HERE.
Opened in February 2024, the 504-key Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong is perfectly positioned in the city’s main commercial and retail district, surrounded by an eclectic mix of world-class shopping, stylish restaurants, and lively bars with easy access to the BTS skytrain. From the casual check-in at the bar on the 9th floor, to the social Library & Plug-In area, all guests can chill out and connect with like-minded urban fun hunters. Moxy Grab + Go offers 24/7 snacks and drinks, while the bright, open-plan Moxy Bar & Restaurant extends outdoors, overlooking the Bangkok skyline.
The success of the region’s leading pharmaceutical technology and innovation trade show, CPHI South East Asia 2024, will continue and expanded as Malaysia takes the baton from Thailand as the host of the event.
YB Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)’s Chairman, said during the MOU signing ceremony between MATRADE and Informa Markets, the organizer of the trade show, that Malaysia was honored to host the CPHI South East Asia next year.
The move will support Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) which is aimed to boost the country’s economy, investment and manufacturing sector with an ambitious goal to boost GDP of the manufacturing sector by 6.5%. Under this plan, the pharmaceutical as well as medical and devices industries will play a key role in creating new jobs and expanding new industry cluster.
Hosting CPHI South East Asia in Malaysia will create new opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and showcase of interesting innovations.
“The event will significantly promote sustainable growth for the industry and Malaysian economy in the future,” he said.
CPHI South East Asia is a major event in the medical and devices industry that promotes pharmaceutical security, increases accessibility to high quality pharmaceutical products and elevates Thai pharmaceutical industry as the healthcare and medical hub of ASEAN.
YB Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican added, to support the industry growth, the Malaysian government will provide comprehensive outlook of the dynamism of the country’s healthcare industry and the strategic platform for promoting and showcasing the latest Malaysian healthcare products and services.
Healthcare industry is a big industry with high potential. In 2023, Malaysia’s total trade in the healthcare industry was USD 11.1 billion Healthcare product export amounted to USD 6.81 billion while total imports totaling USD 4.29 billion. The medical devices industry has employed over 13,000 individuals and the pharmaceutical industry has provided job for almost 30,000 people
Malaysia expects the medical and devices sector to contribute USD 4.91 billion to its economy in 2024 while the pharmaceutical industry contributes over USD 1.26 billion to Malaysia’s GDP.
Ms. Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director – ASEAN, Informa Markets and Country General Manager – Philippines noted that the cooperation between the company and Malaysia will contribute to the medical and pharmaceutical industry development in the region.
She added CPHI South East Asia brought together over 400 brands from 50 countries, such as the Philippines, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia. It showcases healthcare and medical innovations from 10 related industry profiles, including reactants, medicine, herbal medicine, machinery, packaging, testing equipment, OEM, logistics, warehouses, chemicals and natural extracts.
Through networking, technology and innovation showcases, and knowledge and experience sharing, the event plays a key role in supporting the region’s healthcare industry development.
“Healthcare is a high potential sector across ASEAN. As the number of elder population is increasing constantly, the entire region is becoming an aged society in 2040. This means higher occurrence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, pharmaceutical and medical security is highly important. CPHI South East Asia is pleased to help addressing this issue for the better quality of the people,” said Rungphech.
In Thailand, CPHI South East Asia 2024, significantly contributed to Thailand’s pharmaceutical security, industry development and people’s access to high quality products. It is expected to attract 18,000 visitors and provide business matching opportunity for around 2,000 businesses during the three-day event. This will in the long run support Thailand’s strategic plan to become ASEAN’s largest and fastest growing medical hub.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is enhancing agricultural efficiency and environmental sustainability through the implementation of a “Smart Farm” system across its broiler farms nationwide. These advanced facilities employ intelligent technologies and eco-friendly solutions to strengthen biosecurity and optimize resource management. Additionally, the company is transforming vacant spaces on its farms into greener areas by planting trees.
Siripong Aroonratana, COO for Livestock Business at CP Foods, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging innovation in delivering premium, secure, and enhanced nutritional products. CP Foods employs full traceability methods and integrates cutting-edge technologies including automation, AI, and IoT to maximize resource efficiency and value. The Ban That Farm in Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi Province, exemplifies this approach, featuring an advanced biosecurity system and repurposing idle areas into verdant spaces, benefiting both the facility and adjacent communities.
CP Foods has intensified its environmental stewardship through the “Forest in Farm” initiative. This project encompasses forest preservation and regeneration, biosecurity enhancement, and strategic management of farm trees and carbon credits. The company plans to expand these eco-friendly practices across its farms and production facilities.
Peerapong Krinchai, Head of Corporate Engineering at CP Foods, discussed the modern farm models being estblished in the company’s farms. These models incorporate smart farming systems and engineering knowledge to create optimal living conditions for livestock, support automation systems, and manage energy efficiently, including using chicken manure to generate electricity.
“The new farm design employs environmentally friendly construction materials and a prefabricated construction system to reduce environmental impact. Energy is managed efficiently, and wastewater is systematically handled to achieve a Zero Discharge farm. The aim is to transform broiler chicken farms into model farms that align business needs with community and environmental sustainability,” said Mr. Peerapong.
The “Forest in Farm” project recently engaged over 300 executives and employees from various CP Foods business lines, along with local officials and community leaders. They planted 4,500 trees on a 30-rai area at Ban That Farm, showcasing the initiative to utilize vacant spaces as green areas and create a natural forest environment.
