EVAT Joins Hand with EGAT to Organise 3rd EMC at BTU

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8 May 2024, 17:49

The launch of the 3rd Electric Motorcycle Conversion Contest for Business Opportunity

On April 27, 2024, the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), along with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and Bangkok Thonburi University organized the 3rd EVAT x EGAT Electric Motorcycle Conversion Contest for Business Opportunity on April 26-27, 2024.

This event was led by Mr. Krisda Utamote, President of EVAT, along with Mr. Somsak Prangthong, Director of Demand Side Management and Social Affairs Division of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT); and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, a Member of the House of Representatives (Representative of the President of Bangkok Thonburi University)

Supporters of the 3rd EVAT x EGAT Electric Motorcycle Conversion Contest for Business Opportunity event

along with related partners and sponsors including 1. Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) 2. Grand Prix International Public Company Limited 3. BMW Thailand Co., Ltd. 4. Metropolitan Electricity Authority 5. Deco Green Energy Co., Ltd. 6. Life’s Moving Co., Ltd. 7. Nihon Denkei (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 8. Hexagon Metrology (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 9. Dewesoft (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 10. Innova-Pack Co., Ltd. 11. Chuayram Engineering Co., Ltd. which provided support and attended the event at Bangkok Thonburi University

There was a total of 43 teams competing in this contest, divided into 31 educational institution teams and 12 general public teams. The results of the educational institution group competition are as follows: the first prize goes to team S27 PTL EV from Phatthalung Technical College, receiving a trophy from the Prime Minister and prize money worth 100,000 baht from EVAT. First runner-up is team S15 CHARAWAN RACING 2024 from Phichit Technical College, receiving a prize money worth 50,000 baht and a trophy. And the second runner-up prize goes to Team S07 UTCC from Uthai Thani Community College, receiving a prize money worth 30,000 baht and a trophy.

As for the general public category, the first prize goes to Team G08 Central Region Engineers, receiving a trophy from the Prime Minister and a prize money worth 100,000 baht from EVAT . First runner-up, Team G03 Phraya Phichai EV Bike, received a prize money worth 50,000 baht and a trophy. And the second runner-up prize goes to Team G04-EV Singburi, receiving a prize money worth 30,000 baht and a trophy.

This year, there are also two special awards for innovation: the Battery Innovation Award and the Safety Innovation Award for Riding (Safety). The team that won the former was Team S23 ME Electric Bike from RMUTT, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, and the team that won the latter was Team S06 Lion Dynamic from Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Khon Kaen Campus, each receiving a prize worth 30,000 baht per team.

The field contest began on April 26, which was the first day of the competition. There were 3 main stations opened for vehicle testing: E1: technical inspection station, E2: insulation testing and UNR 136 inspection station, and E3: water testing station. There was also testing rounds on the first day to allow each team to test their motorcycles, as well as to provide the energy measuring meters to each team.

The riding contest around the contest field — a has a distance of approx.. 1 km per round — and in the competition on April 27, points were awarded by measuring the energy after 1 hour or when 1200 watts-hours had been used. All electric motorcycles entered in the contest must have weighed no less than 150 kg, including the rider’s weight.

Mr. Somsak Prangthong, EGAT Director of Demand Side Management and Social Affairs Division stated that EGAT has a mission to produce electricity to maintain national’s energy stability and to increase the country’s competitiveness through innovation for Thai people.

EGAT also sees the importance of utilizing clean electricity, promotes the reduction of air and environmental pollution, and supports the national carbon neutrality policy in 2050 according to government policy. We have been working to promote the use of electric vehicles and electric charging stations continuously since 2016.

Regarding the promotion of the use of electric motorcycles, EGAT has studied and developed advanced energy efficiency criteria for electric motorcycles, which has led to the Label Number 5 being given to electric motorcycles. For the Electric Motorcycle Conversion Contest for Business Opportunity project, EGAT has applied the knowledge gained to expand the results of EGAT’s own electric motorcycle conversion and expand the results of developing skills in conversion and maintenance foranyone who’re interested in this field.

In organizing this activity, EGAT is pleased and ready to support since we also see a good opportunity to be a part of the driving force to support students’ learning experiences, as well as the general public to present their engineering and safety skills in the conversion of electric vehicles and to further develop electric vehicle technology in the future.

“We also aim to create, a business model for the electric vehicle industry within the country, which contributes to the development of the circular economy and the BCG business model that will help develop the electric vehicle industry sustainably,” he said.

(Photo of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, a Member of the House of Representatives (Representative of the President of Bangkok Thonburi University))

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, a Member of the House of Representatives and Representative of the President of Bangkok Thonburi University, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the 3rd EVAT x EGAT Electric Motorcycle Conversion Contest for Business Opportunity to jointly produce and develop manpower competency for electric vehicle industry.

This plays an important role in helping drive the development of related technology for sustainable development in the electric vehicle industry in Thailand to grow strongly and steadily, which is in line with the policy of the university to promote and develop cooperation with the public and private sectors related to the development of technological advancements, including new innovations, new opportunities for knowledge development for personnel, as well as new application of technology for the future development of society and the nation.

It is also a response to the policy of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation for the electric vehicle industry. Organizing this event is very important for the development of skills, academics, and the readiness of human resources to support the growth of the electric vehicle industry.

It also helps push Thailand towards becoming a global production base for electric vehicles and key components.

“Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in raising awareness among students, staff, and the public about the role of electric vehicles that do not emit exhaust / greenhouse gases, pollution, dust and noise. Therefore, they do not cause any negative impact on humans and are environmentally friendly, which is an important factor in moving towards a low carbon society. This is the main goal of Thailand and other countries around the world,” he said.

(Photo of Mr. Krisda Utamote, President of EVAT)

Mr. Krisda Utamote, President of EVAT, said that as Thailand has a goal of moving towards Carbon Neutrality, the transportation sector will play another important part. The government has therefore accelerated the policy to support the use of electric vehicles according to the 30@30 policy, which aims to produce vehicles that emit zero emissions (Zero Emission Vehicle: ZEV) to make up at least 30 percent of all vehicle production within the country within 2030.

Today, the important role of the association is to help develop the country into a sustainable low-carbon society with clean energy vehicles, with directors and members of the association joining to work in various areas related to electric vehicles to jointly develop the industry to grow steadily and sustainably. This activity was originated from the committee’s idea to promote and to support the conversion of motorcycles that use fossil fuels into electric ones, which not only emit no pollution and are environmentally friendly, but also help reduce fuel use.

“This activity is therefore one of the measures that will help Thailand increase the use of electric vehicles and achieve the goals set by the government. It is also a platform that allows students and the public to present ideas and innovations in the development of electric motorcycle conversion to promote and drive potential development, as well as producing personnel with knowledge and expertise in electric vehicles for the automotive industry that is currently transitioning to modern technology. This is in line with the Thai government’s goal of making the country a production hub of electric vehicles for the world market,” he said.

About the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT)

The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand is a non-profit association. The guidelines of the association aim to promote and support the exchange of academic knowledge in technology and innovation of all types of electric vehicles including advising on regulations, standards, and operations in the development of electric vehicle technology in Thailand. At present, the association has Ms. Krisda Utamote acting as the president.

The association has members from the private sector, educational institutions, state enterprises, and the public, totaling more than 390 members. It has scheduled meetings every month and is divided into working groups in various areas to support and promote the Thai electric vehicle industry to grow steadily and sustainably. Follow the news of the association at www.evat.or.th

Government Pushes Through Political Drama, Aims to Export 10-year-old Rice

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Khaosod English

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8 May 2024, 16:49

BANGKOK – The rice-pledging scheme, which was once a political controversy that led to the fall of the Yingluck Shinawatra government, has once again become a political issue and has reignited debates about whether rice from years ago is still edible today.

Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, inspected rice produced during the Yingluck administration, which has been stored for over 10 years in two warehouses in Surin Province: the Phun Phol Trading warehouse in Chaliang district and the Kitttichai Warehouse in Prasat District, on May 6, 2024. They found that the rice still maintained sufficient quality for consumption and export.

He also demonstrated eating rice stored for ten years and distributed it to journalists for tasting in both Surin Province and Bangkok, most of whom confirmed that it was edible even though it had less aroma and stickiness than fresh rice.

However, Rames Rattanachaweng, the spokesperson for the Democrat Party, has repeatedly attacked this issue, claiming that this batch of rice might not be of genuine quality because it needs to be soaked 15 times. He also criticized the Commerce Minister for not daring to eat it fully, implying a lack of confidence in the quality of the rice.

Rames also said that the deputy prime minister had tried to portray the Yingluck government’s rice subsidy scheme as legal, even though the court had published its verdict on the scheme’s corruption.

rice yingluck5 — Rames Rattanachaweng, the spokesperson for the Democrat Party, claimed that the 10-year-old rice needs to be soaked 15 times, while Phumtham Wechayachai, Minister of Commerce, stated it needs to be soaked only 5 times or less.

On May 8, Phumtham granted another interview to the media, stating that there were officials from various departments involved in the inspection, including the Surin provincial governor, the director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, and two major rice exporters, namely Nakhon Luang Company and Thanassarn Rice Company. Therefore, he didn’t want people to speculate about the truth.

“In truth, it doesn’t matter how many times we soak the rice for cleanliness. If I remember correctly, we soaked it about 5 times. But whether it’s 10 times or 15 times, it depends on each individual’s preference. This isn’t the issue; let’s not divert the topic,” Phumtham said.

Phumtham stated that this issue was an attempt to resolve the country’s problem positively and to bring back money into the country. If the auctioned rice could reach a standard price of 17-18 baht per kilogram, there would be an income of around 200-400 million baht. As for the warehouse owners, once the clearance is completed, they would get their deposit back, which is fair.

As for whether the government wants to reconsider the rice-pledging initiative cases, Phumtham replied that he wished this issue would be resolved and that it wasn’t his duty to deal with legal matters. His duty was to sell the rice in the warehouse. If the rice could be slightly improved, it could be sold to the market for old rice, especially in Africa, rather than letting it rot, which could result in unsaleable rice bags.

Phumtham also said that the Ministry of Commerce would conduct the auction within May or at the latest by June.

Supachai Vorraapinyaporn, Chairman of Thanasarn Rice Company, stated that auctioning the ten-year-old rice for sale would not affect the confidence of buyers or the image of Thai rice because the global demand for rice varies. Some markets prefer new rice, while others prefer old rice, especially in Africa.

“In the last 3-4 years, Thailand has exported a considerable amount of aged rice to Africa, about 3-4 million tons. In my personal opinion, if the government wants to end the drama of Thai people eating old rice, it should open the auction for export. Because abroad, especially in Africa, eating old rice is not a problem,” he concluded.

rice yingluck2 — The 10-year-old rice is kept the Phun Phol Trading warehouse in Chaliang district, Surin Province.

According to the Associated Press report, the Administrative Court on April 2, 2021, repealed the military government’s order to fine former PM Yingluck Shinawatra for 35 billion baht over her loss-ridden rice subsidy program.

The court found the order issued by the finance ministry in 2016 lacks legal standing since the ministry had failed to show any clear evidence of Yingluck, whose government was overthrown in a 2014 coup, was responsible for the financial damages done to the state. It also said that the corruption happened at the operational level.

Yingluck fled Thailand in 2017, shortly before she was found guilty on charges of negligence over the same rice-pledging initiative. She was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison and a warrant was issued for her arrest, which Yingluck’s Pheu Thai Party and her supporters decried the sentence as politically motivated.

A file photo of former PM Yingluck Shinawatra.

Thailand Welcomes 12M Visitors in 4 Months; Extends Visa Exemption for Indians, Taiwanese

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Khaosod English

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8 May 2024, 14:23

indian visitors — Indian tourists participated in the colorful Festival of Colours (HOLI) Pattaya Thailand at Pattaya Klang Beach on March 11, 2023.

BANGKOK – At its meeting on May 7, 2024, the Cabinet approved a proposal to extend the visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports or travel documents issued by the Republic of India and Taiwan entering the Kingdom of Thailand for temporary tourism purposes.

Under the special arrangement proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these travelers will be exempted from the visa requirement and will be allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days.

The extension, which applies from May 11 to November 11, 2024, is an additional six months beyond the original expiry date of May 10, 2024.

The decision was taken to further promote economic and foreign policy relations between India and Taiwan, particularly with regard to people-to-people ties, which form the foundation of relations between the two countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates that the state will lose revenue of around 2.15 billion baht as a result of the extension.

taiwan thailand1 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomes Taiwanese tourists, who can visit without a visa since 2022.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also instructed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to accelerate the development of a comprehensive tourism plan for the fourth quarter of this year. The plan should focus on providing services, facilities, and safety measures to ensure a positive experience for tourists.

Earlier, the Thai government approved a temporary visa exemption for visitors from Russia not exceeding 60 days, effective from May 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024. The visa-free policy for Russian tourists was extended because they are increasingly traveling to Thailand.

phuket special city2 — Residents and tourists attended Songkran Phuket 2024.

According to data as of May 1, 2024, Thailand welcomed a total of 12.12 million international tourists during the first four months of the year (January-April 2024). This breaks down to 3.03 million visitors in January, 3.35 million in February, 2.98 million in March, and 2.75 million in April. During this period, Thailand generated 583.9 billion baht in tourism revenue.

The top five nationalities of tourists were: China (2,351,909), Malaysia (1,569,856), Russia (767,210), South Korea (679,481) and India (643,587).

It is important to note that these figures on tourist arrivals are preliminary data from the Immigration Department and do not include travelers entering Thailand with a border pass. The receipts are estimates based on historical tourist spending patterns.

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Apple’s Biggest Announcements From Its iPad Event: Brighter Screen, Faster Chips and the Pencil Pro

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Associated Press

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8 May 2024, 09:47

CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple on Tuesday unveiled its next generation of iPad Pros and Airs — models that will boast faster processors, new sizes and a new display system as part of the company’s first update to its tablet lineup in more than a year.

The showcase at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California, comes after the company disclosed its steepest quarterly decline in iPhone sales since the pandemic’s outset, deepening a slump that’s increasing the pressure on the trendsetting company to spruce up its products. Apple is expected to make a much bigger splash next month during an annual conference devoted to the latest version of its operating systems for iPhones, iPads and Mac computers — software that analysts expect to be packed with more artificial intelligence technology.

Both lines of new iPads add bells and whistles but have adjusted prices to match. The iPad Pro sports a new thinner design, a new M4 processor for added processing power, slightly upgraded storage and incorporates dual OLED panels for a brighter, crisper display. Prices have been hiked to match its new offerings, with the 11-inch model going for $999 and the 13-inch model fetching $1,299.

The new iPad Air has the faster M2 chip, boasts a new design, more base storage, a new 13-inch display option and a recentered camera. It will also support use of the new Apple Pencil Pro, which was a function previously exclusive to the Pro models. The 11-inch display will sell for $599 while the new 13-inch model will fetch $799.

However Apple did announce a price reduction for its 10th generation iPad, which will now retail for $349, down from $449.

Apple is trying to juice demand for iPads after its sales of the tablets plunged 17% from last year during the January-March period. After its 2010 debut helped redefine the tablet market, the iPad has become a minor contributor to Apple’s success. It currently accounts for just 6% of the company’s sales.

“The enhancements were both needed and predictable, in a maintenance sort of way, and may help stanch some of the revenue loss in that product line,” Forrester Research analyst Dipanjan Chatterjee said of the new iPads. “But it’s nothing to get terribly excited about.”

All the new models will be available in stores starting May 15, with preorders beginning Tuesday.

Putin Begins His Fifth Term as President, More in Control of Russia Than Ever

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Associated Press

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7 May 2024, 18:57

APTOPIX Russia Putin Inauguration — Vladimir Putin takes his oath as Russian president during an inauguration ceremony in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool)

Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.

At the ceremony inside the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin placed his hand on the Russian Constitution and vowed to defend it as a crowd of hand-picked dignitaries looked on.

“We are a united and great people and together we will overcome all obstacles, realize all our plans, together we will win,” Putin said after being sworn in.

AP24128355101036 — Vladimir Putin arrives for his inauguration ceremony as Russian President in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Sergei Bobylev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Since succeeding President Boris Yeltsin in the waning hours of 1999, Putin has transformed Russia from a country emerging from economic collapse to a pariah state that threatens global security. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine that has become Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, Russia has been heavily sanctioned by the West and is turning to other regimes like China, Iran and North Korea for support.

Already in office for nearly a quarter-century and the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, Putin’s new term doesn’t expire until 2030, when he will be constitutionally eligible to run again.

In a heavily choreographed performance, Putin was pictured in his office looking at his papers before walking along the Kremlin’s long corridors, pausing at one point to look at a painting, on the way to his inauguration.

His guard of honor waited in the sleet and rain for hours, in temperatures hovering just above freezing, while Putin made the brief journey to the Grand Kremlin Palace in his Auras limousine.

AP24128422459276 — Vladimir Putin walks to take his oath as Russian president during an inauguration ceremony in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool Photo via AP)

Putin used the the first moments of his fifth term to thank the “heroes” of his war in Ukraine and to rail against the West.

Russia “does not refuse dialogue with Western states,” he said. Rather, he said, “the choice is theirs: do they intend to continue trying to contain Russia, continue the policy of aggression, continuous pressure on our country for years, or look for a path to cooperation and peace.”

The Russian leader was greeted with applause when he entered the hall with more than 2,500 people who, his spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, had been invited to the ceremony. They included senior members of the Russian government as well as celebrities including American actor Steven Seagal.

A French diplomat confirmed the French ambassador attended the inauguration. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy did not attend and Russian state news agency Tass reported she was out of the country.

The question now is what the 71-year-old Putin will do over the course of another six years in the Kremlin, both at home and abroad.

AP24128386171428 — Honour guard soldiers attend Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony as Russian president in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, Pool)

Russian forces are gaining ground in Ukraine, deploying scorched-earth tactics as Kyiv grapples with shortages of men and ammunition. Both sides are taking heavy casualties.

Ukraine has brought the battle to Russian soil through drone and missile attacks, especially in border regions. In a speech in February, Putin vowed to fulfill Moscow’s goals in Ukraine, and do what is needed to “defend our sovereignty and security of our citizens.”

Shortly after his orchestrated reelection in March, Putin suggested that a confrontation between NATO and Russia is possible, and he declared he wanted to carve out a buffer zone in Ukraine to protect his country from cross-border attacks.

At home, Putin’s popularity is closely tied to improving living standards for ordinary Russians.

Putin on Tuesday once again promised Russians a prosperous future, but since the invasion of Ukraine, many have seen the cost of living rise.

Putin began his term in 2018 by promising to get Russia into the top five global economies, vowing it should be “modern and dynamic.” Instead, Russia’s economy has pivoted to a war footing, and authorities are spending record amounts on defense.

Analysts say now that Putin has secured another six years in power, the government could take the unpopular steps of raising taxes to fund the war and pressure more men to join the military.

At the start of a new term, the Russian government is routinely dissolved so that Putin can name a new prime minister and Cabinet.

One key area to watch is the Defense Ministry.

Last year, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu came under pressure over his conduct of the war, with mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin launching withering criticism against him for shortages of ammunition for his private contractors fighting in Ukraine. Prigozhin’s brief uprising in June against the Defense Ministry represented the biggest threat to Putin’s rule.

After Prigozhin was killed two months later in a mysterious plane crash, Shoigu appeared to have survived the infighting. But last month, his protege, Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov, was detained on charges of bribery amid reports of rampant corruption.

AP24128338439232 — American action-movie actor Steven Seagal arrives for Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony as Russian president in the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Alexander Nemenov/Pool Photo via AP)

Some analysts have suggested Shoigu could become a victim of the government reshuffle but that would be a bold move as the war is still raging in Ukraine.

In the years following the invasion, authorities have cracked down on any form of dissent with a ferocity not seen since Soviet times.

Putin indicated Tuesday that he would continue to silence critics.

He told his audience in the Grand Kremlin Palace to remember the “tragic cost of internal turmoil and upheaval,” and said that Russia “must be strong and absolutely resistant to any challenges and threats.”

Putin enters his fifth term with practically no opposition inside the country.

His greatest political foe, opposition leader Alexei Navalny, died in an Arctic penal colony in February. Other prominent critics have either been imprisoned or have fled the country, and even some of his opponents abroad fear for their security.

Laws have been enacted that threaten long prison terms for anyone who discredits the military. The Kremlin also targets independent media, rights groups, LGBTQ+ activists and others who don’t hew to what Putin has emphasized as Russia’s “traditional family values.”

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British Man Apologizes for Invading Chicken Rice Shop in Buriram

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Khaosod English

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7 May 2024, 17:49

BURIRAM – Police officers acted as mediators in successfully ending the conflict between Mr. Cleverley, a 55-year-old British national residing in Ban Khok Yai, Isan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Buriram Province, and Ms. Komkai or Khom, a 38-year-old owner of a chicken rice restaurant who filed a complaint about being threatened by the British.

Previously, on May 5, Ms. Khom filed a police report stating that Mr. Cleverley, carrying a gun, had intruded into her restaurant, Madam Chicken, in front of the Thong Market in Buriram Municipality on May 3. The British man claimed he was there to collect 90,000 baht from Ms. Khom for a visa extension, which he had demanded several times.

british buriram1 — Madam Chicken restaurant has been closed down since the Thai owner feared that she and her customers would be harmed.

Ms. Khom insisted that Mr. Cleverley had fabricated this story, as she had already completed the visa paperwork for him when they were still on friendly terms. Initially, when they first met, she had helped him procure construction materials to build a large cannabis greenhouse. However, upon discovering that he was stubborn and liked to pick fights with others, she distanced herself from him.

Later, on April 12, Mr. Cleverley rode his motorcycle and crashed into a table at her restaurant and had an argument with her customers. Since then, she banned him from entering the restaurant, but he regularly came to threaten her. As a result, she had to close down the chicken rice shop for fear that she and her customers would be harmed.

british buriram3 — Mr. Cleverley rode his motorcycle and crashed into a table at her restaurant and had an argument with her customers on April 12, 2024.

On May 3, he intruded into the restaurant and attempted to assault her inside, accompanied by a person claiming to be a plainclothes police officer from Nakhon Ratchasima acting as his bodyguard. She then filed a complaint with Pol. Lt. Col. Adichat Meesa, Deputy Superintendent (Investigation) of Mueang Buriram Police Station.

On May 6, the police called both parties for mediation. Mr. Cleverley agreed to apologize and pay 5,000 baht in compensation, while Ms. Khom agreed to withdraw the complaint and warned the British man not to come to the restaurant again, which he promised to comply with.

Although deep down she was still wary and worried whether customers would return to her restaurant that had been closed for a long time, she thanked the officers for their assistance in resolving the matter peacefully.

british buriram4 — Miss Khom thanks the officers for their assistance in resolving the matter peacefully.

TGGS, KMUTNB and TUM Asia Sign a Collaboration Agreement For Academic Exchanges

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Contributor

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7 May 2024, 15:48

Signing Ceremony of Collaboration Agreement between TGGS KMUTNB and TUM Asia

Bangkok, Thailand – May 6, 2024 The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), under King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB), and Technical University of Munich (TUM) Asia, The Singapore Campus of TUM. have signed an collaboration agreement at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Thailand. H.E. Dr. Ernst Wolfgang Reichel, German Ambassador to Thailand, witnessed the signing of the agreement by representatives from both institutions’ management.

TGGS was established in 2005 through collaboration between KMUTNB and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany under the partnership with RWTH Aachen University.

TUM Asia was established in 2002 as the first German academic venture abroard, supported by the Singapore Government through the Economic Development Board (EDB), the German Government through the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

RWTH Aachen and Tum belong to the leading institution in engineering and technology in Europe and beyond.

Both TGGS and TUM Asia serve as representatives of the German educational model in the Southeast Asian region. The collaboration aims to foster academic exchanges in various fields such as student exchange programs, faculty exchanges, research initiatives, academic and scientific activities etc.

Thai Police, FBI Arrest American Fugitive in Human Trafficking Case

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Khaosod English

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7 May 2024, 15:43

FBI — Mr. Selva, a 37-year-old American citizen, was arrested at a condominium in the Bang Phlat District, Bangkok, on May 6, 2024.

BANGKOK – On May 7, 2024, officials from the Central Investigation Bureau’s (CIB) Combating Trafficking in Persons Division and Michel Chai, a representative of the FBI, held a joint press conference to announce the arrest of Mr. Selva, a 37-year-old American citizen of Asian descent.

Mr. Selva was wanted for multiple counts of kidnapping, fraud and forced sexual assault, and trafficking for sexual exploitation. He was arrested at a condominium in Soi Chuen Charoen Phanit in Bang Yi Khan sub-district, Bang Phlat district, Bangkok.

He is charged with intentional assault, kidnapping with intent, coercion, strangulation, assault with a weapon causing bodily injury, and human trafficking.

According to Pol. Col. Korkiet Wuthichumnong, Superintendent of Division 1, CIB, the arrest was initiated by representatives of the US Embassy in Thailand and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Attorney General.

They then sought assistance from Pol. Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuride, Commissioner of the CIB, to track down and apprehend Mr. Selva, who was wanted on a warrant issued by the District Court of the United States for the District of Oregon. The request was made under the Extradition Treaty between the United States and Thailand.

Mr. Selva had multiple prior criminal convictions in the United States, primarily related to sexual assault and battery. The Oregon District Court had convicted him of “sex trafficking by force, fraud and/or coercion” with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a minimum sentence of 15 years, and “transportation for unlawful sexual activity” with a maximum sentence of 10 years. These charges were divided into 11 separate counts:

Assault in the second degree
Strangulation
Intentional bodily harm
Kidnapping in the first degree (4 counts)
Coercion
Unlawful use of a weapon
Assault causing bodily harm

After being released on bail, he failed to appear for his sentencing and fled to Thailand, where he had been in hiding for more than three months since February. The authorities were then contacted to track him down and arrest him.

According to the information available, Mr. Selva had entered Thailand on a tourist visa. He was described as 180 centimeters tall, weighing 90 kilograms and muscular. He was violent and often used weapons to commit his crimes.

In analyzing his behavior, the police assumed that Mr. Selva was aware that he was being followed and that he frequently changed his residence to hotels or apartments, staying there for only 1-4 days at a time. He frequently visited entertainment venues in Bangkok and approached both Thai and foreign women, sometimes taking them to his temporary residence. This raised fears that he might repeat his violent sexual offenses in Thailand.

When the authorities found out that he lived in a condominium in the Bang Phlat area, they planned his arrest and carried it out on 6 May 2024. The entire operation took only 10 days. Mr. Selva will now go through the extradition process to be brought back to the United States for further legal action.

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More Suspects Arrested in Joint Thai-Chinese Extortion Ring

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Khaosod English

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7 May 2024, 13:23

dindaeng extort3 — Investigating officers from Din Daeng Police Station took into custody 5 suspects, including a former police officer who was the gang leader, in a case of jointly kidnapping a Chinese national and extorting 2.5 million baht. They were taken to the Criminal Court for the first remand period of 12 days from May 5-16, 2024. The officers objected to bail as it is a serious case.

BANGKOK – Recently, three men stormed into a hotel in Soi Prachasongkroh 2, also known as Soi Suttipong, Din Daeng District, Bangkok. They abducted five Chinese nationals from their rooms and pretended to be police officers. The suspects then extorted 65,000 USDT, equivalent to about 2.5 million Thai Baht, from the victims.

On 6 May 2024, Din Daeng police arrested two suspects involved in the gang: Mr. Zhu Lin Su, also known as “Hia Kao,” for charges of extortion, impersonating a public official, unlawful detention, and coercion. The other suspect, Mr. Yang Qiujian, was arrested for receiving stolen property.

The investigation revealed that the gang, led by Mr. Zhu Lin Su, targeted Chinese nationals visiting Thailand. Once a target was identified, the gang would collaborate with a group of fake police officers to carry out their plan.

When the victims contacted a Lao gang to arrange a ransom exchange using credit card swiping, Ms. Jaruneth prepared a card reader and met with the victims. She then coordinated with the police, led by Pol. Sgt. Maj. Weerayuth and Pol. Lt. Attawut, to stage the operation. The gang included two Chinese nationals, Mr. Jianbiao Wu and Mr. Zhu Lin Su (who had already obtained Thai citizenship under the name Mr. Chayakorn Su).

They detained the victims in a white Toyota Camry (the getaway car) and threatened them that swiping their credit cards once would result in a 7-year prison sentence. The suspects then took the victims to a shooting range to meet Pol. Lt. Attawut, who posed as the “boss” and a “police officer.” They then provided the victims with a QR code to transfer USDT cryptocurrency into the gang’s digital wallets.

Mr. Zhu Ling Su confessed to his involvement in the extortion scheme. He stated that Mr. Yang received USDT digital transfers from the suspects into his own digital wallet, converted them into Thai baht, and then transferred the funds to the gang members. The breakdown of the distribution is as follows: 700,000 baht to Pol. Sgt. Maj. Weerayuth, 700,000 baht to Mr. Naphasin, and 748,300 baht to Mr. Jianbiao Wu.

The investigation revealed that a total of 10 individuals were involved in the crime. Investigators have obtained arrest warrants for all 10 suspects and have arrested 7 of them. The remaining 3 suspects are still at large, and authorities are actively pursuing them.

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Tearful British Father Seeks Help as Thai Wife Uses Child to Extort Money

By

Khaosod English

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7 May 2024, 00:29

SAMUT PRAKAN – Adrian, a 52-year-old British man, is deeply concerned about the well-being of his 7-year-old daughter, who has received violent threats from his Thai wife, Sudarat. He sent a video clip from Britain to his wife’s former mother-in-law, urgently seeking help for the child.

During a video call with his Thai wife, Adrian recorded the footage and sent the clip to Mrs. Aree, the mother of Sudarat’s ex-husband, who lives in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, desperately seeking help. He also cried a lot.

Mrs. Aree then sought assistance from Mrs. Somsri Ngamprasert, a 61-year-old village committee member in Bang Pu Subdistrict, Samut Prakan Province, who knows Sudarat and lives in the same village, hoping for a quick resolution.

samut british4 — Mrs. Somsri Ngamprasert, a 61-year-old village committee member in Bang Pu Subdistrict, Samut Prakan Province, gives information to the reporter.

However, when Mrs. Somsri visited Sudarat’s house, she discovered that Sudarat had already taken her daughter away, possibly to Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Sudarat left Yo, her 14-year-old son from her previous marriage, at the house.

Mrs. Somsri promptly filed a report at the Bang Pu Police Station on May 4, 2024 and contacted the media on May 5 to publicise the story, urging relevant authorities to help the child.

Mrs. Somsri revealed that Sudarat had previously been married to a Thai man, with whom she had a son, before divorcing. Sudarat then married Adrian, and they had a daughter together. When Adrian returned to work in England, he sent monthly child support. However, he only visited occasionally.

Later, Sudarat began experiencing financial problems. Whenever she needed money, she would video call her husband and display violent behaviour towards their daughter, such as tying a cloth around her neck or pointing a gun at her head, threatening to kill the child if she did not receive the money. Adrian would promptly transfer the money each time.

As these incidents became more frequent, Adrian could no longer tolerate them. He sought help from Mrs. Aree and sent a recorded video call with Sudarat as evidence. Adrian stated that he would travel to Thailand next month to take his daughter back to raise her himself, but he also asked the media to publicize the story to seek assistance from relevant authorities.

samut british3 — A 7-year-old girl is crying on the video call between her mother and her father.

Yo said that his mother had been emotionally unstable and violent since he was young. When his mother wanted money, she would threaten his sister and make her cry. His mother also often beat him.

Recently, during a video call with Adrian, she threatened to shoot Yo for not receiving the 17,000 baht she claimed was for his school uniform. Adrian eventually had to transfer the money, but it is unclear what Sudarat used it for.

The teenager expressed concern for his sister’s safety and hoped that she would be safer. If Adrian returns, he wants him to take his sister back and raise her. Yo also wants to live elsewhere and hopes that the relevant authorities will intervene.

“If my mother is ill, I want her to receive treatment. I’m not angry with her because she is still my mother,” Yo said.

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