Japanese Authorities Raid a Factory Making Health Supplements Linked to 5 Deaths

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30 March 2024, 12:03

Japan Drug Supplement Recall — Japan's health ministry officials walk towards the Osaka plant of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. to conduct an on-site inspection in Osaka, western Japan, Saturday, March 30, 2024. Japanese government health officials raided a factory Saturday producing health supplements that they say have killed multiple people and hospitalized more than 100 others.

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese government health officials raided a factory Saturday producing health supplements that they say have killed at least five people and hospitalized more than 100 others.

About a dozen people wearing dark suits solemnly walked into the Osaka plant of Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co. in the raid shown widely on Japanese TV news, including public broadcaster NHK.

The company says little is known about the exact cause of the sicknesses, which include kidney failure. An investigation into the products is underway in cooperation with government health authorities.

The supplements all used “benikoji,” a kind of red mold. Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals’ pink pills called Benikoji Choleste Help were billed as helping lower cholesterol levels.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, based in the western Japanese city of Osaka, said about a million packages were sold over the past three fiscal years. It also sold benikoji to other manufacturers, and some products have been exported. The supplements could be bought at drug stores without a prescription from a doctor.

Reports of health problems surfaced in 2023, although benikoji has been used in various products for years.

Company president Akihiro Kobayashi has apologized for not having acted sooner. The recall came March 22, two months after the company had received official medical reports about the problem.

On Friday, the company said five people had died and 114 people were being treated in hospitals after taking the products. Japan’s health ministry says the supplements are responsible for the deaths and illnesses, and warned that the number of those affected could grow.

Some analysts blame the recent deregulation initiatives, which simplified and sped up approval for health products to spur economic growth. But deaths from a mass-produced item is rare in Japan, as government checks over consumer products are relatively stringent.

The government has ordered a review of the approval system in response to the supplement-related illnesses. A report is due in May.

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Thai Authorities Suppress a Large Chinese Call Center Gang

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Khaosod English

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30 March 2024, 00:51

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT – On March 29, Thai officials reported the taking down of a huge Chinese call center gang in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, which had been illegally established to defraud Thais and Chinese citizens. Officers arrested 90 people and seized computers and other devices.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, assistant police commander, stated at a press conference at Chawang Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province that since the investigation began at the end of 2023, this operation has been carried out in coordination with 100 officials, including cyber police, DSI officers, detective police, police region 8, immigration police, and NBTC officials. They have been dispatched to seek out four targets in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

nakhon si scam2 — Thai authorities presented smart phones as evidence during a press conference at Chawang Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.

At the time, officials discovered a large network of Chinese people forming a call centre gang in Chawang District to defraud and steal property from fellow Chinese, Japanese, Russians, and Thais through a variety of scams, including inviting them to invest in digital currencies, online gambling, tricking people into buying products by creating pages, and using various tricks to lure victims to transfer money. The officials then conducted a thorough investigation and collected evidence.

Then, on March 28, 2024, officials obtained a search warrant from the Criminal Court and conducted a simultaneous search operation at four locations, discovering both Thai and Chinese citizens working there.

They also confiscated 228 computers, 1,037 mobile phones, 4 iPads, 21 internet routers, 2 CPUs, 2 USB sticks, 521 phone SIM cards, 2 credit cards, 80 bank accounts, one long gun, and tax-evaded cosmetics.

nakhon si scam4 — Chinese members of call-center gang were arrested in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on March 28, 2024.

Police Lieutenant General Worawat Wattanakornbancha, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Police, stated that officers detained all 90 members of this call centre gang. During the investigation, Lin Shuozhao, a 30-year-old Chinese national, stated that he was simply an employee whose job was to wait. The big bosses at the command level are in China.

Many Chinese individuals that have joined this call center gang use passports to enter Thailand through Cambodia. Some travelled directly from China to Thailand disguised as tourists.

nakhon si scam1 — Some of the computers were seized as evidence.

Furthermore, there are offers to come and work before joining forces to establish a group that defrauded victims for nearly a year. They planned and worked systematically. Thai employees will receive an average monthly salary of 20,000 baht each person, whereas Chinese personnel would earn an average of 40,000 baht per month.

Officials have accused these individuals of establishing a group to conceal the method of operation and purpose for illicit reasons, as well as conspiring with five or more people to commit an offence or commit theft.

The cyber police are now planning to expand on that by looking into the financial histories and other characteristics of each group of accused people involved in other crimes. Investigators from the Chawang Police Station held all suspects and transported them for prosecution.

Protests Erupt as Rayong Construction Crane Collapses

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Khaosod English

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30 March 2024, 00:38

RAYONG – Migrant workers at the Xin Ke Yuan Steel factory in Rayong province’s Pluak Daeng district staged a protest after a construction crane collapsed on Friday, killing seven workers. Six died on-site and one died later in the hospital.

According to witnesses, the incident occurred as the crane was transporting seven workers to work at a point around 100 metres above the ground when it unexpectedly tumbled over, causing workers on the platform to fall from a height, killing six workers instantly.

crane12 — A construction crane collapsed on Friday, March 29, 2024, killing seven workers at the Xin Ke Yuan Steel factory in the Pluak Daeng district of Rayong province.

After the incident, the workers, who were largely Burmese, refused to allow the rescuers to transport the bodies away. They demanded the company owner provide compensation to the deceased’s families of 5 million baht per individual.

Initially, it was reported that the company agreed to pay only 500,000 baht per person, but the workers insisted on paying 5 million baht per individual immediately, as well as compensation for all of the workers.

At the same time, a group of the deceased’s relatives came to file a complaint. They grieved and were miserable. Some of them became upset and tossed items onto the roof.

rayong3 — The workers refused to allow the rescuers to transport the bodies away.

Later, officers from the Crime Suppression Division and Rayong Province, arrived at the scene of the incident.

At 7:00 p.m., Pol. Col. Chaiphong Saengphongchai, superintendent of Pluak Daeng Police Station, travelled with a group of 30 police officers to negotiate with around 500 Burmese workers who encircled the four rescue vehicles transporting the bodies of six individuals. One car’s glass had been broken.

One of the Myanmar workers disclosed that the employer had previously refused to pay compensation when one of his employees died from electrocution. Even if they said to pay this time, they no longer trust the employer’s words.

He indicated that they would direct authorities to check the hillside behind the building site where workers who had died were buried.

At 11 p.m., officials from the Myanmar Labour Union, WAG, and a number of Rayong MPs began negotiating with the deceased’s families, the factory owner, Pluak Daeng District Chief, and the police.

They discussed for more than an hour to reach the agreement that the employer and the deceased’s relatives would sign a contract, while representatives from the Myanmar Labour Union would take part. The deceased’s relatives will receive 1,600,000 baht apiece in compensation, which includes social security payments and other legal compensation.

In addition, the factory will pay for all funeral expenses, up to 500,000 baht up front for each deceased person, with the rest of the payment due within three months.

When officials from the Myanmar Labour Union translated the agreement for the Burmese workers, they all clapped, accepted the terms, and left. Four rescue vehicles cleared the path to transport the bodies to Pluak Daeng Hospital for autopsy.

rayong end2 — Finally, the Burmese workers clapped and accepted the conditions.

Thai Court Acquits Dozens of Protesters Who Shut Down Bangkok’s Airports in 2008

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Associated Press

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29 March 2024, 23:22

BANGKOK (AP) — A Thai court on Friday acquitted nearly 70 people of all charges related to mass protests that shut down Bangkok’s two airports in 2008 for about 10 days.

The ruling by the Bangkok Criminal Court was the second this year finding that the protesters, who opposed a government headed by allies of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had not committed serious criminal offenses in their activities.

Members of the group, the People’s Alliance for Democracy, also briefly seized a state television station and occupied Government House for three months.

The court ruled Friday that the airport protests were protected under the constitution because they were peaceful and the protesters were unarmed, public broadcaster Thai PBS and Thai Rath newspaper said.

Witnesses to the 2008 protests, including Associated Press reporters, saw acts of violence and intimidation by sometimes-armed guards employed by the PAD, though not by the people acquitted in January and on Friday.

The 67 people in Friday’s case had been indicted on serious charges including rebellion and terrorism, which carry a possible death penalty.

Panthep Puapongpan, a former PAD spokesperson and a defendant, welcomed the court ruling. He said they were acquitted because their actions were considered to be for the greater good of the country since they were rallying against a government that was accused of abuse of power and corruption.

“Our ordeal is not wasted. The ruling helps heal our feelings, and many of the defendants shed tears,” he posted on Facebook.

Several dozen defendants involved in the 2008 airport protests were divided into two groups and indicted in 2013. The first group was acquitted in January, although about a dozen of them were given 20,000 baht ($550) fines for violating an emergency decree that had banned public gatherings.

The protesters — popularly known as Yellow Shirts for wearing shirts with that color that shows loyalty to the Thai monarchy — had occupied Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. They demanded the resignation of the government loyal to Thaksin, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup that followed large Yellow Shirt protests accusing him of corruption and disrespect of the monarchy.

Thaksin’s ouster set off years of sometimes violent contention for power between his supporters and his opponents.

The protesters shut down airport operations and defied an injunction calling for them to leave. The siege ended only after a court ruling forced Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat — who is Thaksin’s brother-in-law — out of office.

In 2011, the Civil Court ordered the leaders of the group to pay 522 million baht ($14.7 million) in damages to the state airport authority. They were declared bankrupt and had their assets seized last year in partial payment of the sum.

Thaksin returned to Thailand last year from self-imposed exile to face an eight-year prison term on several criminal convictions. He was immediately moved from prison to a state hospital because of reported ill health. He was released on parole after six months of hospital detention.

Pet Humanization Drives Thai Business Growth to over $1 Billion

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Khaosod English

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29 March 2024, 21:05

BANGKOK – “Pet humanization” is a growing megatrend, pushing the pet care market to grow to over 40 billion baht (1.1 billion USD) and will reach 60 billion baht (1.8 billion USD) in the next three years, according to the Thai minister.

Chaiya Promma, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, presided over the opening ceremony of Pet Healthcare 2024, held during March 28-31, 2024 at The Mall Lifestore Bang Kapi, Bangkok, sayingor the care and importance of pets as family members

Factors driving this trend include the increasing number of people choosing to remain single, as well as the growing popularity of pet therapy and the use of pets to alleviate loneliness in older people.

pethealth25 — Chaiya Promma, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives

Based on statistics, it was found that in 2019, 34 percent of Thai households owned both dogs and cats combined, amounting to 21 million pets in total: there were 7 million cats and 14 million dogs. By 2022, this percentage increased to 37 percent of Thai households nationwide. It is projected to continue growing annually at a rate of approximately 10 percent.

With this growing trend, business analysts believe that “Pet Humanization” will become a mega trend in the Thai business sector. The pet care market is expected to grow to over 40 billion baht, with an annual growth rate of around 8.4 percent.

This growth is divided into 60 percent for pet food businesses, 30 percent for veterinary clinics and the remaining 10 percent for other sectors. Therefore, pet care is expected to remain an important trend in Thailand for the foreseeable future.

Driving factors for this trend include the preferences of Gen Z, Gen Y, and the elderly population who keep pets as companions, as well as the increasing trend of smaller or childless families opting to have pets.

The Department of Business Development forecasts that the pet supplies market in Thailand will reach a value of 66.7 billion baht (1.8 billion USD) by 2026, with pet food for dogs and cats representing the largest segment and showing continuous growth.

This is closely followed by the group of exotic pets, which includes reptiles such as iguanas, chameleons and snakes as well as birds such as cockatoos, toucans and macaws. Other popular pets include rabbits, ferrets, hamsters and sugar gliders.

The Department of Livestock Development, which is responsible for setting guidelines and policies, monitoring, promotion, research, technology transfer and development of technologies related to animal husbandry, emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards not only for large animals but also for pets, which people nowadays increasingly prefer to keep.

The proper care of pets, which includes health maintenance, prevention and treatment, requires comprehensive knowledge and understanding in every respect. Therefore, the events organized by this department are particularly interesting and relevant.

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Club Med Marks a Year of Growth in 2023, Expects More in 2024

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Contributor

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29 March 2024, 16:38

Healthy demand for beach and mountain holidays, an aggressive global expansion plan and strong mountain leadership drive Club Med’s optimistic outlook for 2024

It is revealed on March 20, 2024 that Club Med, the global leader in premium all-inclusive holiday experiences, celebrated a year of resilience and significant achievements in 2023, marked by strong growth and financial performance.

The group’s 2023 results have laid a solid foundation that reinforces its market leadership in snow and sun holidays across the globe with the anticipation of a robust outlook for 2024.

Business volume amounted to €1,981M in 2023, representing an increase of 17% compared to 2022, and 16% versus 2019. Record resort operating income amounted to €174M, an increase of 64% compared to 2022, and 70% compared to 2019.

Resort capacity increased by 6% compared to 2022 with 97% upscale or very upscale capacity (+10pts vs 2019). Club Med welcomed over 1.5 million guests in 2023, a 16% year-over-year increase. This growth was driven primarily by a rebound in travel from Asia following pandemic restrictions.

The average room occupancy rate reached 70%, reflecting a 3.4 points rise from 2022. Operating margin was up 50% to 9.5%, compared with 6.2% in 2019, thanks to a successful upmarket strategy and business model optimisation.

By mid-2024, the Club Med Resort portfolio will achieve full upscale transformation to 100% Premium or Exclusive Collection.

Record performance of current first half 2024 bookings at +14% as of March 2, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023, which was already at a record level.

Within the East and South Asia, and Pacific (ESAP) region, Club Med has achieved new heights with strong demand for its Premium All-Inclusive Resorts. The ESAP region doubled its business volume of 102% year-over-year and 6% over 2019. There has been a significant upswing in the number of guests, with a remarkable 43% rise compared to 2022, and reaching pre-pandemic levels.

This momentum continues with very strong trends for the fourth Mountain Resort in Japan, Club Med Kiroro Grand, which opened in December 2023.

Focusing on Thailand and other Southeast Asia markets excluding Singapore and Malaysia, significant growth has been seen, especially in the ski and mountain business, solidifying our leadership positions in mountain destinations.

The Cluster experienced a remarkable 74% growth compared to 2022, reaching pre-pandemic levels. Thailand contributed approximately 65% of the total business volume.

The ski and mountain business proportion has been expanding across the markets. The increasing percentages per market, comparing with the total business volume from 2019 to 2023, are as follows:

*Thailand: from 33% to 50%

*Indonesia: from 29% to 35%

*India: from 6% to 19%

*Other new markets: from 24% to 44%

The ski business in Thailand is experiencing a significant upward trend, with a growth of 75% compared to 2019. This remarkable success is largely attributed to effective diversification strategies. Volume has been expanded to well-known Club Med ski resorts in Hokkaido, and notably to other destinations, particularly in Europe, where there has been an impressive increase of about 330% compared to 2019.

This increase can be attributed in part to the revenge travel phenomenon, as well as the success of the ski and mountain business (+75% vs pre-pandemic). This success was supported by the opening of Club Med Kiroro Peak in December 2022, a new mountain resort in Hokkaido, Japan, and a diversification strategy that introduced new ski destinations, particularly European mountain destinations.

Reflecting on the results of 2023, Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med ESAP Markets, said “Club Med’s exceptional results are a testament to our market leadership in premium, all-inclusive holidays, especially in our Mountain Resorts. Embracing our refreshed brand identity and campaign, ‘That’s l’Esprit Libre’, we will continue to create experiences that allow our guests to disconnect from the worries and mental burden of everyday life to fully embrace the present.

This will be achieved through doubling down on the essence of holidays with Club Med where well-designed spaces, curated sports and activities, signature festive ambience and our international team of G.Os are synonymous with our premium all-inclusive programme. With a robust expansion plan, Club Med is well-positioned to cater to the travellers of today and tomorrow.”

Bruno Courbet, Country Director, Thailand and New Markets commented that, “This growth is a testament to Club Med’s unique all-inclusive offer, particularly notable in our ski destinations. With over 15 ski resorts in France and numerous Club Med properties worldwide, we’ve successfully diversified and expanded our offerings, bolstering our success. Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate even greater diversification opportunities.

For instance, Thai travellers will benefit from increased travel ease, such as visa-free access to China starting from March 1, 2024, and electronic visas for Canada. Moreover, with the rise in direct flights to family-friendly destinations like Maldives, Bali, and Lijiang, we’re better positioned to meet the evolving needs of our discerning clientele, reaffirming our commitment to delivering unparalleled holiday experiences.”

Soneva Kiri to Welcome Haoma’s Chef

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Contributor

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29 March 2024, 16:38

The Indian-born chef will be bringing his Michelin menu to Koh Kood for an exclusive five-day pop-up

February 28, 2024. Haoma’s chef Deepanker Khosla will be dazzling diners at Soneva Kiri from April 12 to 16, 2024, as part of the resort’s spectacular Songkran festival programme. The award-winning chef behind the Michelin Green Star neo-Indian restaurant will be hosting a series of exclusive dining events during a four-day pop-up on the Thai island of Koh Kood.

Deepanker Kosla, affectionately known as ‘DK’, is the chef behind Bangkok’s Haoma – the farm-to-table urban oasis that follows the philosophy of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle, degust’. Named after the elixir of life held sacred in timeless Zoroastrian and Hindu traditions, its à la carte and seasonal tasting menus showcase a wealth of ingredients grown from an on-site aquaponics farm. Blending a socially and environmentally responsible ethos with explosive flavours, Haoma is the result of a deep exploration of DK’s roots with a journey that takes guests through every corner of the immense Indian subcontinent, from the land to the sea.

Haoma earned its first Michelin star in 2022, combined with a Michelin Green Star for outstanding work in sustainability. Aged just 32 years old at the time, Chef DK became the youngest Indian chef to hold a Michelin Star, and the first Indian to receive the hallowed Green Star. In 2023, he also achieved the first ever ‘Champions of Change’ award given in 2021 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

This April, in addition to the exclusive dining events hosted by Chef DK, guests can join the Songkran parade and traditional water games at Soneva Kiri, or indulge in special wellness rituals that reflect new beginnings and themed dining experiences to welcome the new year. Nationals and expatriates residing in Thailand can also celebrate the season with Soneva’s Thai Tiew Thai offer where prices start from THB 95,000 for a two-night stay for two guests.

For more information about Soneva Kiri, visit www.soneva.com

For more information about Haoma, visit www.haoma.dk

Beyond the Law: Three Thai Trans Leaders’ Impact on Equality’s Future

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Contributor

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29 March 2024, 16:06

From left to right

Nikki Phinyapincha, Founder of Transtalents Consulting Group

Koko Tiamsai, Global Internal Communications Manager, East-West Seed

Bella Vongvisitsin, Senior Lecturer, Hong Kong Metropolitan University

March 31, 2024 – Thailand: The recent historic move in Thailand’s approach to legalizing same-sex marriage has captured the world’s attention, with the House of Representatives passing the same-sex marriage bill on its final reading by a vote of 400 out of 415. Now awaiting approval from the Senate and the king’s endorsement, this legislation marks a significant step toward equality. While many celebrate, it’s acknowledged that marriage equality is just the beginning of true equality, as stigmatization and discrimination persist, especially in critical areas like education and employment. Not to mention another important bill that awaits consideration: the legal gender recognition law for the transgender population.

Despite progress in some sectors, trans individuals in Thailand and around the world continue to face substantial barriers in various sectors. In several regions, the introduction of anti-trans bills and policies not only undermines the rights of transgender individuals but also poses a direct threat to their well-being and aspirations for equality. According to World Bank & APTN survey conducted in 2018, 60% of Malaysian, 77% of Thai, and 85% of Vietnamese transgenders have faced job rejection, discrimination, and sexual harassment at work, as well as denial of promotion to leadership roles due to patriotic systemic barriers, social stigma and gender bias stereotypes of “being not capable/credible/professional” and unfortunately being restricted to jobs only in beauty, media, entertainment, and sex industries. Among other sexual and gender identities such as lesbian, gay, and bisexual, trans individuals have historically been marginalized and suffered the most.

As we approach Transgender Visibility Day (TDOV) on March 31, 2024, Nikki, Koko, and Bella exemplify how progressive change is achievable amidst adversity. They are not only forging paths to personal achievement but also leading strategic changes across sectors, advocating for an inclusive society that extends beyond legal rights.

Nikki Phinyapincha, the founder of Transtalents Consulting Group, emphasizes, “In every meeting room, forum, or stage I speak on, I carry with me the hopes to see trans people like me be part of it while advocating for the trans community and others marginalized, showcasing how collective, progressive actions can influence global equality through the power of opportunity.” With a master’s degree from Switzerland, supported by a prestigious Swiss Excellent Government Scholarship, alumni fellows from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) from the US government and the Australia-ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program (A2ELP) from the Australian government, and her role in launching the first ASEAN transgender professional mentorship program, Nikki’s efforts in consulting for Thai social enterprises and global corporations in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have been globally recognized among the top 100+ LGBTQ+ future leaders by Involve x YouTube.

“Change doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s the product of persistence, education, and the courage to stand up for what’s right. We need to challenge the narrative that limits what trans people can achieve from both bottom up and top down using the lens of intersectionality in addressing the needs of each citizen. Our potential is boundless, and our perspectives are invaluable in creating diverse and dynamic societies.” Koko Tiamsai, Global Internal Communications Manager, East-West Seed, stressed.

Koko Tiamsai’s academic prowess and advocacy are underscored by her master’s degree in Gender Studies from SOAS University of London, achieved through a Chevening scholarship from the UK government. Her previous role in significantly amending workplace policies grounded in the theory of self-determination principle at foodpanda, particularly the gender-affirming policy allowing trans employees to take 30 days leave for their identity transition, marks a pivotal moment for transgender visibility and equality in the country. Koko’s efforts extend beyond corporate boundaries, touching lives and shaping futures through projects like Unite Thailand, which she manages to empower youth through art, education, and freedom of expression. Her work also includes setting up the project named ‘She Can’, where she equips a group of young trans youth with training in advocacy, laws, politics, and critical thinking skills to prepare these younger generations as future trans leaders of the region.

“Education and research are powerful tools in challenging the status quo and advocating for inclusivity. My journey is a reflection of how academia can intersect with advocacy to champion equality and understanding.” Bella Vongvisitsin, Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Co-founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, added.

Bella Vongvisitsin is a beacon of academic and professional excellence. With a PhD in Tourism Management from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Bella’s scholarly work and research in sustainable tourism development have earned her international recognition. As a Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University and a co-founder of Inclusive Tourism Asia, she’s at the forefront of integrating DEI into the tourism industry, showcasing the impactful role of research and education in fostering inclusivity. She has established a diverse research team comprising LGBTQ+ scholars from prominent universities in Hong Kong, focused on examining the fundamental frameworks within hospitality and tourism servicescapes that perpetuate gender binary and reinforce traditional patriarchal gender norms. Furthermore, she has authored a pioneering study on the transformative impact of LGBTQ+ inclusion in promoting organizational change within the hospitality and tourism industry. Additionally, her research collaboration in the field of medical tourism has been instrumental in advocating for the health and well-being of transgender individuals. She has garnered recognition as a distinguished speaker, being invited by esteemed global tourism organizations, such as International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Skyscanner, and Expedia, as well as renowned universities in Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines, to share her extensive expertise and disseminate knowledge in the field to both industry practitioners and younger generations.

As these three remarkable individuals demonstrate, the fight for trans visibility and rights is being waged on multiple fronts. From academia to corporate boardrooms, their achievements are not just personal victories but milestones in the journey toward a more inclusive society. Their stories are a clarion call for action, urging us to support and embrace the diversity that enriches our world.

These narratives, rich in international professional accolades and global academic rigor, offer a compelling argument for the value of inclusivity and the potential within the trans community and beyond. As the world observes Trans Visibility Day, let the stories of Nikki, Koko, and Bella serve as a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the long road ahead in ensuring equality and opportunity for all, regardless of gender identity.

ASEAN Trans Mentorship Program in collaboration with IBM and San Diego Pride

Seminar session in collaboration with Sasin School of Management

South Korea Requests Thailand Arrest A Scammer in Pattaya

By

Khaosod English

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29 March 2024, 15:37

CHONBURI – On 29 March 2024, immigration police announced the arrest of a 51-year-old South Korean man, identified as Mr. Oh, who was wanted by South Korean authorities on charges of fraud, and the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) had issued a red notice for him as the leader of a call center gang that scammed victims.

Mr. Oh was based in China and used phone calls and text messages to scam victims in South Korea. He created various scenarios to deceive victims into believing him and transferring money to members of the call center gang. Within two weeks, he was able to scam 6 victims for a total of 200 million won, or about 150,000 USD.

After the South Korean authorities issued an arrest warrant, Mr. Oh fled the country and hid in Pattaya. South Korea then coordinated with Thai authorities at the Foreign Affairs Department to help apprehend him.

He was caught in a residential compound in Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. He was charged with overstaying his visa and taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further investigation. He will then be extradited to South Korea.

Thai Police Arrest A Taiwanese Wanted for $16.5 Million in Fraud

By

Khaosod English

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29 March 2024, 14:09

BANGKOK – On March 29, immigration police announced the arrest of Mrs. Meilee, a 66-year-old Taiwanese woman wanted by Taiwan on charges of fraud. She is accused of swindling 88 Taiwanese investors out of a total of 608 million baht, or 16.6 million USD, by promising them high returns on investments in Thai real estate.

Mrs. Meilee was arrested at a luxury condominium in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok.

According to the police, Mrs. Meilee set up a real estate company in Thailand and used it to lure investors. She promised them guaranteed returns of up to 20 percent per year, but instead used their money to fund her lavish lifestyle.

The police investigation also revealed that the Taiwanese woman has one daughter, Ms. Saengdao, who is now 23 years old. The ID card was issued in 2000, when Ms. Saengdao was 18 years old. The mother name on the ID card is Dujduean but there is no photo of Ms. Dujduean in the database.

taiwan wanted2 — A Taiwanese woman wanted for 608 million baht in fraud was arrested in Thailand, immigration police announced on March 29, 2024.

The investigation team then coordinated with the Investigation and Legal Affairs Division, Department of Provincial Administration, to request a photo of Mrs. Dujduean when she first applied for a Thai ID card in around 1999. They found that she looked like Mrs. Meilee.

They then focused their investigation on finding Mrs. Meilee through Ms. Saengdao. They eventually found out that the two were living together in a luxury condo in the Sukhumvit area, and they were able to arrest her.

From now on, the authorities will revoke her permission to stay in the kingdom and send her back to Taiwan.

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