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Russians Running a Koh Samui Beauty Salon Illegally Are Arrested

beauty salon

KOH SAMUI – Investigators from the Surat Thani Provincial Immigration Office discovered that a foreigner illegally opened a beauty salon, ALSPA Beauty Clinic, as a medical facility in the Bo Phut Subdistrict of Koh Samui.

They looked up information and discovered that it provided its services on a variety of social media platforms with photographs of foreigners as service providers.

According to the research, both Thais and foreigners frequently visited this establishment because it offered a variety of services, including a treatment that involved spinning platelets and injecting them into the client’s body. This is a treatment that must be overseen by specialised personnel; otherwise, life may be at risk.

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Immigration officers raided the beauty salon on Koh Samui and discovered two foreigners giving services on March 13, 2024.

The authorities also discovered that the salon’s owner was a Russian woman named Miss Yulia, and at least two foreigners worked as beauticians and scheduled shifts to offer services based on the customer’s reservation list.

On March 13, 2024, when they raided the salon, immigration officers discovered two foreigners giving facial beauty services and massage services for treating muscle arthritis to foreign consumers, so they showed up to arrest them and check the required documentation.

It was not discovered that this place was not registered as an authorised medical facility. As a result, Miss Yulia was charged with operating a health care institution without licence, violating the Hospital Act, and distributing pharmaceuticals without authority.

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The Russian woman is working without a work permit.

Mrs. Liliia, age 32, of Russian nationality, was charged with working without a work permit, and Mr. Alexander, 35, of Russian nationality, was charged with working in an occupation that was illegal for him.

Furthermore, when investigated in depth, harmful pharmaceuticals and particularly restricted medications without Thai language labels are deemed unregistered in medical institutions. A variety of beauty products were also seized for investigation, along with medical equipment such as a plasma mixer, many used syringes, and customer outpatient (OPD) cards. This evidence clearly shows that the formation of a health care facility is unlawful.

 

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Jool Infinite Expands Its Business with the Launch of Eminers

Eminers
Mr.Chanase Rattakunshorn, CEO of JOOL Infinite (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Mr. Joji Yamamoto, President of Jool Co., Ltd. introduced the new product and signed a contract with Muay Thai world champion, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, as its first brand ambassador.

BANGKOK – Eminers, a new natural mineral water sourced from a hot spring (onsen), is the new business of Jool Infinite, which has named Rodtang Jitmuangnon as its first brand ambassador.

Jool Infinite (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the launch of its natural mineral water brand, “Eminers”. Directly sourced from a natural hot spring in Nara Prefecture, Japan, the new offering is specially designed for health-conscious customers and extreme sports players seeking a unique alternative.

At the press conference, Mr.Chanase Rattakunshorn, CEO of JOOL Infinite (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Mr. Joji Yamamoto, President of Jool Co., Ltd. introduced the new product and signed a contract with Muay Thai world champion, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, as its first brand ambassador.

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Jool Infinite has named Rodtang Jitmuangnon as its first brand ambassador for Eminers.

Unveiling the new water, Mr.Chanase explained that “Eminers” is sourced from a hot spring in Nara Prefecture, Japan which makes it unique and rich in minerals known to be good for the health.

“As we all know, Japan is known for its onsen. Though not all water is potable, Eminers is sourced directly from pristine waters and has a production limited to about 8 million bottles per year due to the amount of Onsen water available, assuring an unparalleled level of quality and pureness for our customers.

Its unique mineral composition also complements a wide range of purposes. For instance, the Japanese use this water to make liquor, Japanese rice wine, and to cook rice. Not only it is rich in naturally occurring minerals, it helps bring out the taste of the ingredients especially when used for making liquor or cooking. Because of its versatility, it is much more than just drinking water but also a part of Japanese culture passed down through the generations,” he said.

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Eminers presents itself as an alternative for consumers seeking a healthier lifestyle. It also tastes like no other bottled water. For those who are health-conscious or extreme sportsmen/women who need maximum energy such as boxers, mountaineers and marathon runners, Eminers is the water for them.

Assuring exceptional quality and taste, the mineral water will be available across a wide range of distribution channels. During the initial launch, the company will first distribute it through well-known Japanese restaurants in Bangkok and greater Bangkok and later expand to other retailers, including department stores and online channels. To build up the brand image, the brand works with world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon as its brand ambassador. Rodtang will emphasize Eminers as a healthy alternative by highlighting its goodness.

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Commenting on the launch, Mr. Joji Yamamoto added that Eminers is enjoying continued popularity among Japanese consumers and is widely available across the country. “Now, we are ready to launch Eminers in Thailand and believe that our consumers will be pleased with the quality and the taste.”

In his role as brand ambassador, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion, said: “I am honored and pleased to be selected as the brand ambassador. Being a boxer, I need a lot of energy for my heavy training. The body loses a lot of water and minerals during the long hours of practice. Drinking natural water that is rich in minerals after a workout is not only refreshing but allows the body to better absorb the minerals and maximizes nourishment.”

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McDonald’s Thailand Achieves Highest Sales In 38 Years

Sales

BANGKOK – Ms. Kittiwan Anuvejsakul, Executive Chairman of McThai Co., Ltd., the operator of McDonald’s, announced on March 12, 2024 that McDonald’s achieved sales of 7.213 billion baht in 2023, a 31 percent increase from 2022. This is the highest revenue in the company’s history since its establishment in Thailand 38 years ago.

Net profit also reached a new record high of 315 million baht, a 168 percent increase from 120 million baht in 2022 and a 276 percent increase from 2021. This is the second consecutive year of growth, driven by the success of burgers, which still account for more than 50 percent of McDonald’s revenue, and the rapid growth of McFried Chicken, which achieved a growth rate of 40 percent.

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Ms. Kittiwan Anuvejsakul, Executive Chairman of McThai Co., Ltd.

For 2024, the company is aiming for sales growth of 15 percent and expects to achieve profit growth for the third year in a row. It will apply the following strategies: Provide value to customers by offering high quality food at affordable prices in a variety of menu items, especially burgers and fried chicken, and increase access to Gen Z customers and provide modern service experiences that meet the needs of new generation customers.

The company has also created new branches with a new design under the concept of sustainability. The aim is to improve the quality of service to meet customers’ lifestyles and changing behaviors, which are changing rapidly in line with current technological trends.

The prototype store is carefully designed inside and out with recycled materials, creating a relaxing atmosphere with additional green spaces. Solar panels are installed on the roof to maximize the use of solar energy. The company also offers charging stations for electric vehicles. The new store is expected to be fully operational in the second quarter of this year.

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The company will continue to open more than 20 new stores and renovate 25 existing stores. There are currently 230 stores. For this year, the company has set a budget of 600 million baht, an increase of 400 million baht compared to last year.

“Although the overall situation of the 45 billion baht quick service restaurant market is very challenging, the growth of 6-8 percent in the last 3 years after the country reopened and tourists returned is considered quite buoyant. However, we are confident that our strong offensive business strategy will lead McDonald’s to success and we will grow in line with our targets,” she said.

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Related article:

McDonald’s Shuts its Doors to Coup Protesters

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CP Foods Earns Recognition for Rights Protection and Gender Equality

Gender

CP Foods Earns Recognition for Rights Protection and Gender Equality on International Women’s Day

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has received two awards in recognition as the private organization’s dedication to rights protection and the promotion of gender equality throughout the organization on International Women’s Day 2024.

These accolades were bestowed by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. CP Foods was honored with the Outstanding Private Organization Award, while Ms. Pimonrat Reephattanavijitkul, Chief People Officer of CP Foods and CP Group, President of CP Leadership Institute, received the Outstanding Private Sector Individual. These awards underscore the company’s achievements in upholding human rights principles, nurturing an inclusive culture, and steadfastly opposing all forms of discrimination throughout the careers of its employees.

Ms. Pimonrat Reephattanavijitkul, commented that the awards reflect CP Foods’ awareness of diversity, not only in terms of gender but also in supporting and promoting equal opportunities and rights for individuals of all ages, races, nationalities, religions, and covering vulnerable groups.

This commitment is a significant force that helps the organization achieve its goals, firmly establishing a culture of respect for human rights. CP Foods remains dedicated to implementing policies and practices aligned with employee journey, cultivating an organizational culture engaging diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This involves various initiatives, such as facilitating employee access to a diverse range of employee clubs, including CPF LGBTQ+ club and CPF Warm Family Club, which provide a mechanism for employees to voice their opinions and actively contribute to promoting equality within the organization. 

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CP Foods, with a global presence spanning 17 countries, realizes diversity as a strength that significantly enhances effective human resource management throughout the entire employee journey. From recruitment, training, performance assessments, compensation and benefits, to post-retirement care, CP Foods is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring equal treatment for both Thai and non-Thai employees in all aspects.

The company actively engages migrant workers through legally certified agents, ensuring transparency and ethical practices in the recruitment process. Additionally, CP Foods conducts Post-Arrival Verification to uphold the integrity of recruitment processes for migrant workers, ensuring responsibility, compliance with standards, and transparency. This robust system guarantees the company’s ability to promptly take corrective actions due to any discrepancies.

CP Foods persistently promotes opportunities for disables emphasizing job opportunities based on their abilities to foster financial independence and self-reliance. As a result of these efforts, CP Foods has received the “Outstanding Organization Supporting People with Disabilities” award for seven consecutive years from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.

Furthermore, the company has been recognized with the “Role Model on Sustainable Business Award” in the Thai capital market by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its exceptional commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.

In addition to prioritizing employee well-being, CP Foods recognizes its broader responsibility to contribute to the nation and society. The company actively engages in partnerships with business alliances to spearhead various initiatives, including the CONNEXT ED program dedicated to elevating the quality of education in Thailand. CP Foods extends its support to projects fostering increased youth access to education and heightened competitiveness.

Through collaborations such as the “Build People, Build Future, Build Networks” initiative with leading universities and educational institutions, the company aims to craft educational curricula that empower students with practical experiences, facilitating a seamless transition into the workforce and addressing the dynamic demands of the labor market.

Additionally, the Ministry is considering honoring Ms. Pimonrat Reephattanavijitkul with the Outstanding Private Sector Individual accolade, acknowledging her significant contributions to promoting gender equality and safeguarding individuals’ rights. She stands as an exemplary figure both within and outside the organization, embodying the core principles of the International Women’s Day 2024 event, which focuses on “Empowering Women and Girls, Eliminating Poverty, Towards Gender Equality on the Foundation of a Warm Family.

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Hino supports the 2024 Western Truck Association of Thailand Meeting 

Trucking

Hino joined as the main sponsor of 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Western Trucking Association, under the event name “The 8 Western Motor Expo 2024” on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Whale Hotel, Nakhon Pathom Province.

The meeting led by Mr. Peeraphan Saleerathaviphak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Mr. Surasak Charoensirichot, Governor of Nakhon Pathom Province, Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Sinthop Kaewphichit, President of the Western Truck Association and Ms. Yumiko Kawamura, President of Hino Motors Sales (Thailand) Ltd. participated in the opening ceremony.

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This year, Hino has a showcase of commercial trucks to meet the needs of various usage in all forms of transportation along with performance and comfort in driving to support every business in a complete manner. The company also provides benefits in terms of after-sales service and spare parts products which are of standard and quality to entrepreneurs, customers, and attendees at the event who let Hino be their business partner.

Hino is ready to take care of you with happiness and a smile, giving confidence to customers, being the befit in leading commercial trucks and ready to take care of and create profits for customers.

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In addition to creating profits for the business, Hino remains committed to caring for the environment. Another highlight from the event was the use of electrical energy from solar energy or solar cells installed on the Hino 500 FC Dominator. Hino acknowledges the importance of clean energy which creates sustainability for the environment and reinforces the commitment to creating value for society, along with sustainable business operations.

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Hino is committed to continuously developing products and services to meet customer needs. We are ready to take care of everyone with happiness and smiles. For more information and activities of Hino customer smile project to create happiness and make our customer and Thai society smile and now always. Please visit www.hinothailand.com, follow us on Facebook: Hino Thailand Fan Club, Line: @hinoth, YouTube: Hino Thailand Official, and TikTok: @hinoth.

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The 16th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony Returns to Ayutthaya

AYUTTHAYA – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, the Ministry of Fine Arts, the Association of Thai Self-Defence Martial Arts Institutes, and the World Muay Thai Federation, has organised the 16th Muay Thai Festival. The event will take place on March 16 and 17, 2024, from 16:00 to 21:00, at Wat Mahathat and Wat Langkha Khao in Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Mr. Apichai Chatchalermkij, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, said that the event is highly anticipated by both Thais and foreigners who are passionate about Muay Thai. This year marks the 16th time of the ceremony after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event aims to showcase the core identity of Muay Thai training and share the beauty of Thai martial arts.

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The “Wai Kru” ritual is the first thing that all Muay Thai fighters must learn and practice. It is a way of paying respect to their teachers and ancestors, and it instills a sense of discipline and humility in the fighters. The ceremony also helps foreign learners understand the importance of the Wai Kru ritual and encourages them to “once in their Muay Thai journey, come to Thailand to participate in the Wai Kru ceremony.”

In the past, the top five countries with the most foreign Muay Thai fighters participating in the event were Brazil, Afghanistan, France, India, and China. TAT believes that by bringing back this event, it will continue to receive a positive response from Muay Thai enthusiasts worldwide.

Ms. Duangduean Sodsaengchan, Director of the Tourism and Sports Office of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, representing the province, said that this year, the event is expected to attract no less than 500 Muay Thai fighters and generate approximately 12.25 million baht in revenue for the local economy during the event period.

Wai Kru

One of the main highlights of the event is the Wai Kru Muay Thai ceremony on 17 March 2024, which will gather Thai and foreign Muay Thai fighters to participate in the Mongkhon (headband) blessing ceremony by Muay Thai grandmasters and perform the Wai Kru dance.

The dance leaders will be: Prajanchai P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, P.K. Saenchaimuaythaigym, Khuan U Ayutthaya Fight Gym, and Yodlekpetch A. Achariya

The event will also feature an exhibition of Muay Thai knowledge, demonstrations of handicrafts related to Thai martial arts such as Sak Yant tattooing, Yantra writing and Aranyik swordsmithing, Muay Boran (ancient Muay Thai) training demonstrations (Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, Muay Tha Sao and Muay Lopburi), cultural performances and traditional folk activities.

Visitors can also shop, eat and indulge in Ayutthaya’s local foods at the retro market. There are also stalls from renowned Muay Thai schools and vendors selling Muay Thai related products.

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PM Srettha Defends His Foreign Trip to Promote Thailand

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin did as he promised the Roi Et villagers that he would show the loincloths they had given him while visiting foreign countries.

CANNES – Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin acknowledged that his foreign trip was connecting Thailand to the world and the world to Thailand in order to be more open to foreigners and see Thailand from a different perspective, despite criticism from senators and opposition members for visiting too many foreign countries and wasting money.

He recently visited Melbourne for the ASEAN-Australia Summit. From there, he travelled to Berlin, Germany, and then Paris, meeting with many leading companies’ executives. He ended his French trip in Cannes and returned to Berlin before flying back to Bangkok on March 13.

Every time he meets with leaders from European countries, whether in Thailand or abroad, he will ask for their support in considering the free-visa proposal for Thai passport holders visiting the Schengen Zone, including in this Europe trip for bilateral talks with France and Germany.

He told the press while in Paris on Monday that France supports free-visa proposal as the breakthrough may be achieved by the end of next year. The PM also said it should take a year and a half for the Thai-EU FTA to conclude.

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Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, left, is welcomed by France’s President Emmanuel Macron ahead of a working lunch at the Elysee Palace Monday, March 11, 2024 in Paris (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the highlight of the press conference between Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic and Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha at Élysée Palace on March 11, 2024.

Prime Minister Srettha thanked President Macron for his warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his first official visit to Europe. Thailand and France have similar visions and standpoints of promoting democracy, sustainability, peace and stability as well as strong economic goals.

On this occasion, both sides discussed cooperation in various areas many of which France could support Thailand’s vision as a global industrial hub in 8 sectors such as business matching in sectors of mutual interest, enhancing cooperation in defence, clean energy, aviation and space technology.

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Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, left, and France President Emmanuel Macron attend a joint statement ahead of a working lunch at the Elysee Palace Monday, March 11, 2024 in Paris. (Teresa Suarez/Pool via AP)

On the policy to promote Thailand’s Future Mobility Hub, the Prime Minister wishes to see an increased investment from French automotive producers of electric engines and batteries. In addition, the Prime Minister invited France to invest in transportation system in Thailand and expressed interest in French clean energy technology.

In the high-end fashion sector, where France has outstanding expertise, Thailand would like to see more showcased works from young Thai designers.

In addition, both sides discussed the Thailand-EU FTA, which is an important tool to increase volume of trade in goods and services between France and Thailand, visa exemption for Thai ordinary passport holders in the Schengen area, as well as Thailand’s application for membership of the OECD.

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Thai Election Body to Seek Dissolution of Move Forward Party

Dissolution
FILE - Move Forward party's leader Chaithawat Tulathon, center right, with its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, center left, talks to reporters during a news conference at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File)

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s Election Commission on Tuesday said it will seek the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which won last year’s general election, after a court ruled that the party’s proposal to amend a royal anti-defamation law was unconstitutional.

The commission said that after studying the Constitutional Court’s ruling, its members unanimously agreed to file a case with the court seeking the party’s dissolution because they believe the proposal was an attempt to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy.

It was unclear whether the court will accept the petition.

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Move Forward party leader Chaithawat Tulathon, right, with its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, talks to reporters during a news conference at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Parit Wacharasindhu, a spokesperson for Move Forward, said the party’s legal team would “try their best until the last second to prevent the party from being dissolved,” and that proving its innocence would also help “create a proper standard for Thai politics in the future.”

The Constitutional Court ruled in January that the party must stop advocating changes to the law, known as Article 112, which protects the monarchy from criticism, by imposing penalties of up to 15 years in jail per offense. It did not set any punishment for the party.

Critics say the law is often used to quash political dissent. Student-led pro-democracy protests beginning in 2020 openly criticized the monarchy, previously a taboo subject, leading to vigorous prosecutions under the law.

Thailand’s courts, especially the Constitutional Court, are considered a bulwark of the country’s traditional royalist establishment, which has used them and nominally independent state agencies such as the Election Commission to issue controversial rulings to cripple or sink political opponents.

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Pita Limjaroenrat, center, (white shirt) leader of Move Forward Party, waves to his supporters, in Bangkok, Monday, May 15, 2023.  (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

The Move Forward party won a surprise victory in the 2023 general election after campaigning to amend Article 112 and introduce other democratic reforms. The victory indicated that many Thai voters were ready for change after nearly a decade of military-controlled government.

But the military-installed Senate blocked the party from taking power by refusing to approve then-party leader Pita Limjaroenrat’s nomination as prime minister. Senators said they opposed Pita because of his intention to reform the monarchy.

Move Forward also came under multiple legal attacks following its election victory. Pita was suspended from Parliament after being accused of violating the election law by owning shares in a media company. The Constitutional Court on Jan. 24 cleared Pita of the charge, allowing him to resume his duties as a lawmaker.

The dissolution in 2020 of the Future Forward party, a forerunner of Move Forward, by the Constitutional Court triggered vigorous street protests by pro-democracy activists.

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On Somchai Neelapaijit’s 20th Anniversary, Justice Has Still Disappeared

Somchai Neelapaijit
Angkana Neelapaijit attended the 20th anniversary commemoration of lawyer and human rights defender Somchai Neelapaijit at the Social Innovation Hub conference room, 1st floor, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Chalathip Rungbua, Khaosod)

BANGKOK – On the 20th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of prominent Thai human rights lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit, human rights organisations in Thailand and overseas issued statements commemorating and demanding justice.

In Paris, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its Thai member organizations, Union for Civil Liberty (UCL) and Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR), call on the Thai authorities to re-open the investigation into Mr. Somchai’s disappearance, renew their efforts to determine his fate or whereabouts, and deliver justice to him and his family.

FIDH, UCL, and TLHR also urge the government to ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) without further delay and without reservations, and ensure national legislation conforms to its provisions.

Thailand signed the ICPPED in January 2012, but it has not yet ratified the treaty. In December 2023, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara pledged the ratification of the ICPPED by June 2024.

In Geneva, UN experts issue a statement from Geneva calling for truth and justice for Somchai after twenty years have passed. (read full speech)

“Thai authorities must comply with the country’s international obligations, investigate this crime and hold perpetrators of Somchai’s enforced disappearance criminally responsible,” the experts said.

They mentioned about Somchai’s wife, Ms. Angkhana Neelapaijit, and their five children were left in anguish after his enforced disappearance and the lack of knowledge about his fate and whereabouts.

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Angkana Neelapaijit attended the 20th anniversary commemoration of lawyer and human rights defender Somchai Neelapaijit at the Social Innovation Hub conference room, 1st floor, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, on March 12, 2024. (Photo by Chalathip Rungbua, Khaosod)

At that time Ms. Angkhana was a nurse, with no previous experience or training in law or judicial procedures.

“Women are often at the forefront of the struggle against enforced disappearance: they form organisations and associations to find their loved ones and overcome unspeakable obstacles, breaking down stereotypes and eliminating gender hierarchies,” the experts said.
“Ms. Neelapaijit became a torchbearer for the right to truth and she remains a source of inspiration,” they said.

In Bangkok, Angkhana Neelapaijit delivered a speech at a panel at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on Monday night.

“In the past 20 years, I have tried very hard to achieve justice and even though the government has changed several times in the past 20 years, the perpetrators have not. With 20 years of experience, I learned that it’s almost impossible for victims to reach out for justice, truth, and reparation. As we mark the 20th anniversary of SN’s disappearance, I implore the Thai government to address the case with honesty and transparency, revealing the truth about Somchai’s disappearance and that of all the disappeared persons. Perpetrators must be held accountable, and impunity must come to an end,” she stated.

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Background of Somchai Neelapaijit (FIDH Brief)

Somchai Neelapaijit, a prominent lawyer who defended the rights of members of Muslim communities in Thailand’s restive provinces of Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, was abducted and disappeared on 12 March 2004. According to eyewitnesses, a group of individuals forced him into a car on Bangkok’s Ramkhamhaeng Road. Despite strong circumstantial evidence of his death, Mr. Somchai’s body was never found.

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Somchai Neelapaijit

In connection with Mr. Somchai’s disappearance, the Bangkok Criminal Court acquitted four police officers of the charges of coercion and gang-robbery and convicted Police Major Ngern Thongsuk of coercion on January 12, 2006.

On January 13, 2006, then-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said “circumstantial evidence” confirmed that Mr. Somchai was “dead” and that “more than four government officials were involved.” Mr. Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 15 years of self-imposed exile.

On March 11, 2011, the Court of Appeals upheld the acquittal of the four police officers accused of coercion and gang-robbery and overturned the conviction of Police Major Ngern Thongsuk.

On May 21, 2014, the Supreme Court rejected the admissibility of key phone evidence against the five acquitted police officers who had been originally accused of being involved in Mr. Somchai’s disappearance.

On October 5, 2016, the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) declared Mr. Somchai’s case closed, saying no culprits had been found.

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Related article:

Sombat – Somchai : Unforgettable Missing Life in ASEAN

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Koh Phangan Russian Eatery Owner and 3 Employees Arrested

KOH PHANGAN – In a “Quick-Win” effort to prevent and suppress crime that affects the public and tourists in Surat Thani Province, police officers from the Special Operations Unit conducted inspections of entertainment venues, hotels, service establishments, and risk areas.

During one such inspection, officers found a restaurant on Koh Phangan called Colorful Hut. The owner of the restaurant, a Russian national named Boris, was found to be employing three Burmese workers illegally. One of the workers was working as a cashier.

On March 12, 2024, Surat Thani police officers, together with tourist police and immigration police, arrested Boris and brought him to the Koh Phangan Police Station for prosecution. Boris was charged with the following offenses:

  • Failing to notify the registrar of the employment of a foreign worker within 15 days of the date of employment
  • Allowing a foreign worker to work outside of the scope of their work permit (cashier)
  • Hiring a foreign worker who does not have a work permit
  • Providing shelter, concealment, or assistance of any kind to a foreign national who has entered the Kingdom illegally, in order to help that foreign national avoid arrest

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The three Burmese workers, Mr. Nay (18 years old), Mr. Min Niang Lin (34 years old) and Ms. Thin Thin Aye (33 years old), were also charged with the following offenses: Mr. Nay Lin Naing: entering and staying in the Kingdom without permission and working without a work permit, Mr. Min Niang Lin: failing to notify the registrar of the name of his employer, the workplace of his employer and the nature of the main work he performs for his employer within 15 days of starting work for his employer, and Ms. Thin Thin Aye: working outside the scope of her work permit.

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40 Occupations in Thailand Restricted; Foreigner Hiring Prohibited

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