Police Are Seeking Tourist Divers Who Removed Phi Phi’s Shell

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9 March 2024, 00:39

PHI PHI ISLANDS – Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, head of the Nopparat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park in Krabi Province, revealed that park representatives filed a complaint with the Phi Phi Island Police Station regarding a group of tourists from the Quel Voyage George Town boat diving who removed a shell from the seabed around Koh Bida in the Phi Phi Islands that violated the law of the National Park Act.

The police are now investigating to seek the group of tourists to take legal action.

In this case, park officials received a complaint from a Facebook user who posted images of foreign tourists diving at Bida Island and went down to pick up one shell. Then, a group of authorities from Hat Nopparat Thara-Phi Phi Islands National Park studied photographs of the scenery’s distinctive features. Then they identified the name of the boat that entered the region on the specified date and time.

Yutthaphong stated that he would like to request that tourists visiting the National Park adhere to the following park tourism regulations:

1. Do not collect, remove, or do anything that harms corals, aquatic animals, and wildlife, including natural resources that affect the ecology and biodiversity.

2. Do not leave sewage, waste, or anything that could harm the environment.

3. Do not hunt animals, catch aquatic animals, or engage in any other activities that endanger all species in the national park.

Previously, in June 2023, two Chinese tourists were accused of taking photos while holding a starfish and stepping on coral reefs during their diving trip off Koh Racha in Phuket province.

Their actions violated a law prohibiting harm to the coastal environment which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a 200,000 baht fine.

Shinawatra’s Female Leaders Share Ways to End Violence Against Women

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Khaosod English

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8 March 2024, 20:08

BANGKOK – Two prominent Shinawatra female politicians highlighted International Women’s Day (March 8), urging people to be aware of the violence and discriminatory treatment of women in Thai society.

Yingluck Shinawatra, the first female Prime Minister of Thailand who is now living in exile, posts on social media that 30,000 Thai women each year report they face domestic violence while 87.4 percent do not report, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

She adds during her time as prime minister, the government established a One Stop Crisis Centre under the Public Health Ministry to assist women, children, the elderly and the physically handicapped people and she hopes it is still useful in integrating works from various agencies.

“In the end, if we value ourselves, we won’t let anyone devalue us. Happy International Women’s Day ka,” Yingluck wrote.

04.แถลงปิดคดียิ่งลักษณ์02 — Yingluck Shinawatra greets her supporters in front of the court on Aug. 1, 2013.

Meanwhile, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, joined the stage at UNESCAP, Thailand’s United Nations organisation, to convey her vision for women’s roles in politics.

Female Pheu Thai Party representatives, including Ms. Puangpetch Chunlead, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office; Ms. Jiraporn Sinthuprai, Roi Et MP and Deputy Leader; and Ms. Chayika Wongnaphachan, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, were also present.

Yingluck’s niece, who entered politics after her father and her aunt delivered a speech on the topic “Investing in Women in Politics to Accelerate SDGs,” said that she would like to consider herself a woman who has been invested in politics, as the goal of this talk aims at.

“In recent years, the world has progressed a lot more towards the stronger rights of us, women, thanks to the SDGs advocacy by the UN and its partners worldwide, including Thailand. However, progress does not equate perfection and many women in Thailand still suffer from unfairness in workplace, discrimination, domestic violence, or gender bias. This has to change,” said Paetongtarn.

paetongtarn UN1 — Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, joined the stage at United Nations ESCAP, Bangkok on March 8, 2024

As the female leader of a political party, she said she always holds the significance of investing women in politics in mind. In the last election, the party gained quite a number of female MPs, which amounted to 20% of our all-elected seats, which is above the average number of female Thai MPs in parliament.

“Yet, we know this is not good enough. Hence, in the next election, we aim to reach the global average proportion of women in parliaments, which is 26.5%. Also, we will sustain our tradition of gender equality in the party as the model for all political parties in Thailand.”

Paetongtarn explained her party’s policy to promote women’s rights and bridge the inequality gap via various tangible policies, such as the Women Empowerment Fund, the One Family One Soft Power or OFOS Policy, the Marriage Equality Bill, and the Free Cervical Cancer Vaccination.

Last but not least, the Ending Violence Against Women Policy as Thailand has reigned as one of the highest rates of violence against women, with 30,000 cases per year, and at least 7 Thai women are being subjected to physical, mental, or social abuse per day.

“Soon, the Pheu Thai Party will propose the Family Protection Bill to stop this unfairness and ill-treatment towards women, granting them the political ground to stand firm as proud women like me today,” she stated.

The David Effects: Swiss Man Case Leads for More Inspections

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Khaosod English

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8 March 2024, 17:18

PHUKET – The “David Kicks the Doctor” case, which occurred on February 24 near the beach of Phuket Province, has had far-reaching consequences, including inspections of beach land, foreigners who come to work in Thailand, and even the procession of firearms.

On March 8, 2024, immigration officials announced that Swiss national Mr. Fehr, also known as David, had posted bail of 100,000 baht to fight a case involving the assault of a Thai doctor and the revocation of his visa. However, he might be faced with more accusations.

The Immigration Bureau has granted bail to Mr. Fehr for 30 days on the condition that he live in approved housing, report to authorities every 15 days, not accept employment or engage in illegal activities, and not leave the country. Mr. Fehr also authorised a representative to appeal the revocation of his visa to the immigration authorities.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Itthipol Itthisarnronnachai, the Chief of Immigration Police, based the visa revocation on Mr. Fehr’s disruptive behavior, which has had multiple negative impacts on society and indicates potential danger.

David swiss2 — On Thursday, March 7, 2024, David the Swissman apologised to an ambulance driver for acting inappropriately towards him.

In the case of firearms, David possesses two firearms, a handgun, a Glock, and a rifle, and has a Grade 4 licence to own and use firearms after seeking authorization for buying and possessing them in the name of the foundation.

Anutin Charnvirakul, Minister of Interior, stated that foreigners do not have the right to seek for a licence to carry a firearm, which was considered wrong from the beginning, and the charge against David must be added.

When asked about David’s visa appeal to the Ministry of Interior, Anutin indicated he would absolutely not accept it. He has not agreed that David should have a visa to continue fighting the case in Thailand.

Due to a conflict between locals and land claimants over a previously public area, particularly in Phuket Province. Besides the Yamu Beach incident, where villagers protested against Mr. Fehr and demanded access to the public beach, similar incidents occurred in other areas.

Anutin said he had directed authorities from the Department of Provincial Administration and the Land Department to thoroughly check the region, not only in Phuket but throughout the seaside provinces.

cape phuket — Residents of Ratsada and other areas in Phuket protested to reopen access to Lam Ngha Beach on March 7, 2024.

Residents of Ratsada and other areas in Phuket protested on Thursday to reopen access to Lam Ngha Beach, which according to the new land owners, had been blocked by a steel fence for several years because garbage was stored there and residents used this spot for hanging out. However, the road had been used by the villagers for generations until the ownership changed.

Nakarin Yorsangrat, mayor of Ratsada subdistrict, informed the assembled residents that after negotiations, the landowners had agreed to reopen access to the beach within 15 days until the area was landscaped and the garbage removed.

However, some residents expressed their dissatisfaction and demanded immediate access to the beach, calling the mayor a puppet of capitalism.

In addition, the “David kicks the doctor” case led to increased scrutiny of foreigners working or secretly doing business in Phuket, resulting in several arrests.

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Related coverage:

CP Foods Champions Green Building Initiative to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Foster Sustainable Construction

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Contributor

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8 March 2024, 17:03

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is unwavering in its dedication to environmental stewardship, working towards achieving its Net-Zero target. The company is actively engaged in the construction of green buildings for its operations nationwide, utilizing sustainable construction materials and implementing measures to reduce energy consumption. The initiative begins with the development of five green buildings, contributing to the advancement of a low-carbon industry.

Peerapong Krinchai, the Head of Engineering at CP Foods, said the company is striving to meet global environmental standards with the objective of achieving a net-zero emission by 2050.

This goal is being realized through the adoption of cutting-edge methods to ensure CP Foods’ construction initiatives are in line with Thai’s Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (TREES), established by the Thai Green Building Institute.

These standards advocate for the use of environmentally friendly construction practices and sustainable energy consumption. Achieving certification requires a building design and construction approach that focuses on the use of green materials and excludes the use of CFC refrigerants.

From 2023 to 2024, CP Foods initiated pilot projects to construct five green buildings, including a range of facilities like office buildings, pig processing and slaughtering plants in Khon Kaen and Sisaket provinces respectively, an Advanced Pharma laboratory and office dedicated to aquatic animal operations, and the Five Star Business Factory in Nakhon Ratchasima, as well as the Nong Chok Engineering Building.

These initiatives are projected to cut over 1,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, which is akin to the environmental impact of planting 100,000 trees, and to achieve an electricity cost saving of over 15% by utilizing eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient air conditioning systems, and improved construction management practices.

CP Foods’ efforts to protect the environment extend beyond its building projects, including partnerships with industry giants like the SCG group to drive innovation in green construction materials usage. To date, the green building project in Khon Kaen has been completed, with three others in progress, all expected to receive green building certification by early 2025. The Nong Chok Engineering Building stands out, targeting the esteemed Platinum level in green building certification and setting a high standard for energy saving within CP Foods.

Furthermore, in 2023, CP Foods and SCG initiated a pilot project to integrate CPAC green concrete into CP Foods’ construction activities, marking a crucial move towards reducing carbon emissions. This includes the implementation of the Ban That broiler chicken farm as a pioneering example of modern, sustainable farm management, employing 100% eco-friendly concrete and expanding the use of materials accredited with Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization.

Through these extensive efforts, CP Foods is not just progressing towards its aim of reducing the carbon footprint of its construction projects but is also aiding in the pursuit of a sustainable, low-carbon future for society at large.

US Diplomat Criticizes China for Using Coercion and Intimidation as It Presses Maritime Claims

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Associated Press

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8 March 2024, 13:08

BANGKOK (AP) — The top American diplomat for East Asia and the Pacific criticized China on Thursday for using intimidation tactics against other countries in the region to press its sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Speaking to reporters after returning to the United States from meetings with officials in Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Brunei, Daniel Kritenbrink said he had used the trip to emphasize Washington’s commitment to ensuring all nations respect “freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight in the peaceful resolution of disputes.”

He said China “has taken a number of steps in the South China Sea that both run counter to international law, but that also utilize coercion to intimidate partners in ways that we find deeply unacceptable and destabilizing,” said Kritenbrink, who is the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own territory, and has active disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. It has become growingly assertive with its maritime presence in the resource-rich and busy waterway, and Kritenbrink’s comments came the same week that a Chinese coast guard ship sideswiped a Philippine patrol vessel at sea.

AP24067081011894 — FILE – Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4, center, is hit by two Chinese coast guard water canons as they tried to enter the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea, Tuesday, March 5, 2024.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

The hostilities Tuesday off the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal were just the latest in the contested waters, which many fear could spark a larger conflict between China and the U.S. and its allies.

The U.S. regularly sails warships through the Taiwan Strait and conducts naval maneuvers in the South China Sea and “everywhere that international law allows, which Kritenbrink said demonstrates that “all countries share those same rights.” The U.S. strategy also involved helping ensure its partners “have their own ability to protect their sovereignty and their own interests,” he said.

“If we do that, we maximize our chances of preventing miscalculation and conflict and, again, promoting peace and stability,” he said.

In Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the U.S. of stirring up trouble in Taiwan and the South China Sea, without mentioning it by name.

“For unreasonable provocations, we will take just countermeasures,” Wang told reporters. “We also advise certain countries outside the region not to stir up trouble, choose sides, and not to become disruptors and troublemakers in the South China Sea.”

Beyond security issues, Kritenbrink said his talks with officials in the region included discussions on economics, climate and energy policy and other issues.

In meetings with new Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, he said he again brought up U.S. concerns about China’s involvement in the expansion of the Ream Naval Base, a project begun under Hun Manet’s authoritarian father, Hun Sen. Hun Manet succeeded Hun Sen as prime minister last year.

AP24067081186807 — FILE – A Chinese coast guard boat moves near the Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 (in green) after it was hit by their water canon blast causing injuries to multiple crew members as they tried to enter the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea, Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

Even though Cambodia insists its constitution does not allow any foreign military bases on its soil, two Chinese naval ships already docked there in December. The base on the Gulf of Thailand could give China better access to the strategically important Malacca Strait nearby.

“The United States and a number of countries in the region have expressed serious concerns about the intent, the nature and the scope of construction at the Ream Naval Base, as well as the role that the PRC military is playing in this process and in the future use of the facility,” Kritenbrink said.

He did not say how Hun Manet responded to the concerns, but said overall “we had a very productive and candid exchange.”

Throughout his trip in Southeast Asia, Kritenbrink said, he sought to assure officials that even with much of the world’s focus currently on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the U.S. remains committed to the region.

“Despite the many global challenges that we collectively face, the United States remains squarely focused on the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

It is a region, he said, “where we think much of the history of the 21st century will be written, and where America’s future security and prosperity will largely be determined.”

Norwegian and Kazakh Women Get Caught Driving Taxis in Thailand

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Khaosod English

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8 March 2024, 02:36

A Norwegian woman was arrested at Thongsala Pier in Koh Phangan District while driving a taxi on March 7, 2024.

SURAT THANI and PHUKET – Two foreign women were separately arrested while working as taxi drivers in Thailand. One was in Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province, and the other was in Phuket.

Under Thai law, foreigners are prohibited from engaging in the occupation of driving mechanically propelled or non-mechanically propelled vehicles, excluding international aircraft piloting.

On March 7, immigration officials from Surat Thani Province and police from the Koh Phangan Police Station apprehended Ms. Unni, 56, a Norwegian national, while she was working as a taxi driver.

A Norwegian woman was arrested at Thongsala Pier in Koh Phangan District and charged with working illegally as a foreigner.

phuket kazach1 — Police found a Russian-language website offering a variety of travel services in Phuket.

Meanwhile in Phuket Province Police officers, Immigration Police, and investigators at Tha Chatchai Police Station together arrested Mrs. Yekaterina, age 51, of Kazakhstani nationality, in front of a condominium, Village No. 4, Mai Khao Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province on March 6, and charged her with the same offence.

Prior to arrest, investigators discovered a Russian-language website offering a variety of travel services, including a shuttle service at Phuket Airport. They believed that foreigners were running the services themselves. They decided to prove it.

kazakh phuket — A Kazakhstani woman was arrested in front of a condominium, in Mai Khao Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province on March 6, 2024.

On Wednesday evening, the officer contacted this individual to pick his up at a condominium in Mai Khao Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province. Mrs. Yekaterina drove the car to pick him up, despite not having a work permit. So she was transported to Tha Chatchai Police Station for legal action.

According to the Srettha Thavisin government’s policy, intensifying surveillance of foreigners unlawfully working in Thailand is part of security measures for tourists in order to boost the economy.

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3 Junior High Students Implicated in Death of Man They Tried To Rob in Osaka

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Kyodo News

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7 March 2024, 23:52

OSAKA – Three junior high schoolers have been implicated in the death of a university student who fell from the rooftop of a building while they allegedly tried to rob him in Osaka last month, police said Thursday.

They said a 14-year-old female and a 15-year-old male were arrested on suspicion of robbery resulting in death after the pair allegedly lured the 22-year-old victim to the building on Feb. 12 and made threats before he tried to flee and died.

The third teen, a 14-year-old male who was 13 at the time of the incident and therefore considered not criminally responsible, was referred to a child consultation center as a “juvenile delinquent.”

osaka junior1 — Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on March 7, 2024, shows the seven-story (L) and four-story buildings in Osaka involved in an incident where a male university student fell to his death. (Kyodo)

The two 14-year-olds have admitted to the allegations, but the 15-year-old has denied them. All three are acquainted with each other, the police said.

The female student stated during voluntary questioning prior to her arrest that she had met the victim — Gaku Ota from Shiga Prefecture — on social media in February and intended to take money from him, according to police.

On the day of the incident, the female student led Ota to the rooftop of a seven-story building where the two male students were waiting. As they approached him, he leapt to the roof of a neighboring four-story building, but fell from it while attempting to flee.

The police are analyzing the smartphones of the three suspects after the female teen alluded to also threatening other men she met online.

At ITB Berlin, Srettha Announces to Use All Tools for Thai Tourism

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Khaosod English

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7 March 2024, 21:25

BERLIN – Highlighting the Amazing Thailand Networking Event, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a speech at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Ground on March 7, 2024, while attending the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin 2024 (ITB Berlin 2024), as follows:

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Amazing Thailand Networking Event today. I believe this event will provide an opportunity for us to connect, exchange ideas, and look into investment potentials, especially as the Thai tourism industry is now being re-energized post-COVID-19.

First, let me provide some insights into our ambition for 2024. For total revenue, we have set a target of 90.36 billion euros, with 59.38 billion euros from international tourism. From the Europe, Africa, and Middle East markets, we are projecting 17.15 billion euros in revenue, with 8.5 million travelers from these markets coming into the country this year.

For us, tourism does not only contribute to the economy, but also brings employment opportunities for a huge portion of the Thai population.

This is why my government plans to use all the tools in our arsenal to propel Thailand’s tourism industry to the next level.

Ease of Travelling

First, we are drastically improving the ease of travelling. Within the past 5 months, we have already provided: Temporary visa exemption for Indian, Russian, Kazakhstani, and Taiwanese citizens.

We have also signed a bilateral visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China, which came into effect on March 1.

In addition, we are in discussion about a similar agreement with the EU regarding the Schengen visa zone. Moreover, I have also been discussing with my fellow ASEAN counterparts, to pursue “One Visa, Free your Destination” agreement to promote joint regional tourism, and further ease cross-border travel in the region.

Secondary destinations

Second, most people may know Thailand from cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. But there is so much more to be discovered in Thailand.

As I have travelled across the country, I have seen many interesting local cultures and hidden gems in lesser-known cities. We are working to add and promote these unique values and create unique experiences for tourists in these destinations.

Adjust the operating hours of entertainment venues and relax alcohol regulations

Third, we are working to modernize the regulations to make them more suitable for international tourists. For example, we are working to adjust the operating hours of entertainment venues in key areas. We also have relaxed some regulations such as the sales of alcoholic beverages, and lowering tax on alcoholic beverages.

Thai Soft Power

Fourth, my government is leveraging our cultural heritage or “soft power” as a selling point to promote unique and meaningful travels. For example, we are leveraging Thailand’s unique and beautiful festivals to make Thailand a world-class festival destination.

Some of you may know about our water festival or “Songkran”, which just became the UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage. But there are many more for everyone to discover.

Furthermore, the government is designing additional incentives and approaching organizers of major international festivals, concerts, and events to make sure there is always something exciting happening in Thailand.

Finally, excellent infrastructure is a critical success factor in supercharging our tourism industry, and my vision is to see Thailand become the aviation hub of Southeast Asia within this decade.

New airports and renovation and expansion plans

Our plan for two new airports – one in the north and one in the south — is underway. The Lanna International Airport will serve as the second airport to bustling tourism industry in Chiang Mai and northern provinces;

While the Andaman International Airport in Phang-nga will serve as the long-haul hub in southern Thailand. Once completed, the two airports combined will be able to accommodate up to 40 million additional passengers annually.

In addition, renovation and expansion plans for existing airports are also happening around the country, in well-known and lesser-known destinations. In addition to new infrastructure, we also have plans to improve the services for every visitor who goes through our airports. This includes:

Improving ground operation process and capacity to shorten the wait time for inbound and outbound passengers.
Expanding and re-allocating landing and take-off slots to make it more suitable and convenient for international passengers.
Reducing landing fee and increasing delay fee to increase turnover and accommodate more flights.
Improving safety standards for both ground operations and airside operations. And much much more

In parallel to upgrading our services and infrastructures, we are working with airline partners to increase flight frequency and new routes to Thailand. This will bring in more tourists from more points of origin to more destinations around the country.

In fact, early next month, TAT will organize an “Air-mazing Thailand: The Amazing Airlines Fam Trip” event. This event will showcase Thailand’s expansive aviation capabilities beyond our renowned hub in Bangkok and the immense potential for regional connectivity within ASEAN.

With the investment and commitment from the government, Thailand is poised to see an explosive growth in the tourism sector in the coming years.

“We want to encourage travelers to embrace their experiences, share their travel stories in Thailand that will turn into lifelong memories, and inspire others around the world to seek endless journeys in Thailand.”

Afterward, the Prime Minister toured Thailand’s and other nations’ booths at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin 2024. He added that he chose natural indigo cotton from Sakon Nakhon Province to wear around his neck for this event since it is a great product to showcase.

“I feel Thailand still has a lot of potential; it simply needs the right opportunity and support to emerge. In the past, we may have kept to the same old paradigm without researching the development of tourist cities in other countries. I believe that from now on, we must think bigger than we ever thought. It’s time for Thailand to evolve into more than just a tourism hub,” he said.

A Swiss Suspect in Trang Is Not Bad Person, Says Ex-Thai Wife

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Khaosod English

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7 March 2024, 19:18

TRANG – Mr. Straumann, 62, a Swiss suspect of assaulting a Thai woman, Mrs. Ree, 53, at a supermarket in Trang Municipality, was still in custody for the second day. The Thai woman is still in the hospital. Doctors said it would likely take at least a month for her to fully recover from her injuries due to a broken nose bone.

Mr. Straumann was brought to court on 6 March to face two charges: Assault and resisting law enforcement officers for refusing to acknowledge the charges and fingerprinting.

On March 7, immigration officials told Trang police that Mr. Straumann had been placed on a watch list to prevent him from leaving the country pending the court’s decision. As for the withdrawal of visa or residency rights in the kingdom for Mr. Straumann, it awaits the final judgment of the court.

The Swiss Embassy in Thailand instructed the police to deal with Mr. Straumann in accordance with Thai law.

swiss trang21 — The Deputy Governor of Trang Province and the Trang District Chief visited Mrs. Ree at Trang Hospital on March 6, 2024.

The Swiss suspect’s former Thai wife explained in an interview that she had separated from him two months ago. When she heard the news, she was shocked. On March 6, she made a statement to the investigators and confirmed that her husband had never been violent during their 16-year relationship and had even supported their child until he finished university.

After the police took her former husband into custody, she went to the court in Trang and confirmed her relationship with him to the authorities. However, she could not help with his bail as he refused to come forward. Moreover, he only had credit cards and no cash. The authorities have not contacted her again, but she has heard that they have confiscated his passport until the court case is completed.

“Normally, my ex-husband isn’t a bad person, but I’m still confused about what happened. Why were there no surveillance cameras in the supermarket, even though most malls have them almost everywhere, including the parking lots? And where did the recordings disappear to? But I didn’t give it a second thought and I could see that he was stressed when we parted ways,” said the former Thai wife of the Swiss man.

swiss trang4 — The Swiss man, 62, refused to give any evidence at the Trang police station on March 5, 2024.

The dispute occurred on March 5, 2024 on the second floor of a well-known supermarket. According to the wounded Thai woman, the Swiss man bumped her, causing the shopping cart to fall out of her hands and nearly fall. She then asked him loudly in English, “Be polite, please.” This displeased him, and he attacked her.

According to a 55-year-old Thai neighbour, Mr. Straumann had been renting the house for more than ten years and rarely socialised with anyone. He mentioned that Mr. Straumann was a grumpy person. He blames others for anything that goes wrong or causes a problem.

“Based on his personality, I expected something like this to happen at some point. Our neighbours have always tried to avoid him. In my opinion, doing this after he has moved to our country is not acceptable. “It’s violent, especially when done with a woman,” he explained.

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Related coverage:

A Swiss Man Seriously Hurts Thai Woman in Trang Supermarket

NBTC – AIS Is Developing an Emergency Alert System for Mobile Phones

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Contributor

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7 March 2024, 17:37

BANGKOK – Chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) – AIS is advancing in the creation of an emergency alert system through mobile phones using the Cell Broadcast Service.

This system is designed to pinpoint specific areas affected by urgent and critical incidents immediately, connecting with the central command center of the government sector. The aim is to enhance the safety of the general public and tourists, particularly in the aftermath of violent incidents, shootings, and various natural disasters.

Clinical professor Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of the NBTC, along with Mr. Waroonthep Watcharaporn, Head of Business Relations AIS, jointly announced the success in developing an emergency alert system through mobile phones using the Cell Broadcast Service. The demonstration of the emergency alert system took place on March 5, 2024, at Meeting Room, 2nd floor, NBTC Office.

Clinical professor Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, Chairman of the NBTC, stated that in the past year, Thailand has faced natural disasters and unexpected violent incidents, such as the shooting incident in a shopping mall, significantly impacting the safety of lives and properties of the public.

As the regulatory body for telecommunications, the NBTC has collaborated with various relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Royal Thai Police, and mobile service providers continuously. This collaboration aimed to develop a location-specific emergency alert system, known as Cell Broadcast Service, with support from the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund.

The mentioned location-specific emergency alert system involves sending direct warning messages from communication signal towers in the area to all mobile phones within that region. This system differs from regular SMS as it doesn’t require phone numbers, allowing for rapid and efficient communication of emergency information that covers the entire affected area. Importantly, the public doesn’t need to download any specific applications.

“The testing of the Cell Broadcast Service emergency alert system, initiated by the NBTC with AIS today, has yielded satisfactory results. It is ready to connect with the central government’s command center to serve as a tool or channel for swift and efficient disaster warnings. This standardized emergency alert system will provide reassurance to the Thai people, impacting economic confidence, tourism, and overall societal security in the future,” said the Chairman of the NBTC.

Mr.Waroonthep Watcharaporn, Head of Business Relations AIS, provided additional information, stating, they have collaborated with the NBTC and the government in selecting technology suitable for the country’s emergency alert system according to international standards. This technology is known as Cell Broadcast Service, a direct messaging communication system to mobile phones of the public.

This system is well-suited for emergency notifications as it can send messages to mobile phones in the coverage area of the respective base station simultaneously. The message is displayed on the mobile phone screen as a Near Real-Time Triggering Pop-Up Notification, enabling immediate awareness of the situation.

“The latest testing of this technology has successfully achieved its intended goals, and we are ready to expand its integration with the country’s emergency alert system efficiently going forward,” said Mr.Waroonthep.

The structure of implementing Cell Broadcast Service technology divides into two sides:

Side 1: Managed and overseen by the central command center of the government sector through Cell Broadcast Entities (CBE) system. This system is used to define content and delivery areas for messages, consisting of various functions such as system management (Administrator), message creation (Message Creator), and approval (Approver).

Side 2: Managed and overseen by Mobile Operators through the Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) system. This system is responsible for delivering message content to base stations according to specified areas, comprising system management and configuration, message deployment function, and network management.

Ease of Travelling

Secondary destinations

Adjust the operating hours of entertainment venues and relax alcohol regulations

Thai Soft Power

New airports and renovation and expansion plans

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