Police arrested Mr. Fabian, a 40-year-old Nigerian national linked to drug trafficking activities.
BANGKOK – Officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) and Immigration Police arrested Mr. Fabian, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, and other suspects from various African countries linked to drug trafficking activities at Pavilion Mansion, Udomsuk 49 Alley, Bangjak District, Phra Khanong, Bangkok at 11:00 am on January 19, 2024.
A total of 9 people were arrested and a considerable amount of US dollars and counterfeit money were confiscated, which are still being investigated.
The charges are conspiracy to traffic in type 1 narcotics (cocaine) and manufacturing counterfeit foreign currency. The maximum penalty for these offenses is life imprisonment and a fine of between 200,000 and 400,000 Thai baht.
A considerable amount of US dollars and counterfeit money were confiscated.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Kirisak Tantivachai, commissioner of the NSB, announced that the NSB had conducted “Operation Mouse Hunt 2” to track down and arrest 100 drug trafficking networks. The investigation focused on individual black men who were distributing drugs and causing disturbances on a small scale in tourist areas along Sukhumvit Road. Police are planning to extend the investigation to arrest more offenders.
These African drug traffickers smuggle drugs from neighboring countries, with the cocaine coming from South America. For drug trafficking, they use Thai women whom they had lured to be in love with them. In some cases, Thai women have been involved in the transportation of ice (crystal meth) to third countries.
Authorities warned Thai women who might be targeted by these international drug trafficking networks to exercise caution and avoid becoming victims.
A zelkova tree after a massive tsunami struck following the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake. (Kyodo)
SENDAI – Disaster, has written a story that frames the life-saving Japanese zelkova tree as a hero to teach people about the tsunami, triggered by the mega earthquake, which wrought destruction on the community.
The tree is said to have been planted on a bluff that juts out over the Pacific Ocean called Asahizaki in the wake of the 1896 Sanriku earthquake, which occurred off the country’s Pacific coast in the Tohoku region and resulted in two huge tsunami waves decimating thousands of homes, causing over 20,000 deaths.
While its exact height and age are not known, the zelkova, a deciduous tree related to the elm, has gained popularity among locals owing to its folklore as a “protector of the people.”
Photo taken on Dec. 18, 2023, shows a zelkova tree that withstood the tsunami triggered by the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and saved the lives of eight residents in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, in northeastern Japan. (Kyodo)
On March 11, 2011, a tsunami with a height of over 10 meters engulfed the local village in the wake of the 9.0 magnitude quake that ravaged the region. Figures from the National Police Agency have put the death toll from the disaster at 15,900 people, while 2,523 people remain unaccounted for.
Onodera took refuge in an area near the cape where the incident transpired, but her father died. The eight locals who had evacuated to the bluff were able to escape the tsunami due to what appeared to be a stroke of luck — a ladder drifting by their location that they used to scramble up the zelkova tree. All eight of them narrowly escaped death.
Several years later, Onodera learned that the tree was dying due to salt damage, and thought of telling the story of the heroic tree before it was too late. She began writing her tale, titled “Keyaki no Omoi” (“Thoughts of Zelkova”), in the winter of 2020 and completed it in three months.
“I wanted to give a shape to (the tree) before it disappears,” she said.
Supplied photo shows an illustration depicting people gathered under a zelkova tree. (Kyodo)
In the story, the tree is personified, narrating the approaching tsunami and its role as savior of the people.
“I have made a wish that none of those clinging on to me fall off,” Zelkova, the tree’s name in the story, says.
The tale tries to remain close to the hearts of residents still grappling with the loss of family and friends today.
“People work on the beach and go out to fish, bearing the sorrow of losing their family members and friends,” Zelkova says in one part. “I am pleased and encouraged when I see them,” it continues.
In May 2023, Onodera began thinking about how to pass on the story of the zelkova tree to children born after the earthquake and tsunami disaster. Coincidentally, she ran into Misato Kikuta, a 22-year-old senior student at the Tohoku University of Art and Design, a local whom she had known from the village.
Keiko Onodera (L), who wrote “Thoughts of a Zelkova,” and Misato Kikuta, who illustrated the short story, are pictured in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, in October 2023. (Kyodo)
Born and raised in Kesennuma, the Kikuta family home near the zelkova tree was completely destroyed by the tsunami. Kikuta was just nine, and her grandparents were among the eight who climbed the tree.
Kikuta, who enjoys painting as a hobby, willingly accepted an offer from Onodera to draw the illustrations for the story. “I wanted to contribute in any way I could,” Kikuta said.
She made a series of sketches while recalling her grandparents’ experience and the scenes of life in the district before the disaster struck. Her illustrations, seven of which are rendered in color, depict the eight people gathered beneath the zelkova tree among other images.
Supplied photo shows an illustration depicting residents clinging to a zelkova tree after a massive tsunami struck following the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake. (Kyodo)
The drawings were unveiled at a recital held by Onodera in late October, where she read her story in front of elementary school children in Kesennuma, who attentively listened to the story.
Kikuta said that at first, she was afraid her elderly relatives would be reminded of their bitter experience, but they were both pleased with her illustrations.
Onodera and Kikuta aim to introduce a story recital and the illustrations on YouTube, with plans to add eight more drawings to the work by the end of March this year.
“We would like to keep telling people (regardless of age) about not only those who lost their lives but also the people who survived the disaster, and the actions of the people in our hometown,” Onodera said.
BANGKOK – Many real estate properties below the price of 3 million baht in Bangkok and surrounding provinces in 10 locations are not selling well and an expert predicts it will take 30 to 78 months to clear the stocks.
Wichai Wiratkapan, an Ombudsman for Government Housing Bank and caretaker director of Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) said on Wednesday the oversupply sign is beginning. In Nonthaburi province’s Pak Kred district, 6,220 such units are left unsold.
Meanwhile, in Bangkok’s Bang Na, Suan Luang, Prawes, and Phra Kanong districts, a total of 5,929 units went unsold last year. Thonburi, Khlong San, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, and Bang Phlat all have 5,044 units that have not yet sold.
4,175 units are yet to be sold in Muang Samut Prakan, Phra Pradaeng, and Phra Samut Chedi in Samut Prakan Province, while 3,653 units remain unsold in Pathum Thani’s Lam Luk Ka and Thanyaburi.
In a related development, Kesara Tanyalakphak, president of Sena Properties, said the bank loan rejection rate for prospect buyer at below 3 million baht property is now as high as 50 percent.
At the same time, according to Darunee Rungruangphon, managing director of Darvid Property Service, there are now more resale houses for sale on the market, including townhouses, single-family homes, condominiums, commercial structures, and other properties. This is because owners are struggling financially as a result of the economy.
Her information is consistent with knowing that the Government Housing Bank (GHB) is organizing the GHB GHB ALL HOME EXPO 2024 used home expo at Future Park Rangsit from January 19 to 21, presenting 924 second-hand homes for sale and 500 real estate items in the region, including single houses, semi-detached houses, townhouses, and condominiums, with discounts of up to 50% off current prices.
The property with the lowest price is a condominium type with an area of 26.25 square meters in the Plathong 111 project, Pathum Thani Province, priced at 45,000 baht, while the condo Golden Condo Town Rangsit 1, Thanyaburi District, priced at 75,000 baht.
The bank stated that foreigners living in Thailand can only buy condominiums, not houses.
BANGKOK – UOB Thailand and Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced on January 19, 2024 the launch of the UOB KrisFlyer World and World Elite Credit Cards. The new cobranded credit cards expand UOB’s partnership with SIA, riding on the success of the KrisFlyer UOB Credit and Debit Cards in Singapore.
The collaboration is a testament to UOB and SIA’s shared ambition to extend rewards and privileges to customers across the region. Packed with travel and lifestyle perks, UOB KrisFlyer Credit Cardmembers can earn KrisFlyer miles directly with their spend, in addition to a plethora of exclusive benefits.
Mr Tearavath Trirutdilokkul, Managing Director, Head of Card Payment and Unsecured Products, UOB Thailand said, “We saw a significant jump in our customers’ travel-related spending in 2023, with an increase of 51 per cent from 2022. We constantly review and refine the Bank’s offerings based on our customers’ spending trends, tailoring our products to meet their evolving needs and preferences.
We are pleased to expand our partnership with one of the world’s best airlines. The UOB KrisFlyer Credit Card underscores our commitment of delivering exceptional products and services to our customers and to work with like-minded partners, as we serve our aspiring customers in fulfilling their lifestyle needs in the region.”
Mr Ryan Pua, Divisional Vice President Loyalty Marketing, Singapore Airlines, said: “UOB is a leading bank in Asia and has a strong presence in Thailand. We are pleased to have worked closely with UOB Thailand to curate new card offerings for our Thai customers. With the new UOB KrisFlyer World and World Elite Credit Cards, we remain committed to the KrisFlyer brand promise of delivering exceptional value and making travel more convenient, enjoyable, and rewarding for our members.”
Travellers to enjoy greater travel benefits with SIA Group
Cardmembers of UOB KrisFlyer World Elite Credit Card can earn one KrisFlyer mile for every 12.50 baht spent on SIA Group-related transactions and every 20 baht spent on other categories . Cardmembers will also receive 20,000 KrisFlyer miles as a welcome bonus upon spending 50,000 baht within 60 days from the approval of the card. Additionally, cardmembers can enjoy travel perks including three complimentary limousine services to and from airports across the world, and up to six visits to Dragon Pass Lounges annually.
Cardmembers of UOB KrisFlyer World Credit Card can earn one KrisFlyer mile for every 15 baht spent on SIA Group-related transactions and every 20 baht spent on other categories . Cardmembers will also receive 5,000 KrisFlyer miles as a welcome bonus upon spending 20,000 baht within 60 days from the approval of the card.
Additionally, cardmembers can enjoy travel perks including complimentary limousine service to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport when booking air ticket with Flying Orange, and up to two visits to Miracle airport lounges annually when spending 100,000 baht per quarter.
In addition to a boosted KrisFlyer miles earn rate, customers will also be able to enjoy an exclusive suite of privileges and benefits when flying on Singapore Airlines and Scoot. These include accelerated KrisFlyer membership status upgrades when customers spend on SIA Group, and Scoot travel benefits such as priority check-in and boarding, additional baggage allowance and complimentary seat selection.
As part of launch celebrations, new cardholders whose applications are approved by 31 March 2024 can also stand a chance to win a pair of Singapore Airlines Business Class tickets to London or Melbourne when they spend with their UOB KrisFlyer Credit Cards.
For more information about UOB KrisFlyer credit card, please visit the UOB KrisFlyer World Elite and UOB KrisFlyer World websites.
Photo taken on Jan. 19, 2023, in Tokyo shows a police officer investigating the area around a house where the bodies of a missing couple have been found. (Kyodo)
TOKYO – A Filipino woman was arrested Friday for allegedly abandoning two corpses after Tokyo police found the previous day the bodies of a missing couple underneath their home with apparent knife wounds.
Hazel Ann Baguisa Morales, 30, was arrested on suspicion of abandoning the bodies of Norihiro Takahashi, 55, and his wife Kimie, 52, at the house in the capital’s Adachi Ward around Tuesday, the police said.
Morales, believed to have been an acquaintance of the couple, has denied the allegations.
Investigators are looking into whether Morales had any trouble with the couple prior to their disappearance, as well as the causes of their deaths.
They suspect the couple was attacked at their home as blood stains were found near the house’s entrance and in the hallway, among other locations. They said there were also signs of blood stains being wiped away.
The couple’s son, who lives with them, called the police on Tuesday, saying that his parents were missing and there were blood stains at the home’s entrance.
UDON THANI – The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced the arrest of Mr. Tony, a Thai-German national suspected of sexually exploiting children in Germany and residing in the northeastern region of Thailand. He subsequently continued to exploit children in Thailand, including his own daughter.
The DSI conducted a search of a residence in Udon Thani Province, northeastern Thailand and executed an arrest warrant from the Criminal Court to arrest Mr. Tony.
This arrest is the result of cooperation between the DSI, the Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt : BKA), Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), and the Department of Justice’s Institute of Jurisprudence, which led to the execution of the arrest warrant by the criminal court.
A Thai-German national suspect (who wears a red and black shirt) is accused of sexually exploiting children in Udon Thani.The DSI conducted a search of a residence in Udon Thani Province
The research team took an in-depth look at social networks, dark web platforms and other hard-to-access information sources, including targeted dark web sites. They also analyzed and compared various pieces of evidence obtained from internet data and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Several lines of evidence strongly suggested that Mr. Tony had indeed committed the alleged crimes against underage girls.
Consequently, he was charged with lewd acts, obscenity, possession of child pornography involving children under 13, lewd acts with his own daughters, possession of lewd media for sexual gratification for himself or others, and distribution of lewd media involving children to others, as well as importing data into a computer system with prior knowledge of its lewd nature.
On January 14, 2024, DSI officers arrested Mr. Tony at his house, where a substantial amount of electronic equipment containing files with lewd images of children, over 10,000 photos, was discovered. He was taken into custody and is being held without bail, as authorized by the court.
Political activist Mongkhon Thirakot flashes the pro-democracy gesture of a three-finger salute ahead of going to a court in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, Thursday Jan. 26, 2023. (Thai Lawyers for Human Rights via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — A court of appeals in Thailand has handed a political activist what is believed to be a record sentence for the criminal offense of insulting the monarchy, giving him a 50-year prison term after finding him guilty of 25 violations of the law, a lawyers’ group said Thursday.
Mongkhon Thirakot, 30, had originally been sentenced last year to 28 years in prison by the provincial court in the northern province of Chiang Rai for 14 of 27 posts on Facebook for which he was charged.
Mongkhon was found guilty by the Northern Region court of appeals in Chiang Rai on Thursday not just in the 14 cases, but also in 11 of the 13 cases for which the lower court had acquitted him, the group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights announced.
The court of appeals sentenced him to an additional 22 years in prison, bringing his total to 50 years. Technically, he had been given a prison term of 75 years, but the sentence was cut by one-third in acknowledgement of his cooperation in the legal proceedings.
The law on insulting the monarchy, an offense known as lèse-majesté, carries a prison term of three to 15 years for each count. It’s often referred to as Article 112 after its designation in Thailand’s Criminal Code.
Critics say the law is often wielded as a tool 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, which had previously been infrequently employed.
Since those protests, more than 260 people have been charged with the offense, according to the lawyers’ group.
The court of appeals reversed the lower court’s acquittals on the basis that the law applied in instances where it wasn’t the current monarch or his immediate family who was being referred to, which had been the standard for many years. However, as lèse-majesté prosecutions became more common over the last decade, a court case set a precedent by finding that past rulers were also covered by the law.
Theerapon Khoomsap, a member of Mongkhon’s defense team, confirmed the account given by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights. He said that the verdict didn’t come as a surprise to him, and his team will appeal the case to the Supreme Court. However, Mongkhon’s application to be allowed to continue to be free on bail was denied.
The previous record prison term for the offense belonged to a former civil servant identified by the lawyers’ group only by her first name, Anchan. She was found guilty in 2021 on 29 counts for audio clips on Facebook and YouTube with comments deemed critical of the monarchy. The court initially announced her sentence as 87 years, but cut it in half because she pleaded guilty.
On Wednesday, prominent human rights lawyer and political activist Arnon Nampa was sentenced to four years in prison for three Facebook posts that were considered to be a violation of the law. The sentence comes on top of another four-year term handed to him last year for the content of a speech he gave in 2020.
WEF founder Klaus Schwab gives a cowbell to PM Srettha Thavisin as a souvenir.
BANGKOK – Thailand returned to the forefront of the World Economic Forum (WEF) after a 12-year absence, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s participation from January 15 to 18, 2024, in Switzerland.
The leadership labels him as the striker of the ‘Thai team’, but there is still criticism at home.
A Senate recently tabled a motion for a general debate to assess the government’s performance after four months in office. This is the first time in 9 years that a Senate, which was handpicked by the coup, is leading a general debate on the government’s performance.
Srettha mentioned that the Senate has the right according to the constitutional law. As for the propriety, he left the answer to the public.
Thailand returned to the forefront of the World Economic Forum (WEF) after a 12-year absence.
The digital wallet is delayed
There are also political complications, as the National Anti-Corruption Commission does not approve of the digital wallet project. The leak warns of possible constitutional violations and corruption if the government goes ahead with the project.
The leak before the planned meeting led to the unplanned postponement. Finance Deputy Minister Julapun Amornvivat expressed fears for the first time that obstacles could delay the launch of the project in May.
Srettha did not immediately address these issues during his participation in the Davos meeting. Instead, he expressed his condolences to the victims of the bombing incident in Suphanburi province and instructed officials to take care of the injured and all affected people.
PM Srettha Thavisin did not mention the digital wallet project when he was on the WEF in Davos.
Mr. Salesman in 19 meetings
As a businessman turned prime minister, Srettha focused heavily on economic matters and negotiations. Notably, he discussed trade and investment with global leaders in a total of 19 meetings, including Bill Gates of Microsoft, Gautam Adani of Adani, and executives from Dubai World, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Telenor, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch International, DP World, Standard Chartered, and Google.
Srettha presented the “Thailand Landbridge: Connecting ASEAN with the World” project and participated in discussions such as “Learning from ASEAN” and negotiations with political leaders from Belgium, Switzerland, and the European Union. He also spoke with Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, about climate change and human development.
Srettha Thavisin greets Bill Gates at the WEF in Davos.
WEF founder Klaus Schwab also thanked Thailand’s participation after a 12-year absence and saw it as a positive sign for the economy. Somsak emphasized the government’s focus on trade and investment.
Political Football Enthusiast
As a passionate soccer fan, Srettha also supported the Thai national soccer team at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. He expressed his joy at Thailand’s victory over Kyrgyzstan on January 16.
In a lighthearted moment, Srettha, who is a Liverpool fan, jokingly asked Avram Glazer, the owner of English football club Manchester United F.C., “When a leading soccer club like Manchester United will sign a good striker to join one of the most globally acclaimed teams in the world’”.
PM Srettha Thavisin says hello to Avram Glazer, owner of Manchester United at the WEF in Davos.
In his response to the well-known columnist’s criticism that referred to the Bank of Thailand as a goalkeeper, Srettha agreed that a goalkeeper plays an important role in economic stability, but asserted that goalkeepers must also contribute to the offense.
“Goalkeepers and strikers can help each other,” said Srettha, after the relationship between this government and the central bank has not been so good.
The police officer shows the chart of an illegal immigrant smuggling ring known as the "Asraf Gang."
BANGKOK – Immigration Bureau officials held a press conference on January 18, 2024, to announce the expansion of the arrest of an illegal immigrant smuggling ring known as the “Asraf Gang,” named after the Bangladeshi leader.
The operation lasted more than a year and resulted in the arrest of two Bangladeshi suspects: Mr. Asraf, 46, and Mr. Abu, 47, on Paknam Road in Pattani city, Pattani province.
Pol. Col. Panupakaya Jitprayurathi, Deputy Commander of the Immigration Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Division, said the case began in January and March 2023 when Immigration Department officers arrested 41 Bangladesh immigrants who had illegally entered Thailand in Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces.
Five cases were opened against them. Another 10 people were then arrested, including eight Thai nationals, one Bangladesh national and one Pakistani national.
The analysis revealed that all the immigrants had entered the kingdom illegally via a natural border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia in Sa Kaeo province. They then took a bus to Bangkok where they were handed over to Mr. Abu, a subordinate of Mr. Asraf.
Mr. Abu was responsible for organizing vehicles to take them to a group of Thais waiting in Songkhla to take them to Malaysia for illegal work via a natural border crossing in Narathiwat province.
Mr. Asraf, was arrested in Pattani.The chart shows the network of Asraf’s gang.
The investigation team spent almost a year gathering evidence before they discovered that Mr. Asraf was a Bangladeshi businessman who owned an import-export company. Behind the scenes, however, he was responsible for connecting all the immigrants with agents in Bangladesh and Cambodia to allow them to enter Thailand.
Along with the 10 suspects who had previously been arrested, they demanded a fee of 100,000-150,000 baht per person. The network was found to have over 117 million baht in circulation.
Contract farming, an agricultural production and marketing strategy, establishes mutually beneficial partnerships between farmers and sponsors. It enhances farmers’ access to cutting-edge technology and new skill development, and offers a reliable income by mitigating market volatility through predetermined contract pricing.
Since 1975, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has pioneered an integrated contract farming model in Thailand through the “Promoting Animal Husbandry for Small-Scale Farmers Program” involving over 5,500 smallholders in pig, poultry, and layer hen farming.
The initiative emphasizes knowledge sharing, modern livestock farming technologies, and the adoption of Smart Farm and Green Farm Standards. It aims to promote collective growth within the value chain.
CP Foods mitigates market risks for farmers by guaranteeing product purchases at pre-agreed prices, protecting them from market fluctuations.
Aligning with global UNIDROIT standards, CP Foods has revamped its contract farming practices, ensuring modern, transparent, equitable, and traceable agreements.
CP Foods leads in offering insurance for income-guaranteed contract farms, reducing the impact of disasters on farm infrastructure. These measures provide security to farmers, fostering independence and sustainable well-being.
Warakorn Teesoongnern, of Warakorn Farm, appreciates the clarity and fairness of CP Foods’ contract farming. He emphasizes mutual understanding and shared benefits, ensuring career continuity and a stable family life.
“I aim to transform my farm into a Smart Farm, focusing on responsible, environmentally friendly practices,” Warakorn adds.
Thanasak Onkij of Natalee Farm highlights the trust and standard adherence in their triennial contract renewals with the company. This collaboration ensures food safety and security.
Moreover, the contract farming project supports small-scale livestock farmers, offering expertise and technology for Smart Farm practices.
CP Foods continually enhances its contract farming model, enriching agricultural value and passing the trade to future generations.
This initiative ensures Thai farmers stable careers and secures the food production chain and national food security.
Her information is consistent with knowing that the Government Housing Bank (GHB) is organizing the GHB GHB ALL HOME EXPO 2024 used home expo at Future Park Rangsit from January 19 to 21, presenting 924 second-hand homes for sale and 500 real estate items in the region, including single houses, semi-detached houses, townhouses, and condominiums, with discounts of up to 50% off current prices.
