Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has donated 1.5 tons of surplus food to the Scholars of Sustainability Foundation (SOS Thailand) for creating delicious dishes for people in need to mark the World Food Day 2023. This initiative aids in preparing and providing meals to vulnerable people in Bangkok, as well as the Rama 8 Children’s Opportunity Center.
This initiative is integral to the Circular Meal Project, a campaign aimed at global transformation through the promotion of zero food waste and the safeguarding of water quality. These objectives resonate with the theme of World Food Day 2023, “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind,” underscoring a unified commitment to environmental preservation and inclusive sustenance.
Through this, CP Foods aims to shed light on the significance of food and the role everyone can play in ensuring clean water sources – the foundation of food security.
CP Foods’ dedicated volunteers, headed by Tawit Thanhakarnjanakul, Director of Logistics and Distribution Center for CPFGS (CPF Global Food Solution Public Company Limited) – a leading distributor of meat and food items and a key player in the restaurant and pet snack sector within the CP Foods group – provided good-quality food surplus, which includes ready-to-eat and frozen products, to SOS for turning to nutritious food given to more than 3,000 people in Bang Phlat District and Phra Nakhon District. The distribution ceremony was officiated by Sanon Wangsrangboon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok.
The commitment not only symbolizes CP Foods’ support for SOS on World Food Day but also represents the continuation of the Circular Meal project, an initiative CP Foods has integrated into its business for four years to champion food security. With the collaborative efforts of CP Foods and the SOS Foundation (Thailand) from January 2021 to May 2023, over 130,000 surplus meals have been distributed. CP Foods also collaborates with GEPP to handle food packaging collection.
Thai overseas workers who were evacuates from Israel meet with their relatives on their arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, in Samut Prakarn Province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — The first group of Thai workers evacuated from Israel after the past few days’ bloody events in southern Israel and Gaza arrived Thursday in the Thai capital of Bangkok, greeted by anxious relatives and senior officials.
Hamas militants stormed through a border fence Saturday and killed hundreds of Israelis in their homes, on the streets and at an outdoor music festival. The Israelis have responded with punishing airstrikes and preparations for a possible ground invasion. The conflict has claimed at least 2,600 lives on both sides, including some Southeast Asian workers living in Israel.
The 41 Thais who returned home on a commercial flight of the Israeli airline El Al included two men wounded in the violence who had to use wheelchairs to exit the aircraft.
The first Thai nationals evacuated since the latest war between Israel and Hamas returned home Thursday. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Farm laborers from Thailand seek work in more developed countries where there is a shortage of semi-skilled labor — at wages considerably higher than they can earn at home.
Tens of thousands of workers in Israel from nations including Thailand and the Philippines send their earnings home to support their families. That money also helps to fire up their native countries’ economies.
But the appearance of Thais and Filipinos on the lists of dead, wounded and missing in the past few days is a reminder that foreign workers toil in peril of their lives.
About 30,000 Thais are working in Israel, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry, and about 5,000 of them live in the southern area near the border with Gaza.
One of them, Katchakorn Pudtason, said his employer at the farm where he worked initially herded all his workers into a bunker when Saturday’s attacks took place, but after they left it for lunch they could still hear shooting.
As they were being driven back to their workplace, Katchakorn heard more gunshots and felt something hit his knee, he said.
“I thought it was a rock but it went through. So I hit the truck and told the driver to drive away,” he said. He added that he was one of four people in the vehicle who suffered injuries that day. He was one of the two returnees who had to use a wheelchair.
A relative hugs a Thai overseas worker who was evacuated from Israel, on his arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Samut Prakarn Province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Thailand’s Cabinet ministers for labor, defense and foreign affairs were at Bangkok’s international airport for the evacuees’ arrival. The government has vowed to look after the evacuees’ physical and mental well-being.
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said 5,990 Thais have registered to be evacuated and officials are working around the clock to accommodate them.
“We need a Plan B to take out as many people as possible,” said Defense Minister Suthin Klangsaeng. “We will use military aircraft to evacuate people from the high-risk area to a third country, such as (the United Arab Emirates).”
The number of Thais affected by the tragedy stood out in lists of non-Israeli nationals affected by the violence: Thailand’s foreign ministry Thursday said 21 Thais are believed dead and 14 wounded. Sixteen were believed to have been taken hostage.
Survivor Chatree Chasri left his home in northeastern Thailand in 2019 to work in Israel as an agricultural laborer to pay off debts and provide for his wife and two children back home in Nakhon Phanom. Foreign work is a common path for Thais from the country’s economically disadvantaged rural areas, especially the northeast.
Working under a government-to-government agreement, the 38-year-old has been farming tomatoes and cauliflower for the past four years in the southern Israeli town of Mivtahim, less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) away from Israel’s border with Gaza.
A Thai overseas worker, right, who was evacuated from Israel, meets with a relative on his arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, in Samut Prakarn Province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Despite the occasional shelling and rocket attacks that sent him running for cover, his life at the farm had been OK until Saturday, he said from Israel in a phone interview with The Associated Press. Now he says he wants to come home, and never go back to Israel.
Chatree was shot several times in his hip shortly after Hamas launched its rocket attacks and shock ground offensive into southern Israel, killing hundreds of people and capturing more than 100 who were hauled back to Gaza as hostages.
Chatree was using a toilet at the farm where he works with other foreign laborers when he suddenly heard gunshots.
“The sounds came closer and bullets went through the wall of the toilet,” he said, recalling the moment he was hit. He then saw two gunmen making their way into the workers’ living quarters and open fire, so the workers fled outside to hide.
Vibhavadi Vannachai, a Thai expatriate who has lived in Israel for nearly two decades and is coordinating with Israeli authorities to help the Thai workers, fears the number of victims may rise.
Vibhavadi, originally from Nong Bua Lamphu province in Thailand’s northeast, works as an interpreter in a legal office whose cases mostly involve resolving disputes between Thai workers and their employers.
She said abuse and violations of their rights are common, with many bound by years-long contracts but cheated of their wages. Many are forced to work long hours and are beaten if they refuse. Some have to live in “quarters that are not fit for human beings,” she said.
Vibhavadi helped find temporary accommodations for Chatree and Padoong Bootmo, a 26-year-old Thai worker shot on Saturday who said the potato and yam farm where he works in Yesha was raided twice by gunmen and then burned down. Padoong said in a phone interview he had been able to send 40,000 baht ($1,100) home each month. He might under the best of circumstances make less than half that doing the same job in Thailand, but he said he doesn’t want to stay in Israel anymore.
Thai workers who were evacuated from Israel, arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, in Samut Prakarn Province, Thailand, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The killing of at least two Filipino foreign workers underscored the threats also faced by those workers in Israel.
About 30,000 Filipinos live and work in the country many as caregivers who look after the elderly, the ill and those with physical disabilities, according to the Philippines’ foreign ministry. The huge income they send back home, which last year amounted to an all-time high of $36.14 billion, has helped keep the country’s fragile economy afloat.
One of the two Filipinos killed Saturday was a caregiver who was shot with her employer inside their house by Hamas gunmen, according to the Philippines Embassy in Israel. The other was killed under still-unclear circumstances.
At least three Filipinos remain missing, embassy officials have said.
Still, Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said Wednesday that no Filipino has asked to be repatriated from Israel.
Jeremiah Supan, a 34-year-old Filipino caregiver in Israel, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Wednesday that he made it clear to Philippines officials he did not want to return home. As the family breadwinner, he sends his earnings home to enable his 10-year-old son to remain in school and sustain other loved ones.
“The rocket firings continue” Supan said. “But if I leave, all that assistance that I send to my family back home will be lost.”
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Jintamas Saksornchai reported from Bangkok. Jim Gomez reported from Manila. Associated Press writer Grant Peck contributed.
An American tourist who had allegedly attacked and injured other tourists, was arrested on October 11, 2023.
Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station announced on October 12 that their investigation team, in cooperation with Chiang Mai Tourist Police, had successfully arrested an American tourist who had allegedly attacked and injured other tourists. The suspect was arrested at a hotel in Chiang Mai, with a knife as evidence.
The suspect, identified as Brian Burggraf, a 28-year-old from Florida, USA, was arrested on the evening of October 11 and subsequently taken to Mueang Chiang Mai Police Station for questioning. He is now charged with causing bodily harm to others and causing severe injury to others.
The suspect was arrested at a hotel in Chiang Mai, with a knife as evidence.
Before his arrest, a 42-year-old woman who owns an entertainment venue in the Phra Singh district of Chiang Mai reported the incident to the local police. She asked for help, stating that at around 3:30 am a foreigner had entered her establishment armed with a knife and behaved violently. He injured her and stabbed a Norwegian tourist who was helping the owner.
The foreign man had calmly walked away from the scene after the attack as if nothing had happened. The owner of the pub immediately informed the police and asked the rescue team to help the injured foreigner. However, when she saw how serious the injuries were, she hired a tuk tuk driver to take the victim to Chiang Mai Ram 1 Hospital. She reported the incident later at 2 p.m.
A Norwegian tourist has been seriously injured after he was stabbed by an American tourist.
On the same day, an acquaintance of the owner spotted the suspect at a hotel nearby. He was seen shopping at a supermarket. Residents reported that the man was staying at a cheap hotel in Chiang Mai and no one knew him. It was also found that he was often drunk and behaved aggressively at entertainment venues in Chiang Mai and had even hurt people in the past.
The owner of the entertainment venue expressed relief that the police were able to arrest the suspect. She hopes that he will be expelled from the country and put on the list of dangerous persons who will not be allowed to enter Thailand in the future.
Toyota Motor Corp. President Koji Sato (L) and Shunichi Kito, president of energy company Idemitsu Kosan Co., attend a press conference in Tokyo on Oct. 12, 2023, as the two companies announce they will tie up to develop technology for the mass production of next-generation all-solid-state batteries. (Kyodo)
Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it will collaborate with energy company Idemitsu Kosan Co. in mass production of all-solid-state batteries, accelerating its efforts to develop a next-generation power source that will significantly increase the driving range of electric vehicles.
The agreement is part of the Japanese carmaker’s efforts to meet its goal of utilizing the state-of-the-art batteries as early as 2027. Toyota aims to establish mass production technology as early as 2030, it said.
“We have more or less acquired (necessary) technology to make them. We hope to go beyond that by taking on the difficult challenge of mass producing them,” Toyota President Koji Sato told a press conference. “We hope to realize innovation from Japan.”
The move comes as domestic rivals, including Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co., rush to develop all-solid-state batteries, an advanced technology that could lead to wider use of all-electric vehicles, which currently run on lithium-ion batteries.
The new battery will more than double the range of the Japanese carmaker’s bZ4X EV, with charging reduced to around 10 minutes, a third of the time required with current technology, Toyota said in June.
Collaboration between Toyota and Idemitsu focuses on sulfide solid electrolytes, a material seen as necessary to achieve high capacity and output for batteries for all-electric vehicles, they said.
Toyota Motor Corp.’s incoming president Koji Sato (C) and other officials gather for photos after a press conference on Feb. 13, 2023, in Tokyo. (Kyodo)
The material, which Idemitsu makes using byproducts from manufacturing oil products, has a softness and adhesiveness suitable for battery mass production, they said.
“We will help realize Toyota’s plan by offering our technology,” Idemitsu President Shunichi Kito told the press conference.
Idemitsu plans to set up a pilot plant to mass produce the material in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, it said.
The two companies will also work together on improving productivity and establishment of a supply chain for the battery, the carmaker added.
Toyota, once seen as reluctant to shift to EVs, has been ramping up its efforts to catch up with its global rivals in the area, such as U.S. giant Tesla Inc. and China’s BYD.
The Japanese automaker plans to sell 1.5 million EVs annually in 2026 and aims to increase the number to 3.5 million in 2030.
The first batch of Thai workers, 15, evacuated from Israel arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport Thursday. It includes four who were injured by Hamas attack.
The first group of Thai nationals returning from Israel, consisting of 15 people, arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday, October 12. Five of them arrived on flight LY081, which landed at 10:35 am, and the remaining 10 arrived on flight LY083 at 12:35 p.m.
Their relieved relatives eagerly awaited their return. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Defence were also present to greet them.
Ms. Sanit Seubsunthorn, 39, the girlfriend of Mr Somporn Karabutr, told us that her boyfriend has been working in Israel for over a year and is only 2 kilometers away from the conflict area. Ms. Sanit was overjoyed that her partner was among the first to return.
First group of Thai evacuees, 15 in all, left Tel Aviv late night on October 11 via Israeli’s El Al Airline and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 12, 2023.
Ms Nantawan Salee, 30, from Tak province was also at the airport to receive Mr Somma Saeja, who had been injured in the violence. She told how hard it was for her when she heard the upsetting news. She mentioned that her friend’s phone often had a low battery and the signal was often weak, making it difficult to stay in touch.
Mr Somma’s mother added that her son had to work in Israel because of the family’s poverty, but she would no longer allow him to work there, saying it was too risky for his life.
Mr. Pairot Chotikasathian, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, explained that Thai workers who work in Israel are insured by the Israeli government. If they suffer injuries between 10 and 20 percent, they receive a lump sum of 1,450,000 baht. If their injuries are more severe, they receive a lifetime allowance of 34,000 baht per month. There are currently 13 injured Thai workers.
Foreign Minister Panpri Pahittanukorn, Labour Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, and Thai officers greet 15 Thai workers who evacuated from Israel and arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said progress was being made in bringing in aircraft and finding other evacuation options. However, evacuation by sea remains a challenge as the Gaza Strip has to be crossed. Therefore, the only viable route at the moment is overland via Jordan. Efforts are being made to ensure the safe and speedy evacuation of the 5,000 Thai nationals.
“Today, it is not only a matter of sending Foreign Ministry personnel, but also other state agencies, although I cannot say which. These agencies are experienced in evacuation and are actively communicating to move forward with the evacuation of Thai citizens as quickly and safely as possible,” Prime Minister Srettha said.
An Airbus A320-200 plane operate by Malaysian budget carrier MYAirline taxing at Miri airport in Kuching, Malaysia, on March 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian budget carrier MyAirline abruptly suspended operations Thursday, citing financial pressures less than 11 months after it took to the skies. The unexpected announcement on social media caught many by surprise and left angry passengers stranded at the airport.
The airline apologized for the “extremely painful decision” but said “significant financial pressures” made it necessary to temporarily halt operations pending shareholder restructuring and recapitalization of the company.
“We have worked tirelessly to explore various partnership and capital raising options to prevent this suspension. Unfortunately, the constraints of time have left us with no alternative but to take this decision,” its board of directors said in the statement.
The move came just days after the airline said it was in advanced stages of finalizing a strategic partnership. Local media reported that the suspension signaled that those talks may have collapsed.
The airline began flights last December with a fleet of nine aircraft that flies to domestic destinations and Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. It is owned by businessman Allan Goh Hwan Hua. Just two days ago, CEO Rayner Teo, who has a 2% stake in the carrier, stepped down citing health reasons.
The Malaysian Aviation Commission instructed MyAirline to immediately halt sales and bookings of flights, and said refunds must be given. It said it was investigating the airline over complaints that employees’ salaries were unpaid among other issues.
MyAirline made the announcement on social media before dawn on Monday, after passengers on early flights had already checked in at the terminal. Angry travelers took to social media to criticize the carrier for the sudden announcement that left them stranded.
The carrier had 19 flights scheduled for Thursday. Malaysia Airlines, low-cost carrier AirAsia and Batik Air announced discounts and special fares to help MyAirline passengers impacted by the suspension.
During the final quarter of 2023, a number of significant real estate companies have observed an increase in the purchasing patterns of high-income groups. There are trends in prestige real estate in the Bangkok metropolitan area, as well as strong market demand, particularly among international students’ parents.
Prachachart Business reported that this target group has high purchasing power, with more than half of them buying properties with cash.
Some parents of international students buy houses for their own residence while their children attend school, which covers an age range from 2 to 18 years. After their children graduate from school, they can sell the property for a profit due to the increased property value and location advantages, making it a highly competitive market.
Nattawat Kuvijitwongsuwan, the CEO of Koon Estate Co, Ltd informed that the company is investing in a project in collaboration with Asia International School Limited (AISL) to sell high-end properties near Harrow School under the brand “Hyde Park Garden Vibhavadi” with a total project price of 6.5 billion baht in early 2023.
Hyde Park Garden Vibhavadi
These properties are in a price range of 38-81 million baht and offer convenient access to the school without having to use the main roads, resulting in an unexpectedly good response. The 40 million baht price range was particularly popular and accounts for half of the total units in the project.
Currently, half of the first phase has already been booked with a total of 32 units worth over 1.4 billion baht. It is expected that they will be able to complete the first sales phase with 62 units by the end of the year. Therefore, the company is considering accelerating the launch of the second phase in 2024, which will include another 60 units.
On the other hand, Property Perfect Public Company Limited, led by Wongsakorn Prasitvipat, the CEO, has adopted a strategy of offering top priority flats near prominent international schools.
Property Perfect
The company has developed as many as 6 projects near international schools, steadily expanding its customer base among parents of students. Recently, Singapore International School Bangkok (SISB) acquired 14 rai of land on Thai Commercial Road to build SISB Nonthaburi, which is linked to the Lake Legend Chaengwattana and Perfect Masterpiece Chaengwattana projects, both located near the international school.
Prasert Taedullayasatit, the Chief Operating Officer of Ananda Development Public Company Limited, stated that the ARTALE Asoke-Rama 9, launched just last September, has achieved nearly 50 percent of sales, with a value of 1.8 billion baht. This project offers homes in the 35-60 million baht range, and 70 percent of customers pay with cash while the remaining 30 percent prefer loans. The majority of buyers in this project are doctors who work at nearby hospitals.
In addition, there has been a notable increase in the percentage of international school parents in the customer base, accounting for 25–30 percent. These clients, both Thai and Chinese, value maximising the value of their time by minimising commute times, extending living space for their families, and providing areas for working from home and dedicated parking.
In celebration of ICONSIAM’s 5th Anniversary and Grand Opening of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland this November
ICONSIAM, a global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, collaborates with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, unveils a 10-meter-tall majestic Olaf representation at River Park in the event “Celebrate Like Never Before at ICONSIAM”.
This grand celebration not only commemorates the 5th anniversary of ICONSIAM as a global destination and leading travel hotspot but also marks the highly anticipated opening of “World of Frozen,” the world’s first and largest “Frozen” themed land at Hong Kong Disneyland on Nov 20.
For the first time in the world, visitors have the opportunity to witness the magnificent Olaf representation, leaning on a triangular pillow with “Frozen” themed patterns that is exclusively designed for ICONSIAM to reflect the uniqueness of Thailand. This grand opening took place today, October 11, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM, in the presence of Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. and Mr. Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and the beloved “Frozen” friends, Anna and Elsa, alongside the renowned Thai artist Achiraya Nitibhon (Ally).
Mr. Supoj Chaiwatsirikul, Managing Director of ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. said “This is yet another significant collaboration, working with global partners to create something extremely unique and special. ICONSIAM has set up the River Park space for the launch of the majestic “Olaf” from the famous animated film Frozen, designed exclusively for Thailand where a giant Olaf leaning on a triangle pillow for the first time in the world. This one-of-a-kind event will provide visitors from near and far with unforgettable experiences like never before.”
In addition to the launch event, ICONSIAM is offering its customers an exclusive experience for the opening of World of Frozen at Hong Kong Disneyland. A special promotions campaign with giveaway prizes worth over 1.5 million baht is available for VIZ members who own ONESIAM SuperApp between now to 31 October 2023. Customers who spend 30,000 baht or more will receive a 1-day ticket to Hong Kong Disneyland. Moreover, those who spend 500,000 baht or more will receive a Hong Kong Disneyland tour package for 4 people per package. The package includes a 2-night accommodation at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (Seaview room) with World of Frozen themed overlay, along with a 2-day Hong Kong Disneyland ticket from November 16 – 17, 2023, and an exclusive preview ticket to World of Frozen only on November 17, 2023 (Limited prizes available, and eligibility is subject to meeting all requirements. For more details, please contact the gift exchange point’s information counter at ICONSIAM.
Mr. Michael Moriarty, Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, said “The royal sisters, Anna and Elsa, have appointed Olaf to send an invitation to everyone from around the world. I’m excited to collaborate with ICONSIAM to extend a warm welcome and invite our guests from Thailand to the first stop in the global tour of a big and fun representation of Olaf and his invitation to Arendelle at ICONSIAM. To meet Olaf and his joyful duties in inviting Thai people to Arendelle for the first time.”
“Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is getting ready for the opening of World of Frozen, the world’s first and largest “Frozen” themed land, on November 20. World of Frozen will transport guests to the cinematic and living land – Arendelle. Guests will delve into this immersive travel destination, where they can explore, believe and be part of the “Frozen” story like never before. We look forward to welcoming you to World of Frozen very soon.”
The 10-meter-tall Olaf representation, leaning on a specially designed triangular pillow, awaits you on the beautiful banks of the Chao Phraya River. Don’t miss the chance to snap photos and create lasting memories with this enchanting adorable snowman. From today to 30 November 2023 at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM. For more information, please call 1338 or visit www.iconsiam.com
Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, shakes hands with Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the occasion of Thavisin's official visit to Malaysia, in Jakarta, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. (Afiq Hambali/Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia via AP)
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s national carmaker Proton and its Chinese partner Geely are considering setting up a plant in Thailand to produce electric vehicles, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Wednesday.
Srettha said after talks with Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim that the two sides would hold a meeting to identify the next step “and move forward quickly.”
He didn’t provide further details. Geely holds a 49.9% stake in Proton, which is owned by local conglomerate DRB-Hicom Berhad. The Chinese carmaker’s entry into Proton in 2017 has given it a foothold in Southeast Asia and helped restore the fortune of the once dominant Malaysian brand.
Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, left, stands next to Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as they observe a welcome ceremony on the occasion of Thavisin’s official visit to Malaysia, in Jakarta, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. (Afiq Hambali/Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia via AP)
DRB-Hicom and Geely earlier Wednesday formalized a deal to develop an automotive hub in Tanjung Malim in central Perak state, in which Geely is expected to invest 10 billion ringgit ($2.1 billion).
Srettha, who took office last month, arrived earlier Wednesday in Malaysia as part of a regional tour to woo investment. He was in Hong Kong and Brunei earlier and will fly to Singapore on Thursday.
Srettha said he and Anwar also discussed a long-running Muslim separatist insurgency in southern Thailand, on the border with Malaysia, which has claimed about 7,000 lives since 2004. Malaysia has hosted and facilitated peace talks between separatist groups and the Thai government, but little progress has been made.
The police apprehended the foreign suspect and brought him to the investigating officer on October 10, 2023.
A foreigner has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing an 18-year-old Thai male in the toilet of a private hospital in Bangkok, but he continues to deny the claims.
On October 11, Pol. Col. Nimit Nuphonthong, superintendent of Lumpini Police Station, revealed that police investigators at Lumpini Police Station were able to arrest Mr. Saoud, 23, of Qatari nationality, the accused, at the entrance to a hospital’s emergency room in Khlong Toei Nuea Subdistrict, Watthana District, Bangkok.
He was on an arrest warrant from the Southern Bangkok Criminal Court on suspicion of raping and harming another person by threatening in any way or using violent force that others are unable to resist.
An 18-year-old fast food restaurant worker and Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page staff visited Lumpini Police Station on October 10, 2023.
The crime was reported to Lumpini Police Station by an 18-year-old fast food restaurant employee of a hospital branch, who stated that on October 6 at approximately 12:30 a.m., as he was preparing to close the shop, the accused approached up and asked the way to the the toilet. He then issued directions by accompanying the accused to the WC. next to the store.
When they arrived at the room, the suspect drew him in, shut the door, and then groped and raped him before exiting the toilet.
The young man said he ran back to the store, but he didn’t inform his buddies since he was too terrified and humiliated. Soon after, this foreigner went up to the front of the store, as if nothing had happened, and inquired, “Is the shop closed yet?” before walking out of the hospital.
The CCTV footage shows the suspect going up to the front of the store on October 6, 2023.
Lumpini Police Station investigators went to the crime scene to examine CCTV footage. They gathered evidence and submitted it to obtain an arrest warrant.
Later, around 6:00 p.m. on October 10, the victim was notified that he had seen the suspect returning to the hospital. The police subsequently apprehended the foreign man and brought him to the investigating officer, while the accused dismissed the allegations made against him.
As a result, the police will await the findings of the physical examinations of both the young man and the suspect.
