Profiles of scammers who utilised the 'bait-to-love' approach to entice victims by impersonating a handsome guy or woman.
The Police Cyber Taskforce (PCT) announced the arrest of Surachai, also known as Arfu Saejang, 27, from Chiang Rai on June 14, 2023. He is believed to be a stooge of the boss of a call centre scammer in Cambodia’s Koh Kong province. This fraudster is known for its ‘bait to love’ technique of faking a handsome man or woman, resulting in the loss of more than 16 million baht to victims.
Arfu was arrested on June 13, 2023 at a bunkhouse in Bang Phra sub-district in Sriracha district, Chonburi province. He was later taken to Chulalongkorn Pratunam Metropolitan Police Station in Pathumthani province for questioning and prosecution.
He is accused of “deceiving the public by pretending to be someone else, acting as a mafia, forming a criminal organisation, being involved in international criminal organizations and laundering money”.
Arfu was arrested on June 13, 2023.
During questioning, Arfu stated that he and his younger brother Surachit had applied via Facebook for a job as Chinese-Thai translators in Cambodia, expecting to receive 30,000 to 40,000 baht per month. However, when he arrived in Cambodia, he was taken to Koh Kong instead. Arfu said he became the Chinese-Thai translator for a person named Yiuge, where he translated orders for Thai workers. These workers work as scammers who trick people into investing in cryptocurrencies through fake applications.
Arfu claimed that after 6 months of work, he fled back to Thailand and started a family in Mae Fah Luang district, Chiang Rai province. He then traveled to Chonburi and was arrested there.
The police said that Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas, the national police chief, directly ordered the arrest of Arfu as the most wanted person: He is the one who teaches fraudulent call centre techniques to lure Thais. Police have been investigating the case since 2022.
Police are also warning members of the public who wish to work in neiboring countries that they must check the job description carefully to see whether or not they will be enticed to work for the call centre scammer. The police also urge the public not to fall for the tricks of the fraudsters who lure people into investing. If anyone has any leads on the fraudsters, they can contact the hotline at 1441 or Tel: 081-866-3000.
This aerial photo shows a base firing range in Gifu, central Japan, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Kyodo News via AP)
TOKYO (AP) — An 18-year-old army trainee shot three fellow soldiers at a firing range on a Japanese army base Wednesday, killing two of them, officials said.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder at the scene in Gifu prefecture in central Japan, police said.
The suspect fired a rifle at other soldiers during a shooting exercise at the Hino Kihon firing range, police said. Among the three wounded is a 25-year-old soldier, police said.
According to Kyodo News, the firing range is about five kilometers northeast of JR Gifu Station.
Japanese Self Defense Force members gather near a facility in a base firing range, following a deadly shooting in Gifu, central Japan, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Kyodo News via AP)
The Ground Self Defense Force, Japan’s army, confirmed that two of those wounded were later pronounced dead at a hospital.
A number of other people were believed to be participating in the training when the shooting occurred, but details are still under investigation, an army official said on condition of anonymity, citing protocol.
This aerial photo shows a base firing range in Gifu, central Japan, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. (Kyodo News via AP)
Japan has been known for its safety, with strict gun control laws, but high-profile violence has occurred in recent years, including shootings and random knifings on subways and arson attacks, and there is growing concern about homemade guns and explosives.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was almost hit by a pipe bomb thrown by a suspect at an election campaign venue in April.
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated in July 2022 by an attacker using a handmade gun.
Last month, a man was arrested after he allegedly shot two police officers to death after killing two women with a knife in Nagano prefecture.
June 2023 – The “Chef Riders” will soon arrive at Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa to stage a charity dinner of sustainably-sourced cuisine in support of underprivileged children in Thailand.
On Friday 07 July 2023, this inaugural charity dinner will be hosted to raise funds in support of “Save The Children,” the global non-profit organization dedicated to raising the quality of life for young people.
In line with Marriott International’s dedication to local and sustainable sourcing, the dinner will feature ingredients from responsible Thai suppliers, including small-scale farms and fisheries.
Delectable dishes will be crafted by five visionary Chef Riders: Gaetano Palumbo, Executive Chef from Rossini’s, the Michelin-rated Italian ristorante at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok; Attapol “Chef X” Thangthong, Executive Chef at Phraya Kitchen, Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse; Marco Cammarata, Executive Chef at Latest Recipe, Le Méridien Bangkok; Danilo Aiassa, Italian Chef from Favola, Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa; and Poramate Prasansak, the hotel’s Executive Chef who oversees the charity dinner’s host venue, Latest Recipe.
Together, these five culinary masters will present a fantastic five-course set menu at Latest Recipe, the signature international dining restaurant at Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa, which is located just 15 minutes’ drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s main international gateway.
This charitable initiative forms part of Marriott International’s responsible business and social impact platform, “Serve360,” which is dedicated to doing good in every direction, as guided by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Save The Children Thailand.
The Chef Riders Charity Dinner
Five-course set dinner: THB 2,500 net per person
Marriott Bonvoy members receive 1,000 points when joining this charity dinner
Friday 07 July 2023, 18:00 – 22:30 hrs.
Latest Recipe, Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa
For reservations, please call 02 118 7777 or email us at [email protected]
Move Forward Party PM candidate Pita Limjaroenrat expressed confidence on Tuesday that he will survive the ITV share ownership scrutiny because he and his party have more information to fight against the allegation.
Pita was also asked about another possible move where 50 MPs could force the voting for the new PM to be deferred, citing Pita’s alleged lacking of qualifications. He said he’ll have to look into the legal details on the matter first.
Also on Tuesday, both leaders of the Bhumjai Thai Party, Anutin Charnveerakul and Gen Prawit Wongsuwan, denied that they or the party had anything to do with the alleged conspiracy to revive ITV in order to disqualify Pita.
Prawit insists the fact that his party member Ruangkrai Leekitwattana kept petitioning the Election Commission about Pita’s ITV shares had nothing to do with the party.
Meanwhile, Anutin said the case of Nik Sangsirinawin, a Bhumjai Thai MP candidate who posted in advance without naming names that one politician would face an axe due to his ITV shares, was solely an act of the individual.
“Bhumjai Thai won’t do such thing. I insist Bhumjai Thai had nothing to do with it. We won’t waste time doing such thing. We don’t punch under the belt..,” Anutin said.
Mr. Anutin also mentioned an issue that brought him into connection to Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, which owns 75% of Intouch Company. He stated that he has known Sarath for 40 years and that their friendship will never end. This isn’t about government or politics.
A 21-year-old man, Tanakorn, from Nong Han District, Udon Thani Province, northeastern Thailand, raced a white pickup car, flying through the roof of the house, No. 14 Moo 16, a house close to Ban Na Don Road, Nong Na Kham Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, at 2:30 a.m. on June 13.
A black pickup car parked in front of the house was also damaged. Fortunately, none of the five people in the house were hurt. However, they had to relocate briefly because they were afraid the house would collapse.
The owner of the house, Mr. Panya Kaewmahawong, 69, took the police officials to examine the damage throughout the house in the morning. They assessed that the damage to the property and car was around 2,000,000 baht.
The driver’s mother agreed to fix the entire house for roughly 600,000 baht, but the black pickup car has yet to be appraised. She stated that her son is currently in the hospital being treated for a right hand fracture and a cut on the upper right arm that required 14 stitches.
Teacher Aum hugged her little student while the grandmother of the child smiled.
The public is directly questioning the reliability of the Thai government after the story of a 4-year-old girl who has to take care of her one-eye blind grandmother went viral. The most important question is whether the child and grandmother will receive the care they deserve if the story did not hit the spotlight.
Suthemmon Jindasri, Toei, 4, is a second-year kindergarten student from Ban Makham Thantawan School, Ta Sao Sub-district, Huai Rat District, Burirum Province. She lives with her 68-year-old grandmother, Sao Jundasri, together in a dilapidated house.
The house where the little girl, Toei, lived with her grandmother
Her grandmother walked her to school with a cane on a parent meeting day on Friday, June 9. With tears in her eyes, she approached her class teacher, Aum, and asked her to pay for the grandchild’s accident insurance of 180 baht at the school. She will return it when she receives the pension.
Teacher Aum then decided to pay her a visit to Toei’s house. Seeing the girl’s living conditions, Aum recorded a video of the girl washing dishes and posted it on her TikTok account, briefly describing the girl’s living conditions. The post went viral and the girl initially received a donation of 20,000 baht.
The post on social media, Tiktok (right), said that the teacher told a story of her little student.
After Toei’s story broke in the media, authorities such as the sheriff, health officers, local leaders and social workers paid a visit to the granddaughter and grandmother and brought them the necessary supplies. They also brought Grandma Sao for a check-up of her glaucoma and set a budget to repair her house. In addition, several individuals and private companies donated money for Toei’s education.
Toei was washing dishes and clothes.
Toei and her grandmother told the media that they are very grateful for the help and would like to thank everyone. Although many people on social media are happy that the couple now has better living conditions, many asked the authorities and community leaders why they did not notice the couple’s plight and helped them before the story went viral. It is reported that local people were always aware of the couple’s living situation.
Many officers and social workers paid a visit to the girl and her grandma.
The story became even more convoluted when Toei’s father turned to Channel 3’s news program and claimed that he worked in Rayong province and regularly sent money to his mother and daughter. He stressed that he had never abandoned his daughter and had never hoped for a donation.
Public health officials took Grandma Sao for a glaucoma check-up.
However, the grandmother insisted that she had raised Toei since she was 8 days old and received no support from her son. Aum, Toei’s class teacher, said she had never known Toei’s father and had never had any contact.
ICONSIAM celebrates Pride Month with a special campaign “ICONSIAM Love Proudly” in support of diversity and equality for the LGBTQIAN community from today to 30th June 2023.
Customers who spend a certain amount on products and services will receive a 1,000 baht SIAM GIFT CARD, which can be used to enjoy dining experiences at four famous restaurants in a beautiful setting by the Chao Phraya River, including Blue by Alain Ducasse, Fallabella Riverfront, HOBS and James Boulangerie.
Furthermore, visitors can participate in a fun activity by creating content at ICONSIAM where the area is decorated in rainbow theme at the entrance of ICONSIAM (the area connecting the BTS station and the Charoen Nakhon Hall area, M floor) and be amazed by the stunning Waterfall Alangkarn Zone, 6th Floor and enjoy the longest multimedia water features in Southeast Asia the “ICONIC Multimedia Water Features” at River Park, G Floor, plus receiving extra prizes from today to 30th June 2023.
Mrs. Suma Wongphan Executive Vice President, ICONSIAM Co., Ltd. revealed that “ICONSIAM operates with the concept of creating shared values by focusing on creating and delivering experiences beyond customer expectations. We strive to make ICONSIAM a community for all individuals and support policies that promote diversity and equality for people of all backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, and health.
Starting with the design of ICONSIAM under the Universal Design concept, which is the design and development of infrastructure and services that take into account all people, ICONSIAM has been receiving awards for civilization every year since 2018. Recently, ICONSIAM has also received “A tourist attraction for all” at the Thailand Friendly Design Expo 2022 at the beginning of this year.
“ICONSIAM is celebrating Pride Month for the LGBTQIAN community with “ICONSIAM Love Proudly” campaign by revamping the entrance area in rainbow themefor ICONSIAM and ICS (the area connecting the BTS station and the Charoen Nakhon Hall area, M floor).
Visitors can take part by taking photos with the decorations in this special campaign and enjoy the longest multimedia water features in Southeast Asia, the “ICONIC Multimedia Water Features“, which can be viewed twice a day, daily at 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In addition, visitors will be thrilled to see the stunning Waterfall Alangkarn zone on the 6th floor, daily from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM throughout June,” said Mrs. Suma.
Mrs. Suma continues “For all couple to enjoy Pride Month, ICONSIAM welcomes everyone with a special promotion. Customers who shop at ICONSIAM (including Siam Takashimaya) with a minimum purchase of 20,000 baht will receive a SIAM GIFT CARD worth 1,000 baht to be used in the next purchaseof over 3,000 baht/receipt. The SIAM GIFT CARD can be used at the listed restaurants only at ICONSIAM namely Blue by Alain Ducasse, Fallabella Riverfront, HOBS and James Boulangerie.
As for ICS (opposite ICONSIAM), customers with a minimum purchase of 1,200 baht will receive a coupon discount worth 100 baht along with discount coupons from participating stores throughout June. *Ask for more conditions at the point of sale
In addition, ICONSIAM would like to invite everyone to express their love in a positive and creative way with the “ICONSIAM Love Proudly” campaign for all couples to celebrate and show their love proudly in this Pride Month by simply taking a photo together at ICONSIAM with the hashtag #ICONSIAMLOVEPROUDLY #PRIDEMONTH and post on social media to redeem a SIAM GIFT CARD worth 200 baht per couple from today to 30th June 2023 at ICONSIAM. For more information, call 1338 or www.iconsiam.com and Facebook: ICONSIAM
Bangkok's Phaholyothin Soi 18 omelette vendor hasn't hiked prices.
Thai low-income people face rising costs of living as the price of eggs increases, which has a significant impact on their lives, as an egg is a basic protein for low-income people.
Chicken farms in several provinces have already increased their retail prices from 3.60 baht per egg, on May 15, 2023, to 3.80 baht per egg. The price is also expected to rise to 4 baht per egg soon.
The owner of “Jae Iang” shop, a large wholesaler of chicken and duck eggs in Old Rayong Market, Tha Pradu Sub-district, Mueang District, Rayong Province, said the price of chicken eggs of all sizes has risen to 18 baht per pack in the last month, the most expensive in the store’s 50-year history. The majority of consumers are sellers and food vendors. They moan, yet they must buy and sell. After all, chicken eggs are still the most affordable and convenient food.
“Jae Iang” shop, a large wholesaler of chicken and duck eggs in Old Rayong Market, Rayong Province
The survey at the Mueang Burirum Market in Burirum province showed that the price had increased by 5 to 6 baht per tray of 30 eggs. The sellers said the price increase was due to the market: The farm-gate selling price has increased because many chickens have died due to high temperatures, resulting in fewer eggs being produced for the market. The sellers added that the prices of eggs have been increasing continuously for 1 month. Therefore, they have to increase their selling prices.
Thonglor Kachurmrum, an egg seller at Mueang Burirum Market, also said egg prices had been rising once a week for a whole month. She had to bear the higher costs: the cost of each round increases from 10,000 baht to 20,000 to 30,000 baht.
Egg stalls in Mueang Burirum Market
A Thai omelette vendor on Bangkok’s Phaholyothin Soi 18 said Tuesday that she is not raising her prices due to the difficult economic condition. One egg omelette with rice is still 25 baht, and two eggs are 35 baht.
Ms. Ketkan Namprom, 54, the owner of Khun Am’s porridge shop in Khon Kaen Province, has stated that she will maintain the same pricing even if the price of chicken eggs rises further. Because the vast majority of her customers are students. Regular porridge is currently 50 baht, with an additional 5 baht for adding egg.
Khun Am’s porridge shop in Khon Kaen Province
Udom Srisomshong, deputy director-general of the Internal Trade Department at the Ministry of Commerce, said Thailand had suffered from drought and high temperatures from April to May, both of which directly affected egg production levels and egg size.
The eggs that dominate the market are those of sizes 3 to 5, the larger the number, the smaller the size. These sizes account for 80 per cent of the total market share. For eggs of size 0 to 2, the market share shrinks from 50 per cent to only 20 per cent..
Since farmers cannot produce bigger eggs, they have to bear more costs because they still have to pay the same feed for the chickens, but they can sell their products for less money, so they have to raise the price
“The Internal Trade Department is currently in discussions with chicken farmers and has found out that the crisis with high temperatures is gradually improving and it is starting to rain more, so the production level and size of eggs are improving. It is expected that everything will return to normal in 1 month. The market will then offer larger eggs again. However, it is difficult to say whether there will be another price increase in the period until next month,” said Udom.
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — A 76-year-old woman who was declared dead at a hospital in Ecuador astonished her relatives by knocking on her coffin during her wake, and the incident has prompted a government investigation into the hospital.
Relatives left the coffin behind and rushed retired nurse Bella Montoya back to the hospital after the wake Friday in the central city of Babahoyo, son Gilberto Barbera told The Associated Press.
“It gave us all a fright,” Barbera said, adding that doctors have said his mother’s situation remains dire.
Ecuador’s Health Ministry said that Montoya was in intensive care Monday at the Martín Icaza Hospital in Babahoyo while the ministry investigates doctors involved in her case. A technical committee has been formed to review how the hospital issues death certificates, the ministry said in a statement.
Montoya initially had been admitted Friday at the hospital with a possible stroke and cardiopulmonary arrest, and when she did not respond to resuscitation a doctor on duty declared her dead, the ministry said.
Barbera said his mother was unconscious when she was brought to the emergency room and that a few hours later a doctor informed him she was dead and handed over identity documents and a death certificate.
The family then brought her to a funeral home and were holding a wake later Friday when they started to hear strange sounds.
“There were about 20 of us there,” Barbera said. “After about five hours of the wake, the coffin started to make sounds. My mom was wrapped in sheets and hitting the coffin, and when we approached we could see that she was breathing heavily.”
Though he and relatives rushed her back to the hospital Friday, she was still in serious condition Monday. She was under intubation, and doctors weren’t giving relatives much hope about her prognosis, Barbera said.
No details have been released about the doctor who had prematurely declared the woman dead.
From Fashion Shows to Fine Dining, The Spirit of Revelry Shines with Celebratory Offerings for Luminaries and Tastemakers in the Glamorous Traditions of The House of Astor
HONG KONG – June 2023 – St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific is inviting guests to its “House of Celebration”, inspiring guests to relive the timeless and storied festivities of the Astors, the iconic brand’s founding family, known for their lavish and incomparable gatherings.
Just like haute couture runways, the House of Celebration defines a unique theme for each of the four seasons with limited-edition cultural, fashion, and dining experiences that highlight St. Regis’ beloved rituals and create new traditions across the finest addresses in the Asia Pacific region, from Hong Kong and Shanghai to Jakarta and Osaka.
“St. Regis hotels and resorts have always attracted society’s luminaries, serving as places for iconic celebrations and exquisite rituals,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing & Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “We will continue this tradition with the House of Celebration, creating extraordinary moments that punctuate the year and set the stage for exquisite experiences through a bold vision of modern glamor that reimagines timeless rituals, blending them with destination-defining activations for each season.”
Spring – A Celebration of People
On May 31, 2023, the House of Celebration kicked off with a preview of the limited-edition experiences for the upcoming seasons. To commemorate the arrival of springtime, a star-studded occasion celebrated society’s tastemakers and gathered luminaries at St. Regis’ latest debut, The St. Regis Jakarta.
The glittering launch featured Indonesian fashion designer, Monica Ivena’s latest capsule collection and marked the debut of Bright Encounters, a thought salon experience, featuring Monica Ivena over a St. Regis signature Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Room.
Bright Encounters will be one of the House of Celebration’s feature events to ignite deeply meaningful conversations amongst distinguished attendees on lifestyle, fashion, culture, art, sustainability and travel. The launch also included previews of events to look forward to in the coming seasons, including summer’s Exquisite Journey Menus and The Art of Drinking experiences, along with autumn’s Fashion Trunk Shows.
Summer – A Celebration of Place
From July 5 to August 31, St. Regis hotels will take guests on expeditions of culinary tastes and traditions, in collaboration with chefs from various extraordinary St. Regis destinations. The flavors of summer are celebrated in Exquisite Journey Menus that showcase the finest of locally sourced ingredients, as well as marvelous reimaginations of distinctly different cultural cuisines. The Art of Drinking will feature special cocktails － including flights of various iconic St. Regis Bloody Marys and other New York-inspired cocktails with distinctly local flavors － that will transport guests to other St. Regis destinations.
Autumn – A Celebration of Culture
From September 6 to November 30, St. Regis hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific will set inimitable stages for sophisticated celebrations of culture and diversity. Guests can look forward to Bright Encounters, or masterclasses with St. Regis Butlers and the most stellar tastemakers of the fashion world to learn Packing in Style, with tips for packing couture garments and valuable luxury items when traveling. Butler Service is one of the most beloved signature rituals of the St. Regis brand, and the masterclasses will be accompanied by inspirational Fashion Trunk Shows.
Guests can meet and interact with fashion designers, get personalized advice from expert stylists, enjoy creative displays, and purchase bespoke limited-edition couture pieces. The House of Celebration will also commemorate fashion with special events at The St. Regis Shanghai Jing’an.
Winter – A Celebration of Time
The end of the year and the start of a new one offers a joyous occasions to celebrate with family and friends. From December 6 to February 29, 2024, St. Regis hotels and resorts will welcome guests in lavishly decadent settings for festive holiday celebrations. As part of the House of Celebration’s winter season, guests will have the opportunity to learn fabulous tips to enhance holiday rituals in true St. Regis fashion.
The Art of Gifting will see St. Regis Butlers offering gift wrapping services using House of Celebration seasonal wrapping paper for guests in-suite or while they relax over a festive Afternoon Tea. Children can also enjoy the brand’s Family Traditions, a workshop for kids on the art of gift wrapping. Guests can also book private champagne sabering masterclasses, The Art of Sabrage, led by expert St. Regis Butlers or mixologists, and be enthralled as they learn about the history and techniques of sabrage, one of the most iconic evening rituals in St. Regis traditions.
St. Regis “House of Celebration” Star-studded Launch at The St. Regis Jakarta May 31, 2023
St. Regis Hotels and Resorts in Asia Pacific kicked off “House of Celebration” at The St. Regis Jakarta, commemorating the arrival of springtime with a gathering of society’s tastemakers and luminaries over The St. Regis Jakarta x Monica Ivena Kaleidoscope Dreams Fashion Show, where the Indonesian fashion designer showcases her capsule collection across four segments – Gatsby, Disco, Under the Sea, and Birds of Paradise.
Celebrities, socialites, and media are also invited to honor the traditions of Caroline Astor, the social doyenne of Gilded Age society that was known to throw glamorous invitation-only dinners late into many Manhattan evenings, through an iconic session of Midnight Supper, where they embarked on a gastronomy journey by Oscar Perez, Culinary Director of The St. Regis Jakarta.
