Recently, the National AntiCorruption Commission (NACC) revealed that a staggering 86% of nearly 1,500 police stations across the nation failed to pass integrity and transparency tests. Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, NACC chairman, announced the annual integrity and transparency assessments (ITA) results for district offices and police stations alike.
Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, has expressed his support for the new government’s policies regarding visa privileges for Chinese visitors. This move is expected to stimulate tourism and investment between the two countries. Mr. Han discussed the visa measures during an orientation for the 18th Mandarin for Government Officers Workshop, organized by the ThaiChinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) and the King Prajadhipok’s Institute. Pol Lt Gen Pitak Jarusombat, deputy president of the TCCRC, also attended the event.
The newly proposed freevisa travel privilege for Chinese visitors in Thailand, championed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is set to launch on October 1st. The primary goal of this policy is to attract more Chinese tourists, who previously made up the majority of tourist arrivals in the country. However, despite the easing of Covid19 restrictions, the expected rebound in Chinese visitors has not been as strong as anticipated.
Jang Talat Phlu, a police informant operating under an alias, found himself in a dangerous situation as he was caught between corrupt police officers and a drug gang in Bangkok. In a desperate attempt to seek help, Jang turned to the Sai Mai Tong Rod Facebook page, which is known for providing assistance during the Covid19 lockdowns.
In recent months, the Immigration Bureau (IB) has arrested at least 20 Chinese nationals who were smuggled into Thailand from Cambodia. These individuals were en route to Myanmar to work for callcentre gangs. Investigations revealed that they were working for Chineseoperated gangs, intending to transfer their base of operations to Myanmar. Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Pakphumpipat Sajjaphan, and his deputy, Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart, stated on Monday that the Chinese operators were moving both their compatriots and Thai nationals to Myanmar following crackdowns in Cambodia.
In a recent crackdown on illegal antiquities trading, Thai authorities arrested three men who were found digging up and selling historical artefacts online. Following police raids in Chiang Mai, Phayao, Sukhothai, and Lamphang provinces, a total of 970 artefacts were seized, along with 11 metal scanners, and various digging tools. Additionally, four bank accounts belonging to the suspects were frozen.
A Russian man, suspected of being involved in a phone scam gang based in Cambodia, has been arrested on Koh Samui, an island in Thailand. The scam is linked to familydebt murders in Samut Prakan. The suspect, Daniil Aldunenkov, 31, was taken into custody at the Panorama Hotel in Koh Samui district on September 4, 2023.
A 19yearold man has been arrested following the grisly discovery of his French father, fatally beaten with a hammer in their Phra Khanong residence in Bangkok. The incident took place in a threestory townhouse located in Soi Pridi Banomyong 13, Watthana district.
On the east side of Pattaya City, in Bang Lamung district, 16 Chinese nationals were apprehended during a police raid on a compound containing four houses. These individuals have been alleged as members of a phone scam gang. Additionally, a Thai maid who looked after the properties located in tambon Nong Prue was taken in for questioning.
The Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Thailand, has recently experienced a severe drought attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon. This has caused significant disruption to the local ecosystem, particularly affecting the availability of food and water for the resident wildlife.