News

Today's News in Pattaya & Thailand (29 September 2022) from Fabulous 103fm

Yesterday saw Typhoon Noru press its way across Vietnam, seeing hundreds of thousands there fleeing to purpose built shelters, and wreaking havoc in it's path as it progressed into Laos and Cambodia. Losing its enormous power as it hit land the typhoon was reduced to a heavy tropical storm front, approaching and entering Thailand by mid morning and seeing flights turned back from Isaan airports due to high winds and torrential rain. Domestic flights from Bangkok were turned around by airport traffic control and returned to the capital.

As Isaan took the initial brunt of the storm, it travelled slowly across the breadth of Thailand with most of the north east, north and central provinces in it's path. In Khon kaen, 50 water pumping machines have been added to a river artillery designed to increase water flow as the CHI river burst it's banks, with more sent to Chaiyaphum province and concern over water levels in the Ubol Rana reservoir which is HAVING to open dams to avoid overspill which will see river levels rise still further.

In the capital, Bangkok, storms covered the region for most of the day and this morning too, however reports are that rainfall hasn't been as bad as initially expected. Concern now is for the weekend as river levels will without doubt rise from run offs in the North.

One of the two canadian gangsters sought by Thai police in reference to the gunning down of a fellow countryman and dealer on Phuket in February is appealing an order from the Canadian attorney general that he be deported TO thailand to face charges. With his then co hort now dead, he died in a mystery plane crash a few months ago, Matthew Dupre faces charges here of pre-medidated murder. His appeal is based on the likelyhood that he would receive the death penalty in Thailand. The decision is expected by the end of next month.

The Bank of Thailand’s Monetary Policy Committee has approved plans to raise the interest rate here by 25% to 1% as of today. With inflation high, they predict a return to semi-normal tourism numbers within a year despite an expected worldwide recession. They also report that the overall financial state here IS stable, with main street banks having high reserves but would not counterclaims that further rate rises could be possible in the near future.

One of 6 foreigners accused of demanding money with menaces from a Russian real estate dealing couple on Samui has, according to the media, been arrested. With two known to have fled abroad, police are interviewing him to establish just why the gang chose the couple to try and extort 50K US in crypto and other assets. The arrestee was nabbed in Chonburi province along with the van spotted on CCTV and used during the alleged extortion.

Meanwhile at home and early this morning the region was blanketed by black clouds BUT, as surrounding areas DID see storms, so far our area has been left alone, seeing light rain at times. City hall, though, warns that no one should be complacent as the storm fronts ARE changing direction regularly and at some point this area too will see heavy rainfall.

Closing the news with the tale of a 10 yr old girl today, spotted by locals as she walked along the roadside with a small backpack, alone and late. A couple stopped and quizzed her but got little in response, discovering that she didn't speak Thai but did have an understanding of both Chinese and English. It seems the youngster missed her mum, who lives in China, and planned to walk to the airport and fly to see Mummy. Police and social services were quick to assist and see her returned home, here, and to bed.

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Pattaya & Thailand News (28 September 2022) from Fabulous 103fm

Northern provinces are bracing for what is expected to remain a huge storm front, heading towards Thailand. As tropical storm NORU pushed storms into Neighbouring Cambodia this morning, in Vietnam, where it first came onshore, airports, schools and businesses closed, and in some areas a curfew was introduced while residents in the storm path were recommended to evacuate their homes, as flooding there was predicted at an historic level. The typhoon is expected to have lowered in strength to a tropical storm by the time it reaches here.

For Thailand, the issue is that she is full. Full of water, from water tables to reservoirs and rivers, and this storm could well tip the balance for many areas seeing potential flooding at unprecedented levels, along with gale force winds across most of the nation.

Storm and flood warnings have been issued for much of Isaan, across the Central provinces and toward Myanmar. Water authorities have already opened reservoir dams in preparation of even more river flow INTO overloaded reservoir,s and river levels are likely to peak downstream in Bangkok at the weekend. There, the city has provided a constant supply of sandbags to raise river walls and free of charge to homeowners.

There is likely to be more to this report than currently available to the press, but a Russian couple who trade in property on Samui have told police that, in a strange tale, they were accosted by a Pattaya based gang, with demands that they pay them 3 million dollars. Whether a property deal gone wrong or a simple falling out, that HASN’T been established but what is claimed did that the couple transferred 50K us as they feared for their lives. 6 men were caught on cctv meeting the duo, and police believe that THEY came from the Pattaya region, and have demanded even more cash. Now 4 of the 6 identified as two Kazakstanis a Russian and a German, immigration advised that the German and one of the others has already left the country.

As of October in Thailand, women will be entitled to abortion rights through to the 20th week of pregnancy, a furtherance of 8 extra weeks. With abortion LEGAL now in Thailand, the amendment was signed off by the Health Minister. Less than 80 health centres across the country offer legal abortion, and, sadly, the backstreet operators STILL ply their trade.

Last night saw a converted pickup, converted into a cash security truck, lose control and crash on the motorway road near Pong sub district resulting in multiple deaths. Driver and two security men alongside him were deemed dead by medics who raced to the scene. The container, previously mounted on the rear of the truck, became separated in the crash, and the cab roof was ripped off during the impact. No word on speed, but roads at the time were dry, the security container was removed by hoist and is said to have contained up to 2 million baht in cash intended for ATMs.

The tropical storm front, resulting from typhoon Noru IS expected to have a major impact on our own region for several days. Along with the capital and most eatern regions, Chonburi is listed by the MET office as expecting heavy monsoon rains from today through the weekend. If, as expected, that is the case, then many areas will flood and those living in lower areas are recommended to remove valuables from the ground floors and do their best to sandbag or barrier their homes. No drainage system in the world could compete with the amount of rain dropped during deluges but it will certainly be a test for the new drainage systems to see just how quickly the waters recede after rain stops. REALITY is that many areas WILL see water rising from drains as it overflows from higher ground and its best to ask your neighbours WHERE you can buy sandbags. Flooding often results in power outages and charging phones ahead of time is a really good idea. We WILL update this news bulletin as and when or even IF the storms hit, but meanwhile, it's recommended to prepare in advance. IF the storm turns out to be minor, well, it's good news for all, and far better to be safe than sorry.

And a quickie for those who are not normally affected in any great way by the storms, check your shoes. As water tables rise, the habitual homes of insects thru to snakes become flooded and we are hearing numerous tales of locals finding anything from a snake to a frog nesting in their shoes. Best to check and encourage them to leave, rather than risk a nip.

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Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (27 September 2022)

This morning, Tuesday, a huge tropical storm hit land in Vietnam as it headed toward Thailand. Whilst usually these tropical storms lose an element of their intensity once over land, this one is predicted to be huge, as storms, along with flooding, are predicted from Wednesday through the weekend for the North, North east , Central regions and the East, which includes our own province, along with the capital. With earnings already out of possible 3 metre high waves in the gulf, swimming is a no no, and small boats have been warned to remain on the shoreline. Typhoon Noru has seen winds of up to 140 KPH as it raced towards the coastline. On Phuket, reports of 3 female tourists coming close to drowning over the weekend, saved only due to locals who came to their aid. The after dark swimmers were rescued by locals on jet skis who happened to still be in the area as the trio got into difficulties.

In the capital too, plans are being implemented and have been underway for days to drain canals and soakaways, prepping them for deluges, and 2.5 million sandbags are said to be available from today onwards, for city workers and homeowners, to prop up and raise existing barriers. Bangkok's issues are double edged as whilst storms would see flooding, so reservoirs up river have had to open floodgates wider to accommodate incoming river water, which, in turn, will see the river levels in the capital rise for sure. The governor highlighted Lat Krabang, Bang Khen, Min Buri and Don Mueang as more vulnerable to flooding than other districts in the capital.

In other news, since the start of the year, close to 5K websites have been blocked by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, seeing access to them limited in thailand. Lese Majeste is listed as the major reason for blocks, however over 1500 online gambling sites have been blocked too, along with over 1300 sites listed as containing immoral or prnographic content and -plans are afoot for amendment to money laundering laws that will tackle the use of proxy bank accounts.

Retailers who moan about online shopping taking away their business will note that Shopee Thailand is planning 10% staff layoffs DESPITE being the popular channel for buying online in Thailand. The Singapore based parent company reports that Shopee is doing well, but that its core business.. isnt. Cuts in other Asian countries, too, as despite record online sales, the 10% is expected to extend to all its operations.

A former Burmese beauty queen, who was held over in bangkok airport seeing her claim refugee status has had her wishes granted. Han Lay, Miss Grand Myanmar 2020 made political statements against the junta government in Myanmar earlier this year, later seeing her fear for her safety if she returned home. Latest news is that CANADA has offered her a home and status.

In Pattaya, City hall teams were preparing for the storm, with their temas telling us that additional pumps are on stand by AND that the city sewer system isn't capable of handling instant drainage if we see 2-3 hours of heavy rain. Reality is of course that the best of drainage can only clear flooding once rains subside, here.. It's usually an ordeal for many homeowners. A direct line has been set up for homeowners who are flooded - 064-642-6488 , and that's repeated in our news bulletin on our website www.alwayspattaya.com. The promise is, that a call will see teams sent out with portable pumps, the reality is that, if we DO see heavy storms, the service will be inundated.

As the city preps, there is growing concern for users of the railway road where, this morning, a sink hole had appeared in the hardtop on the South travelling lane close to Khao Noi. Likely, the sand used as subsoil has washed away, the hole is significant, perhaps a metre in diameter, but unlit and with just a single bollard to warn oncoming drivers. Chances are that there is a much larger area , currently invisible, underneath that will see the hole get larger. WORSE - if floods come, that hole will become invisible and a serious danger to those on motorbikes.

Finally, for those who collect pocket change in jars, the tale of a motorbike buyer in the region hit news feeds last night. Seems a man chose his new ride at a bike dealers and asked if it was OK to pay cash. Sure was the reply, but staff perhaps didn't expect him to turn up with nearly 100K baht in COINS. Staff got together to count it, he had already packed it, over time, in bags of 100 Baht each, so within half an hour he was enjoying his new PCX. No word on how well the local bank responded to that day's deposit by the dealer.

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Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (26 September 2022)

Bangkok is working on plans to decentralise the capital within this decade according to reports in Thai media, with congestion and flooding both major issues in the capital, the city fathers are looking to the outer regions and surrounding areas to develop for commercial and retail use, a move which would also see, as a bi product, many moving home too. Plans are afoot, and have been for a while, the concept and schedule is expected by year end.

The Bank of Thailand has issued a warning to parents as the number of adolescents being conned into opening saving accounts at banks in return for cash from scammers is on the increase. Scammers NEED fresh bank accounts daily to keep up their online scams BUT the banks are quick to close them, seeing the need rise AND, it seems youngsters are being offered pocket money, 5-800 baht a time. The down side? Well, their credit will be damaged before they are even adults AND the youngsters, presumably along with their parents, CAN be held as accomplices in scams involving their accounts.

A large section of a Chiang Mai city wall has collapsed following continued flooding which had washed away subsoils beneath it. The wall section was first reconstructed 65 years ago as a part of the city re-beautification and now, with the sections being inspected for further damage, repairs WONT go into effect until the dry season. Storms are expected to lash much of Thailand this week, to a greater extent than last week, as from Tuesday a so-called super typhoon will hit land in Vietnam. That, usually, decreases in strength as it crosses land but is expected to head for the North Eastern and Central area of Thailand

As in most countries, the staffing at airports was scaled back here in the capital during the covid era. THIS though is set to be a thing of the past as recruiting is now ongoing for everything from cleaners to baggage handlers as tourism begins again to see the arrivals and departures very busy. UNLIKE many western countries, it's hoped that ex-staffers will reapply for their old jobs and trainees be taken on to speed up the whole process.

Large Palm Tree removed from Beach road, as roots damaged the paving HAVE been saved for re-use, out at the indoor Sport stadium. 4AM crews waited for dawn last week at the stadium, along with trees loaded on trucks so large that they were best suited to night time travel, at sunrise the replanting began. It is hoped that the replanting will save the palms and at the same time give the stadium area a tree of a size that could normally not be bought. With some complaining that the tree had been uprooted from the promenade area, leaving it somewhat bleak, it was pointed out that you simply can't have it both ways. Either decent pathways OR the huge tree which develop root structures that do, pretty much always, push up and destroy the paving.

A huge storm front has hovered over the region through the weekend seeing Pattaya the only region in the area NOT to get massive deluges. THAT tho is likely to change this week and from early this morning dark clouds approached the city from Sattahip and Rayong AND from the ocean. Warnings are out across the bay for all small boats to remain onshore

A call for help has been sent out from the family of an expat Arthur Nova who is currently in Bangkok Pattaya Hospital on a respirator and heart pump and in need of type A- Blood, of which the hospital only has a small supply. Donors are asked to contact the Thai red cross to donate as the private hospital does not accept donations directly. To allocate your donations TO him, list his name and room 9207 when donating.

Pattaya's beaches are to see fixed pricing from all vendors for the use of chairs, sunbeds and swim rings. With hours set from 6am through to 9 at night, ten at the weekends, the max charge for a beach chair is 50 baht a day, 100 for a sunbed and between 50 and 100 for swim rings, depending on size. In return, the vendors must keep the beaches clean.

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Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (23 September 2022)

We apologise for yesterday having no Youtube news or internet on our website. Due to storms, our area was cut off from the internet for 16 hours. All back on again now.

Visitors to Thailand will no longer need to show any documentation regarding Covid-19 as of 1 October. As the virus is reduced in the statute books to just a virus of significance, airports and land access points will not be asking for proof of vaccination OR proof of testing. This was announced by the Public Health Ministry after a CCSA meeting this week. Infected people arriving will also not be isolated but simply advised to follow safety and health measures. Some workplaces and many retail outlets still, as they are entitled to do, require all customers to wear a mask and take temp tests, that's expected to continue as the majority of Thais still choose to wear masks in public.

Onlookers thought that a motorcyclist was being kind when he stopped to help at an accident involving another bke and a Mercedes Benz. Far from the truth as, as the car driver checked that the bike rider was not injured, the HELPER helped himself to a package from the car passenger seat. Stupidly he gave HIS own phone number as a witness. Police caught up with him and recovered the watch, along with a diamond ring.

When Kanchanaburi police raided a major drug dealer's home, the suspect fled firing a gun. Police fired back and the dealer went to meet his maker. House searches revealed just 41 pills, along with ammunition and bank books, but when cops forked through a pile of goat poo in the yard, they found what they had been looking for; 2200 meth pills all hidden in the dung. His goats were NOT charged but gold, ornaments, bikes, vehicles and other valuables were confiscated. No word on who smelt the worst, the forking cops, or the 100 plus goat herd.

And a woman whose pickup was hit by a speeding Lamborghini in Petchaburi has hired a lawyer after she and other witnesses notice that the Thai passenger in the sports car switched places with the foreign driver. Carrying 190,000K bahts worth of eggs in the truck, most of which became a scrambled mess on, they had offered 100K baht in compensation. Fearing that she would lose out, she checked with police and found that the Thai was listed as the driver. That in itself is a crime and with wheels like his, well, he could certainly afford to cover her losses.

The delivery driver who robbed two company employees in Ban Bueng this week as they collected 3.4 mill baht from a bank for salaries? Well turns out he, is the brother of one of the two staff members. Police watched CCTV of the theft, outside the bank, and the clip showed and identified the thief quickly, seeing him attack one of the staff but leave the other alone before fleeing. Checks revealed that they are brother and sister. Now, both are behind bars and 3.2 mill was recovered.

Nong Prue police are, randomly, visiting eateries and bars serving drinks in the afternoon before 6, arresting licensees and fining them, with the promise of a future court appearance. For decades, afternoon drinking laws have been ignored in the city and surrounding areas but for some reason, Nong Prue is clamping down on SOME outlets. The fine, so far, 20,000 baht.

The MET office has issued storm warning through to the end of the weekend for much of Thailand. For today, Friday, they promise rain at any time, with storms becoming more likely on Saturday and Sunday.

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Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (21 September 2022)

A six month trial period has been set for an elongated visa program designed to allow visitors to stay within Thailand for a longer period of time. From start October through to the end of March, arrivals from visa exempt countries will be automatically given 45 day visas and for those not, but getting tourist visas on arrival, the period is extended from 15 to 30 days. Designed to allow longer holidays, and of course bigger spending, there is no news regarding later extensions.

As electricity bills arrive at homes and workplaces this week, the full impact of the increase in charges becomes reality. Most if not all have seen a massive hike in the bottom line and for businesses, those costs will have to be passed on to customers. For homes, the only tips to keep bills down seem to be to unplug all devices when not in use, as they, computers, chargers, TVs and the like often if not always use power, keep curtains closed during hot periods to reduce the need for AC and otherwise stump up the extra cash. The increase, the second this year is a large one, and due to the rise in the cost of fuel globally. Most understand that BUT it doesn't make life any easier

Nine private hosptials in the capital have seen their contracts with the Thai National Health system revoked after allegedly padding bills for reimbursement of patients under the social security programme. Following a committee investigation, those hosptials have been asked to refund overcharges poste haste.

Pirana drama in Bangkok this week as a 21 year old was arrested on charges of breeding and selling the vicious and predatory South American fish. With some found still in his possession during a police raid, the issue isn't just the fisheries act, but also the danger that they could at some point breed and escape, which would cause devastation. He was nabbed after being spotted selling them online.

Life in a wheelchair isn't that great, as perhaps you can imagine the biggest issue is mobility. The city has, over the past decade, slowly set up clear wheelchair routes around the popular areas, especially adjacent to learning and accommodation entries, YET.. a review this week show that those brightly painted WHEELCHAIR paths, are being used as bike parking areas and even seen greedy car drivers leave their vehicles on the pathways too. End result? The wheelchair users are put at risk because THEY then have to go around the obstacle, slowly weaving across roads full of regular traffic. Worst affected are the roads behind big C and parallel to the sukhumvit and it's hoped that city or police officials will start removing parked vehicles before someone gets hurt. You are wondering now how to spot the pathways? Well, they are medium blue and have wheelchair emblems at regular intervals. Sometimes it's nice to be nice, and parking elsewhere is the decent thing to do.

In Chonburi, a thief dressed as a food delivery guy GRABBED more than just a dinner from a couple of company employees, in fact he stole the whole of a 3.4 million baht payroll package they had just cashed out at a local bank. Perhaps easily spotted as they make the same trip twice a month at the same time, the couple left the bank with the cash, ready to load into a minivan. The green clad thief pounced and warned them he had a gun before fleeing with the loot. Ban Bueng police were checking CCTV to establish his exit route and hopefully identify him.

Road users may have spotted dinosaurs en route to the city this week, loaded on huge trucks, this as a display of the prehistoric is set for this week through mid October at the sunken plaza, on Beach road in front of Central mall. An ideal and free experience for youngsters, the static show includes everything from T-rex through to fossils, and no doubt will become popular with selfie snappers, especially at weekends when the city number swell due to local tourism.

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Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (20 September 2022)

Three thais, tricked into working in a Loas based call centre after being promised other work have been repatriated to Thailand, telling officials that they were forced to work in a call centre, sc amming Thais online and on the telephone for a year before they managed to get the word out to friends on the outside. Thai media reports that some 100 Thai's have been effectively rescued from similar predicaments since the start of the year.

In the capital, following reports of around half the pumps in the capital being non operational, flood preventing committees, having previously ordered repairs, have secured 2 more hydro-flow pumps in the Samut Prakan area in preparation for more storms, this as Chachaongsao has seen two more added as well and in Nakhon nayok, 12 more, all designed to speed the flow of floodwater from drainage systems and canals.

Two Kuwaiti men are believed to have been fined in the capital after atta cking a local woman in front of the Soi Nana hotel at the weekend. The 2 21 year olds pulled knives on locals who tried to intervene before fleeing to the hotel rooftop. With no method of escape the two, assumed to have been drunk, were duly arrested.

Meanwhile at home and in Pattaya and Fab 103fm can confirm that, despite rumours, the German man who gave support and accommodation to a 30 year old Kyrgyz woman, who was subsequently found d ead below the apartment balcony was, as we reported previously, wholly innocent of any untoward action. The reality is that he had been asked by her embassy to assist in keeping her safe as they worked to arrange for her to fly home. Just 12 hours previous to her death, she had been informed that her trip was arranged and that she was safe, this after an ordeal that saw her fly to Asia on the premise of clerical work, taken to a call centre where she apparently wasn't up to the job, stripped and photographed in a lurid manner before being threatened with those photos being sent to her family UNLESS she worked as a h00ker here in Thailand. Despite being under the control of a band of female chinese p!mps, at some point she managed to get to Pattaya police station where she made a full police report and begged for help. With her embassy fully accepting her statement as fact, and the German man, employed in a reputable job here offering support, everything appeared to be good to go. Left alone in the apartment for some while , it's believed but not confirmed that she received a series of threatening phone calls OR a visit. Either of which turned her happiness to a misery she couldn't endure. Senior police officers have been removed from office in Pattaya, as a result of this case, combined with frictions around the tree town area concerning youngsters working in bars, and the Royal Thai Police are said to be investigating the case. At least one of the three Chinese female p!mps HAS been arrested. Further details to follow.

Expats along with members of the Royal British Legion celebrated the life of HM the Queen Elizabeth II yesterday with a memorial ceremony held in the chapel at the Father Ray Foundation. An enlightening Christian ceremony, by a British priest who is old enough to remember HM the Queen coming to the throne and her father King until he himself was 8, saw the legion flag bearer drape colours at the end of the service and the chapel was filled with the sound of a solitary piper. In all an excellent memorial to a great queen and ending with plenty of time for all to get home to watch the events in London and Windsor live on the internet.

Pattaya, presumably lake Mabprachan, has been selected to host the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships 2023 as the racing committee mulled stringent quarantine for visitors to its normal hosting country, Hong kong. Something to look forward to for sure as dragon boat racing is very popular within Asia.

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Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (19 September 2022)

At 11 minutes past 11 today, Thai time, Fabulous 103fm will honour the passing of HM the late Queen Elizabeth II, with a 2 minute silence as the United Kingdom prepares for her funeral later today. With a significant time difference between the two nations, this, for us, appears to be finest of moments during our daylight time, to honor the passing of our Queen and the appointment of her successor King Charles III

The superintdent of Pattaya Police has, as of yesterday, been transferred elsewhere and his deputy appointed on a temporary basis following disclosures that a Kyrgyz woman had reported herself to Pattaya Police, claiming that she was being chased by a Chinese gang here and forced into prostitution. Three days later, hiding in a condo belonging to the German ex-boyfriend of her own friend, who kindly gave her sanctuary, she fell to her death from a balcony. In a second unrelated case, Royal Thai and Bangkok Police are investigating claims that under age minors are being offered for sale in the tree town area by some unscrupulous bars where, last night, all were ordered to close at midnight as investigations continue. With the majority of bars refusing to employ those under the age of 20, the minority have, in that case, caused damage to the reputation of the majority.

In the case of the woman forced into prostitution, it's believed that she was being tailed by three Chinese female pimps, one of whom is now believed to be in custody, after escaping from them in the city and making her way to the police station. No word on any effort made by the police in this matter, however the 30 year old's journey of misery is, to say the least, intense. She was met from a flight arriving in Bangkok and taken across the border to Laos to work in a call centre where, it appears, she wasn't up to scratch and her handlers secured several illicit photographs, then blackmailed her to work for them, back here in Thailand, as a prostitute, threatening otherwise to send the photographs to her family. ALL OF THIS, we are told, is a part of the statement made to police late last week, prior to her death. For two months, she endured forced bodyselling until her escape and an autopsy is underway to establish whether she had been, again, abused prior to her fall. As her kidnappers and those who pimped her here are sought, it's believed that police have full details of the gang and their operation, Laos based operating AND that Laos authorities are willing to work WITH those here to arrest all working there. It has been clarified that the German gentleman, who gave her sanctuary as a friend, was in no way involved in this sordid business. As Pattaya and Thailand struggles to recover tourism, and shake off its old tacky image, THIS tale of woe is likely to be taken very seriously NOW that it has emerged in detail. Of the three suspects, the one arrested was found with 7 mobile phones along with cash, and is likely to spill the beans on her cohorts and the operation in which she was involved.

Surprised and arrested on a train journey from Chiang Mai to the capital, a 31 year old Thai man was nabbed after a warrant had been issued FOR him regarding his involvement in a scam that saw him net over 5 million baht from those he called randomly, pretending to be a policeman and claiming that those called were involved in a drug investigation and needed to share their bank details. It's a regular scam now and anyone receiving such acalls is advised to contact police and NOT to share any details with strangers.

Theft by a 14 year old petty criminal, in Huay yai.. is being blamed for HIS death. Seems the lad had absconded on a long term basis from school, and robbed neighbours in a rooming area where he lived with his aunt. Police attending the scene found evidence that he had been hog tied and beaten by multiple individuals after, it's claimed, he admitted his latest theft of 3K cash and one baht of gold. 4 teenagers are alleged to have carried out the beating at the behest of the man from whom he stole.

There now follows a two minute silence in honour of her late majesty the Queen Elizabeth the second. Please be respectful at this time and our normal broadcasting will return shortly.
In this hour, at 11 minutes past, there will be a 2 minute silence in honour of Her Late Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II.

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Thailand & Pattaya News, from Fabulous 103fm (16 September 2022)

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has declared the Lat Krabang district in the capital as a flood “disaster zone” thus prioritising it for speedy assistance and support for tens of thousands of residents affected by home and business flooding. Stating that the situation IS improving as water in some areas slowly receded, a request has also been made for river waters to be diverted upstream into other regions to reduce flow in the capital. for NOW, well it's all down to the weather, and whether rainfall will diminish quickly before more flooding hits the region.

The Supreme Court in Bangkok upheld a previous ruling by a Civil Court that the Royal Forest Department was liable for rehabilitating Maya Bay and ordered environmental rehabilitation work to begin on the bay made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach after filming caused ecological damage. This follows a 20 year old claim for environmental damage against 20th Century Fox and a Thai film coordinator, seeking 100 million baht in compensation in late 1999. Film-makers were accused of severely damaging the ecosystem while they shot The Beach, visitor numbers were recently capped in a bid to prevent ecological damage after nearby coral was destroyed, seeing tourists welcomed back at the start of the year but closed again last month for another period of environmental restoration, with plans to reopen it in October.

The Thai health minister has been critical of three political parties who combined to disapprove the proposed Cannabis and Hemp Draft Bill on Wednesday, stating that the rejection was intended to stall the bill until next year. They claim that the proposals are too loose and do not offer protection for the public.Tthe minister confirmed that the weed WON'T be returned to the list of illegal narcotic drugs and gave his full support for the blossoming industry.

Initially, an explosion heard in a Nonthaburi school was blamed on a computer burn out, reality was far from that, as medics found a 15 yr old schoolboy dead at the scene after a so-called PEN gun, a homemade weapon, went off, accidentally. Fired by a classmate, who told police he took the gun to school following a falling out, the lad was shot in the face. Some told police the incident occured due to a pc keyboard exploding but even the local constabulary were not swallowing that and the weapon was finally discovered after a full search.

When a Chonburi mayor wondered where her money was going, she first thought that maybe family members were pilfering her drawers. As a result she set up CCTV in her home, only to catch her personal assistant stealing on numerous occasions. No small change either, some 10 Million baht went missing before the woman was arrested. Checks on her bank account revealed her 12,000 baht salary duly banked monthly, but an unexplained balance of over 4 million baht alongside it.

Several fab 103 listeners have now called to ask where to complain, as it appears more and more people are renting out houses to tenants who then, illegally, sub-rent on a daily basis, as party houses. Some tell us that they HAVE complained to municipalities, others to the actual owners. Two saving graces, for those who are deafened until the wee hours, 1. It's illegal to rent for less than a month unless registered as a hotel and 2. Even bars are restricted on the times they have to stop loud music AND neither are allowed to operate with entertainment in residential zones. Khao Noi is the latest area to see locals complaining about a beer bar booming out at 3 in the morning. It's hoped we will get updates on all three soon, meanwhile the place to complain, at the time your local police and in the morning the Amphur. Registering a complaint every single time the parties kick off may seem pointless but reality is that it provides a proven pattern and can easily be ignored by those in control.

The weekend sees pattaya enjoying a full on festival along the beachfront, great entertainment stalls and food promised for all, and we can expect the beach road to be crowded.

And congratulations to Magna Carta law Offices who this weekend celebrate TWO decades of business in the city, As THE leading law firm and most popular with expats due to their proficient multilingual team. Their plans? To keep offering the same for the NEXT two decades too.

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