Thailand & Pattaya LATEST NEWS from Fabulous 103fm (2 March 2023)

Thailand & Pattaya LATEST NEWS from Fabulous 103fm (2 March 2023)

Fab 103 news deemed ‘adult content’ by Youtube
Yesterday’s news from our studios was blocked in many ways by Youtube as it contained non graphic descriptions concerning the passing of an expat in the region. We can only say that we DIDN’T block it, or list it for adult only content as it is and was a news article done with integrity HOWEVER Youtube listed it as adult content,  please don’t imagine that that adult content was anything other than a non-graphic description, without graphic photos, of a mystery passing.

US officer passes away during assignment in Thailand
As the international military exercises, Cobra gold, continue for the next week, so Lop Buri authorities reported to the media on the death of a US service person discovered in a barracks there yesterday.  Autopsy details have not been released however the serving member is reported to have had head injuries, a full post mortem will be carried out here,  with invitation to the US army to review.

Thai cabinet approves new welfare program
The government has approved the new welfare program for the poor which goes into effect April 1.   With millions of applications to register, the new program includes 300 baht a month for essentials, 80 baht discount on gas, 315 for electricity and 200 toward water bills.  In addition, travel on public transport is subsidized too.  14.6 million people have so far applied for the credit, almost a third of those applications were rejected tho, as many, it appears, tried to get in on the act without being truly needy.

Chinese man caught with pet lion 
In Chachoengsao, one Chinaman has neighbours scared. This as police and local officials visited his home after complaints that he has as a pet – a white lion cub.  He says he has receipts for a legal purchase, but officials asked for his permit to keep and house the animal, which so far hasn’t been forthcoming.   One of the most vicious of animals, the White tiger is also a protected species, but for locals the worry is that it may be small and cuddly today but soon, it certainly won’t be.  500K baht is what claims to have paid for the PET. For a licence to keep it he would have to prove adequate cage and security PLUS staff on duty all day to watch over it.

Election campaigns intensify with parties promising perks
As the election draws close, whilst we don’t report on every party’s promises, voters are being flooded with “ we will do this if we get in ” statements from all angles.  Even the current ruling party is promising things that weren’t previously discussed. How far will parties go to get a tick on the paper?  Well, one has gone as far as to promise a reduction in school years AND free university for those who want it.  Either way the gloves are off, the candidates are out and we can expect the dissolution of parliament to be announced officially soon,  signaling the date for voting.

Embezzler of 80 million baht temple funds jailed
An aid to the late abbot of a temple has been sentenced to 10 yrs in jail after his arrest last year on charges of embezzling some 80 MILLION baht from the temples coffers.  Ordered to pay back the cash it was accepted that he had conned the, THEN, aging abbot into signing off on huge amounts of money which he told him was due to be paid for maintenance bills.   The money was from a fund set up to build new temples but instead it went into the thief’s own accounts , and was only spotted following an audit after the abbot’s death ast year.   At the time of his arrest, authorities seized cash property and even a Bentley motor car with a combined value of 92 million.

Mum & special needs child drown in well 
The difficulty in raising a child with special needs in rural areas was sadly highlighted this week as police found that a 33 yr old had jumped with her 4 yr old into a well and drowned. It’s regularly mentioned that a lack of social care for those with special needs continues to be an issue nationally.

Fake Auto parts warehouse raided 
Aftermarket auto and bike parts to the tune of 10 million baht were seized by Chachoengsao police this week at a warehouse run by a Chinese business.  The parts, according to authorities, were being sold to garages and repair centres but marked as genuine factory parts with labelling that faked brand names too.   With the Thai manager arrested, some 200,000 parts were removed, all bearing labeling such as Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda.

7,500 Russians seek to extend stay in Phuket 
Russians on Phuket don’t want to go home, that’s the feeling on the island as some 7 and a half thousand have applied to extend their visas.  With many feeling uncomfortable in their home country and others of mixed Russian and Ukrainian parentage, the numbers in other regions have swollen as well as Immigration offices advise early application to avoid overstay.

New drains replaced with new drains around Pattaya
Banglamung transport department has outdone itself once again as drains , buried just a year ago, in yet another soi, are being dug up, and replaced.  With no explanation as to how anyone could budget for such a quickie, Soi Chaiyapruek 2 is seeing new drains drilled out and replaced with even newer ones.  Others tell us this happened in many areas around the city, for drivers a nightmare and for businesses, far worse, BUT, at least the rain might wash away a little faster.

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