Thailand & Pattaya LATEST NEWS from Fabulous 103fm (23 February 2023)

Thailand & Pattaya LATEST NEWS from Fabulous 103fm (23 February 2023)

– Three bodies found in sinking car
Police in Narathiwat report on a gangland style killing that resulted in locals discovering three men stashed in the back of a hatchback vehicle which had been dumped in a local swamp.  Initial checks revealed that the trio had each been shot in the head.  DNA together with Forensic examinations are hoped to reveal the identities of the three and each had been stripped of all documentation so remain, so far, unidentified.

– Thailand election set to take place on May 7
The current PM, Gen Prayuit has confirmed that elections across the country WILL take place on the 7th of May as was previously estimated by many.  Following a cabinet meeting this week,  he told the press he will officially dissolve the house BEFORE the 22nd March, 4 year term marker. This then leaves many important proposed laws and guidelines half finished and neither approved nor denied by parliament.  Top of that list is the proposed changes to laws regarding the sale of marijuana, which was stalled again as many thought the proposals too easily circumvented. Either way, ganga laws aren’t likely to see approval before September, UNLESS they are sped through in the next few weeks.

– Ferry operator denies batteries caused fire
The operator of the ferry charging station who’s electric powered ferries caught fire, as reported in yesterday’s news has strongly stated that the fires, on three brand new battery driven boats were NOT caused by or involved the batteries on board.  This despite reports that their own security guard told the media that the fires started exactly there.   They say that  the ferry in question was still under construction and, as such, was not connected to a charging point at the time of the incident.  The Samut Prakan Marine Office is expected to publish finding from an investigation into the fires within a week.

– Delivery driver vanishes with 50,000 baht gift 
When a Thai man graduated from university this week,  amid the celebrations and presentations, ONE gift he should have received.. he didn’t arrive.  From his girlfriend.  Excited at his success, she had ordered and paid for a celebration bouquet made up  of 50 one thousand baht banknotes.  The florists prepared it, and sent it for delivery,  only thing was.. it never arrived.  The delivery driver, we are told, was being tracked by an app as he almost made it to the drop off point, but suddenly turned the app off instead.  Who will cover the cost is a fair question… the shop, who hired the driver?  Or the heartbroken girlfriend.

– Wanted French fraudster arrested in Pattaya
Meanwhile a 43 year old Frenchman was removed from Pattaya’s streets yesterday, after French police requested his extradition.  Now in the less than impressive accommodation at the immigration detention centre,  he is said to have fled here ahead of a warrant connecting him with a tax scam that netted him, and his cohorts.. close to 400 Million baht.

– Owner of cannabis shop shot for being ‘loud’ 
It may be that cannabis wars have reached the region, this as a Korean, claimed to be the OWNER of a cannabis shop was shot in the leg by another diner at a food shop where, according to others, the korean was being overly loud.  Now how loud?  Who knows, but something irked the Thai man, to draw and fire his handgun at 4 AM in the morning.. hitting the korean in the leg, and a passer by too.

– Plans for Pattaya high-speed rail-link underway
Initial plans for the new high-speed rail link that will pass through Nong prue were discussed by the cities deputy mayor yesterday as it was made clear that a huge development within Nong prue is planned to accommodate businesses, service companies for the new station and of course transportation to and from the city centre. Once built, the statin will link to the three major airports and cover 900 rai,  which will be part owned by Pattaya city and the  Nong Prue municipality.  Along with new university and Hospital buildings already underway, the so-called Dark side is certainly becoming enlightened, and likely to see a rush of property buyers and property prices rise.   A rail line INTO Pattaya is planned to have 13 stops across the city before ending at Bali Hai Pier.  No word on whether that will be a monorail, as discussed on numerous occasions, or a regular train.