VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (14 August 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya

VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (14 August 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya

– Tourist boat accident turns fatal
In Phetchaburi province, a tourist boat was ripped to shreds by a freak funnel cloud which caused a waterspout effect that was spotted by tourists in the bay.  Saturday afternoon saw emergency services called and rescue teams out looking for all who were on board.   All but two were reported as recovered and a search was in effect through to yesterday for the other two.  Seeing one, sadly demised, hauled from the waters.     No word on who, of the tourists and crew, were wearing lifejackets, which is the law here, however the freak occurrence has caused consternation among locals. However, unlike a storm, these are quickly over and not re occurring in the same areas quickly

– Son of SM King of Thailand extends his stay upon arrival of younger brother 
As Thailand celebrated mothers day this weekend, AND of course the birthday of HM the Queen Sirikit, mother to the current King, so, in the capital, the news is that Vacharaesorn, the second son of HM the King may be extending his visit to the kingdom as he has now been joined by his younger brother.  Dr Chakriwat, a medical professional, based in New York who has there founded a medical information centre.  The obvious close relationship between the two was displayed throughout the weekend as they toured several points of importance including Thailand’s very first hospital, Siriraj, where they duly paid respect to the memorials to HM Rama 9, their grandfather ALONG WITH SEVERAL TEMPLES.   After a near 3 decade absence, their relaxed attitude was welcomed by onlookers.  With initial reports that Vachareason would return to the US this past weekend, it’s believed that the visit has been extended to allow the two to comfortably meet family and dignitaries and also take in the warmth of their homeland. *As always, comments regarding the Royal family are not allowed on our youtube page and we appreciate your respecting this issue.*

– Many Marijuana dealers in Thailand thought to be dubious
With the recent increase in drug induced madness, that has seen tourists go crazy on occasion, strip off naked and attempt to take their own lives or others, concern has been raised that whilst buying marijuana may be semi legal here in Thailand,  the issue now is purity.  Seems that several street vendors and pushers are doing their best to get a reputation for the effect of their wares by adding non natural content.  Marijuana smoking rarely causes psychotic incidents, yet recently, normally normal people have had to be physically restrained for their own good.  The advisory then is that IF you have to buy weed, it’s certainly important that you buy from a licenced outlet with a physical address.  Police will, normally, gather supplier information from those in custody and tracing supply is key to all.

– Chinese tourism in Thailand up by 25%
Chinese tourism is up,  by a reported 25% on last month’s seeing 400K arriving monthly now on short trips. Efforts though have been made to simplify and speed up their visa approvals, done in their home country, as other nations too welcome them now with open arms.   TAT predicats a monthly footfall of half a million Chinese within the year.

– Cop shoots male nurse lover in hospital facility
In the capital, a local 22 year old policeman was under arrest yesterday after firing a semi automatic rifle in a hospital facility. Seems HE was in a relationship with a male Nurse there, they had fallen out and this was his way of showing his anger.  With many scared for sure he is reported to have been auto dismissed from the force and faces charges.  No word as to where he purchased the gun

– Thai man shoots himself in the leg in nightclub 
In Hat Yai, a local man played with his pocket weapon, which he kept in his trousers, as he enjoyed revelries in a local nightclub. Seems his finger slipped and.. he shot himself in the leg with a gun he happened to be carrying at the time.   No real security there on the doors then but the club has been temporarily closed as police investigate.

– Russian tourist falls from balcony, drunken boyfriend refuses to comment 
Meanwhile,  and in Na jomtien a 32 yr old Russian FELL from a 7th floor condo Sunday morning.  Dressed only in a t-shirt she was discovered by those below and police are interviewing her 30 yr old boyfriend who was, at the time, inebriated.   He claims she just fell, with no inducement, but refused to make a full statement.  An autopsy is expected early this week.

– Chinese man found in Rayong pond
The body of an expat Chinaman has been sent to BKK for autopsy after he was found in a Rayong Pond.  Initial discovery reveals that his legs had been bound with cable, he had been gagged before incurring severe head injuries and a full police investigation is underway.  The 36 year old was a former employee of a Robber company in Amata city.

– Insurance scammer nabbed in Chonburi 
And in Chonburi an insurance scammer has been caught after policy holders were refused payouts because their policies simply don’t exist.  It’s likely the insurance companies will cover them though as they have legitimate documents with only one part of the process missing.. the payment to the company by the, now arrested, agent.  22 million baht, at least, is the estimated scam value, with some policyholders having paid for years and unaware that they were being scammed.

– Pattaya police vs Kuwaiti bikers
Kuwaiti barry boys had a less than fun weekend, of ronce.  As they revved up their rented rides in the city and began their nightly spree of noise and chaos, so a team of 200 police hit the streets.  Word spread and many parked up quickly.  Others, who thought themselves to be above the law, were sulty stopped and fined for various traffic cvilations. In all, a reported 200 were stopped and cautioned,  however the fine imites, high for thais, are peanuts to these entitled kids, and many paid with a sneer, hopefully to be wiped away when the rental companies pass on the 2K fines THEY have to pay to recover the bikes from police compounds

– Karma for Australian vandal in Pattaya
And the weekend saw an Australian , 55 year old Jason Bradley Scott, recover in custody from whatever drug HE took, that led him to enter a city temple and attempt to destroy artifacts whilst acting like a madman.  Monks tried to approach him, he fled but in his disoreated state, slipped and fell on the steps outside leaving him unable to get up, until assisted by police.  Karma perhaps.. but he faces a considerable bill for reparations.

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