VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (26 October 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
– Deputy minister’s son-in-law arrested for corruption
The son-in-law of the deputy interior minister was arrested yesterday, charged with demanding a kick back from contractors in Uthai thani, bidding for a water contract. Nabbed alongside his assistant and two others, they are accused of accepting 600K baht to give approval for the contract. Dad was, we are told, beside himself with rage and has ordered his errant son in law to resign as the local mayor instantly, as he, the deputy minister, has repeatedly spoken out against those who enjoy the benefits of nefarious activities.
– ‘Rich Thais don’t need 10,000 baht giveaway’, says Thai PM
Well-heeled Thais are NOT going to get the 10K baht digital wallet giveaway next year as they really don’t NEED IT, this according to the latest update from Thailand’s Prime minister. The cash subsidy, promised for February but now delayed, has seen much criticism but for the Pheu Thai party is seen as key to retaining an element of public support. The PM has not defined what he determines as RICH, likely there will be an income level set, but either way, cutting out the top earners in the country will save very little as the majority of Thais WILL eventually get the money.. so we are told.
– Over 4,500 Thais safely returned from Israel
Yesterday saw another 32 Thai workers return from Israel under the government airlift program which, to date, has recovered over 4500 nationals. Sadly, along with those returning were several more coffins of those who didn’t survive the initial bombing there. Total now registered to return is reported at over 8000 and the flight schedule will continue until all have been given the opportunity to escape the conflict.
– Later opening hours for entertainment zones remains unclear
The expected announcement of details on later opening hours for entertainment zones was NOT released yesterday as, we are told, the I’s need dotting and the T’s crossing. It may well be that the initial report, of approval for long hours, wasn’t intended to be released just yet but, we are told, we can expect an update via the royal gazette soon. Only then, when published, do any changes become official. Committee meetings including reps from several ministries and the police were held yesterday, headed up by K Anutin’s deputy at the ministry of interior which will make the final decision.
– Dangerous smog levels return
Smog, the evil air that we normally see around the start of the new year, has come early due to stagnant air, particularly in the capital where dangerous levels have been recorded. Weather changes from today onward are expected to see that clear slightly, but anyone with breathing difficulties has been advised to wear a mask and avoid exercise. 157 was the highest level reported, safety levels.. are under a third of that.
– Move Forward’s K. Pita honoured in TIME 100 NEXT magazine
Move Forward party leader K Pita has been honoured this week with inclusion in time magazine’s 100 NEXT list. The listing comprises of those deemed to be emerging leaders globally who will define future generations, attributing his inclusion to his party’s coming from nowhere to WIN the past election, despite its subsequent replacement by Pheu Thai, which came second, Pita , in a speech, said that “ it’s not just me, it is something that we have to accept and give back to the people who raised their voice and demanded change.”
– Thai thief thought lucky charms ‘made him invisible’
In Udon thani, a teenage petty thief was caught and his arrest reported in the media, including English language programs that rely on AI to translate. End result, although he is a thief and did attempt to steal a motorbike Police when searching his bag did NOT find a mouldboard plough as copied and pasted across the net. That in itself would have been an achievement as those ploughs, well they would take 4 men to lift, are perhaps 5 metres in length and fit behind a tractor. It only takes one to post without fact checking and soon it spreads to other sites that copy and paste without investigation. Other items that WERE found in his bag were his lucky charms, which the 19 year old believed made him invisible and allowed him to get away with his crimes.. Those now, to him anyway, have been proven worthless.
– Ladyboy hunters swoop on Beach Road
Meanwhile at home, and as the city readies for the high season, so the ladyboy hunters were it again on Beach road. Police teams again this week rounding up several dozen members of the third gender, each being recorded with ID and photo for the files that assist in solving minor crime quickly. With some questioning WHY they are being targeted, police records remind us that of the reported pickpocketing and minor theft reports over the past few years, MOST have been attributed to this group, and the accurate recording of of active bodysellers has allowed quick identification in cases where CCTV has been operational AND allowed investigators to run an ID lineup with victims.
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