VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (27 October 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
– Over half of Israel’s hostages are Thai
As Thailand works to repatriate here missing workers in Israel, with a first class airlift operation, the latest news is that in addition to several more Thais dying from injuries, an estimated 54 Thai nationals are among over 200 hostages currently held by Hamas. Those make up over HALF of the number of hostages that are non Israeli. These figures, issued by the Israeli government, are an indication of the concentration of Thai workers in the dangerous region prior to the events of 2 weeks ago.
– Will prostitution & marriage equality laws change in Thailand?
Next week, the cabinet is set to review a marriage equality bill which may see legitimacy for gay marriages in Thailand. This week though, the Prime Minister sat on a committee to debate trans and gay marriage, along with the legalization of prostitution which, currently, is illegal under Thai law. A bill proposed by the Move forward party in the previous parliament DID include marriage registration for transgenders. THAT though has been cast aside, we are told, in favour of a watered down version that would NOT allow registration of marriage but WOULD allow a so called “registration of partnership”. We wait then to see what benefits that would carry, such as rights to inheritance, insurance and estate held between couples where both are born male, or indeed female. The chances of sex work being decriminalized are, we are told.. minimal, despite prostitution being rife here.
– 10,000 baht giveaway postponed… again.
The 10,000 baht giveaway program to all Thais, planned for January, now on hold as a committee tries to work out how to fund it and make it safely available to recipients, hit more hurdles yesterday as announcements confirm extended delays that may see it NOT go into practice until May 2024. In addition to new ideas under consideration, such as reducing the cost by ONLY paying it to those on Low incomes, word is that other parties have warned that BORROWING those funds from a national bank source could be illegal. The scheme, aimed at stimulating the economy, promised 10,000 baht in digital money to all Thais aged 16 and above for them to spend at shops within a 4-kilometre radius of their registered address within a six-month period. That distance has already been extended to anywhere within their home district.
– Scam call centers raided in Laos
Two Laos nationals are being held by authorities in Chiang Rai after reports that THEY were colluding with others to entrap Thais with promises of well paid work in Laos where, upon arrival, the Thais found themselves forced to work in scam call centres. Those centres, we are told, have now been raided in a joint operation between Thailand’s DSI and Laos authorities and others are being sought.
– Tourist found with narcotics after refusing to pay bar bill
Local police were called to a Walking Street eatery where a young Turk refused to pay his dinner bill, found to be under the influence of something rather serious, he was taken into custody and held without questioning until he recovers. Among his possessions, officers found what is assumed to be Ketamine which the man said he was sold by a local national in the street.
– Delivery driver severely beaten by Tree Town guards
Video clips went viral this week of so-called security guards in tree town beating up a drinks delivery motorcyclist. The 25 year old was alone when he pulled in to deliver booze. It may be that some there have a hold on the supply of drinks to bars there, but either way, the man was seriously beaten, even after he was down and nearly out for the count. Both attackers are in police custody and we await confirmation of charges as the delivery man remains hospitalized.
– Wanted tourist nabbed upon return to Thailand after 15 years on the run
If you ever thought an elephant has a long memory, well the Thai police have one, even longer.. That was proven this week as a New Zealander flew into Thailand and arrived in Phuket for his vacation. Nothing wrong with that, but in this case the man had been here before, to Pattaya 15 yrs ago, when he was released on bail and subsequently absconded, whilst facing charges of Class 1 drug possession. Now 40, he thought with a new passport he would not be recognized. He is unlikely to be freed this time on bail and in addition to his drug charges, which remain in effect, he faces those of evasion from custody. His vacation then.. is likely to be longer than planned.
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