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- Thai-panic: AirAsia flight defies disaster over denied landing in India
A Thai AirAsia flight found itself in a death-defying situation straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster when it was denied permission to land at an airport in India. Passengers were left fearing for their lives as the aircraft was forced to circle for a staggering 45 minutes with only 30 minutes of fuel remaining in the tank.The drama unfolded as the Airbus A320, captained by Mathawat Aphiratnathapong, eventually received clearance to land but was then detained for four hours at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, Nepal, after arriving without the necessary clearance. It was only released on Sunday, October 27, after the pilot issued a formal apology. The flight finally took off for Bangkok at 6.57pm.
TIA General Manager Jagannath Niraula explained that the pilot claimed the flight had been arranged by Nepalese agent Universal Tours and Travels, which insisted all required clearances were in place. Following the pilot’s written apology, TIA granted the release.
Prior to the chaotic landing, the plane was instructed to hold at 14,000 feet above Simara. With fuel running dangerously low, the captain desperately sought permission to land, which was ultimately granted. The flight, carrying 176 passengers to Kathmandu, was scheduled to return with 160 travellers to Bangkok.
According to sources within the tourism ministry, Universal Tours and Travels, run by Parashar Prasai, had previously organised Thai AirAsia flights with conditional approval to land in Bhairahawa from October 2.This authorisation hinged on settling a 270 million rupee (113 million baht) debt owed by AirAsia dating back to before the pandemic. Prasai had provided a bank guarantee to clear the arrears, resulting in a conditional permit for flights to Kathmandu, with plans to shift services to Bhairahawa after a feasibility assessment.
Gyanendra Bhul, Deputy Spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority, clarified that the airline was lacking clearance under the winter schedule, which started on Sunday and had only been authorised for Kathmandu flights from October 2 to 27.
Nepal’s flight schedules are revised seasonally: the winter timetable runs from the last Sunday of October to the last Sunday of March, while summer flights span from late March to late October.
Efforts to contact Universal’s director, Prasai, for a comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to messages, The Kathmandu Post reported.
by Bob Scott
Picture courtesy of AirAsiaSource: The Thaiger
-- 2024-10-29
29 October 29 20241342001 - Thai Woman, 20, Sentenced to Life in Sweden for Murder
Picture courtesy: Swedish Police
Khwanchai Iamchaeng, a 20-year-old woman from Thailand, has been sentenced to life in prison in Sweden for the murder of a 17-year-old boy. The crime involved luring the victim to a tram stop under the guise of purchasing his headphones, only for him to be fatally shot.
Despite initially being acquitted in district court due to lack of evidence, Iamchaeng's conviction was ultimately secured in the Göta Court of Appeal. This decision marks her as Sweden’s first female gang shooter to receive a life sentence, highlighting the severity with which the court regarded her involvement.
The murder took place in Norrköping, a city currently entangled in gang conflicts. Iamchaeng was linked to the shooting despite limited direct evidence, as the court concluded that no reasonable alternative explanation for the murder existed. Ann Ganelind, the court's presiding judge, emphasised this point, stating that the close proximity at which the crime occurred left little doubt about Iamchaeng's involvement.
The victim was reportedly listed on a "hit list" within the violent gang disputes in Norrköping, specifically between the Kalo network and another rival group from Marielund. This ongoing feud involves "enemy" lists that have resulted in multiple acts of violence.
Originally from Gävle, Iamchaeng alleged she was coerced into various activities upon her arrival in Norrköping. She maintained that her intention was to buy headphones when the shooting incident transpired unexpectedly, leading her to flee.
In addition to life imprisonment for murder, Iamchaeng has been convicted of attempted murder and serious weapons offences. Her case underscores the escalating gang violence in Sweden and the subsequent legal ramifications for those involved. The verdict serves as a significant development in addressing gang-related crimes within the country, reported Expressen, Sweden.
-- 2024-10-29
29 October 29 20241342059 - Tak Bai Massacre Case Dismissed as Statute of Limitations Expires
A provincial court in Narathiwat has officially dismissed the long-running Tak Bai massacre case, marking a significant development nearly 19 years after the tragic event that left 78 protestors dead. The case was dropped last Friday due to the statute of limitations expiring, leaving no defendants available to stand trial.
The lawyer representing the relatives of the deceased, Rasada Manoorasada, expressed determination to continue seeking the truth, even as the formal legal process concludes without resolution. Criticism has been directed at state agencies, with demands to halt pensions for the retired fugitives implicated.
Moreover, there are calls for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to start an inquiry into the alleged neglect by Nong Chik police, accused of delaying the case investigations for nearly two decades. This year, the Office of Attorney-General finally pressed charges against seven retired senior figures from the military, police, and interior sectors.
The massacre took place on 25th October 2004, when 78 individuals tragically suffocated while being transported in cramped conditions during a 150km journey from Tak Bai police station to the Ingkayuth army barracks in Pattani.
Security measures have been tightened in and around the court amid these developments. The dismissed case underscores the complex challenges of seeking justice in prolonged legal battles.
File photo for reference only
28 October 28 20241341947 - Facial Recognition to Replace Boarding Passes at Six Thai Airports
Image: ASEAN NOW
Thai airports announced plans to introduce a facial recognition system by the end of the year, effectively phasing out the need for traditional boarding passes. This cutting-edge technology will be implemented in six major airports, aiming to streamline passenger movement and enhance security processes.
From 1st November, domestic travellers in Thailand will experience this new system, with international passengers following on 1st December. Passengers will register their identification details during check-in, either at a staffed counter or using a self-service kiosk.
Upon registration, their biometric data will be linked with their travel itineraries, enabling them to navigate seamlessly from baggage drop-off to boarding gate. Each registration will apply solely to the passenger's current travel itinerary.
The six key airports set to adopt this system are:
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
Don Mueang International Airport
Chiang Mai International Airport
Mae Fah Luang/Chiang Rai International Airport
Phuket International Airport
Hat Yai International Airport
Kirati Kitmanawat, Director of the Airports Authority of Thailand, highlighted the potential benefits of this system amidst rising passenger numbers.
He reported nearly a 20% increase in airport users in September and October compared to last year, with expectations for further growth in the coming year.
The biometric system is designed not only to meet heightened security demands but also to enhance passenger convenience during their journey.
This venture aligns with global trends towards digital solutions in travel, aiming to make procedures more efficient while maintaining rigorous security standards.
As these airports gear up for implementation, travellers can expect a technologically advanced and smoother travel experience in Thailand.
The initiative promises to set a new standard in airport technology, potentially serving as a model for other airports globally, reported Bangkok Post.
-- 2024-10-29
28 October 28 20241341971 - Thailand to Implement 300-Baht Tourism Tax Starting with Air Travel
File photo
Thailand is gearing up to impose a 300-baht tourism tax, initially targeting air travel, possibly starting within the next six months.
The Tourism and Sports Ministry, under Minister Sorawong Thienthong, is refining details before seeking cabinet approval in January. Initially greenlit in February 2023 under the previous administration, the scheme requires newer government consensus post-elections.
Air travellers, making up 70% of Thailand's foreign arrivals, are slated to be the first to feel the impact of this tax. Plans involve employing a transaction system developed by Krungthai Bank.
Travellers would use a dedicated website or app to process their payments, mirroring South Korea's K-ETA registration system. Essentially, visitors would pre-register and pay online prior to entering Thailand.
A key feature of the proposed tax is the inclusion of an insurance premium, capped at 60 baht per person from the collected 300 baht. It offers a 30-day protection, aligning with the average tourist stay duration, covering up to 1 million baht in the case of accidental death, and 500,000 baht for injuries.
Phase two aims to expand the tax coverage to overland travellers. Additionally, Mr Thienthong is considering standardising the fee to 300 baht across all arrival modes, addressing concerns of discrimination since previous plans proposed lower charges for entry via land and sea, reported Bangkok Post.
It's important to note that frequent border crossers, primarily for trade, could bypass this levy with a border pass. Upon gaining government approval, the ministry will spearhead the recruitment of software developers and insurance firms to support this initiative.
This tourism tax is forecast to provide significant revenue while offering tourists a safety net during their stay in Thailand.
-- 2024-10-24
23 October 23 20241341545 - Thailand to tax residents’ foreign income irrespective of remittance
The Revenue Department of Thailand will amend a law to tax individuals with foreign income, even if that income is not brought into Thailand.
Director-General of the Revenue Department, Kulaya Tantitemit stated that the current tax law mandates individuals residing in Thailand for over 180 days per year to pay taxes on foreign income if it is brought into the country.
This income is currently subject to personal income tax payments to the department. The department is now working to amend the law based on the principle of worldwide income.
This principle taxes individuals based on their residency within the country, irrespective of whether the income is sourced domestically or internationally.
Kulaya mentioned plans to expand the tax base by requiring platforms with an income of 1 billion baht or more to report their sources of income.
She added that the department will use this information to verify their tax compliance.
Previously, the department revised the criteria for tax residency, mandating that individuals residing in Thailand for at least 180 days per year and earning foreign income must pay personal income tax if that income is brought into the country within the same year it was earned.
However, this rule will be revised again, effective from 2024, requiring tax payment on foreign income regardless of when it is brought into the country, reported Bangkok Post.
By Ryan Turner
Image courtesy of Thailand Elite Visas
5 June 05 20241329034 - Academy lecturer removed after lawsuit against Big Joke’s wife
There are no updates regarding the theft lawsuit filed by a police officer’s wife against the wife of former police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, but the complainant is now facing multiple criminal accusations and has just been dismissed as a lecturer at the Royal Police Cadet Academy (RPCA).
The 50 year old RPCA lecturer, Thanattha Yodyiam, accused Big Joke’s wife, Sirinatda Hakparn, of stealing gold accessories worth about 5.7 million baht and having an affair with her police officer husband. Sirinatda visited Phra Kanong Police Station on October 24 to deny all the allegations.
Moreover, Sirinatda reportedly filed a counter-accusation against Thanattha, claiming she illegally wore a police uniform. Sirinatda emphasised that Thanattha was only a lecturer, not a police officer, and thus had no authority to wear the uniform.
Thanattha appeared on Channel 3’s news programme, Hone Krasae, to present her side of the story regarding both the theft and the alleged affair. Following the interview, allegations surfaced online accusing Thanattha herself of committing fraud and stealing a car from her former business partner.
On October 28, Thanattha appeared on Hone Krasae once again to defend herself. She began by explaining that she indeed wore the police uniform but only for an event-themed “dream job.” She asserted that she had never worn the uniform again or used it to deceive anyone.
Thanattha further explained that the event took place while she was pursuing her master’s degree and presented additional photographs of the occasion to the public.
Car theft accusation
Regarding the theft and fraud cases, Thanattha clarified that the accusations arose after she invested in multiple businesses with another lecturer named Siriporn. This business partner accused Thanattha of committing fraud by stealing her BMW car.
However, Thanattha maintained that Siriporn arranged for someone to collect the vehicle from her home and that she had no knowledge of the car’s whereabouts.
Thanattha firmly denied the accusations, alleging that Siriporn fabricated the complaint against her due to conflicts in their business dealings. She noted that two cases filed by Siriporn were already dismissed for lack of evidence, and two other cases are currently pending in court.
In response to the various legal accusations and complications, the RPCA issued an official document announcing Thanattha’s dismissal as a lecturer on October 29. The academy cited three reasons for her removal, stating:
- Thanattha does not meet the criteria and qualifications for a special lecturer at the RPCA.
- The officials responsible for hiring special lecturers acted arbitrarily by adding Thanattha to the special lecturers’ list, which did not adhere to RPCA protocols and procedures.
- The lecturer in question has genuinely acted unethically, as reported in the news. Therefore, a fact-finding committee must be established to proceed according to regulations.
Thanattha has not yet spoken to the media following her dismissal. Additionally, there were no further developments regarding the lawsuit she filed against Big Joke’s wife.
By Petch Petpailin
Photo via Hone Keasae
29 October 29 20241342034 - Thai FDA Pressured to Tackle Contaminated Grape Import Scandal
The Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) is urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address the alarming discovery of chemical contamination in Shine Muscat grapes. Almost all samples tested revealed unsafe levels of forbidden substances, prompting calls for immediate action.
Last week, laboratory tests on 23 out of 24 grape samples showed contamination with unsafe chemical residues, including chlorpyrifos and endrin aldehyde, which are prohibited under Thai food safety regulations. The TCC, led by secretary-general Saree Aongsomwang, is advocating for legal measures against the importers responsible for these tainted grapes. They further demand that any undisturbed imports undergo rigorous examination and destruction if contaminated.
Ms Saree urged importers to recall their potentially harmful products for thorough inspection and called for a ban on companies implicated in knowingly importing contaminated goods. The tested grape samples were procured from various sources including online vendors, fresh markets, and modern trade enterprises across Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces.
The lab results revealed 14 problematic chemicals exceeding the legal safety limit of 0.01 mg/kg. Furthermore, a total of 50 chemical residues were detected, of which 22 remain unregulated by Thai law. This discovery includes substances like triasulfuron and fludioxonil.
FDA secretary-general Surachoke Tangwiwat acknowledged the findings, pointing out that while 36 of the detected residues were within safe limits, there isn’t sufficient information on the risks posed by 14 others. He advised consumers to thoroughly wash fruits before consumption.
Dr Surachoke reaffirmed the FDA's dedication to consumer protection, assuring that contaminated imports will be confiscated and legal proceedings initiated against importers. The contamination scare has led to consumer avoidance of the Shine Muscat grapes, causing vendors, like Thaworn Prommee from Nakhon Ratchasima, significant financial losses and spoilage of stocks previously in high demand.
File photo courtesy: Wikimedia
-- 2024-10-28
28 October 28 20241341896 - House Committee to Propose Landmark 'No-Cane' Legislation
FILE photo
The House committee is preparing to introduce a landmark bill that aims to ban corporal punishment, specifically caning, nationwide. This proposed legislation marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to child-rearing practices.
If passed, Thailand will become the second nation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to outlaw such disciplinary measures.
Weeraphat Khantha, spokesman for the legislative committee responsible, announced this progressive move. Currently, under the existing Civil Procedure Code, which has been in place for 89 years, parents and guardians in Thailand have the legal right to discipline children through various physical means, including caning.
The proposed bill seeks to amend this long-standing regulation, reflecting modern attitudes towards child welfare and discipline.
A recent study by Thailand's Social Development and Human Security Ministry highlights the pressing need for change. The study, citing figures from UNICEF, found that an alarming 38.6% of children aged between 1 and 14 were subjected to physical punishment by their parents in 2022.
Such statistics underscore the potential impact of the proposed legislation on improving both child welfare and parenting practices across the nation.
The committee emphasises that the amendment is aimed at promoting positive and non-violent child-raising practices. Weeraphat Khantha noted, "The change is expected to promote better relationships between parents and children while reducing trauma among young ones."
He further stated that, if approved, Thailand would join a progressive global movement, becoming the 68th country worldwide to implement a ban on corporal punishment, reported Bangkok Post.
The impending submission of this bill to the Thai Parliament is a pivotal moment for child rights in Thailand, reflecting a commitment to fostering safe and nurturing environments for future generations.
-- 2024-10-28
27 October 27 20241341878 - PM Paetongtarn May Dissolve House Ahead of Court Ruling
Composite pictures courtesy: Daily News
Thailand is on tenterhooks with speculation swirling about a potential move by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to dissolve the House of Representatives.
A member of the Democrat Party has predicted this event may occur within the next 90 days, presumably to preempt an impending decision by the Constitutional Court.
The court is set to rule on a lawsuit concerning Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn's father and the influential figure behind Pheu Thai, one of the ruling parties.
This claim came to public notice through the insights shared by Mongkolkit Suksintharanon, a former maverick MP now aligned with the Democrat Party.
He took to Facebook to voice his prediction, suggesting that a fresh election announcement might precede any court-mandated dissolution of Pheu Thai and other parties. Mongkolkit assessed the likelihood of this scenario at over 70%.
This political tremor stems from a legal complaint led by activist lawyer Thirayut Suwankesorn, directed at Thaksin and Pheu Thai. The charges involve allegations of Thaksin’s undue influence over the party, primarily orchestrated through his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn.
The lawsuit contends that Thaksin managed a secretive convergence of coalition leaders at his residence, shortly after the Constitutional Court's dismissal of Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Such a move from Paetongtarn could complicate an already bewildering political landscape, with new parties potentially entering the fray under unfamiliar banners, potentially confusing the electorate.
The urgency now lies with the Office of the Attorney-General, bound by the court's order to process this lawsuit within the designated 15-day timeframe, adding a ticking clock to the unfolding political drama, reported Thai Newsroom.
-- 2024-10-28
27 October 27 20241341876