Business
Thai millionaire loses over 63 million baht to romance scammers
Five individuals, including two women and three Thai men, were apprehended for orchestrating a six-year-long romance scam, fleecing a millionaire of more than 63 million baht.
The victim, a Thai millionaire, realized the scam after facing financial ruin and reported the ordeal to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), resulting in the arrest of the main perpetrator, 35-year-old Nontikarn, in Ayutthaya on February 27.
The victim’s relationship with Nontikarn, masquerading as “Ice” on a dating site since 2016, evolved over the years despite never meeting in person. Plans for marriage were stalled as Nontikarn claimed to battle cancer, soliciting funds from the victim under various pretexts like medical bills, family debts, and real estate investments.
Nontikarn’s deception was elaborate, involving accomplices posing as family members who visited the victim, reinforcing the illusion of her existence. Over six years, the victim transferred money to Nontikarn 690 times, resulting in the staggering loss.
Confessing to orchestrating the scam, Nontikarn disclosed sharing the ill-gotten gains with family and other syndicate members, lavishly spending on luxury properties, vehicles, designer goods, vacations, and more.
“Behind every scam is a web of deceit, but the courage to expose it brings justice to light.”
Following Nontikarn’s admission to orchestrating the romance scam and dispersing the proceeds among her family and accomplices, which were splurged on opulent residences, vehicles, designer goods, and lavish vacations, the apprehension of the remaining four scammers ensued on March 18. Among them were Krittika, a 30-year-old woman; Kongphop, aged 34; Jeerasak, aged 31; and Wachira, also 30.
The quintet faces charges under three sections:
Section 342 of the Criminal Law, pertaining to fraud through impersonation, carrying a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 10,000 baht, or both.
Section 14 of the Computer Act, concerning the dissemination of false information causing harm, punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of five years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.
Section 9 of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering, for conspiring to engage in money laundering, with potential penalties ranging from one to ten years’ imprisonment, fines between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, or both.
The accused face charges under Sections 342, 14 of the Criminal Law and the Computer Act, respectively, and Section 9 of the Act on Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering, carrying penalties ranging from imprisonment to hefty fines.
Business
Rayong fishing groups sue Star Petroleum over oil spill devastation
A group of 14 individuals hailing from Rayong, 2qmate release of 50,000 liters of crude oil into the Gulf of Thailand, besmirching the shores of Rayong.
The province’s Fisheries Office reports a toll of at least 2,600 fishermen affected by this calamity. Beyond the depletion of fish stocks in the area, the contamination rendered the remaining catch unsalvageable.
Subsequent to the disaster, local fishermen have found it unfeasible to sustain themselves. Their customary fishing yields from the Rayong coastline have notably dwindled. Many have resorted to extending their maritime excursions or ceasing fishing operations entirely.
“14 Rayong residents sue SPRC over 2022 oil spill, seeking compensation for livelihood losses.”
Lamom Boonyong, president of the Pak Nam Ban Rao fishing community, elucidated that the lawsuit extends beyond the culpability of the oil spill’s perpetrator. Five additional entities stand accused of contravening environmental safeguarding statutes.
Representing diverse factions comprising over 800 members collectively, the plaintiffs aim to establish a precedent with their litigation.
Should the verdict favor their cause, it could pave the way for compensation claims by remaining members, potentially entailing a financial burden of approximately 240 million baht for the implicated company, as per Bangkok Post.
Furthermore, these groups implore governmental intervention to facilitate the restoration of the local marine ecosystem. The Civil Court is slated to review the lawsuit on May 17th.
Business
Pattaya Port Authority prepares 700 speedboats for Songkran
As the Songkran Festival looms closer, Pattaya Port Authority prepares for an influx of travellers with an initiative to ensure safety and convenience. From April 11 to 17, they are set to facilitate seamless water travel between Koh Larn and Pattaya.
To cater to the needs of both locals and tourists, the authority has orchestrated a fleet comprising 60 passenger boats and 700 speedboats. Their ambitious setup aims to handle at least 20,000 travellers daily, totalling a staggering 140,000 to 150,000 over the seven-day festival.
Ekkrach Kantharo, Director of the Regional Marine Office, Pattaya Branch, highlighted the meticulous preparations.
“With Thailand offering visa-free entry for Chinese tourists this year, there’s been a noticeable surge in visitors to Pattaya, especially those flocking to the pristine shores of Koh Larn for relaxation.”
Passenger boats, each capable of accommodating 150 travellers, will shuttle between Pattaya and Koh Larn hourly, with three to four boats scheduled based on demand. Meanwhile, speedboats will offer flexibility for private trips.
The allure of Koh Larn’s scenic beaches and crystal-clear waters has made it a top pick among tourists, driving up the demand for water travel services. Daily port activity in Pattaya has skyrocketed to over 15,000 passengers, with foreigners making up 70%, including Chinese, Russians, and Indians, while Thai nationals account for the remaining 30%.
During the Songkran festival period, the Pattaya Port Authority will set up a dedicated water convenience and public relations centre at the port. Collaborating with Pattaya City, marine police, tourist police, and rescue workers, they aim to prioritise safety.
Strict regulations will be enforced, with boat operators required to conduct thorough checks on vessel conditions and safety equipment, including life jackets and lifebuoys, reported Pattaya Mail.
Regular inspections for drugs will also be carried out to maintain a secure environment for all travellers amid the festive celebrations.
In related news, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is anticipating a robust tourism influx from North and South America this year, with a projection of at least 1.5 million tourists – a figure that mirrors the 2019 statistics. This surge is attributed to the confluence of the Songkran celebrations and the Easter holiday in April.
Business
Chiang Mai tourism expects rebound despite hotel booking slump
Chiang Mai, once bustling with tourists, is currently facing a downturn in hotel bookings as of Wednesday.
According to La-iad Bungsrithong, advisor to the Northern Thai Hotels Association, reservations are only at 30% capacity compared to the same period last April.
Despite this gloomy scenario, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. La-iad anticipates that occupancy rates will rebound to 70% during the upcoming Songkran Festival.
Scheduled from April 13 to 15 in Chiang Mai, the festival is expected to draw a large number of tourists. Some areas have even designated April 1 as the kickoff for water play festivities.
In related news, Chiang Mai tourism remains optimistic about a recovery despite the current slump in hotel bookings.
Traditionally favored as a cool winter retreat, Chiang Mai has faced additional challenges, notably air pollution. La-iad expressed optimism about a potential increase in tourist numbers by April, provided that the PM2.5 issues are effectively addressed.
“Chiang Mai is currently grappling with alarming levels of air pollution.”
However, this problem extends beyond Chiang Mai, affecting the entire northern region of Thailand. The air pollution crisis significantly impacted the tourism industry in March, causing hotel occupancy rates to drop to 50% from the expected 60%, according to La-iad.
She emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive plan from the Thai government to tackle air pollution. While this might not directly affect local businesses, the contaminated air, high in PM2.5, poses significant health risks.
“The PM2.5 issue requires a nationwide approach that entails concrete and comprehensive plans from the government.”
Additionally, La-iad proposed that Chiang Mai could benefit economically and in terms of tourism with the establishment of an entertainment complex. This could potentially replace the unregulated underground gambling dens. However, she stressed the importance of stringent legal measures and regulations to mitigate any potential societal issues stemming from the casinos.
“However, stringent legal measures and regulations must be carefully implemented to prevent any societal problems arising from the casinos.”
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