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Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Straits Times
Three arrested in Thailand for allegedly swindling tourists with fake hotel bookings
Three suspects have been arrested for allegedly using fake Facebook pages to deceive tourists in Thailand. PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Three arrested in Thailand for allegedly swindling tourists with fake hotel bookings PATTAYA - Three suspects have been arrested for allegedly using fake Facebook pages to deceive tourists, causing losses of around 700,000 baht in fraudulent hotel bookings, Thai police said on May 22. The Tourist Police Bureau announced that the three suspects were arrested in three separate raids in Chanthaburi, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya on May 21 under arrest warrants issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. They are accused of creating deceptive Facebook pages for popular hotels in Pattaya and luring tourists to transfer money for room reservations. According to the bureau, the suspects have allegedly cheated tourists out of at least 700,000 baht, based on transaction records linked to their bank accounts. The suspects reportedly used similar tactics by offering cheap room rates at promotional prices and urging tourists to pay a small deposit initially. They then contacted their victims via Facebook messages, pressing them to pay the full amount plus a room guarantee deposit, claiming the promotions were valid only for the current month with limited availability. However, after victims transferred the money, they discovered at check-in that no bookings had been made and that the bank accounts used for payment did not belong to the hotels. The three suspects have been handed over to Pattaya police station to face charges. The Tourist Police have urged tourists to carefully verify whether Facebook pages genuinely belong to hotels before transferring money to reserve rooms. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Straits Times
Three arrested for allegedly swindling tourists with fake hotel bookings
Three suspects have been arrested for allegedly using fake Facebook pages to deceive tourists in Thailand. PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK PATTAYA - Three suspects have been arrested for allegedly using fake Facebook pages to deceive tourists, causing losses of around 700,000 baht in fraudulent hotel bookings, Thai police said on May 22. The Tourist Police Bureau announced that the three suspects were arrested in three separate raids in Chanthaburi, Bangkok, and Ayutthaya on May 21 under arrest warrants issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. They are accused of creating deceptive Facebook pages for popular hotels in Pattaya and luring tourists to transfer money for room reservations. According to the bureau, the suspects have allegedly cheated tourists out of at least 700,000 baht, based on transaction records linked to their bank accounts. The suspects reportedly used similar tactics by offering cheap room rates at promotional prices and urging tourists to pay a small deposit initially. They then contacted their victims via Facebook messages, pressing them to pay the full amount plus a room guarantee deposit, claiming the promotions were valid only for the current month with limited availability. However, after victims transferred the money, they discovered at check-in that no bookings had been made and that the bank accounts used for payment did not belong to the hotels. The three suspects have been handed over to Pattaya police station to face charges. The Tourist Police have urged tourists to carefully verify whether Facebook pages genuinely belong to hotels before transferring money to reserve rooms. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Straits Times
Thai construction tycoon surrenders to police over collapse of Bangkok building
Mr Premchai (in wheelchair) reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station after the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB)'s issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects linked to the incident. PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK BANGKOK - Mr Premchai Karnasuta, president of Italian-Thai Development (ITD), surrendered to police on May 16 over an arrest warrant linked to the collapse of the State Audit Office (SAO) building in March. Accompanied by his personal lawyer, Mr Premchai reported to officers at Bang Sue Police Station after the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB)'s issued arrest warrants for 17 suspects linked to the incident. The case involves the collapse of a 30-storey building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district on March 28, triggered by an earthquake, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The suspects face Penal Code charges for professional negligence in building design, supervision, or construction that resulted in injuries and deaths. Mr Premchai arrived at the station at 8am in a private van, assisted by close associates who provided a wheelchair. As he was wheeled into the station, reporters asked whether he admitted guilt, felt concerned or wished to apologise to the public. He remained silent and did not respond to any questions. Other suspects, including engineer Pimol Charoenying, who certified the original design, and Kriengsak Kowattana, executive vice-president of ITD, also appeared at the station accompanied by their legal counsel. Police officers at Bang Sue Police Station erected metal barricades to maintain order and prevent the media from entering the interview area. The SAO building was constructed by the ITD-CREC Joint Venture, in collaboration with China Railway Number 10 (Thailand). The joint venture is currently under investigation by several government agencies, with inquiries divided into three key areas: the use of Thai nominees holding shares on behalf of foreign nationals, the use of substandard or non-compliant construction materials, and the cause of the building's collapse. According to a report by Krungthep Turakij, China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) is linked to over 14 affiliated companies. Three Thai nationals are listed as directors and shareholders across these firms, which have collectively signed at least 29 public procurement contracts with the government, with a total value exceeding 22 billion baht (S$859 million). The company is reported to operate using a joint venture model with other private entities. Typically, it begins by purchasing government bid documents and then partners with well-capitalised Thai firms to form joint ventures before submitting their bids. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
From mangos to mangosteens: PM Paetongtarn puts Thai fruits in spotlight
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra encouraged Thais to consume more locally grown fruits. PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK From mangos to mangosteens: PM Paetongtarn puts Thai fruits in spotlight BANGKOK - Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra shared a video clip on her TikTok account on May 14, in which she promote a variety of local fruits. In the clip, Ms Paetongtarn takes a selfie video with a variety of Thai fruits, including mangoes, rambutans, durians and mangosteens. She highlighted the international popularity of Thai mangoes, saying they have gained global recognition over the past two years for their delicious flavour and affordability. The Prime Minister also encouraged Thais to consume more locally grown fruits. In the caption accompanying the post, Ms Paetongtarn stated that the 2025 fruit harvest has increased by approximately 15 per cent compared to 2024 , thanks to favourable weather conditions. She added that this presents a valuable opportunity to promote Thai fruits and make them more accessible to consumers. 'This year, the government is launching the Thai Fruits Festival to boost domestic consumption through a range of creative activities,' she said. 'These include fruit-based recipe competitions, online sales channels, community-oriented events using Thai fruits, and support for high-quality fruit processing.' On the international front, Ms Paetongtarn stated that the government is expediting negotiations on free trade agreements (FTAs) to drive exports. Thai fruits will also be showcased at international trade fairs to expand markets and create more opportunities for farmers. 'Thai fruits are of high quality, uniquely flavoured, and full of growth potential — especially if we all work together to support them,' she emphasised. 'I would like to invite everyone to support Thai fruits this season. It's a simple yet impactful way we can all help support Thai farmers.' THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Thailand's edible insect market poised for explosive growth
Thailand currently accounts for 6 per cent of the world's total insect export value. PHOTO: THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK BANGKOK – Thailand is positioning itself to capitalise on the rapidly expanding global edible insect market, which experts predict will grow by 25.1 per cent annually between 2025 and 2030, as consumers worldwide increasingly turn to sustainable protein alternatives. Already ranked as the world's sixth-largest insect exporter, Thailand's deep-rooted expertise in insect farming and growing domestic market acceptance provide a solid foundation for expansion in this emerging sector. The shift toward insect protein comes as environmentally conscious consumers seek alternatives to traditional livestock farming, which generates approximately 14.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. By comparison, insect farming produces remarkably lower environmental impacts: Producing 1kg of insect protein generates just 1kg of CO2 equivalent: 27 to 40 times less than conventional livestock Requires give to 13 times less water and feed than cattle, pigs and chickens Can operate in limited spaces with significantly higher efficiency While rising global temperatures pose challenges for traditional livestock – potentially reducing yields by up to 38 per cent – many insect species actually thrive in warmer climates, potentially accelerating production cycles. This climate resilience could further strengthen Thailand's position in the global market as traditional protein production faces increasing challenges from climate change. For Thai farmers, insect farming represents a potentially lucrative opportunity: Initial investment for a basic cricket farm ranges from 45,000 to 75,000 baht (S$1,760 to S$2,930) Fresh insect sales can generate profits between 9,600 and 37,000 baht annually Processing insects into flour could increase profits to 260,000 baht per year Land-use efficiency can generate up to 9,300 baht per sq m, significantly higher than the 1,500 baht per square meter from broiler chickens or dairy cows Market growth and challenges The global edible insect market, valued at US$1.35 billion (S$1.76 billion) in 2024, is gaining traction, particularly in Europe, the Americas and East Asia. Insects are increasingly being used in protein powders, bars and as ingredients in animal feed. Thailand currently accounts for 6 per cent of the world's total insect export value (approximately US$586,000), with the United States as the primary destination market. Despite this potential, consumer acceptance remains a significant hurdle, with unfamiliarity and food safety concerns presenting obstacles to widespread adoption. The broader impacts of large-scale production also require careful monitoring. Nevertheless, with appropriate government support and promotion of both domestic consumption and exports, Thailand's edible insect sector could become a cornerstone of a more sustainable food system, generating substantial income while reducing environmental impacts. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
