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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Japanese tourist arrested for driving naked through Hat Yai streets
KOTA BARU: Barely two months after 10 Malaysian tourists were fined in Hat Yai, Thailand, for illegal street racing and traffic violations, another foreigner was fined yesterday for driving naked in the popular tourist destination. The 56-year-old Japanese male tourist was apprehended after driving naked through the streets of Hat Yai about 5.30pm (Thai time). In a Facebook posting, Hat Yai Tourist Police chief Superintendent Sakdanan Kamsai said the man was arrested in a joint operation between Hat Yai Tourist Police and local police. "Several video clips and images of a man driving nude in public areas across the city drew widespread public outrage and condemnation on social media. "Following this, our investigators managed to locate the suspect. He was later identified as a 56-year-old Japanese national," he said. Upon questioning, he said the suspect admitted to being the person seen in the viral footage. Police subsequently charged him under Section 388 of the Thai Criminal Code for committing indecent acts in public, which includes exposing oneself or performing lewd behaviour in public places. He was issued a maximum fine of 5,000 baht (RM655). The tourist was then taken to the Hat Yai police station for further action. The officers also issued a stern warning, stating that such behaviour is illegal, inappropriate, and tarnishes Thailand's tourism image while offending local cultural sensitivities. The suspect acknowledged his wrongdoing and issued an apology for his actions. On May 17, 10 Malaysian tourists were fined in Hat Yai for illegal street racing and traffic violations. They were caught obstructing traffic and causing excessive noise near the Greenway Night Market. The group, aged between 21 and 25, were also cited for illegal vehicle modifications and incomplete vehicle equipment. In addition to the fines, they were required to issue a public apology.
Bangkok Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Jailhouse rock: Sek Loso to perform with inmate band
Thai rocker Sek Loso will perform outside prison for the first time since he began serving his sentence, at an event being held by the Department of Corrections this week. Sek, whose real name is Seksan Sookpimay, will be on stage at the Corrections Department Exhibition with the Min Buri Remand Prison Band at Impact Muang Thong Thani from Wednesday to Sunday, the public relations office of the department said. The singer-guitarist will perform on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The exhibition staged by the department is returning for the first time in two years to showcase products and other work by prisoners. The 54th edition of the event is expected to draw more visitors than usual because of shows featuring the famous musician. Sek has been serving a prison term of two years, 12 months and 20 days since May 20 for obstructing officers on duty, drug use and illegal possession of a firearm. He was immediately whisked away to prison from the courthouse after the Supreme Court delivered its final ruling in the case. The Thai Criminal Code counts a one-year jail term according to the calendar year and defines a month to have 30 fixed days for those receiving jail terms. Sek's routine behind bars includes teaching music to other inmates, composing music and joining them as a member of the Min Buri Remand Prison Band or playing as a solo artist. 'I had been prepared for this for seven years since the start of the judicial process in the first court,' he was quoted as saying on the Department of Corrections Facebook account on July 10. 'I have adjusted my life to this,' he added. A talented musician long known for his turbulent personal life, Sek has also written his first new song, I Will Always Be Your Supporter, since going behind the wall. He urged the public to give all inmates a second chance in their lives after they return to the outside world.
The Star
23-05-2025
- The Star
Swiss man convicted in assault case against Phuket doctor
THAILAND (The Nation Thailand/ANN): A Swiss man has been convicted by Thailand's Appeals Court for assaulting a Phuket doctor in 2024. He was sentenced to one month in prison without suspension. The Region 8 Appeals Court has overturned a lower court ruling and found Urs Fehr, also known as David, a Swiss national and owner of a Phuket elephant camp, guilty of physically assaulting Dr Thandao Chandam, a physician at a hospital in Phuket. The initial incident took place on Feb 24, 2024, at a beachfront villa in Yamu, Thalang District. Dr Thandao was sitting on the stairs when David allegedly approached her, kicked her in the back, and verbally abused her with profanities. The altercation, captured on video, went viral and drew significant public attention. On September 3, 2025, the Phuket Provincial Court acquitted David, citing inconsistencies between video evidence and witness testimonies. The court also accepted expert testimony presented by the defence, which argued that Dr Thandao's diagnosis of PTSD was unsubstantiated, as it requires exposure to life-threatening events. Following the acquittal, former Democrat MP Nipit Intarasombat volunteered to represent Thandao and filed an appeal. The Appeals Court convened to deliver its verdict on April 20, 2025, but David failed to appear. The court deemed his absence an attempt to evade justice and issued a warrant for his arrest, rescheduling the verdict announcement for May 23, 2025. Today, the Appeals Court delivered its ruling, finding David guilty under Section 391 of the Thai Criminal Code for committing a serious act of physical assault. He was sentenced to one month in prison without suspension. Speaking after the ruling, Nipit thanked all parties involved—investigators, prosecutors, the judiciary, the original defence counsel, and the current defence team—for carrying out their duties professionally. 'We are not enemies, just people with different interpretations of the facts and the law,' he said. 'I congratulate Dr Thandao for her patience and courage in seeking justice." Nipit added that he took on the case pro bono, covering his own travel, airfare, documentation, and legal fees, out of empathy for Thandao, the people of Phuket, and all Thai citizens affected by the case. David is currently believed to have fled Thailand and is evading the court-issued arrest warrant. - The Nation/ANN
