Gazing at the grim portrait of Fredy Pratama plastered on the Interpol website, one can’t help but feel the weight of a manhunt that spans two countries. Indonesia, leveraging every ounce of its international ties, believes this elusive drug kingpin is sequestered deep within the dense forests marking the Thai-Myanmar border. This high-stakes game of hide-and-seek has prompted an unprecedented collaboration between Indonesian and Thai police forces, fervently hunting Pratama, who looms large as one of Indonesia’s most notorious fugitives. Inspector General Krishna Murti, leading the International Relations Division of the Indonesian police force, disclosed their relentless pursuit. He shared that both nations are pooling their resources and expertise to corner Fredy Pratama, a chilling figure often compared to the infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. As per Malaysia’s Bernama news agency, this cross-border synergy has intensified, underscoring the severity of the chase. Pratama’s criminal enterprise knows no bounds. Since…
Posts published in “Thailand”
Police have unveiled photos and names of two Japanese nationals and one Thai suspect linked to the grisly murder and dismemberment of Kabashima Ryosuke. From left to right, these suspects are: Kato Takuya, Suzuki Hiroto, and Kritsakorn Jaiphitak. (Police photo) Takuya, 50, and Hiroto, 33, who reportedly have connections to the notorious yakuza, were apprehended in the Laotian capital, Vientiane, by local authorities on Thursday. The duo is set to be handed over to the Provincial Police Bureau 1 and are anticipated to arrive in Thailand next week. Both men are accused of murdering and dismembering Kabashima Ryosuke, 47, whose remains were discovered in the Nonthaburi province back in April. Body parts packed in black garbage bags were found scattered across different spots in tambon Phimolrat, Bang Bua Thong district. The first bag containing skeletal remains surfaced on April 19, followed by the retrieval of Ryosuke’s head four days later…
The government is embarking on a groundbreaking collaboration with Malaysia to breathe new life into the deep South by championing the twin-city concept, a move aimed at invigorating the economy. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, recently presided over a crucial meeting to evaluate progress on this ambitious venture which encompasses the development of the five southernmost provinces, in tandem with Malaysia. Mr. Phumtham emphasized that this initiative aspires to transform conflict-ridden zones within these provinces into bustling trade arenas, ultimately paving the way for peace. Thailand and Malaysia have mapped out five key objectives to bring this vision to fruition. The first goal revolves around establishing a robust trade partnership between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on boosting the sales of agricultural produce and streamlining bilateral trade measures. This strategy aims to significantly enhance the yield of cash crops and livestock farm products in the…
In a dramatic turn of events straight out of a crime thriller, two Japanese men suspected of being linked to the notorious yakuza were apprehended in Laos just yesterday. Their suspected roles in the gruesome murder and dismemberment of their compatriot, Kabashima Ryosuke, have electrified the news circuits. This horrifying crime, which left the peaceful province of Nonthaburi in utter shock back in April, is now under a magnifying glass as the two men are expected to arrive in Thailand next week for further investigation. The suspects, Kato Takuya, aged 50, and Suzuki Hiroto, aged 33, were tracked down by local authorities in the bustling capital of Vientiane. The men were then handed over to the Provincial Police Bureau 1, setting the stage for what could be a heated criminal procedure in Thailand. As the story unfolds, it is alleged that Takuya and Hiroto were involved in the cold-blooded killing…
The Defence Ministry is on a mission to turbocharge Thailand’s defence sector by revising four key legislative acts to pave the way for exporting Thai-made weapons. This ambitious policy is set to enhance the nation’s defence industry and create a new revenue stream for the country. Recently, a high-stakes meeting of the Defence Ministry’s task force on national security legislation was held, spearheaded by Gen Somsak Rungsita, an esteemed adviser to Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang. The gathering featured Vice Defence Minister Jumnong Chaimongkol and an ensemble of high-ranking officials from the Defence Industry Department, the Defence Technology Institute, and the Defence Industry and Energy Centre. In an engaging and somewhat electrifying tone, Vice Minister Jumnong painted a picture of Mr. Sutin’s vision. “Mr. Sutin has a transformative agenda,” he explained. “Our ministry is not just about safeguarding the nation; it’s also about driving industrial growth and generating much-needed revenue.” However,…
The National Committee on Migrant Workers Management is stepping up to tackle Thailand’s labor challenges with a three-pronged approach designed to alleviate the workforce shortfall while addressing the concerns surrounding undocumented workers. This dynamic proposal is slated to make its way to the cabinet for the final green light soon. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn shed light on the situation following the committee’s brainstorming session on Wednesday. He pointed to the political turmoil in Myanmar, where the clash between junta forces and ethnic rebel factions has triggered a mass exodus into Thailand. Many of these individuals arrived without proper documentation, throwing a wrench into national security apparatuses. Adding fuel to the fire, a number of Myanmar workers, having reached the end of their employment contracts, have chosen to remain in Thailand due to the unrest back home. The movement disorder isn’t confined to Myanmar alone; workers from neighboring countries, including Laos,…
Thailand is setting its sights on becoming a Tier 1 country on the US State Department Trafficking in Persons watchlist, as announced by Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. The Minister emphasized the critical importance of tackling the surge in scams, such as bogus job offers and online trafficking operations, that are intricately linked to human trafficking. This bold proclamation was made on the occasion of National Anti-Human Trafficking Day. “Human trafficking is an egregious transnational crime that blatantly violates human rights,” Mr. Varawut stated solemnly. “It is imperative that we adopt proactive measures to combat this menace. In parallel, we must evolve and adapt to the rapid advancements in technology to keep pace with the burgeoning cyber scams and cyber trafficking,” he added. The Minister elucidated that the government is adopting a coordinated and inclusive approach to anti-trafficking efforts, engaging stakeholders from all sectors through the 3P…
On Friday, the Election Commission (EC) is slated to shed light on the implications of a recent decision by the Constitutional Court. This decision, announced on Wednesday, involves the hearing of a petition questioning whether four contentious provisions in the organic law governing the Senate election violate the constitution. The court’s verdict precedes the district-level voting slated for Sunday, although it did not issue an injunction, citing a lack of significant consequences from proceeding with the Senate poll. The crux of the controversy revolves around Sections 36, 40(3), 41(3), and 42(3) of the Senate election law. Section 36 focuses on the self-introduction of the candidates, while the others pertain to voting across various levels, encompassing district, provincial, and national scopes. The court reached an 8:1 vote in favor of determining if these provisions contravene Section 107 of the charter, which details the selection process for the Senate. It has also…
The air was thick with suspense on Thursday as police made a grisly discovery near the serene Chiang Rak canal in Pathum Thani. Floating amidst the calm waters, in stark contrast, were the severed hands of an 18-year-old girl, believed to have been brutally murdered by her boyfriend. This shocking revelation came just a day after her lifeless body had been discovered beneath the towering pillars of an elevated expressway in Muang district. The chopped hands, carefully stashed in a black plastic bag, were unearthed about 4 kilometers away from the original dump site of the body. But the discoveries didn’t end there. Alongside the hands, officers found a collection of seemingly mundane items – a lock of long hair, women’s clothes, a couple of towels, some snacks, and baby wipes. All these were meticulously packed off for further examination, each piece potentially holding a clue to unravel the mystery.…
Mps were gathered in a parliament meeting in August 2023. (Bangkok Post File Photo) The ruling Pheu Thai Party‘s recent push to include lese-majeste offenses under a proposed political amnesty bill has stirred up a cauldron of controversy. This bold move could potentially spell the government’s early demise, as cautioned by a deputy government spokesman on Thursday. Speaking on the matter, Karom Polpornklang from the Bhumjaithai Party expressed his party’s cautious approval of the amnesty bill. “We welcome efforts to pass the amnesty bill,” said Karom. “It would help resolve ongoing political conflicts and foster unity within society.” However, Karom also issued a strong warning. “A blanket pardon for lese-majeste offenders can reignite old conflicts and lead to the downfall of the government,” he said, echoing sentiments recently expressed by Bhumjaithai leader and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. “Bhumjaithai has no problem with Section 112, and we will leave it alone,”…