Dr. Thandao Chandam remains unwavering in her claim that Urs Fehr assaulted her on the night of February 24th, despite a court ruling that there was no clear evidence to support her case. The young doctor, just 26, expressed her disappointment on Thursday but has vowed to continue her fight for justice. Thanking the public for their overwhelming moral support, Dr. Thandao firmly reiterated her accusation of assault. On that fateful February evening, Dr. Thandao alleges she was kicked in the back by Urs Fehr, a 45-year-old Swiss national, while she and a friend sat on the beachfront steps near his rented villa on Yamu Beach. Fehr, who managed an elephant camp in Phuket, reportedly accused the doctor of trespassing on his property. It later surfaced that these steps, which led down to the beach, were not part of Fehr’s property and had been constructed illegally. These steps were eventually…
THAI.NEWS - Thailand Breaking News
Urs Fehr and his Thai wife are present at the Phuket provincial hall on March 1. (Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran) PHUKET: In a case that has captured the attention of the community, a Thai doctor who alleged she was kicked by a Swiss man, Urs Fehr, on the steps near his property on Yamu Beach in February, has vowed to continue her legal battle for justice after the Phuket Kwaeng Court acquitted the defendant this past week. The plaintiff, Dr. Thandao Chandam, 26, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she’s received from the public during the tumultuous court proceedings. “Thank you for standing by me,” Dr. Thandao said emotionally. “This isn’t the end; I will persist in seeking justice.” Dr. Thandao remains resolute, firmly upholding her version of events. She confirmed plans to file an appeal with the court, bolstered by the support and encouragement from her community. Her father,…
“The launch of the AI and Simulation Lab represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive innovation and excellence in AI,” proclaimed Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, President of AIT. “This state-of-the-art facility will empower both our students and faculty to develop industry-relevant products, engage in impactful research, and form meaningful partnerships with leading industry stakeholders.” The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has proudly inaugurated its groundbreaking AI and Simulation Lab (ASL), marking a pivotal moment in its unwavering commitment to advancing artificial intelligence research and innovation. Nestled within the School of Engineering and Technology, the lab is poised to become a central hub for pioneering AI research and development. ASL’s mission is to fuel multidisciplinary collaboration, bridging academia, industry, and government to tackle complex global challenges with innovative AI-driven solutions. Boasting the latest AI technology, the ASL is equipped with unparalleled resources for advanced simulations and diverse AI applications.…
At the construction sites of Khon Kaen, labourers sweat under the sun, laying the foundation for a nation on the brink of transformation (Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri). Beneath the South-East Asian sun, a seismic shift is underway in Thailand, driven by the unwavering labor policies of the Pheu Thai-led government. The spotlight is on an ambitious venture: raising the daily minimum wage to an assertive 400 baht across the nation. Caretaker Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stands resolute, affirming that this pivotal change is set to take effect on October 1, albeit with further specificities unveiled soon. Mr. Phiphat, in a confident address on Thursday, underscored that the increment is meticulously targeted, aimed at specific professions and areas. The national wage committee, presided over by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labour, is scheduled to convene twice to polish the final details. “The new wage rate will grace the announcement this…
Thamanat Prompow addressed reporters as he arrived at Government House on a Tuesday, exuding an air of determination. The announcement was a storm brewing in the political landscape of Thailand: Thamanat had stepped down as the secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), taking with him five other key members of his group who resigned from their executive positions. “I have already informed the party of my decision to resign,” Thamanat declared on a notable Thursday, confirming that their collective resignation had been reported to the Election Commission, stirring the political cauldron. This move comes just before a critical party board meeting set to be chaired by none other than leader Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon on the upcoming Friday. Interestingly, Thamanat and his colleagues have maintained their PPRP memberships strategically, ensuring they don’t lose their crucial MP seats. Delving into legal maneuvers, Thamanat admitted he’s seeking ways for his allies and…
In the bustling city of Khon Kaen, construction workers are hard at work, flesh and bone clashing with concrete and steel, building the future one brick at a time. Captured through the lens of Chakkrapan Natanri, their efforts tell a poignant story of labor and aspiration. Meanwhile, in the political arena, the Pheu Thai Party-led government continues to assert its commitment to a groundbreaking labour policy. Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has confirmed that the ambitious plan to elevate the daily minimum wage to 400 baht nationwide remains unaltered. Eyeing a rollout on October 1, Mr. Phiphat promises that more intricate details will soon see the light of day. A specialized wage committee, helmed by permanent secretary for labour Pairoj Chotikasathien, is slated to converge twice, hammering out the nitty-gritty before making a public announcement. “Expect the specifics of the new wage rate to be unveiled within this month,” says Mr.…
The updated driver’s licence now proudly showcases a larger Red Cross emblem emblazoned with the words “organ donor” at the top right corner if the holder is a registered donor. (Photo: Thai Red Cross Organ Donation Centre Facebook) The Department of Land Transport (DLT) is revamping driver’s licences to make it unmistakably clear if the holder is an organ donor. As revealed in a recent announcement in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday, this new design officially rolled out on August 7, replacing the older version that had been in use since January 29, 2021. Rest assured, all driver’s licences issued prior to August 7 this year will continue to be valid until their respective expiration dates, ensuring a smooth transition. The redesigned licence prominently features a larger Red Cross emblem accompanied by the term “organ donor” at the top right corner, a significant enhancement from the previous version which sported…
Tensions were high when Wantana “Pa Na” O-thong, a spirited 62-year-old from Ratchaburi, decided to shave her head in a dramatic act of protest after her arrest. Her arrest incident took place during then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit in March 2023, a date that would not soon be forgotten by anyone involved. (Photo: TLHR) In a twist of events that could be seen as a blow for freedom of expression, the Court of Appeal Region 7 overturned a lower court’s ruling. The appellate judges declared that Wantana’s treatment at the hands of police and security officers violated the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, a decision publicized by the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights on Thursday. Examining the circumstances, the court recognized the disproportionate methods used on Wantana, who was 62 at the time of the incident. Such rough handling was deemed inappropriate given her age and status. This more…
Under the watchful eyes of the security personnel at Suvarnabhumi airport, a Philippine suspect, notorious in police records, was escorted through the bustling terminal on Thursday. This arrest marks the climax of a five-month-long manhunt following the audacious theft of a diamond necklace valued at an impressive 250,000 baht. The dramatic scene unfolded with officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) closing in on Rolly Sabalza, a 49-year-old who had eluded justice since March. Pol Maj Gen Theeradet Thumsuthee, the investigative commander at the MPB, provided insights into the operation that led to Sabalza’s capture. According to him, the Bangkok South Criminal Court had issued a warrant for Sabalza’s arrest on charges of theft by false pretences. The crime took place in the glittering boutiques of a shopping mall located in Bangkok’s vibrant Pathumwan district on March 25, where Sabalza pulled off his heist, slipping away just as smoothly as…
It was a typical bustling May morning at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, poised and composed, stood alongside the then Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Cameras flashed, recording every moment for posterity. It was clear—change was on the horizon, yet some things were staying remarkably familiar. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) Fast forward to the present, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, now the Prime Minister herself, is ready to make her first policy statement next week. “Consistency with a hint of evolution,” she assured, hinting at an approach that reveres tradition but isn’t shy of innovation. Despite the familiar threads owing to her predecessor’s administration, she’s ready to tweak certain aspects, notably the digital wallet handout programme. On Thursday, the Prime Minister was seen dedicatedly at work in Shinawatra Tower 3, the interim stronghold for the Pheu Thai Party, meticulously crafting her policy statement. Amidst the clamor, a figure known by all, her…