Simon Carman Trial at Pattaya Provincial Court
In Pattaya, Australian Simon Carman, accused of murdering a 17-year-old Thai girl, now has a date for his trial. Carman is due before Pattaya Provincial Court on December 8th, 9th, and 11th, facing four charges, including taking a minor for indecent purposes.
In this week’s hearing, he agreed to plead guilty to concealing a corpse but continues to deny murder, claiming he acted in self-defense.
Prosecutors intend to call seven witnesses while Carman is expected to give evidence in his own defense. A verdict may not be delivered until January.
South Korean Man Detained in Bangkok
Thai immigration officers have detained a South Korean man in Bangkok wanted in his home country over allegations of distributing illegal pornographic material. Investigators say he uploaded large quantities of explicit videos to an unlawful website, including material allegedly involving a girl under 16.
The suspect reportedly fled to Thailand early this year after learning he could face arrest in South Korea. Thai authorities are now coordinating with their Korean counterparts over the next stage of proceedings.
Drug Suspect Rams Gas Station Office in Pattaya
A suspected meth dealer rammed the gas station office, broke through a police roadblock, and led Pattaya police on a short high-speed chase along Sukhumvit Road late Tuesday night before officers stopped him by shooting out his tires and then seized about 20 grams of crystal meth.
According to police, they were acting on a tip that a drug dealer was supplying young people in the province, and they arranged a controlled buy at a gas station on South Pattaya Road around 11:36 p.m.
As the driver was refueling, however, an informant signaled that it was a target vehicle. But when officers moved in, the driver saw them, accelerated in reverse, and crashed into the station office, damaging it. Luckily, nobody was injured.
Police ordered him to stop and used vehicles to try to block his escape routes and make a roadblock, but he broke through the roadblock. Police officers fired at his tires, which did damage them.
Police Stop the Pickup on Sukhumvit Road
He drove erratically onto Sukhumvit Road past the North Pattaya traffic lights heading towards Bangkok, nearly colliding with other traffic.
The chase lasted about six kilometers before he finally came to a stop because his damaged tires were reduced to rims in some cases and due to damage from the collision.
Inside the cab, police found a cigarette pack beside the gear lever containing about 20 grams of Category 1 methamphetamine. The suspect, Mr. Roacha, told officers the drugs were his and he fled because he panicked and was afraid of being arrested.
A station attendant said he was refueling the pickup when officers surrounded it and the driver suddenly reversed into the office. The attendant said no members of the public were in the station at the time and that staff had moved to safety.
Meanwhile, the narcotics team took Ratchada for further questioning about associates before handing him and the drugs to Pattaya City Police investigators.
It’s a Category 1 narcotic in Thailand, and possession for sale could carry a heavy prison term.
Alleged Shoplifting at a 7-Eleven in Patong
On Phuket, two foreign tourists have attracted rather more attention than they probably expected. A video showing a man and woman being confronted over alleged shoplifting at a 7-Eleven in Patong has been viewed more than 1 million times on Facebook.
The pair allegedly placed items in their bags before reaching the checkout, initially denying taking anything when challenged. The goods were subsequently discovered and the tourists paid for them. Store staff decided not to call the police, allowing the couple to leave.
Interest grew during the day, though, as another outlet claims to have CCTV recordings of the two stealing in a separate incident and giving themselves a high five after getting away with it. Police are now taking an interest.
Small Aircraft Crash in Nong Prue
A small aircraft crashed in Nong Prue, east of Pattaya, yesterday morning. The accident happened at around 11:30, leaving one foreign national injured and requiring treatment.
Early reports described the aircraft as a glider, although later information identified it as a small single-engine airplane. Some reports suggest the injured man is German, but that has not been officially confirmed. Rescue teams attended the scene and investigators are now working to establish the cause.
Seven Young Burmese Rescued in Bangkok
In Bangkok, police have arrested four suspects and rescued seven young Burmese during an investigation into alleged human trafficking. The operation followed a complaint from someone who claimed to have escaped from the group.
Investigators believe children and young people were brought into Thailand through unofficial border crossings and forced to sell flowers, food, and drinks in tourist areas and nightlife districts. The complainant also alleged physical and sexual assault.
Police traced a property connected with the suspects where the seven young people were found. Authorities are now investigating the wider operation and arranging protection for those rescued.
Chemical Leak Contaminates Prachin Buri Groundwater
In Prachin Buri, a chemical leak which has contaminated local groundwater has also triggered an investigation into the ownership of two companies linked to the site. Authorities suspect possible foreign nominee arrangements.
Both companies reportedly shared the same accounting firm and auditor, while their registered capital increased dramatically. One rose from 5 million to 100 million baht, the other from 10 million to 300 million. Their combined assets are valued at more than 570 million baht.
Officials are considering referring the case to the Anti-Money Laundering Office to examine financial transactions and land ownership.
Meanwhile, residents have been warned to avoid consuming fish, aquatic animals, and other food potentially exposed to the contaminated water, including crops and poultry affected by flooding.
Thaksin Shinawatra Applies for Amnesty
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has applied for amnesty under Thailand’s legislation aimed at promoting a peaceful society. His lawyer says the request concerns cases regarded by his legal team as politically motivated.
Thaksin reportedly wants to clear his name, return to business, and live peacefully, with his lawyer insisting he has no intention of becoming involved in politics again.
Critics, however, point out that clearing certain convictions could potentially remove legal barriers to future political activity. The application has yet to be decided.
Domestic Flights Promotion Offers 500 Baht Off
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has announced a promotion offering 500 baht off eligible domestic flights, meaning a possible saving of 1,000 baht on a return journey. Participating airlines reportedly include Thai Airways, AirAsia, Vietjet, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air.
The promotion runs on eligible flights until January 15th next year, with discounts offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
There’s no separate registration, and travelers can use the offer more than once subject to availability and airline conditions. Bookings must be made through participating airlines’ websites or apps using the promotional code fly to Dom.
Thunderstorms and Heavy Showers Forecast
The Meteorological Department is forecasting a 70% chance of thunderstorms with overcast skies and the possibility of heavy showers. Temperatures should reach around 30°, falling to 26 tonight.
