Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, April 25th to May 1st, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.
1. Police officer who crashed his motorcycle into and killed a young doctor at a Bangkok crosswalk was sentenced to one year and 15 days in prison
The Court’s verdict of about a one-year imprisonment for the officer had triggered some public displeasure. With imprisonment of one year and 15 days in prison and a fine of 4,000 baht, many people on social media thought the punishment was too light for a fatal accident. Furthermore, the police officer who was facing nine charges was granted bail for a surety of 200,000 following his father’s and his police supervisor’s bail request, prompting more public questions to the Criminal Court, especially Thailand’s justice system.
2. Six suspects involved in famous Thai actress’ fatal incident charged for “recklessness causing death”, Nonthaburi police reports
The Thai police concluded the investigation of Dtangmo’s (Watermelon in English) fatal incident on Tuesday. The autopsy indicated that the actress’ cause of death was drowning but the authorities did not directly confirm whether it was a murder or an accident, only saying that the case was caused by “recklessness”. All of the boat passengers and owners were charged with recklessness causing death, facing up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to 200,000 baht.
3. Japanese Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Thailand and meet Thai PM next week
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to visit Thailand and meet Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O’Cha between May 1st and the 2nd. This is the first prime minister meeting between them in Thailand in the past nine years after the latest visit of Shinzo Abe in 2013. According to the government house, they will be discussing developments in social and political aspects as well as strengthening relationships between both countries. It is not said whether they will be addressing several social issues in Thailand, such as pro-democracy protesters.
Japanese Prime Minister to pay official visit to Thailand and meet Thai PM next week
And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!
Psst….want to see more? Check out our TikTok here
