CRIME: A Chinese woman has accused an apartment broker in Bangkok of duping her into paying a fine of 110,000 baht for a bogus immigration offence.
Tian Xin, 31, accompanied by Pol Sgt Soragarn Sangsai of the Tourist Police Bureau, filed a complaint with Bang Rak police on Friday against Pawinee Khrainoonsing.
The woman told police that she had signed a two-year contract for an apartment through Ms Pawinee, which was cancelled later.
She asked for the return of the deposit, but instead of returning the money, Ms Pawinee sent her an "official" letter from the Immigration Bureau via the Line chat application, asking her to pay a 110,000 baht fine for violating the terms of her stay.
Ms Tian said she paid the money out of fear that she might be investigated by immigration police. When a friend told her that the letter was fraudulent, she sought help from the police.
Escaped convict back in custody
NAN: A young drug convict who escaped on Saturday while being taken to a hospital in Muang district for treatment has been recaptured, police said.
Roong Sae Song, 22, who was undergoing rehabilitation at Khao Noi prison, pretended to suffer from an acute stomach ache and writhed in pain after being escorted to Nan Hospital for treatment.
He suddenly got up and ran away across Nakhon Nan bridge, heading in the direction of Phu Phiang district.
The prisoner was finally recaptured in a house in Ban Nakha village in Mae Charim district at 1pm yesterday. According to police, Roong said he fled because he was worried about his children.
Spike in flu cases sparks concern
HEALTH: Disease Control Department has warned of a possible flu outbreak as volatile weather conditions are likely to exacerbate the spread of the disease.
The provinces with the most cases are Chiang Mai, Phayao, Lampang, Surat Thani and Bangkok, said Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, the department chief.
Barely a month into the New Year, the flu has already struck a total of 8,856 people and killed one person, he said.
Flu is highly contagious and those suffering from it are strongly advised to wear facial masks and keep away from crowded places, he said.
Turtle found dead at Lang Suan
Chumphon: A large green turtle was found dead on Bang Nam Jeud beach in Lang Suan district on Saturday and experts believed it died after ingesting plastic waste.
Amnuaykiat Timnakha, deputy chief of Bang Nam Jeud tambon administrative organisation, said he came across the decomposing turtle about 20 metres from his home.
The female turtle measures 1.8 metres long and weighs about 50 kilogrammes. It was found to have a piece of plastic in its throat.
The dead turtle will be collected today for forensic examination.
Tough action on ageing taxis
TRANSPORT: Authorities yesterday have vowed tough action against taxis which still pick up passengers despite the vehicles being too old to be in service.
Department of Land Transport chief Peerapol Thawornsupacharoen said a random inspection of taxis in Bangkok in November and December last year found 93 were running illegally.
Drivers caught driving around in unregistered taxis are liable for a fine of up to 10,000 baht. Their licence plates will also be immediately removed from the vehicles.
