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Swedish man arrested for 972 days overstay in Thailand by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen A 33-year-old Swedish national identified as Mr. Francesco was arrested for overstaying his visa for 972 days in Phuket, Thailand on 22 May 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328051-swedish-man-arrested-for-972-days-overstay-in-thailand/

A 33-year-old Swedish national identified as Mr. Francesco was arrested for overstaying his visa for 972 days in Phuket, Thailand on 22 May 2024. The police became aware of him, as a Phuket resident had posted about him on the “Phuket Residents Seek Help” Facebook group. The post stated, that the Swedish man had broken into a rental house, where the homeowner had no longer allowed the man to rent. The man had then allegedly threatened to return and kill the homeowner. After seeing the post, the immigration police along with tourist police investigated the man. The officers went undercover and found the Swede driving in the area. They revealed their identity and invited him for questioning. At first the Swede refused to step out of the car and he also didn’t have his passport with him. by Charlotte Nike Albrechtsen Full story: ScandAsia 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Singapore turbulent flight: Aussie survivor’s desperate plea by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of AP via The Sydney Morning Herald An Australian passenger from the ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight 321 has broken his silence from his Bangkok hospital room. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328036-singapore-turbulent-flight-aussie-survivor’s-desperate-plea/

An Australian passenger from the ill-fated Singapore Airlines flight 321 has broken his silence from his Bangkok hospital room. Keith Davis, previously blocked from speaking to the media, revealed the harrowing details of the flight’s emergency landing in Thailand that left his wife critically injured. Davis’ wife has been in intensive care since their flight from London to Singapore was diverted after a passenger’s death amid severe turbulence. Speaking with the Today Show, Davis shared the severity of his wife’s condition. “She has no sensation from her waist down, it’s pretty radical for us. “We’ve had a fantastic holiday in the UK, we’re one more flight away, nearly home, and this comes along.” Davis’ wife is undergoing emergency surgery to stabilise her for medical evacuation to their home in Adelaide. “It was absolute carnage. There was no warning. We just fell into a freefall zone, and before we knew it, we were on the ceiling and then bang, on the ground.” Davis’ wife fell into the aisle, immobile, as he realised he was bleeding profusely. Davis lamented the lack of communication from Singapore Airlines. “I need to know, ‘Am I going through my insurance?’ I’ve got no idea.” Despite the airline’s heavy presence at Bangkok’s Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital, Davis and his wife received no information initially. In a bizarre twist, Davis faced a media blackout enforced by hospital staff. In a public cafe within the hospital, staff, joined by security, prevented him from speaking to the ABC’s Bill Birtles. Davis, in a wheelchair with visible facial injuries, attempted to converse over a cup of coffee but was rushed away by staff. The hospital later apologised, with Dr Adinun Kittiratanapaibool explaining that staff acted with good intentions to protect patient welfare. Singapore Airlines also apologised, committing to support the Davis family during this difficult time and arranging travel for their relatives, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Despite these assurances, Davis remains frustrated and hopes for a swift return to Adelaide for further medical treatment. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of AP via The Sydney Morning Herald Full story: The Thaiger 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Sees Surge in Mid-Year School Dropouts Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's Education Minister, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, has raised concerns over an alarming increase in students leaving school mid-year. Announcing new data yesterday, he revealed that approximately 20,000 students have dropped out this year, significantly impacting the country's educational landscape. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328034-thailand-sees-surge-in-mid-year-school-dropouts/

Thailand's Education Minister, Police General Permpoon Chidchob, has raised concerns over an alarming increase in students leaving school mid-year. Announcing new data yesterday, he revealed that approximately 20,000 students have dropped out this year, significantly impacting the country's educational landscape. This troubling trend was highlighted during a meeting with top executives from the Ministry of Education and other officials. The Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) shared updates on improvements implemented by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). These changes focus on enhancing courses, media, learning management models, and assessment tools, aimed at fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Despite these efforts, the results have not met expectations. The IPST has organised a training course on PISA online testing for 21,985 officers across various educational bodies. These include the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), the Office of Private Education Commission (OPEC), the Vocational Education Commission (VEC), the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry, and the Department of Local Administration. The majority of the dropouts, as reported by the Department of Learning Encouragement (DOLE), cited personal reasons and poor economic conditions as primary factors. Minister Permpoon has set a target to reverse this trend by the end of the month, with multiple agencies working tirelessly to address the issue. In related news, Thailand's unemployment rate has surged, with 410,000 people out of work in the first quarter of the year, according to the National Statistical Office. The hardest-hit group comprises those with higher education degrees, adding another layer of complexity to the current educational and economic challenges facing the country. As efforts continue, Minister Permpoon remains optimistic, hoping to see a decrease in school dropouts by June 10. The nation's focus now rests on ensuring that these initiatives lead to tangible improvements in student retention. TOP Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Heavy rain warning issued for 35 provinces in Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy: Earth.org The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328032-heavy-rain-warning-issued-for-35-provinces-in-thailand/

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning for heavy rain, predicting a high probability of rainfall across 80% of the northern and central regions of Thailand, impacting 35 provinces. Bangkok is also expected to experience significant weather conditions, with risks of sudden flooding and forest runoff. Today, May 24, the TMD forecasted the weather for the next 24 hours. The southwest monsoon currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is relatively strong. Additionally, a low-pressure area is covering the central region and the Gulf of Tonkin. This weather pattern is causing heavy rain in certain areas of Thailand. Residents in these regions are advised to be cautious of the dangers of heavy and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding and forest runoff. Special caution is advised for those living near mountainous slopes, water flow pathways, and low-lying areas. Travellers should also exercise extra caution when passing through areas experiencing thunderstorms. The Andaman Sea is experiencing relatively strong winds, with the upper part of the sea having waves as high as two to three metres. In areas with thunderstorms, waves can exceed 3 metres. The TMD issued its eighth announcement, indicating which provinces will be affected by today’s heavy to very heavy rainfall. The lower part of the Andaman Sea will have waves around one to two metres high, with thunderstorms causing waves higher than two metres. The Gulf of Thailand will see waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres in areas away from the shore, and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to navigate with caution and avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms. Specifically, mariners in the upper Andaman Sea should refrain from going offshore from May 24 to May 26, 2024. Low-pressure Additionally, a strong low-pressure area in the lower part of the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression from May 24 to May 25, 2024, and is likely to move ashore in the northeastern part of India and Bangladesh from May 25 to May 26, 2024. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow indicates thunderstorms in 80% of the northern region, with heavy rain expected in some areas, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Tak provinces. The temperature will range from 23-26 degrees Celsius at its lowest to 31-34 degrees Celsius at its highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10-15 kilometres per hour. The northeastern region will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain expected in some provinces like Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Temperatures will range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 31-34 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southeasterly winds at speeds of 10-20 kilometres per hour. The central region will see thunderstorms in 80% of the area, with heavy rain expected in provinces like Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. Temperatures will range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 32-35 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour. The eastern region will experience thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces like Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures will range from 25-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 32-34 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 15-35 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves 1 to 2 metres high, with waves exceeding two metres in areas with thunderstorms. The southern region (eastern coast) will have thunderstorms in 30% of the area, with heavy rain in provinces like Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon. Temperatures will range from 24-26 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 33-37 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 15-30 kilometres per hour. Thunderstorms The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, increasing to 1 to 2 metres offshore and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. The southern region (western coast) will experience thunderstorms in 40% of the area, with heavy rain expected in Ranong province. Temperatures will range from 24-25 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 34-36 degrees Celsius at their highest. From Ranong upwards, southwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 20-35 kilometres per hour, with waves 2 to 3 metres high and more than 3 metres in areas with thunderstorms. From Phang Nga downwards, southwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 15-35 kilometres per hour, with waves 1 to 2 metres high and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Bangkok and its vicinity will have thunderstorms in 70% of the area, with heavy rain in some places. Temperatures will range from 26-27 degrees Celsius at their lowest to 33-35 degrees Celsius at their highest, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy: Earth.org Source: The Thaiger 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Oxygen Tank Explosion in Bangkok Kills One and Wrecks House Picture courtesy: Facebook An explosion from an oxygen tank tragically claimed the life of a young man, causing extensive damage to a two-storey house and instilling fear among residents in the Nong Khang Phlu area of Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328031-oxygen-tank-explosion-in-bangkok-kills-one-and-wrecks-house/

An explosion from an oxygen tank tragically claimed the life of a young man, causing extensive damage to a two-storey house and instilling fear among residents in the Nong Khang Phlu area of Bangkok. Police were alerted at around noon yesterday to an explosion in Soi Phetkasem 77/8, Nong Khang Phlu, Nong Khaem District, Bangkok. Upon reaching the scene, officers, including forensic teams and volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, discovered the catastrophic aftermath. The explosion site was a two-storey house operating as an oxygen tank wholesale business. The ground floor stored oxygen tanks. A pickup truck loaded with over ten oxygen tanks parked in front bore the brunt of the explosion, scattering debris and causing significant damage to the house and its awning. Near the rear of the pickup, the body of 30-year-old Pantit was found. Pantit, a daily wage worker from Maha Sarakham Province, was critically injured, with his body torn in half. He was still alive and responsive upon discovery but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The business owner revealed that their operation involved collecting, storing, refilling, and delivering oxygen tanks for industrial use. The explosion occurred while workers were unloading empty tanks from the pickup. The cause remains unknown, though residual oxygen might have played a role. Mana Khenpak from the Boonwipha 11 base reported that local witnesses saw Pantit handling the tanks when one hit the ground, triggering the explosion. A neighbour recounted hearing the explosion around 11am, which shook their house, prompting an immediate evacuation. They mentioned that the oxygen storage business had been operating for over ten years, always with concerns about safety. Sakaowduen Phuttharom, a volunteer from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, described the rescue efforts. Despite urgent attempts to resuscitate Pantit, they couldn't save him. Investigators plan to question those involved and send the body for an autopsy at Siriraj Hospital’s forensic department to determine the exact cause of death before releasing it to the family for religious rites. TOP Picture courtesy: Facebook -- 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cannabis crackdown: Only marijuana buds return to the blacklist File photo: A person sits outside a cannabis shop in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has announced that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, leaving the rest of the marijuana plant legal. This decision aims to clarify the nation’s cannabis regulations following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s pledge to recriminalise marijuana. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328030-cannabis-crackdown-only-marijuana-buds-return-to-the-blacklist/

Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsutin, has announced that only cannabis buds will be reclassified as Category 5 narcotics, leaving the rest of the marijuana plant legal. This decision aims to clarify the nation’s cannabis regulations following Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s pledge to recriminalise marijuana. In this new directive, parts of the cannabis plant such as leaves, branches, roots, stems, and seeds remain unaffected by the ban. The focus is solely on the buds, which contain psychoactive compounds used for recreational purposes. This announcement provides relief to many in the cannabis industry who feared a broader crackdown. In 2022, the Public Health Ministry, with approval from the Narcotics Control Board, removed marijuana and hemp from Thailand’s Category 5 narcotics list. However, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s campaign to reinstate restrictions on marijuana has led to widespread uncertainty. Somsak’s clarification reassures businesses that only the buds are targeted. "The directive will specify regulations on planting, possessing, importing, exporting, and utilising the parts of the marijuana plant that remain legal," he stated. The minister also confirmed that hemp would not be relisted as a drug. He emphasised that cannabis-related activities would require permissions, primarily for medical, research, and other legitimate purposes. He assured that the new system of permissions will not impose excessive burdens and will clearly define the qualifications for individuals or businesses to engage in cannabis-related activities, ensuring transparency and ease of compliance. Somsak promised a phased approach to implementing these new regulations, including a clear timeline for enforcement. This will give businesses ample time to adjust to the new legal landscape, aiming to mitigate any disruption to the burgeoning cannabis sector. With these measures, Thailand seeks to balance public health concerns while offering some stability to the cannabis industry, aligning with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s vision. TOP: File photo: A person sits outside a cannabis shop in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) -- 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand and China ditching the dollar Beijing and Bangkok to dedollarize their trade by promoting their national currencies. With CBDCs? What about Bitcoin? Thailand and China no longer want the dollar The central banks of the two nations signed an agreement this Tuesday aiming to strengthen cooperation to facilitate cross-border settlements in local currencies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328029-thailand-and-china-ditching-the-dollar/

Beijing and Bangkok to dedollarize their trade by promoting their national currencies. With CBDCs? What about Bitcoin? Thailand and China no longer want the dollar The central banks of the two nations signed an agreement this Tuesday aiming to strengthen cooperation to facilitate cross-border settlements in local currencies. Not a month goes by without nations taking steps to bypass the dollar in their bilateral trade. India and Nigeria concluded a similar agreement just last week. Dedollarization is a reality and the Russian president emphasized it again during his recent state visit to China. On this topic, don’t miss our article: Putin cuts a dollar short. Little information has emerged on how the two Asian countries plan to facilitate their trade. We do know, however, that Thailand and China are working together on the mBridge project (multiple CBDC Bridge). Some consider this international CBDC transaction project could break the monopoly of the SWIFT network. The project involves the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the central banks of China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. China is concerned that its economy relies on payment networks controlled by the West. Recall that Iran and Russia were disconnected from the SWIFT network. That is to say, two countries openly hostile to the dollar, Full story: cointribune 2024-05-24 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Five Illegal Myanmar Tour Guides Arrested on Pha Ngan Island By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: mgronline Surat Thani – Five Illegal Myanmar tour guides were arrested on Pha Ngan Island on Thursday (May 23rd). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1328026-five-illegal-myanmar-tour-guides-arrested-on-pha-ngan-island/