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File photo for reference only Conservationists have voiced strong opposition to a proposed plan by Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to administer birth control injections to wild elephants. The Soo Phua Chang Network, a leading elephant advocacy group, gathered at the ministry to express their concerns and submit a petition urging for a delay until comprehensive studies validate the contraceptive's effectiveness. The proposal tasked the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) with evaluating the impact of the injections on female elephants. This follows earlier research in collaboration with Chiang Mai University's Centre for Elephant and Wildlife Health, suggesting potential contraceptive effects lasting up to seven years. However, Andaman Adana, representing the network, argues that more thorough investigations are needed. Adana stressed the importance of completing trials before rolling out widespread application, citing uncertainties related to monitoring the injections' effectiveness on free-roaming elephants. Thailand's wild elephant population, currently estimated at 4,000, grows annually by 7-8%, a rate misaligned with shrinking forest habitats. Later, Pattharapol Manee-on from the DNP met with concerned protesters to discuss their worries. The debate spotlights the balance authorities seek between sustainable population control and wildlife conservation. A public hearing is set for today at the Royal Forest Department, aiming to gather insights on managing elephant populations across five eastern provinces. Results will guide further collaboration with the Centre for Elephant and Wildlife Health. -- 2025-01-17

CNY rush: Thai airports brace for over 4 million passengers By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of ACI World Insights Thailand’s airports are gearing up for a passenger surge as the Chinese New Year festival approaches, with an expected 4.03 million foreign arrivals between January 24 and February 2. The Transport Ministry has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure smooth operations and safety during this 10-day travel boom. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349124-cny-rush-thai-airports-brace-for-over-4-million-passengers/

Photo courtesy of ACI World Insights By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand’s airports are gearing up for a passenger surge as the Chinese New Year festival approaches, with an expected 4.03 million foreign arrivals between January 24 and February 2. The Transport Ministry has ordered Airports of Thailand (AoT) to ensure smooth operations and safety during this 10-day travel boom. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed that Bangkok’s airports would bear the brunt of the influx, with 1.91 million passengers landing at Suvarnabhumi and nearly 1 million at Don Mueang. This marks a significant leap, with Chinese travellers alone accounting for 770,000 arrivals, a 22.6% increase compared to last year, although some platforms dispute this. “I’ve instructed all agencies to prioritise safety and timely service delivery, leveraging modern technology to ensure efficiency.” AoT has been tasked with bolstering manpower, improving baggage claim and check-in services, and deploying multilingual staff to assist passengers. Safety is also a top priority. AoT President Kirati Kijmanawat confirmed that international standards for runway and taxiway inspections would be strictly followed. “We’ve implemented measures to manage increased traffic across our six international airports: Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai.” During this period, 24,599 flights, an average of 2,460 daily, are expected. AoT is also ramping up efforts to prevent hazards, such as wildlife interference near airport zones, through regular surveys and proactive management. Cleanliness and emergency preparedness have also been emphasised, ensuring a seamless experience for passengers, reported Bangkok Post. Bangkok has emerged as the top destination for Thai and foreign tourists planning to celebrate Chinese New Year in Thailand, according to data from the digital travel platform Agoda. The vibrant capital outshone other popular spots, with accommodation searches surging ahead of the festivities starting January 29. In the south, Hat Yai is pulling out all the stops for a dazzling Chinese New Year celebration, promising a week of vibrant festivities from January 28 to February 2. This iconic festival, a highlight for Thailand’s Chinese community, will take over Srinakorn Foundation School with parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and breathtaking lantern sculptures. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Senior police officer threatens junior with gun over alleged affair - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ A high-ranking police officer in the central province of Lopburi threatened to shoot a subordinate after he allegedly exposed an affair with one of his lovers to another mistress. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349123-senior-police-officer-threatens-junior-with-gun-over-alleged-affair-video/

Photo via Facebook/ อีซ้อขยี้ข่าว : อีซ้อ By Petch Petpailin A high-ranking police officer in the central province of Lopburi threatened to shoot a subordinate after he allegedly exposed an affair with one of his lovers to another mistress. The 24 year old police officer from Khok Salung Police Station, Police Lance Corporal John, sought help from Channel 3 after being threatened at gunpoint by 57 year old Police Captain Peerapong In-na, at a welfare accommodation. John shared CCTV footage of the incident with the media. In the video, Peerapong’s room is seen with the door left open, revealing him talking with a woman named Aum in room number 7. Suddenly, Peerapong is shown leaving the room, retrieving a gun from his car, and then walking towards John’s room, number 2. Peerapong reportedly shouted, “Who’s that?” to which John responded that it was him, coming out of his room to dry his clothes. Peerapong then threatened John. “If there is any movement from you, I will shoot you through your wall.” John explained that Peerapong might have misunderstood, thinking he was secretly taking pictures of him and his lover and sharing them with another woman, Som, who previously lived with Peerapong at the welfare accommodation. Relationship drama John claimed that Peerapong is a womaniser and has been romantically involved with three women at the same time including Aum, Som, and Kae. Kae is Peerapong’s legal wife but she lives in another province. Although they have been in a relationship for over 20 years, Kae rarely visits Peerapong at the welfare residence. Peerapong was reportedly in a relationship with Som for about nine years. Som had been living with him at the accommodation until an argument on December 31 last year. Som discovered that Peerapong had spent New Year’s Eve with another woman, Aum. The argument led to Som moving out the following day, and Aum moved in on January 5. John stated that he filed a complaint against the senior officer but his superintendent at the police station took no action. When John repeatedly raised the issue at meetings, the superintendent eventually summoned both John and Peerapong for a discussion and asked Peerapong to apologise to John. However, John said he did not want an apology but instead wanted Peerapong transferred to another police station. Channel 3 reported that the case remains under investigation. Peerapong has since been transferred to Pattana Nikhom Police Station. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

French mafia chaos: Phuket residents slam tourists’ alley blockade - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook via The Phuket News A fiery video posted on the popular Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต has ignited outrage, branding a group of foreign tourists as the “French Mafia” for blocking a public alley with their motorcycles in Phuket. The clip, accompanied by a stinging caption, lambasted the tourists for their arrogant behaviour and questioned the local police’s inaction. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349122-french-mafia-chaos-phuket-residents-slam-tourists’-alley-blockade-video/

Photo courtesy of โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต Facebook via The Phuket News By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A fiery video posted on the popular Facebook page โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต has ignited outrage, branding a group of foreign tourists as the “French Mafia” for blocking a public alley with their motorcycles in Phuket. The clip, accompanied by a stinging caption, lambasted the tourists for their arrogant behaviour and questioned the local police’s inaction. “Admin would like to question #PatongPolice: are they silent, ignorant, or is something blocking their view?” The incident unfolded on January 12 at around 9.30pm on a private road near Kasikorn Bank on Prachanukroh Road, a bustling hub popular with tourists. According to witnesses, one tourist had parked his motorcycle directly in the alley, leaving it impassable for residents. Tensions reached boiling point when a van driver confronted a tourist for reckless driving and noise, leading to a heated argument. The commotion intensified when the tourist struck a parked motorcycle, sparking a brawl involving the tourist’s friends, the van driver, and locals. Patong Police arrived swiftly to defuse the chaos, later posting a report on their official Facebook page confirming the details. “The incident escalated into a physical altercation, causing significant disruption.” The video, just over a minute long, quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation. Netizens criticised both the tourists’ behaviour and the perceived leniency shown to foreign visitors, reported The Phuket News. “It won’t be long before things escalate.” “Set up a team to handle these issues like in Pattaya.” Perceived leniency on tourists has been an ongoing issue in Thailand. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

‘Stay away’ leaflets target PM’s visit in Yala slammed as fake news By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Reports of ominous warning leaflets telling citizens to stay away from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Thailand’s southern border provinces have been branded misinformation by local officials. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349121-‘stay-away’-leaflets-target-pm’s-visit-in-yala-slammed-as-fake-news/

Photo courtesy of The Nation By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Reports of ominous warning leaflets telling citizens to stay away from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Thailand’s southern border provinces have been branded misinformation by local officials. The alleged leaflets were said to have been distributed at key locations in Yala City, including the Yala Central Mosque, Old Market’s Soi 5, and the Jaru Community near Dhamma Foundation School. However, Colonel Kiattisak Niewong, spokesperson for the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4, dismissed the claims, stating no physical evidence of the leaflets had been found. Yala deputy police chief Police Colonel Supakorn Phuengros backed this assertion, confirming that no official complaints had been filed. “Following thorough investigations involving community and religious leaders, no physical leaflets have been discovered. This appears to be an information operation aimed at sowing unrest.” The rumours began circulating on social media yesterday January 16, just days before the 38 year old PM’s scheduled visit to the region. The purported warning urged citizens to avoid Prime Minister Paetongtarn and her Cabinet during their mission to the south, raising concerns of potential disturbances. However, security forces stationed in the Old Market area for the past three days reported no suspicious activities. Police remain vigilant but stress that there is no credible threat to the Thai premier’s visit. They believe the incident is a deliberate attempt by opposition elements to disrupt public order. As the Thai premier prepares for her mission to the southern border provinces, officials are urging the public to disregard unverified reports, reported The Nation. The PM prepared for a visit to Thailand’s southern Muslim-majority provinces by practising the universal Islamic greeting, “as-salaam alaykum” (peace be upon you), aboard an air force helicopter. Assisted by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, Paetongtarn repeated the greeting several times to perfect her pronunciation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Pride and peril: Thai man caught ‘lion’ about cub safety rules By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A Thai man is under investigation by the Department of National Parks (DPN) for transporting a lion cub without proper safety measures, a clear breach of wildlife transport laws. The man’s legal lion lapse could cost him dearly, with penalties including up to a year in prison and a hefty 100,000 baht fine. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349120-pride-and-peril-thai-man-caught-‘lion’-about-cub-safety-rules/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bob Scott A Thai man is under investigation by the Department of National Parks (DPN) for transporting a lion cub without proper safety measures, a clear breach of wildlife transport laws. The man’s legal lion lapse could cost him dearly, with penalties including up to a year in prison and a hefty 100,000 baht fine. The situation roared into the spotlight after a viral post showcased the curious cub clambering freely around a car, tugging at the heartstrings of netizens. Yet, the light-hearted moment quickly turned serious when the post vanished from the man’s Facebook, prompting further scrutiny. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, yesterday, January 16, spoke to Matichon Online, acknowledging the universal cuteness of baby animals but stressing the importance of lawful animal transport. To guarantee both human and animal safety, strict protocol demands a completely enclosed cage for any movement, said Atthaphon. “If you wish to transport an animal for an exhibition or to transfer it to another party, securing permission is paramount.” Specifically, transferring a lion necessitates prior consent from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), reported KhaoSod. The days of moving a lion on a whim are long gone. The case violates multiple regulations, including Section 19 of the National Park regulations, concerning controlled wildlife and carcasses, as well as breaching the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2019. Consequences are severe, with possible imprisonment or fines on the table, said Atthaphon. “This incident has been traced to the Bangkok area, and our officers are now delving into the details.” It’s a cautionary tale for those thinking they can take a walk on the wild side without following the rules. Meanwhile, the DNP released a report estimating Thailand’s wild elephant population to be between 4,013 and 4,422. These elephants are dispersed across 91 forests. The report highlights increasing conflicts between wild elephants and communities, particularly severe in the eastern forests, with an annual population growth rate of 8.2%, affecting 257 villages across six provinces. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Borderline mystery: Chinese model’s vanishing act stuns nation By Mitch Connor Picture of Chines model Yang Zeqi courtesy of Bangkok Post The mysterious disappearance of Chinese model Yang Zeqi near the Thai-Myanmar border has sent shockwaves throughout his home country of China and prompted his father to make a desperate plea to the Government of Thailand for help in locating his son. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349119-borderline-mystery-chinese-model’s-vanishing-act-stuns-nation/

Picture of Chines model Yang Zeqi courtesy of Bangkok Post By Mitch Connor The mysterious disappearance of Chinese model Yang Zeqi near the Thai-Myanmar border has sent shockwaves throughout his home country of China and prompted his father to make a desperate plea to the Government of Thailand for help in locating his son. Accompanied by lawyer Ratchaphon Sirisakhon, Yang’s father approached Police General Kittharath Punpetch, beseeching him to assist in the search for his son, who vanished shortly after arriving in Thailand last month. This unsettling case echoes a similar incident involving Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was trafficked to a scam centre in Myawaddy but returned to Thailand unharmed after four days, albeit with a shaved head. Wang’s ordeal attracted widespread media coverage in China, compelling the Thai government to address growing safety concerns. These fears have reportedly led some Chinese tourists to cancel their travel plans. Yang’s disappearance has captured international attention, according to Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, an inspector-general with the Royal Thai Police. Lawyer Ratchaphon recounted a disturbing video call between Yang and his mother on December 29, where the model appeared anxious and alarmed. During the call, conducted via WeChat, Yang wore black, sat at a table, and displayed visible eye injuries. Suspicion arose when it seemed someone else was holding the phone as Yang neither sought help nor showed any signs of distress, implying he was being monitored. Despite the family reporting Yang’s case to the police Anti-Trafficking in Persons Division on January 10, progress has stalled. Bangkok Post reported that Yang’s last known location was somewhere in either Phop Phra or Mae Sot district in Thailand’s Tak province, leaving his current whereabouts a puzzle as his social media went silent. There’s no confirmation if Yang crossed the Moei River into Myanmar. Ratchaphon suspects a sinister network involving Thai, Chinese, and Myanmar nationals in Yang’s disappearance. The lawyer claims to have crucial evidence, including photos of vehicle licence plates, demonstrating how Yang was transported from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in one vehicle, only to be transferred to another. As a family clings to hope and an investigation spans borders, the world watches closely for any clues that might unravel this troubling saga. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Roti rebellion: Thai police rescue Burmese teenager from trafficking By Bob Scott Picture of Burmese people being trafficked courtesy of WSJ In a harrowing tale of courage and justice, a Burmese teenager hailed the Government of Thailand for rescuing him from a nightmare of forced labour and trafficking. The 17 year old’s ordeal ended with the conviction of his captor in Bangkok last year, bringing a glimmer of hope to the youth as he waits to return home to Myanmar. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349118-roti-rebellion-thai-police-rescue-burmese-teenager-from-trafficking/

Picture of Burmese people being trafficked courtesy of WSJ By Bob Scott In a harrowing tale of courage and justice, a Burmese teenager hailed the Government of Thailand for rescuing him from a nightmare of forced labour and trafficking. The 17 year old’s ordeal ended with the conviction of his captor in Bangkok last year, bringing a glimmer of hope to the youth as he waits to return home to Myanmar. The teenage survivor expressed his gratitude to the Government of Thailand. “I would like to thank the court and the government shelter who took good care of me. I would also like to thank IJM (his friendly neighbour) who supported me throughout the legal case.” Kidnapped from his family for a mere 10,000 baht (£230), the boy was smuggled across the border from Myanmar to Thailand under the cover of night. Upon reaching his employer’s home in Bangkok, he was cruelly informed of his illegal worker status, with threats of arrest looming if he tried to escape. Forced to toil in a local market making and selling roti bread, the boy endured brutal beatings with phone charging cords and rubber hoses for failing to meet sales targets. For half a year, he suffered in silence, working into the early hours, deprived of pay and adequate food. The breaking point came when he confided in a concerned neighbour, showing them his bruises and revealing the abuse he endured. The empathetic neighbour helped the teen report his plight, leading to a swift rescue by police who brought him to safety in a government shelter. Supported by IJM, the boy received much-needed aftercare and legal assistance. Their efforts culminated in a significant legal victory, with the trafficker sentenced to four years and three months in prison, alongside a hefty fine of 640,190 baht (£14,761). The resilient teenager revealed he was relieved his ordeal was finally over. “I feel that the Thai court has delivered justice. I am still deeply hoping that I will be compensated for my unpaid wages but the sentencing will serve as an example for it not to be repeated to anyone else.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Thai minister demands Shinawatra family forfeit Alpine Golf land By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Golfasian Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also leads the Bhumjaithai Party, announced yesterday that the Shinawatra family’s ownership of extensive land at Alpine Golf and Sports Club should be rescinded. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is connected to these holdings through familial ties. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349116-thai-minister-demands-shinawatra-family-forfeit-alpine-golf-land/

Photo courtesy of Golfasian By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also leads the Bhumjaithai Party, announced yesterday that the Shinawatra family’s ownership of extensive land at Alpine Golf and Sports Club should be rescinded. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is connected to these holdings through familial ties. Anutin stated that Chamnanwit Terat, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Interior, must ensure the revocation is completed by the end of September, ahead of his retirement in October. Chamnanwit oversees the Department of Lands and is expected to fulfil this responsibility, with potential consequences for dereliction of duty if he fails. According to Anutin, the Council of State has already indicated that the land ownership by the private sector should be annulled. If the revocation occurs, the current owners will require compensation, which will be calculated based on the land’s current market value, imposing a significant financial burden on the Department of Lands. Anutin emphasised that this issue does not suggest any conflict between his Bhumjaithai Party and the Pheu Thai Party led by Paetongtarn. A Pheu Thai minister previously claimed that a disputed land plot at Khao Kradong in Buriram province, a Bhumjaithai political stronghold, belongs to the State Railway of Thailand. The 924-rai property at Alpine Golf and Sports Club, along with a housing complex in the Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani province, was originally donated in 1971 by Noem Chamnanchartsakda to Wat Dhammamikaramvoraviharn, a temple in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. After her death, the Mahamongkut Ratchawittayalai Foundation managed her estate and sold the land to Alpine Real Estate and Alpine Golf and Sports Club, despite legal restrictions on the sale of temple land. Paetongtarn, who assumed office on August 18 last year, previously held 22.41 million shares in Alpine Golf and Sports Club Co. As of September 4, she transferred these shares to her mother, Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, according to Isra News. Khunying Potjaman is the former spouse of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Shareholder records from September 4 last year reveal that Khunying Potjaman, Panthongtae Shinawatra, and Pinthongta Shinawatra Kunakornwong hold 29.88 million, 22.42 million, and 22.41 million shares in the company, respectively, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Illiterate Hill Tribe Woman Claims Loan Scam; Inquiry Launched File photo for reference only A troubling financial entanglement has surfaced in Chiang Mai province, where Chandi, a 57-year-old illiterate hill tribe woman, alleges she was duped into signing a bank loan document, resulting in a debt near 300,000 baht (approximately £6,800). The incident, originating in 2009, involved Chandi signing for a minor loan of 5,000 baht (£115), yet never receiving the funds nor withdrawing 150,000 baht (£3,400), as per her bank's claim. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349027-illiterate-hill-tribe-woman-claims-loan-scam-inquiry-launched/

File photo for reference only A troubling financial entanglement has surfaced in Chiang Mai province, where Chandi, a 57-year-old illiterate hill tribe woman, alleges she was duped into signing a bank loan document, resulting in a debt near 300,000 baht (approximately £6,800). The incident, originating in 2009, involved Chandi signing for a minor loan of 5,000 baht (£115), yet never receiving the funds nor withdrawing 150,000 baht (£3,400), as per her bank's claim. Samoeng's newly appointed district chief, Siripong Nampha, alongside local officials, visited Chandi and her equally illiterate husband, Jorpo, to unravel this financial puzzle. They have enlisted the aid of Dee (not his real name), the head of the loan group, and a bank representative to probe into the matter further. Dee oversees several loan groups, including Chandi’s, where members supposedly signed mutual guarantees for loans. A discrepancy arose as Chandi’s signature was missing on pivotal documents, raising suspicion of a deeper scam involving automatic fund transfers and withdrawals without her knowledge. The bank insists on strict identity verification processes, yet Siripong’s intervention is crucial due to missing records, including the loan agreement and withdrawal statements. The district chief has mandated a comprehensive meeting with involved parties and requested complete financial documentation to ensure justice is served. In the meantime, Chandi’s refusal to acknowledge the debt persists, particularly after failed negotiations with bank officials, compounding her mistrust. The investigation's outcome hinges on the bank’s cooperation to furnish necessary records to the Dhamrongtham Centre — pivotal to resolving whether any legal redress is warranted. -- 2025-01-16

Eucalyptus Scam Shocks Lad Yao Couple: Plantation Cleared Out File photo for reference only A couple from Lad Yao district, Nakhon Sawan province, has become the unfortunate victims of a scam involving their eucalyptus plantation. Supakorn Tamatalong and his wife, Somporn Kamtalong, had intended to sell their 20-rai plantation for 80,000 baht (US$2,314) through an unknown female broker. They were upfront about requiring full payment before any tree removal was permitted. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349026-eucalyptus-scam-shocks-lad-yao-couple-plantation-cleared-out/

File photo for reference only A couple from Lad Yao district, Nakhon Sawan province, has become the unfortunate victims of a scam involving their eucalyptus plantation. Supakorn Tamatalong and his wife, Somporn Kamtalong, had intended to sell their 20-rai plantation for 80,000 baht (US$2,314) through an unknown female broker. They were upfront about requiring full payment before any tree removal was permitted. In October of the previous year, the broker deposited merely 5,000 baht (US$144) as a gesture of seriousness but delayed the remaining payment. As the new year loomed, the couple remained unaware of any deceit, assured by the broker's continuous reassurances. Their world turned upside down on January 14, when they found their lush plantation completely devoid of trees. Alarmed by the unauthorised clearing, they promptly contacted Lad Yao Police Station to report the crime and seek justice. Insight into the case came from 70-year-old local, Muai Thapthim, who witnessed vehicles visiting the site on January 11. Assuming it was regular trade, she failed to recognise the true nature of the activity. With police investigations underway, the focus is on examining CCTV footage and compiling evidence to trace those responsible for this deceptive act. The local community is watching closely as developments unfold, hoping for a resolution that will restore justice to the aggrieved couple. -- 2025-01-16

Thai Blood Shortage Urges Public for Immediate Donations File photo for reference only Northeastern Thailand faces a pressing blood shortage, with officials from Regional Blood Centre V urging residents to donate in response to hospitals receiving only 30-40% of their required blood supply. Nakhon Ratchasima's 39 hospitals are heavily reliant on the centre, which traditionally expects requests for up to 15,000 units monthly. Currently, they hold a mere 3,000 units, marking an alarming 80% deficit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349025-thai-blood-shortage-urges-public-for-immediate-donations/

File photo for reference only Northeastern Thailand faces a pressing blood shortage, with officials from Regional Blood Centre V urging residents to donate in response to hospitals receiving only 30-40% of their required blood supply. Nakhon Ratchasima's 39 hospitals are heavily reliant on the centre, which traditionally expects requests for up to 15,000 units monthly. Currently, they hold a mere 3,000 units, marking an alarming 80% deficit. Sirilak Piakkhunthod, head of the blood centre, highlighted key issues contributing to the shortage. Regular donation occurs infrequently, with many donating just once a year instead of every three months. Furthermore, a decline in new donors persists, hindered by health issues such as thalassemia and iron deficiency anaemia. Sirilak strongly appeals to the public, particularly those 17 and older, to recognise the critical need for regular contributions, emphasising the crucial role of awareness campaigns. She stated, “We shouldn’t wait for the perfect moment to donate blood, as declining health might mean missing the chance to do so forever.” Residents prepared to help can visit the Regional Blood Centre V in Nakhon Ratchasima, or use donation sites at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University and Terminal 21 Korat shopping mall. Immediate action is essential to stabilise the supply and support the region's healthcare needs. -- 2025-01-16

Thailand's Defence Minister Demands Strategic Overhaul Amidst Violence File photo for reference only In the wake of a recent attack in Pattani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Thailand's southern border strategy. This follows a motorcycle bomb incident that left several defence volunteers and civilians injured. The Minister has sharply criticised the current strategy and urged for a more unified approach that moves beyond the repetitive lifting and reinstating of emergency decrees. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349024-thailands-defence-minister-demands-strategic-overhaul-amidst-violence/

File photo for reference only In the wake of a recent attack in Pattani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Thailand's southern border strategy. This follows a motorcycle bomb incident that left several defence volunteers and civilians injured. The Minister has sharply criticised the current strategy and urged for a more unified approach that moves beyond the repetitive lifting and reinstating of emergency decrees. Phumtham highlighted the failures of the existing dual-focus strategy, where military operations complicate peace negotiations. He stressed the need for these areas to be handled separately to achieve meaningful progress. The Minister has directed his advisory team to review past challenges and develop a coherent strategy that better integrates security and peacebuilding efforts. Key to his initiative is the formation of a revised peace committee aimed at identifying and addressing current policy shortcomings. Phumtham is scheduled to visit the southern region with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today, the 16th January, to focus discussions on enhancing peace efforts. The Minister has also underscored the importance of modernising military operations with advanced technology. He pushed for the use of drones, satellite systems, and surveillance tools to boost operational efficacy and reduce dependency on large patrols. Moreover, he proposed reassigning some personnel to disaster response roles and suggested early retirement schemes for senior officers to streamline the force. This call for transformation comes on the heels of another violent attack in Narathiwat province, where a father and son, both Border Patrol Police officers, were killed by an explosive device followed by gunfire. The incident has heightened the urgency for a reassessment of current strategies to address the ongoing unrest effectively. -- 2025-01-16