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Thai cinema reels in the big bucks, outshining Hollywood By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Eight Thai films surpassed 100 million baht in revenue in 2024, capturing a 54% share of the domestic market, surpassing Hollywood films. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349004-thai-cinema-reels-in-the-big-bucks-outshining-hollywood/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Eight Thai films surpassed 100 million baht in revenue in 2024, capturing a 54% share of the domestic market, surpassing Hollywood films. Surachet Asavarueng-Anan, Chief Executive Officer of M STUDIO, a film production and distribution company in Thailand and abroad, announced yesterday, January 15, that the Thai film industry achieved significant success last year. The industry’s market share exceeded that of Hollywood films, marking a new milestone in terms of recognition and acceptance. For the first time, Thai films accounted for 54% of the total revenue in the film industry, while Hollywood films had a 38% share, and other films made up the remaining 8%. The total market value of the film industry in Thailand stood at 4,485 million baht, with 326 films released in total. In 2024, Thai films generated 2,438 million baht in domestic revenue from 54 releases, reported KhaoSod. Eight Thai movies earned over 100 million baht, contributing to this achievement. The films and their earnings are as follows: Theeyod 2 by M STUDIO led the list with 815 million baht How to Make Millions Before Grandma Die by GDH 559 with 339 million baht Pee Nak 4 by Five Star earned 178 million baht Anong by M STUDIO and Viman Nam by GDH 559 each made 150 million baht Hor Taew Taek Haek Sap Pa Yod by M STUDIO achieved 130 million baht Term 3 by Sahamongkol Film and Young Generation 2544 by Neramitnung Film earned 122 million baht. A significant milestone for Thai cinema unfolded as Thai film studio GDH announced that How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies has been shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The film, directed by Pat Boonnitipat and penned by screenwriter Ped Thodsapon, stands out among 85 international submissions, marking a first for Thailand. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-16

Flipping brilliant! Blackpink’s Lisa tosses coin in London derby By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Blackpink’s Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban took centre stage at the Emirates Stadium last night, dazzling fans as she flipped the coin in the legendary North London Derby. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349003-flipping-brilliant-blackpink’s-lisa-tosses-coin-in-london-derby/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bob Scott Blackpink’s Lalisa “Lisa” Manoban took centre stage at the Emirates Stadium last night, dazzling fans as she flipped the coin in the legendary North London Derby. The electrifying clash between fierce rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur was given an extra sprinkle of stardust thanks to the K-pop queen’s pitch-side performance in collaboration with Guinness. Guinness Korea teased fans with a sneak peek on social media, touting “Lisa’s coin tossing experience with Guinness.” And last night, January 15, the Thai superstar didn’t disappoint, stepping onto the turf with an air of glamour to deliver a fortune coin to Premier League referee Simon Hooper. The ceremonial toss kicked off a superb match, with Arsenal edging out their fierce foes 2-1 after goals from Dominic Solanke and Leandro Trossard while Spurs’ Son Heung-Min made his mark on the scoresheet. Lisa’s charm brought more than just luck to the Gunners, it shone the global spotlight on the heart of North London. Known for more than just her musical prowess, the Blackpink star previously wowed the crowds at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix by waving the iconic chequered flag. Now, with the Premier League under her spell, Lisa continues to leave her mark across the sports world, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with, on and off the stage. Lisa last week proved she’s the ultimate soft power queen by taking Thai tea globally. From promoting Thailand’s iconic meatballs to elevating fried egg rice, Lisa is now bringing the nation’s beloved iced tea to the world stage in a way no one saw coming. The 27 year old unveiled her latest venture with luxury health brand Erewhon, famed for collaborating with A-list celebrities. Together, they’ve crafted a premium twist on Thai tea called Thai Up the World. Erewhon shared a video of Lisa herself whipping up the drink, describing it as a reinvention of the classic Thai iced tea with a health-conscious twist. That’s not all! Lisa fans are whetting lips in anticipation of her acting debut in series three of The White Lotus, due to be screened next month. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-16

Massive Electronic Waste Seizure Exhumed at Laem Chabang Port File photo for reference only In a striking discovery, the Customs Department has seized a staggering 256 tonnes of illicit electronic waste at the busy Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province. The waste, hidden across ten containers, spotlighted the ongoing issue of illegal hazardous material trade. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348922-massive-electronic-waste-seizure-exhumed-at-laem-chabang-port/

File photo for reference only In a striking discovery, the Customs Department has seized a staggering 256 tonnes of illicit electronic waste at the busy Laem Chabang port in Chonburi province. The waste, hidden across ten containers, spotlighted the ongoing issue of illegal hazardous material trade. Acting on a tip-off, Chakkrit Uthensut, the department's Director General, executed the inspection that led to the uncovering of these hazardous materials. Marketed misleadingly as "scrap and used metals," the nine containers from Japan and one from Hong Kong, were promptly confiscated. This importation glaringly violates national customs regulations and the internationally recognised Basel Convention, which regulates the movement and disposal of hazardous waste. Electronic waste poses severe environmental and health risks if not managed properly, underscoring the gravity of this breach. The discovery emphasises the necessity for stringent checks and international cooperation to combat such illegal activities in the future. Questions now arise on how these shipments bypassed strict port inspections initially, pressing for an overhaul in enforcement protocols. -- 2025-01-15

Woman caught vaping on Bangkok BTS sparks outrage - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail A video capturing a woman allegedly vaping cannabis on a Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) has gone viral, igniting outrage and calls for stricter public behaviour enforcement. The shocking footage, shared on the Facebook page อีซ้อขยี้แหลก on January 12, shows the woman casually vaping on the train, surrounded by children and elderly passengers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348918-woman-caught-vaping-on-bangkok-bts-sparks-outrage-video/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A video capturing a woman allegedly vaping cannabis on a Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) has gone viral, igniting outrage and calls for stricter public behaviour enforcement. The shocking footage, shared on the Facebook page อีซ้อขยี้แหลก on January 12, shows the woman casually vaping on the train, surrounded by children and elderly passengers. The clip reveals the woman standing and texting while holding what appears to be a vape device. However, the TikTok user noted that the distinctive smell of cannabis soon filled the train car, alarming fellow passengers. “At first, I thought it was asthma medication but then the unmistakable scent of cannabis hit us from far away.” The concerned passenger reported the incident to staff at Chong Nonsi Station, urging BTS staff to take action and set a clear precedent against such behaviour. “Public transport should be a safe and respectful space for everyone.” The incident sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many highlighting the inappropriateness of vaping, especially cannabis, in crowded, shared spaces. Public transport users have expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of vaping and cannabis use in areas where children and vulnerable individuals are present. The viral video reignited debate about public awareness and enforcement of Thailand’s cannabis and vaping regulations. Critics are urging local officials to strengthen oversight to ensure public transport remains a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers, reported Pattaya Mail. As cannabis use becomes more widespread, incidents like these are a stark reminder of the need for clear rules and public education on appropriate behaviour in shared spaces. “It’s about mutual respect and knowing where to draw the line.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Thai tax tangle: Expats warned of new rules on overseas income By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Expatica A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348917-thai-tax-tangle-expats-warned-of-new-rules-on-overseas-income/

Photo courtesy of Expatica By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns, about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines. Patcha explained that not all expats are required to file Thai tax returns. Exemptions apply to those in Thailand for less than 180 days in 2024, individuals who haven’t transferred money from abroad, those who only moved income earned before December 31, 2023, and holders of the 10-year Long Term Residence (LTR) Visa. For others, the advice is clear: obtain a tax identification number and file a return by March 2025. “All foreign income must be declared but this doesn’t always mean a tax liability.” In a surprise revelation, it was disclosed that foreign credit card usage in Thailand, if converted to Thai baht, is now considered taxable income. Carden urged expats to carefully review double taxation treaties between Thailand and their home countries but noted these are not blanket exemptions. “Each treaty has unique terms, referencing them in tax submissions could help as a caveat.” Attendees raised questions about investment transfers, such as using overseas funds to buy a Thai condominium, but Carden admitted such matters remain unclear. He acknowledged the Revenue Department’s intent to widen the tax base, with small earners inadvertently caught in policies aimed at wealthy Thais, reported Pattaya Mail. Concerns about enforcement were addressed, with Patcha citing international agreements like the Global Forum on Transparency, enabling Thai officials to request banking information globally. Both experts urged expats to retain detailed records of foreign transactions to avoid audits and potential penalties. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Actor Ple Nakorn reports 6 million baht scam to cyber police By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Thai actor Nakorn Silachai reported to the cyber police that his relative lost 6 million baht to a call centre scam. It is suspected that the group may be the same as the one that conned another Thai actor, Charlotte Austin. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348916-actor-ple-nakorn-reports-6-million-baht-scam-to-cyber-police/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Thai actor Nakorn Silachai reported to the cyber police that his relative lost 6 million baht to a call centre scam. It is suspected that the group may be the same as the one that conned another Thai actor, Charlotte Austin. Yesterday, January 14, at 12.55pm, Nakorn, also known as Ple Nakorn, accompanied by Ekpob Luangprasert, founder of the Saimai Must Survive Facebook page, met with Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phueanphan, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. They reported that close family members were victimised by a scam, losing a substantial amount of money. Ple Nakorn detailed that the victims were his 71 year old uncle and 64 year old aunt, the parents of his younger brother. The incident took place on January 11, when a call was received on his uncle’s phone. The caller, claiming to be a police officer, informed him that his name was linked to a money laundering case and requested to inspect his accounts. During the call, his aunt joined the conversation. The scammers instructed both to lock themselves in separate rooms, threatening them not to inform anyone else. A female police officer was purportedly involved in separate interrogations from noon to 8pm. They were then coerced into transferring money from all their accounts to the scammers for inspection, which amounted to 6 million baht (US$172,730) over 10 transactions (the uncle with 10 accounts and the aunt with one). Police scam They were assured that the money would be returned after verification. When their remaining balance was just 300,000 baht (US$8,635), the aunt became suspicious, and after discussing it with her uncle, they decided to disconnect the call and consult their son. They subsequently reported the matter to Rat Burana Police Station and filed an online report at 1441. Nakorn added that despite his uncle and aunt being aware of call centre scams, they fell prey due to the psychological manipulation during the call, feeling as though they were hypnotised. Fear of criminal involvement led them to comply with the scammer’s instructions. He emphasised that anyone, regardless of profession, could become a victim. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated that initial investigations confirmed the complaint was filed at Rat Burana Police Station, which coordinated with the 1441 centre. The cyber police will collaborate with relevant parties to find a resolution, reported KhaoSod. If the case involves multiple sectors, it will be transferred to the cyber police for further handling. Preliminary investigations suggest that the modus operandi of this call centre gang resembles that of the group which deceived Charlotte Austin, but it remains uncertain if it is the same group. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Charity event raises 4 million baht for Police General Hospital By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Thailand’s Police Association donated 4 million baht from its second annual charity walk-run event, Police Run 2024, to the Police General Hospital. This donation, presented yesterday, January 14 at the hospital, will fund medical equipment to support patients and visitors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348915-charity-event-raises-4-million-baht-for-police-general-hospital/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand’s Police Association donated 4 million baht from its second annual charity walk-run event, Police Run 2024, to the Police General Hospital. This donation, presented yesterday, January 14 at the hospital, will fund medical equipment to support patients and visitors. The event, organised by the Police Association and the Police General Hospital Foundation under Royal Patronage, took place last year on November 10. The funds will be allocated to various initiatives: 1.2 million baht will support the endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery centre, 1.8 million baht will aid the dentistry group, and 1 million baht will be used for medical education scholarships at the hospital. Police Lieutenant General Taweesilp Wetchavisit, Chief Medical Officer (Level 8), alongside Police Colonel Sirikul Srisanga, spokesperson for the Police General Hospital, represented the foundation in receiving the donation. Police Lieutenant General Taweesilp expressed gratitude to Police General Winai Thongsong, President of the Police Association, and the association’s board for their generous contribution. He emphasised that the donation would enhance the hospital’s capabilities, enabling it to provide comprehensive and modern medical services. This includes acquiring advanced medical equipment to improve the quality of care for patients, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Thai girl reunited with family after abduction by drug addict By Petch Petpailin Danaiporn | Photo via ThaiRath Thai police collaborated with armed forces in Myanmar to rescue a 10 year old Thai girl abducted by a drug-addicted Thai woman and taken to Myanmar via the border in Mae Sot district in the northern province of Tak. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348913-thai-girl-reunited-with-family-after-abduction-by-drug-addict/

Danaiporn | Photo via ThaiRath By Petch Petpailin Thai police collaborated with armed forces in Myanmar to rescue a 10 year old Thai girl abducted by a drug-addicted Thai woman and taken to Myanmar via the border in Mae Sot district in the northern province of Tak. A 40 year old Thai mother, Khamporn Onkate, filed a complaint at Mae Sot Police Station yesterday, January 14, after her 10 year old daughter, Thammaporn Onkate, went missing from their home on January 10 with a 36 year old woman named Danaiporn. According to Khamporn, Danaiporn was her neighbour. Members of the community were aware that she used drugs and had later developed a mental illness as a result of her substance abuse. Police later found Danaiporn’s scarf and bicycle on the banks of the Moei River, at the border between Thailand and Myanmar. However, there were no signs of either Danaiporn or the girl at the scene. Khamporn informed the police that Danaiporn previously asked her for 200 baht in cash but she refused. She believed that this refusal, coupled with Danaiporn’s disappointment and anger, may have led to Thammaporn’s abduction. Khamporn was also concerned that Danaiporn might take her daughter to the headquarters of call centre scam gangs in Myanmar. She feared her daughter could become a victim of child labour. Officers from Mae Sot Police Station sought the cooperation of armed forces and residents in Myanmar living along the border. The armed forces reported to the police that they had detained Danaiporn and the girl upon their arrival. Both of them were returned to Thailand. Upon their arrival in Thailand, the police escorted Danaiporn to the station for questioning, while the girl was reunited with her family. Danaiporn claimed that soldiers in Myanmar had detained her and punished her by beating her, although the girl was unharmed. She further claimed that she had only intended to take the girl on a trip to Myanmar. Police have charged Danaiporn with abducting a minor under the age of 15 from her parents or guardians. The offence carries a penalty of three to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from 6,000 to 30,000 baht. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Chiang Rai border drug trafficking clash leads to 4 deaths By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A skirmish erupted along the northern border, resulting in the deaths of four people involved in drug trafficking. The confrontation occurred late on Monday, January 13, leading to the seizure of 34 sacks of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), which weighed over 1 tonne. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348906-chiang-rai-border-drug-trafficking-clash-leads-to-4-deaths/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A skirmish erupted along the northern border, resulting in the deaths of four people involved in drug trafficking. The confrontation occurred late on Monday, January 13, leading to the seizure of 34 sacks of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), which weighed over 1 tonne. Major General Kidakorn Chantra, commander of the Pha Mueang Force, and Lieutenant Colonel Jakkrapong Sodsri, deputy commander of the Task Force Chaotak, inspected the clash site between soldiers from Company 1, Chaotak Task Force, and the drug couriers yesterday, January 14 at 11am. The confrontation took place in Ban Pang Mahan, village 8, Thoet Thai subdistrict, Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai province, approximately 600 metres from the border. The clash began around 10.15pm on January 13, as soldiers from Company 1, Chaotak Task Force, were monitoring the area to prevent drug-related offences. They identified a group of suspicious individuals carrying backpacks and attempted to intervene. However, the group responded by opening fire with unidentified weapons, resulting in a 20-minute exchange. The opposing group eventually retreated into the neighbouring country. Following the skirmish, two operational units were deployed to secure the area due to the nighttime conditions. At dawn, officers cleared the clash site and discovered approximately 34 backpacks, along with the bodies of four deceased individuals from the opposing group. Upon inspecting the bags, it was determined that they contained a total of about 1,155 kilogrammes of Ice, spread across 35 backpacks. It is believed the drugs were destined for a third country, using Thailand as a transit route. Major General Kidakorn suggested that the group comprised approximately 30 to 35 individuals who transported the drugs from a neighbouring border. Despite receiving a warning signal from the police, the group chose to engage in a firefight, resulting in casualties on their side. The remaining members presumably abandoned their heavy sacks and fled back to the neighbouring country. Major General Kidakorn further urged those involved in drug trafficking to reconsider whether the risk of smuggling drugs from neighbouring countries into Thailand is worth endangering their lives. He emphasised the broader impact on the community, particularly on the youth who may become addicted to these substances, and urged traffickers to weigh the consequences of their actions, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Khon Kaen school director arrested for drug dealing By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Khon Kaen arrested a school director for drug dealing after a sting operation caught him in the act of delivering drugs to an undercover officer. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348905-khon-kaen-school-director-arrested-for-drug-dealing/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Police in Khon Kaen arrested a school director for drug dealing after a sting operation caught him in the act of delivering drugs to an undercover officer. Yesterday, January 14, Police Colonel Theerathat Phongsuwan, of Nong Song Hong Police Station, reported the arrest of 40 year old Naphatdol, a school director in Nong Song Hong district, Khon Kaen province. He was apprehended with 369 methamphetamine tablets. This arrest followed the capture of 29 year old Thayakorn on January 11, who was found with 20 methamphetamine tablets in a field hut in Village 4, Don Dang subdistrict. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the drugs were supplied by Naphatson, who intended to use and sell them. To gather more evidence, police arranged a sting operation to purchase drugs from the school director. The meeting was set on a roadside connecting Nong Song Hong to Ban Phai district. At the arranged time, police found the school director standing by the road with 186 methamphetamine tablets packed in a blue plastic bag inside a food container, placed by a kilometre marker. Further investigation revealed that the school director had rented a room at a resort in Nong Song Hong subdistrict, Nong Song Hong district, Khon Kaen province. A search of the room uncovered an additional 183 methamphetamine tablets in a rectangular box located behind the room. The director was taken into custody, along with the drugs, for further questioning at Nong Song Hong Police Station. During the interrogation, the school director confessed that approximately a year ago, he had acted as a bail guarantor for a drug-related criminal, which led to him befriending the criminal’s acquaintance. This relationship eventually resulted in him obtaining methamphetamine for personal use and distribution to local networks. He claimed ignorance of the drug’s ownership or the supply chain, stating that transactions were conducted via phone instructions for pickups and deliveries, leaving him unaware of the sale prices or origination of the drugs, reported KhaoSod. Following the investigation, he was charged with possession and distribution of a category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) for commercial purposes without authorisation and with driving under the influence of a category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine), in violation of the law. He was subsequently remanded to the court for further proceedings. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Public health ministry urges vigilance amid rise in influenza cases By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod At the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, Dr Jurai Wongsawat and Dr Weerawat Manosutthi, a distinguished physician and government spokesperson, presented concerns over rising influenza cases this year and discussed the monitoring of hMPV and avian flu. They emphasised ways for families to maintain health and avoid illnesses. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348904-public-health-ministry-urges-vigilance-amid-rise-in-influenza-cases/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal At the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, Dr Jurai Wongsawat and Dr Weerawat Manosutthi, a distinguished physician and government spokesperson, presented concerns over rising influenza cases this year and discussed the monitoring of hMPV and avian flu. They emphasised ways for families to maintain health and avoid illnesses. Last year, several major diseases required continuous observation, including Covid-19, influenza, dengue fever, acute respiratory infections, vector-borne diseases, gastrointestinal infections, and foreign diseases. Covid-19 saw 769,200 cases in 2024, with the highest incidence among individuals aged 60 and above, followed by those aged 30 to 39, and 20 to 29. There were 222 fatalities, predominantly among those over 60, with the JN.1 variant being the most common. This year, a decline is expected, with 3,493 cases and no deaths reported so far. Influenza had 668,027 cases in 2024, a 1.39-fold increase from the previous year, primarily affecting young children and school-aged individuals. There were 51 deaths, mostly among those with chronic illnesses and seniors over 65. The outbreaks were prominent in schools, prisons, temples, training centres, and military camps. In 2025, cases are expected to rise, with 14,537 cases and no fatalities. Dengue fever cases decreased by 0.7-fold last year, with 105,250 cases and 114 deaths, mainly among school-aged children and working adults. Mosquito habitats In 2025, a further reduction to 76,000 to 77,000 cases and 70 to 80 deaths is predicted if mosquito breeding sites are controlled and the House Index is kept below 5%. The public is advised to eliminate mosquito habitats and avoid NSAID medication for suspected dengue cases. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections totalled 8,218 cases in 2024, mostly in children under two and increasingly in those over 65. Surveillance from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, showed RSV presence peaking between July and November, with RSV A in 2023 and RSV B in 2024. Streptococcus suis infection, or red ear disease, saw an average of 461 cases and 22 deaths annually over the past five years. In 2024, there were 956 cases and 59 deaths, with one death reported in Buriram this year. The deceased were mainly those over 65 with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, with 40% having an alcohol abuse history. Dr Jurai highlighted the need for vigilance regarding PM 2.5 dust particles this winter. Between October 1, 2024, and January 8, 2025, PM 2.5 levels exceeded the red level, or 75 microgrammes per cubic metre, in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Phanom, Phitsanulok, Phetchaburi, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Nong Khai, Nakhon Pathom, and Pathum Thani. Doctor Weerawat discussed the Department of Disease Control (DDC)’s monitoring of diseases like human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a long-standing respiratory virus not linked to Covid-19, which sees increased cases in the rainy and winter seasons. Recent data from China indicates rising respiratory infections, particularly in northern provinces, with seasonal flu, rhinovirus, RSV, and hMPV detected. In Thailand, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, hMPV was found in 545 out of 15,299 samples, predominantly affecting children under five, those aged five to nine, and people over 60. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available, so prevention is advised. Avian flu, particularly H5N1, remains a concern globally, affecting both humans and animals. No human-to-human transmission has been observed. From December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025, 261 cases were reported, with no new cases of avian influenza A (H5N1). The first death in 2025 was reported in Cambodia, where a 28 year old man from Kampong Cham died after handling and cooking sick chickens. Dr Weerawat also mentioned neglected tropical diseases prevalent in tropical countries, often overlooked due to their presence in developing nations, reported KhaoSod. In Thailand, these include dengue fever, malaria, elephantiasis, leprosy, tuberculosis, rabies, and various parasitic infections. To raise awareness and encourage collaboration, the World Health Assembly designated January 30 as World NTD Day. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Indian doctor accused of killing wife in Pattaya bathtub drowning By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Times of India A romantic getaway in Pattaya turned into a nightmarish scene from a horror movie as an Indian doctor based in the city of Lucknow stands accused of murdering his wife by sedating her and causing her to drown in a hotel bathtub. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348902-indian-doctor-accused-of-killing-wife-in-pattaya-bathtub-drowning/

Photo courtesy of The Times of India By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A romantic getaway in Pattaya turned into a nightmarish scene from a horror movie as an Indian doctor based in the city of Lucknow stands accused of murdering his wife by sedating her and causing her to drown in a hotel bathtub. The chilling allegations against the doctor, 38 year old Ashish Srivastava, were made by his father-in-law, Satyanarayan Sharma, in a letter to Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya. The victim, 32 year old Priyanka Sharma, was found dead in the bathtub of the couple’s hotel room in the early hours of January 8. “Ashish used his medical knowledge to administer sedatives to my daughter and conspired to drown her. He later told us she died by drowning but I am convinced he murdered her.” The couple, who had a love marriage (rather than an arranged marriage) in 2017, reportedly saw their relationship deteriorate after Priyanka gave birth to a baby boy in 2021. The deceased’s father claimed their marriage grew strained due to Ashish’s alleged illicit relationships and mental and physical harassment. “She even filed a police complaint earlier but we convinced her to give their relationship another chance.” Family members revealed that Ashish had taken Priyanka to Thailand under the pretext of cheering her up after her mother’s death in October. The trip, which was supposed to end yesterday, January 14, took a tragic turn, reported The Times of India. “Ashish and his family returned to India on January 10, leaving Priyanka’s body behind.” Additional DCP Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed the registration of a report under Section 103(1) for murder. “A thorough investigation is underway.” This case, shrouded in allegations of betrayal and murder, has left the family devastated and seeking justice for Priyanka’s untimely death. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

PM Paetongtarn to visit southern provinces amid recent bombings By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow despite recent bombings in the region, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348900-pm-paetongtarn-to-visit-southern-provinces-amid-recent-bombings/