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Tourist theft in Patong escalates to stabbing incident By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Patong Police A foreign tourist caused a disturbance in Patong early yesterday morning, January 13, following an alleged theft of headphones from a local shop and injuring a passerby who tried to assist. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348800-tourist-theft-in-patong-escalates-to-stabbing-incident/

Picture courtesy of Patong Police By Bright Choomanee A foreign tourist caused a disturbance in Patong early yesterday morning, January 13, following an alleged theft of headphones from a local shop and injuring a passerby who tried to assist. The incident took place around 1.30am at a shop on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, known for selling bags, headphones, and various items. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Mekchai from the Patong police reported that the theft was brought to attention by 42 year old Ngo Van Binh, a Vietnamese employee at the store. Ngo recounted that the tourist, accompanied by a female companion, both of unknown nationalities, entered the shop to browse. During their visit, the man allegedly took a pair of headphones without paying. Upon noticing the theft, Ngo pursued the couple, calling for help. Chanaphon Soponrat, a 31 year old from Phatthalung, responded to the calls and joined the chase. However, the suspect reportedly brandished a knife and injured Chanaphon’s left arm before escaping. Chanaphon was transported to Patong Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries, reported The Phuket News. Police are actively searching for the suspect, who remains at large. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting witness statements to apprehend the individual and ensure justice is served. In related news, two Liberian nationals were detained in connection with a gold-selling scam in Bangkok that resulted in the theft of US$90,000, equivalent to around 3 million baht, from a Thai businessman. The scam involved swapping counterfeit banknotes for genuine ones. Police Colonel Pansa Amarapitak, the chief of Thong Lor Police Station, announced the arrest of 32 year old Solomon Varney Gaddeh, and 50 year old Yousouf Cherif. The duo was apprehended while walking on Udomsuk Road in Bangkok’s Bang Na district late on January 4. The arrests came after a complaint was lodged by the owner of an iron and gold ore importing company, who reported that two African men had swindled him out of US$90,000 during a meeting intended for the purchase of 2 kilogrammes of gold. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Pattaya man left homeless by mosquito coil fire - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News A fire erupted at a makeshift residence in Pattaya due to a resident inadvertently leaving a mosquito coil burning. The same resident had previously caused a fire at the same location last year while smoking and handling gasoline. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348799-pattaya-man-left-homeless-by-mosquito-coil-fire-video/

Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A fire erupted at a makeshift residence in Pattaya due to a resident inadvertently leaving a mosquito coil burning. The same resident had previously caused a fire at the same location last year while smoking and handling gasoline. Pattaya police were alerted to a blaze at an unnumbered dwelling opposite the Pattaya Provincial Court on Thapphraya Road yesterday, January 13 at 7am. Following the alert, police coordinated with Pattaya’s disaster prevention team and dispatched a fire truck to the scene. Reporters from The Pattaya News were also on site to cover the incident. Upon arrival, a crowd comprising locals and foreign tourists had gathered to witness the event. Officers discovered the fire fully engulfing a small, custom-built, makeshift hut. Firefighters worked for over 30 minutes, spraying water to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent shacks and custom-built homes, eventually managing to contain the blaze. Neighbours informed The Pattaya News that the affected property belonged to 49 year old Somrak Kwanrueng, who lived alone. Somrak frequently collected cans and bottles under the house and occasionally set them on fire accidentally. According to neighbours, this incident appeared to have started when Somrak left a mosquito coil burning near his sofa and forgot to extinguish it, leading to the rapid spread of the fire. A large amount of accumulated clutter and collected materials exacerbated the situation. Somrak recounted to The Pattaya News that he had placed the mosquito coil near the sofa and then unintentionally dozed off. He awoke to find flames near his feet. Despite trying to douse the fire with water, he was unable to contain it and was forced to flee the house and call for assistance, reported The Pattaya News. Somrak, undeterred by the incident, expressed his determination to rebuild his home for the third time. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Former Thai inmate jailed for rape arrested for repeated assault By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ Police arrested a 64 year old former Thai inmate for the rape of a 70 year old woman in the southern province of Trang on Monday, January 6. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348798-former-thai-inmate-jailed-for-rape-arrested-for-repeated-assault/

Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ By Petch Petpailin Police arrested a 64 year old former Thai inmate for the rape of a 70 year old woman in the southern province of Trang on Monday, January 6. The victim, 70 year old lady called Iad, filed a complaint with the Bang Khlong Teng Police Station following the assault, which occurred at 2pm on January 6 while she was on her way to the market. The rapist reportedly approached her and committed the crime on the palm plantation. According to Iad, the suspect also threatened to kill her and her family if she screamed or disclosed the assault. She expressed concern for her own safety as well as that of her three siblings, who have disabilities. Police investigated the case and identified a 64 year old man named Jade as the main suspect. The elderly victim also confirmed his identity from a photograph provided by officers. Further investigations revealed that Jade had recently been released from prison after serving a sentence for raping a bedridden patient. Reports indicate that in the previous incident, Jade brutally assaulted the victim after the rape, believing she had died. His confession to a relative led to a report being filed with the police and his arrest. Jade served a three year prison sentence and was released on December 30 last year, just seven days before committing this latest offence. On Friday, January 10, police visited Jade’s home but found him absent. However, officers later apprehended him while he was walking through a market near his residence. The red and black Honda Wave 110 motorcycle he used on the day of the incident was confiscated as evidence. Jade denied the accusations, claiming he did not know Iad and had never met her. However, Iad insisted he was the perpetrator, citing a wound on Jade’s mouth that she caused while attempting to defend herself during the assault. Jade continued to insist on his innocence, saying the wound was from shaving. With concrete evidence linking Jade to the crime, he was charged under Section 276 of the Criminal Law for sexual assault involving threats or violence. The offence carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from four to 20 years and a fine of 80,000 to 400,000 baht. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

2 missing Chinese women rescued safely from Myanmar scam gang By Petch Petpailin Photo via DailyNews Thai police officers safely rescued two missing Chinese women from a call centre scam gang in Myanmar and transported them back to China after the father of one of the victims travelled to Thailand to seek help. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348797-2-missing-chinese-women-rescued-safely-from-myanmar-scam-gang/

Photo via DailyNews By Petch Petpailin Thai police officers safely rescued two missing Chinese women from a call centre scam gang in Myanmar and transported them back to China after the father of one of the victims travelled to Thailand to seek help. The 21 year old Chinese woman, Wu Jia Xi, and her friend, later identified as Liu Luying, arrived in Thailand via Suvarnabhumi International Airport on January 6. They checked into a hotel in the Lat Krabang district of Bangkok but checked out shortly afterwards and subsequently lost contact with their families. The disappearance prompted Wu Jia Xi’s father, Wu Wei Tong, to travel to Thailand and seek assistance from the Royal Thai Police (RTP). He and his ex-wife suspected that their daughter and her friend were lured into a call centre scam in Myanmar, similar to the case involving Chinese actor Wang Xing. According to Wu Wei Tong, his daughter spoke to his ex-wife upon arriving in Thailand. The mother advised her daughter and her friend against travelling to Myanmar for their safety. Wu Jia Xi promised to remain in Thailand and expressed her fear of going to Myanmar. Unfortunately, Thai police later tracked the two Chinese women and discovered that they travelled to Myanmar. Officers coordinated with local officials in Myanmar and Chinese authorities until they successfully facilitated the transfer of the women back to China. Wu Wei Tong then visited the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station to withdraw the missing person report filed for his daughter and to express his gratitude to Thai officials for their efforts in retrieving her. The police noted similarities between this case and that of Chinese actor Wang Xing. However, limited details about the incident were disclosed to the public. The two Chinese women have not revealed how they were deceived into travelling to Myanmar or what they experienced while there. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Thailand tackles plastic waste imports crisis head-on - video By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bloomberg In a decisive move to clean up its act, Thailand slammed the brakes on plastic waste imports, turning from a dumping ground into a leader in the global battle against pollution. From January 1, this year, the country has shut its doors to overseas plastic refuse, sending ripples through the world of waste. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348796-thailand-tackles-plastic-waste-imports-crisis-head-on-video/

Picture courtesy of Bloomberg By Bob Scott In a decisive move to clean up its act, Thailand slammed the brakes on plastic waste imports, turning from a dumping ground into a leader in the global battle against pollution. From January 1, this year, the country has shut its doors to overseas plastic refuse, sending ripples through the world of waste. It’s a bold step forward for Thailand, a nation long at the mercy of the world’s plastic deluge. With a history of serving as a dumping ground for high-income countries like the United States and Japan to offload their excess waste, Thailand has now firmly bolted its gates against future plasticky invasions. For years, the Kingdom of Thailand had absorbed the leftovers of developed nations, importing over 1.1 million tonnes of plastic scraps between 2018 and 2021. In 2023 alone, Japan shipped a staggering 50,000 tonnes to Thai shores. However, as of now, those days are over. Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, backed by fervent activists and environmentalists, has enacted a total ban on the import of plastic waste. The Cabinet approved this courageous decision in December last year, effectively thumbing its nose at Western waste exporters, an environmental campaigner revealed. “Western countries often take the easy road by shipping their rubbish abroad, washing their hands of the problem. While it’s good riddance for them, it’s toxic trouble for us.” Cheap labour and lower environmental standards have made nations like Thailand prime targets for this dubious trade, but the tide is now turning. This landmark ban shines a spotlight on the murky world of global waste management, where economics often trump ethics. Even in wealthy nations, it’s not uncommon for states with weaker environmental laws to handle other states’ waste under disguise of economic imperative. This practice once famously sparked uproar in the US, when a “poop train” of New York and New Jersey’s sewage languished in Alabama in 2018. Despite the economic incentives, which can include job creation and bolstering local economies, the environmental repercussions are dire. As neglected waste heaps up, so do the risks. Plastic waste is frequently burnt, a process releasing noxious fumes and pollutants, heightening the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. As experts warn, without a long-term solution from the United Nations, this could snowball into a major human health crisis. Adding to the peril is the menace of microplastics: microscopic remnants of plastic decomposition. Ubiquitous as sand, these particles have infiltrated air, water, and human bodies. Startlingly, microplastics are also added to everyday products like exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste for their abrasive properties. As they accumulate in nature, these almost indestructible particles become a lurking foe. Graphic courtesy of Aljazeera The environmental damage is not confined to Southeast Asia. China, once the largest of such markets, stopped importing the world’s plastic in 2018, a watershed moment that left nations scrambling. The UK, for instance, pivoted to sending its plastic waste to Turkey, launching a dramatic surge in exports culminating at over 200,000 tonnes by 2020, reported Aljazeera. Elsewhere, countries such as Turkey, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia continue to absorb foreign plastic, pursuing economic benefits over environmental caution. But there’s a cost. Dangerous levels of pollution from improper waste management loom over these regions, raising alarm bells worldwide. Pictures courtesy of Aljazeera Despite this bleak picture, there are glimmers of hope. The European Union is stepping up, planning to ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries from mid-2026, aiming to shield these nations from the environmental onslaught. Yet many activists argue these regional restrictions are mere patchworks, not long-term solutions. They advocate for a comprehensive global treaty on plastic waste, a legally binding blueprint to slash production, tighten waste management, and boost recycling across the planet. Progress, however, is elusive. In December last year, negotiations in Busan, South Korea, came to a grinding halt. Over 100 countries supported a draft agreement to curb plastic production and phase out single-use and chemical-laden plastics. But oil-producing giants like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia balked, stalling consensus. Their economies tied to fossil fuels, these nations resisted cutting down the very industry feeding the plastic beast. Thailand’s bold ban is a clarion call to the world: a challenge to halt the tide of throwaway culture and forge a sustainable path forward. While its beaches might still see an influx of tourists, its landfill won’t be welcoming any more foreign plastic peril. It’s a clean break, a defiant stance, and a beacon of hope in a world all too often buried in its own waste. As Thailand draws the line, the world watches and learns—hoping to turn plastic woes into a greener tomorrow. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

TrueMoney denies pre-installing app on mobile devices By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of ประชาชาติธุรกิจ TrueMoney recently addressed concerns following reports implicating the company in the pre-installation of its financial application on mobile phones. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348795-truemoney-denies-pre-installing-app-on-mobile-devices/

Photo courtesy of ประชาชาติธุรกิจ By Puntid Tantivangphaisal TrueMoney recently addressed concerns following reports implicating the company in the pre-installation of its financial application on mobile phones. Ascend Money, which operates TrueMoney, clarified that the app is legally compliant and operates with the necessary business licences. TrueMoney holds an electronic payment service licence from the Bank of Thailand (BoT), while Ascend Nano is licenced for digital lending. The company firmly stated it has no agreements with any mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install its app from the factory or on devices sold in stores or through retailers. Customers wishing to use TrueMoney must independently download it from the Apple Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android) and consent during the registration and usage processes. Ascend Money and its subsidiaries prioritise user data protection and financial transaction security, adhering strictly to laws such as the Personal Data Protection Act. The company ensures data collection and access are carried out only with user permission and as legally required. To further secure financial transactions, TrueMoney has implemented 3X Protection technology, which uses artificial intelligence to detect, intercept, and stop fraudulent activities. This technology includes multi-layer identity verification and blocks access to TrueMoney accounts on devices that have unsafe settings or apps installed, reported KhaoSod. For any questions or further information, customers can contact TrueMoney customer service at 1240 or via Live Chat on the app, available 24 hours a day. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-14

Chiang Rai hospital error leads to death of woman in dental surgery By Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online A family in the northern province of Chiang Rai is seeking compensation from a private hospital for the death of a Thai woman who suffocated during dental surgery. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348720-chiang-rai-hospital-error-leads-to-death-of-woman-in-dental-surgery/

Photo via MGR Online By Petch Petpailin A family in the northern province of Chiang Rai is seeking compensation from a private hospital for the death of a Thai woman who suffocated during dental surgery. The deceased, 33 year old Katesuda Buanark, passed away at a private hospital in Chiang Rai on December 19 last year. Katesuda primarily resided in Singapore with her husband and nine year old daughter. She had returned to her home province on December 12 to visit her family. On December 19, Katesuda rode a motorcycle to attend her nephew’s sports event at school. During her journey back home, she crashed her motorcycle and sustained minor injuries, including bruises, scratches, and damage to her front teeth. As Katesuda worked part-time in Singapore as a traditional Thai dancer, her family was concerned that her damaged teeth might affect her work. So, they transferred her from a state hospital to a private one for dental surgery. The doctor assured the family that the procedure would be brief. Tragically, Katesuda died during the operation. The medical team admitted to an error involving the oxygen tube, which left Katesuda without oxygen for five minutes, resulting in her death. The hospital promised to compensate the family for their loss but did not confirm the amount or timeline for payment. They also requested documentation regarding Katesuda’s income, which further frustrated the family. Speaking to Channel 7, the family expressed that no amount of compensation could ever replace Katesuda. She was the family’s breadwinner and cared for her young daughter. Channel 7 reported that Katesuda’s husband is currently gathering the necessary documents and plans to travel to Thailand to attend her funeral and pursue accountability from the hospital. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-13

Foreign man pickpocketed at Bangkok shopping mall entrance - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Three thieves, reportedly foreign nationals, pickpocketed a foreign man at the entrance of a shopping mall in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok this afternoon. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348719-foreign-man-pickpocketed-at-bangkok-shopping-mall-entrance-video/

Photo via Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 By Petch Petpailin Three thieves, reportedly foreign nationals, pickpocketed a foreign man at the entrance of a shopping mall in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok this afternoon. Several news pages on Facebook shared a video showing the foreign victim searching for his stolen valuables in a black backpack outside the shopping mall, today, January 13. The mall is believed to be EmQuartier, located near Phrom Phong BTS Station and Sukhumvit Soi 37. Some foreign witnesses approached the victim to offer assistance. In the video, a Thai man can be heard recounting the incident to another man who was recording. “He (the foreign victim) got pickpocketed. He was left penniless. Three thieves committed the crime together. I think they are Chinese. He was about to file a complaint with the police.” The Facebook page Big Kren reported that the theft occurred at around 12.30pm today. However, it remains unclear whether the man was robbed directly at the shopping mall entrance or was already robbed earlier and only realised the loss upon arriving there. The page’s administrator, along with other netizens, called on government officials to investigate the incident and assist the foreign victim. Some criticised officials for their negligence, which they claimed was turning Thailand into a hub for criminals rather than a tourism or economic centre. As of now, no further updates on the case have been provided.

Thailand greenlights legal casinos to boost tourism and economy By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Tsogo Sun In a game-changing move, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a draft bill that would legalise gambling and casinos, aiming to turbocharge tourism, job creation, and investment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348711-thai-cabinet-greenlights-draft-entertainment-complex-bill-online-gambling-legalisation-loom/#findComment-19511210

Thailand greenlights legal casinos to boost tourism and economy Picture courtesy of Tsogo Sun By Bob Scott In a game-changing move, the Thai Cabinet has given the nod to a draft bill that would legalise gambling and casinos, aiming to turbocharge tourism, job creation, and investment. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the bold move today, January 13, heralding a new era for the country’s economy. Under the government’s ambitious plan, the legislation, soon to be debated in Parliament, will allow gambling in sprawling entertainment complexes. While casinos and most types of gambling are currently banned in Thailand, illegal betting on football and underground lotteries flourish, with millions involved in the black market. Currently, legal gambling is limited to state-controlled horse races and the official lottery. Unlike its neighbours, Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Laos, and Myanmar, Thailand has yet to tap into the lucrative casino market. The government argues that the lack of legal casinos means missing out on potential revenue and not fully capitalising on the tourism sector’s potential. Tourism remains a vital pillar of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, with Thailand anticipating record visitor arrivals in the coming years, said the 38 year old Thai prime minister. “Legalisation will protect the public and also generate more state revenue.” Though previous attempts to regulate gambling have been met with resistance from conservatives in the predominantly Buddhist nation, the latest proposal hopes to overcome these hurdles. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat shared optimistic forecasts, predicting that the legalisation could spur a 5% to 10% increase in foreign visitors and boost tourism revenue by approximately 120 billion to 220 billion baht. Additionally, the initiative could create between 9,000 and 15,000 new jobs, reported Bangkok Post. A staunch advocate of legalising gambling is billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the PM’s father, who remains a powerful influence within the ruling party. As Thailand rolls the dice on this daring economic strategy, it aims to turn the tables on its rivals and emerge as a key player in the regional tourism sweepstakes. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-13

Polish man vanishes with valuables after sex with Phuket woman By Petch Petpailin Photo by William Cho via Flickr A Thai woman issued a warning to others after losing cash and valuables following a sexual encounter with a Polish man in Phuket. The victim shared her story with the Phuket Times yesterday, December 12. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348710-polish-man-vanishes-with-valuables-after-sex-with-phuket-woman/

Photo by William Cho via Flickr By Petch Petpailin A Thai woman issued a warning to others after losing cash and valuables following a sexual encounter with a Polish man in Phuket. The victim shared her story with the Phuket Times yesterday, December 12. She expressed her interest in foreign men and cautioned other Thai women with similar preferences to be wary of deceitful foreigners. She did not disclose when or where the incident occurred. The woman explained that she met the Polish man at a nightclub. They talked and later visited other bars together before agreeing to spend the night at a hotel. The victim stated that she fell asleep after having sex and woke up to find the Polish man gone. Along with the man, her cash and valuables had also disappeared. However, she chose not to disclose the amount of her losses to the media. Netizens voiced concerns over the increasing number of foreign criminals in Phuket, calling on local police and politicians to address the issue for the safety of both residents and tourists. Others made offensive comments about the woman, accusing her of seeking a better life by pursuing a foreign boyfriend or husband without taking the time to build a proper relationship. “Free sex with extra money for the foreigner.” “You deserve it. You wished to rip him off but ended up becoming the victim yourself.” “It’s time for Thai nationals to be ripped off by foreigners.” “You sleep first, you lose.” The woman did not confirm whether she reported the theft to the police. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-13

Thailand and China Unite to Tackle Transnational Crime and Scams File photo for reference only Yesterday, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand and China pledged to jointly combat call centre scams, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes. This decisive meeting was spearheaded by Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr alongside esteemed Chinese delegates, focusing on protecting individuals deceived into dangerous cross-border travels. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348708-thailand-and-china-unite-to-tackle-transnational-crime-and-scams/

File photo for reference only Yesterday, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand and China pledged to jointly combat call centre scams, human trafficking, and other transnational crimes. This decisive meeting was spearheaded by Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr alongside esteemed Chinese delegates, focusing on protecting individuals deceived into dangerous cross-border travels. In a bid to curb these issues, both nations plan to create a coordinated centre dedicated to tracking missing individuals duped into travelling to neighbouring countries. The centre will enhance the exchange of vital information, targeting gangs operational in Thailand and abroad. This collaboration signifies a joint determination to diminish the allure of Thailand as a transit hub for illegal activities while bolstering security measures at the borders. During the meeting, the recent successful rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was misled into Myanmar, was acknowledged as a testament to the effectiveness of such international collaborations. The discussions also underscored a shared goal to dismantle criminal networks threatening tourists' safety and to implement more thorough border controls to prevent unlawful exchanges and trafficking. Through these efforts, Thailand and China aim to create a safer environment for both residents and visitors, marking a significant stride forward in the fight against transnational crime. -- 2025-01-13

Thailand Opts for Gripen Jets Over F-16s in Defence Upgrade File photo for reference only The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has chosen Swedish Gripen fighter jets over the American F-16s in a strategic decision supported by Thailand's Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, also the Deputy Prime Minister, announced the 19 billion baht (£437 million) plan to procure four new fighter jets aimed at bolstering national defence. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348707-thailand-opts-for-gripen-jets-over-f-16s-in-defence-upgrade/

File photo for reference only The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has chosen Swedish Gripen fighter jets over the American F-16s in a strategic decision supported by Thailand's Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, also the Deputy Prime Minister, announced the 19 billion baht (£437 million) plan to procure four new fighter jets aimed at bolstering national defence. This decision comes after a detailed evaluation of both aircrafts' performances, including a public demonstration during Children’s Day at the RTAF base in Bangkok. Despite a competitive offer including a low-interest loan from the US government, the RTAF has favoured the Gripen, highlighting its shorter runway requirements and advanced features as pivotal advantages. The procurement, a long-awaited move delayed by COVID-19-related budget constraints, signals a significant investment in strengthening Thailand’s aerial capability. The RTAF currently operates both Gripen and F-16 jets and has been tasked with independently selecting the aircraft that best meets its strategic needs. Defence Minister Phumtham has committed to approve the purchase, provided it remains within budgetary limits and includes technology transfer agreements. The decision also reflects a conscious choice to avoid borrowing for military acquisitions, as communicated to the US Ambassador. Notably, an upcoming highway test for the Gripen is planned to evaluate its capability to operate without traditional runways, a factor underscoring its operability in diverse conditions. As the procurement process nears its conclusion by year-end, Thailand underscores its focus on a robust and adaptable defence strategy with the integration of the Gripen jets. -- 2025-01-13

Thailand Celebrates Same-Sex Marriage with Landmark Equality Act File photo for reference only A historic milestone in Thailand sees same-sex couples legally allowed to wed from 23rd January, rolling out a significant change in a country known as the Land of Smiles. This new law grants same-sex couples the same marital rights as heterosexual pairs, allowing them to register their marriages at district offices nationwide and even at Thai embassies abroad. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348706-thailand-celebrates-same-sex-marriage-with-landmark-equality-act/