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Crackdown on Illegal Securities Trading Increases in Thailand File photo for reference only Thai stock market regulators are working harder in collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to fight illegal securities trading. This action will hopefully break down illicit financial activities and increase people’s trust in Thailand's capital market. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336608-crackdown-on-illegal-securities-trading-increases-in-thailand/

Thai stock market regulators are working harder in collaboration with the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to fight illegal securities trading. This action will hopefully break down illicit financial activities and increase people’s trust in Thailand's capital market. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on August 26 between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). This is a key move towards achieving their goal. The agreement is meant to strengthen their combined efforts under the Securities and Exchange Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act. The MoU aims to tear down criminal financial operations, particularly those linked to securities trading. The SEC chairman, Wisit Wisitsora-at, stated that these activities harm not just investors but also have wider consequences on the country's economy. Any future violations in securities will be promptly dealt with by government officials, ensured SET chairman Kitipong Urapeepatanapong. The agreement's goal is to make working processes quicker and more effective. It will do this by improving the transition procedures between regulators and law enforcement agencies. SET president Pakorn Peetathawatchai noted that cooperation between justice system agencies is vital to deterring and taking fast legal action against wrongdoers. The efforts are all a part of rebuilding and strengthening confidence in the Thai capital market, Peetathawatchai pointed out. The agreement also ties with the SEC and SET's coordinated activities in the case of Warrix Sport. The apparel company found out that 15 million shares are missing despite no default in loan repayment. Regulators have been speaking with Warrix executives since last week. However, they cannot take any action as the shares were deposited with a company beyond the SEC's supervision. Last week, Wisan Wanasuksrisakul, Warrix’s CEO, informed the SET that Warrix sold approximately 14,942,530 shares to Hi-Tech Apparel, through the Thailand Securities Depository Co. He cancelled the loan agreement and initiated a legal lawsuit to find the missing shares and have the custodian return all deposited shares. He has also requested a court order to seize the remaining shares in the custodian’s possession and also prevent the custodian and its representative from selling or transferring these shares. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man beats wife to death in jealous rage after friend raped her Photo via Bright TV A Thai man yesterday murdered his wife at their home in Soi Pattanakarn 20 Bangkok out of jealousy and anger after she was raped by his friend. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336607-thai-man-beats-wife-to-death-in-jealous-rage-after-friend-raped-her/

A Thai man yesterday murdered his wife at their home in Soi Pattanakarn 20 Bangkok out of jealousy and anger after she was raped by his friend. Khlongton Police Station officers yesterday, August 26, investigated the murder at the home of the Thai couple, 35 year old Top and 36 year old Bua, along with a rescue team. The victim, Bua, was found lying on the ground with injuries to her body. Rescuers performed CPR on Bua but were unable to save her life. Top admitted to killing his wife and was immediately taken to the police station to prevent a lynching by Bua’s family. Top’s older brother, who lived in the same home, was also summoned for questioning. According to his brother, Top had a history of domestic violence and had even been involved in a physical altercation with him. He said Top often abused his wife due to jealousy adding that Bua also had a history of cheating. However, the brother believed that Bua did not have an affair this time. He assumed that his younger brother’s excessive drug use and bad temper led to the fatal assault. The brother admitted that he heard the two arguing and engaging in a physical altercation before he left the house. He warned his brother to stop hitting Bua but his father was angry and told him not to intervene. He did not want to get involved in the fight, so he left the house. A friend of the couple, 29 year old Dee, told police that the fatal assault was rooted in jealousy. Dee explained that Bua sent him messages on Friday, August 23, stating that another friend named Boy had raped her. Dee said he could not come to Bua’s aid in time because he did not know where they were. Top later learned about the sexual assault and attempted to resolve the matter face-to-face with the suspect. They arranged a meeting but Boy later disappeared. Dee believed that Top, unable to find Boy, vented his anger on Bua until she died. The police have not revealed details of Top’s questioning to the public and have not confirmed the sexual assault against Bua. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Customer slaps Bangkok barber after trim turns grim - video Photo via Facebook/ Survive - สายไหมต้องรอด A Thai man accused a barber in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok of cutting his hair too short and slapped the barber on the head twice, even though the hair stylist bowed at his feet to issue an apology. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336606-customer-slaps-bangkok-barber-after-trim-turns-grim-video/

A Thai man accused a barber in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok of cutting his hair too short and slapped the barber on the head twice, even though the hair stylist bowed at his feet to issue an apology. The Facebook page of non-profit organisation Saimai Survive shared a video of the customer in a light blue shirt shouting at two hairdressers, one male and one female, in a barber shop yesterday, August 26. The customer was heard complaining loudly. “I told you to make it short but medium short. You shaved it like I’m going to be a monk. I usually get my haircut from a female hairdresser but could not see her. She is a lot better.” The male barber explained that he did not cut much of his hair. He mentioned that the customer’s hair would grow back to the same length in just a month. The customer suddenly slapped the barber on the head, so the female hairdresser had to intervene and apologise to the customer. The male barber then issued an apology and bowed down to the customer’s feet to show respect. However, the customer did not accept his apology and continued to complain. He tried to attack the barber repeatedly but the female worker intervened each time. The barber then stated that he had over seven years of experience and asked the customer about his knowledge of haircuts. “Where did you graduate from?” The question made the customer angrier, thinking the barber had insulted him. The customer attempted to attack the barber again until another customer intervened. Saimai Survive did not clarify how the incident ended but many Thai netizens agreed that the customer’s actions were violent and unfair. Some netizens speculated that the customer raised a nonsensical issue just to avoid paying the service fee. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Survive - สายไหมต้องรอด Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Going bananas: Songkhla’s top fritter vendor in a slippery situation Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A well-known banana fritter vendor in Songkhla is facing difficulties due to a sharp increase in the price of bananas and a shortage of supply. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336605-going-bananas-songkhla’s-top-fritter-vendor-in-a-slippery-situation/

A well-known banana fritter vendor in Songkhla is facing difficulties due to a sharp increase in the price of bananas and a shortage of supply. Sales have dropped, and profits have dwindled, forcing some vendors to raise their prices. However, one vendor decided to keep her prices the same out of concern for her customers. At the entrance to the Songkhla Zoo in Khao Rup Chang, Songkhla City, Arjulee Thawakit and her husband Supavit Thawakit have been selling banana fritters every day from their food cart. The couple, aged 60 and 62 respectively, have built a loyal customer base of both regulars and passersby. They begin selling their banana fritters, sweet potato fritters, and jackfruit fritters from 10am until 2pm, often needing to use a queue system to manage the high demand. Currently, the high price and shortage of bananas are causing significant trouble for vendors. In the past, a bunch of bananas cost between 12 and 15 baht, but now the price has soared to 35 baht per bunch. Usually, the couple would use 45 bunches of bananas and 10 kilogrammes of purple sweet potatoes each day. Due to the current situation, they can only procure 25 bunches of bananas each day. To meet customer demand, they have had to supplement their supply with jackfruit fritters, but still manage to sell out before 2pm, thanks to both regular customers and those passing through Songkhla. Banana fritter recipe For over 20 years, Arjulee has been perfecting her banana fritter recipe, gaining a loyal following. Unlike typical vendors who use frying pans, she opts for aluminium pots, which she believes offer more consistent heat, ensuring the fritters cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. This unique frying method has set her apart from other vendors. Arjulee explained that the price of bananas has increased significantly, now costing between 35 and 40 baht per bunch. Despite the impact on her business, she has chosen not to increase her prices. She mentioned that although everything has become more expensive, she can still manage as long as she sells in large quantities. Raising prices could deter customers, leading to even lower profits. “Bananas are very expensive and hard to find. In the past, a bunch of bananas cost around 12 to 15 baht, but now they are 35 to 40 baht. Although we are significantly affected, we haven’t raised our prices for customers. “We manage by selling a lot. If we sell less, we won’t see any profit. We don’t plan to raise prices yet because we feel for our customers, but we hope they understand our situation as well.” On a typical day, the couple would use about 40 to 50 bunches of bananas, but now they can only secure 25 bunches, a significantly smaller amount. Despite these challenges, Arjulee and Supavit continue their daily routine, ensuring their customers still receive their beloved banana fritters without a price increase, reported KhaoSod. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Man seeks justice after wife dies from hospital’s inadequate care Picture courtesy of Khaosod official website In a heartfelt Facebook post, a Thai man expressed his grief after the sudden death of his wife, who succumbed to severe pneumonia. Anuwa Jarong detailed the ordeal at a hospital where his wife was kept waiting for nearly an hour before receiving inadequate care. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336604-man-seeks-justice-after-wife-dies-from-hospital’s-inadequate-care/

In a heartfelt Facebook post, a Thai man expressed his grief after the sudden death of his wife, who succumbed to severe pneumonia. Anuwa Jarong detailed the ordeal at a hospital where his wife was kept waiting for nearly an hour before receiving inadequate care. Anuwa’s wife, Amina, died on Friday after battling a severe lung infection. She was 35 years old. The incident began on the morning of Thursday, August 22, when Amina, suffering from fever, chest pain, and a severe cough, was taken to the hospital. Despite her critical condition, she was made to wait nearly an hour at the emergency room. Once admitted, she was given a painkiller injection and then sent home. Anuwa shared his frustration and confusion over the hospital’s decision to discharge his wife given her severe symptoms. Upon returning home, Amina’s condition worsened. By early afternoon, she was taken to another hospital, which immediately recognised the severity of her condition and transferred her back to the original hospital. Unfortunately, by the next morning, Amina’s condition had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer be saved. “Why did they let her go back home when she was so sick? The hospital staff’s negligence caused my wife’s death.” Justice He emphasised his determination to seek justice, despite the hospital attempting to negotiate with him while he was waiting to collect his wife’s body. The 37 year old, Anuwa, described the emotional toll on his family, including their four children. The oldest, 14 years old, urged him to stay strong, while the youngest, just three years old, could not understand why their mother was no longer in her usual place at home. His only son comforted him with a hug and tears. “The hospital should have admitted her for observation instead of sending her home. Now, my children are without their mother.” Yala Hospital released a statement addressing the incident and expressing condolences to the family. According to the hospital, Amina was brought in on Thursday morning with symptoms including a cough, chest pain, and hip pain. Initial assessments indicated she was in a stable condition, so she was given a painkiller and advised to rest at home. The following day, Amina was transferred back to Yala Hospital from another facility with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. Despite the medical team’s efforts, her condition deteriorated, leading to her death. The hospital released a statement and asserted that they had followed standard medical procedures but acknowledged the need for a thorough investigation into the case. “We deeply regret the loss and extend our sympathies to the family. We are committed to fully investigating this matter to ensure it does not happen again.” Amina’s funeral rites were conducted according to her religious customs. Anuwa remains resolute in his quest for accountability, urging others to share his story to prevent similar tragedies. His post has garnered widespread attention on social media, highlighting concerns about medical care standards and patient safety in hospitals, reported Khaosod. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Khaosod official website Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s new anti-smoking rule burns Thai vendors’ profits Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Thailand is stepping up its fight against smoking with a hard-hitting new regulation that could hit vendors where it hurts—right in the wallet. Starting last Wednesday, August 21, retail sellers of cigarettes and tobacco are now required to display posters warning of the severe dangers of smoking, or they could be slapped with a fine of up to 5,000 baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336603-thailand’s-new-anti-smoking-rule-burns-thai-vendors’-profits/

Thailand is stepping up its fight against smoking with a hard-hitting new regulation that could hit vendors where it hurts—right in the wallet. Starting last Wednesday, August 21, retail sellers of cigarettes and tobacco are now required to display posters warning of the severe dangers of smoking, or they could be slapped with a fine of up to 5,000 baht. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) made it clear: these 7x21cm posters must be visible at all points of sale during business hours. The posters, provided by the Public Health Ministry, aim to curb the rise of new smokers, especially among young people, who are often the most vulnerable to picking up this deadly habit. Vendors who fail to comply with this new rule are risking more than just a slap on the wrist. With a maximum penalty of 5,000 baht, ignoring the regulation could prove costly. To avoid this, sellers can easily obtain the necessary materials from Excise Department offices across the country or by downloading them from the DDC’s website. This measure is part of the government’s broader campaign to regulate tobacco use and reduce smoking rates nationwide. By enforcing these strict new rules, officials hope to make a significant impact on public health, particularly in preventing minors from becoming the next generation of smokers, reported Pattaya Mail. For those seeking further details or clarification, the Tobacco Products Control Committee Division is available to answer queries at 02-590-3852. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Remains of 9 victims of Chachoengsao plane crash recovered Photo: Thai PBS World Forensic officers have recovered the remains of all nine people on board the Cessna Caravan plane which crashed into a mangrove swamp in Bang Pakong district of Chachoengsao province on August 22. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336202-22-august-small-aircraft-crash-in-chachoengsao/?do=findComment&comment=19182228

Remains of 9 victims of Chachoengsao plane crash recovered Forensic officers have recovered the remains of all nine people on board the Cessna Caravan plane which crashed into a mangrove swamp in Bang Pakong district of Chachoengsao province on August 22. They include the captain and his co-pilot, two Thai employees of a hotel on Mai Chee Island in Trat province and five Chinese tourists. Pongthep Sirisawat, an aviation expert from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Committee (AAIC), told Thai PBS today that the search team has found 80% of the plane’s wreckage, which will be used as evidence in the investigation into the cause of the accident. Photo: Thai PBS World Full story: Thai PBS World 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Intensify Investigation into Fatal Methanol-Tainted Bootleg Alcohol File photo for reference only Thai officials are rigorously pursuing an investigation into bootleg alcohol contaminated with lethal methanol. The poisonous substance has resulted in at least one death and left dozens sick recently. The incidents have been mainly recorded in Bangkok's Minburi district, leading to a broader clampdown on unlawful alcohol production. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336528-thai-police-intensify-investigation-into-fatal-methanol-tainted-bootleg-alcohol/

Thai officials are rigorously pursuing an investigation into bootleg alcohol contaminated with lethal methanol. The poisonous substance has resulted in at least one death and left dozens sick recently. The incidents have been mainly recorded in Bangkok's Minburi district, leading to a broader clampdown on unlawful alcohol production. In their investigation, the police have pinpointed the source of the tainted alcohol. They identified two siblings operating from a house in Kanchanaphisek 25 alley, Saphan Sung district, who confessed to producing and distributing the beverage. Named Surasak and Surachai, they revealed they had bought ethyl alcohol, diluted it with water, and then sold it to a woman referred to as “Je Pu”. She, in turn, distributed it to local shops vending homemade alcoholic drinks, or “ya dong.” The authorities have apprehended the siblings, confiscated their equipment and chemicals, and charged them with manufacturing and selling unauthorized alcohol. Police are conducting further tests to verify if methanol, a dangerously toxic substance, was used in producing their counterfeit alcohol. The incident has elicited alarm, with health officials warning the public about the hazards of consuming unregulated alcohol. Hospitals in Bangkok have noticed an influx of patients presenting with methanol poisoning, many of whom are in critical condition. Methanol is a form of alcohol usually used as a solvent or antifreeze. Ingestion can lead to blindness, organ failure, and death, even in minor quantities. The Thai Food and Drug Administration has admonished the public to refrain from buying alcohol from unsupervised sources. The agency is also cooperating with the police to eradicate the unlawful manufacture and sale of counterfeit alcohol. As the inquiry proceeds, officials are advising anyone who consumed alcohol in the affected regions and experiences symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, or breathing difficulties to seek immediate medical help. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man with mental illness kills and dismembers wife, throwing body parts on the street File photo for reference only In a devastating incident, a mentally disturbed man from Thailand killed his wife, cut up her body, and left the body pieces on a road in the Doi Luang district of Chiang Rai province early today, August 26. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336527-thai-man-with-mental-illness-kills-and-dismembers-wife-throwing-body-parts-on-the-street/

In a devastating incident, a mentally disturbed man from Thailand killed his wife, cut up her body, and left the body pieces on a road in the Doi Luang district of Chiang Rai province early today, August 26. Local police were alerted to investigate human remains found on a street in the Mae Riab Community of the Doi Luang district. Around 2am, they found a head, a leg, and a torso belonging to a Thai woman on the road. The locals later identified the woman as 59-year-old Jinda. Upon arrival at Jinda's home, police found her husband Sommai, the main suspect, in a violent state with a knife. The officials had to withdraw and call for backup. After more police officers arrived, they managed to calm down Sommai and took him to the police station. However, they couldn't get any helpful information during questioning. While searching the home, the police found Jinda's right leg in the fridge. It's believed Jinda was killed two hours before her body pieces were found. It's possible she was killed in the house before her body was spread outside. Chiang Rai Provincial Police Commander, Manop Senakun, informed Matichon that Sommai had mental issues due to past drug use and alcoholism. He had received treatment before, but it had recently stopped. The police have yet to be able to properly question Sommai and continue searching for the rest of Jinda's body parts. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Abandoned 2.5 billion baht wastewater site becomes drug hub Image courtesy of KhaoSod A wastewater treatment facility worth over 2.5 billion baht has been found abandoned, becoming a breeding ground for blackchin tilapia and a hotspot for drug activity. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336526-abandoned-25-billion-baht-wastewater-site-becomes-drug-hub/

A wastewater treatment facility worth over 2.5 billion baht has been found abandoned, becoming a breeding ground for blackchin tilapia and a hotspot for drug activity. Located in Tha Phaya, Pak Phanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, the facility is part of a larger project aimed at managing saline water for shrimp farming. The Tha Phaya site consists of four buildings, all stripped of electrical equipment and components, rendering its 12 treatment ponds inoperative. These ponds have now become habitats for blackchin tilapia and areas for drug use. Krahan, a local shrimp farmer from Tha Phaya, Pak Phanang, explained that the project originated from a study tour to Chanthaburi Province around 20 years ago. Unfortunately, construction issues led to its abandonment, and Krahan is urging the government and relevant organisations to investigate and find ways to make it functional again. Deputy village headman of Tha Phaya, Kosol Panjara, noted that the facility was operational for only one to two years before continuous problems arose. The area falls within a royal initiative project zone for saline water management. Despite initial compliance from local farmers who have been farming black tiger shrimp and whiteleg shrimp, the saline water management system never materialised, leaving the community in distress. The project, initiated in 2003 by the Department of Fisheries, was called the Development Project for the Pak Phanang River Basin under the Royal Initiative. It aimed to create a saline water system for sea shrimp farming, with a total cost of 2,592,408,905 baht, based on Thai currency values in 2002. Chalermsak Ketmeun, the provincial fisheries officer of Nakhon Si Thammarat, stated that the project was designed to channel seawater into the saline irrigation zone for shrimp farming. The wastewater generated from shrimp farming was supposed to be treated by the system. There was an agreement for farmers to share the electricity costs: the government would cover 75% in the first year, 50% in the second year, and 25% in the third year, with farmers taking over completely by the fourth year. However, non-payment of these costs led to the cessation of operations due to budget constraints and the inability to transfer management to local authorities, reported KhaoSod. By Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand bids for 2030 Youth Olympics to boost sports industry Picture courtesy of Wikepedia Two weeks after the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad concluded, Thailand is reiterating its commitment to bidding for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, viewing it as a pivotal opportunity to advance its sports industry and generate revenue. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336525-thailand-bids-for-2030-youth-olympics-to-boost-sports-industry/

Two weeks after the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad concluded, Thailand is reiterating its commitment to bidding for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, viewing it as a pivotal opportunity to advance its sports industry and generate revenue. The Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Kongsak Yodmanee, stated that one of SAT’s missions is to promote sports within Thailand by organising national and international sporting events that attract spectators. The SAT supports various sports associations in Thailand, including the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association, in hosting regional and world-class competitions such as the 2024 International Weightlifting Federation World Cup in Phuket. This weightlifting competition serves as a mandatory event to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. Additionally, the SAT assists with facilitating sports venues and allocates part of its budget to sports associations, said Kongsak. “Organising sports events will help stimulate the economy by generating income and creating jobs.” According to the Economics Tourism and Sports Division of the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Thai sports industry is estimated to be worth 207 billion baht this year, marking a 12% increase year-on-year. Sports competitions are expected to bring in 5 billion baht in economic impact. Thailand has expressed interest in hosting the 2026 Youth Olympics since 2018. However, after the 2022 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar were postponed to 2026 due to the pandemic, the next bid shifted to 2030. Interest and vision Kongsak confirmed that Thailand has already communicated its interest and vision to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the 2030 Summer Youth Olympic The SAT presented our progress to the IOC during the Paris 2024 Olympics as he said. Kongsak mentioned that Thailand’s Youth Olympics would emphasise the participation of local communities and young elite athletes, aiming to create a positive impact on youth globally in terms of health and social development. “The games will leave a great legacy for the Thai sports industry and convince governments around the world about the importance of sport. “The SAT is preparing a master plan and can seek advice from the IOC on its proposal. This plan includes a concept for the games, lists of sports competitions, and venue details for the event. “We intend to submit the master plan by November this year as Kongsak.” After submitting the master plans, the IOC is expected to create a shortlist of candidates, consider the plans in-depth, and request revisions. The IOC has not disclosed when it plans to name the host for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. Typically, cities are awarded the Games four years before the event, so a decision could come as early as 2026. Kongsak mentioned that there is no estimated budget yet for hosting the Youth Olympics. Youth Olympics The Director of the Elite Sports Competition Division at the SAT, Wutthichai Chaijit, said that hosting the Youth Olympics would showcase Thailand’s ability and readiness to stage major international sporting events, while also promoting sports tourism in the country. Bangkok would likely be the main hub of the games, with Chon Buri, located roughly 100 kilometres southwest of the capital, also staging events as Wutthichai said. Countries that have expressed an intention to bid for the 2030 Summer Youth Olympics include India, Colombia, Russia, and Thailand. Kongsak noted that another focus of the SAT is promoting Thai traditional boxing, also known as Muay Thai. The SAT subsidises private competitions under certain conditions, such as incorporating the Wai Khru ritual, a dance performed by boxers to pay respect to teachers. The owner of Khun Suek Muay Thai gym in Krabi, Sutthinun Ritthiboriluck, said that organising sports events in Thailand can attract both local and foreign tourists to the event locations. Sutthinun mentioned that while sports such as running and cycling can be organised in many countries, the Thai government should focus on organising Muay Thai matches due to their unique cultural significance. “The question is how to make Thai sports tourism different from our neighbours.” Boxing events Thailand hosted numerous historic boxing events, such as the Ratchadamnoen World Series and ONE Lumpinee, which have attracted significant attention from foreigners. He said these events can help create a new image for boxing, as fighters have the opportunity to earn a high income by following a steady career path in a manner that inspires people. We can sell the match licensing to foreign countries, said Sutthinun, who is also the founder of the Muay Thai booking platform Now Muay Thai. Sutthinun mentioned that the government can promote soft power by pushing Muay Thai and that government agencies need appropriate policies to attract more public interest in participating in sports activities. Moreover, he emphasised that organisers should pay more attention to broadcast channels when hosting sports events. “A successful sports event is not solely dependent on a high level of competition, as communication platforms play a vital role in reaching a wider audience.” Global sports Sutthinun suggested that if the government aspires to organise a global sports event, short and long-term plans must be established and implemented immediately, in cooperation with the private sector and sports associations. He highlighted that people in local communities still have limited access to quality sports infrastructure and services, necessitating more investment in these areas. Local officials should promote smaller leagues and events at the national level before elevating them to a regional and international scale. “The SAT is responsible for communicating to stakeholders that sports create positive socioeconomic impacts, including community development, health promotion, crime prevention, and economic growth through job creation. “Thais have a more positive attitude towards sports, with more parents allowing their kids to play sports.” However, he noted that Thais’ interest in watching sports competitions is lower compared to other countries such as the UK. Thailand’s sports industry has a promising growth outlook, both at national and international levels, and sports events can help improve the local economy as Kongsak said, reported Bangkok Post. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Wikepedia Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-23 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Mpox vaccine advised only for Thai high-risk groups Picture courtesy of Business standard official website The question of whether the general public should receive the mpox vaccine has been addressed by Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336523-mpox-vaccine-advised-only-for-thai-high-risk-groups/

The question of whether the general public should receive the mpox vaccine has been addressed by Yong Poovorawan, head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. Highlighting the limited availability and high cost of the vaccine, he recommended it primarily for high-risk groups, particularly men who have sex with strangers. Yong Poovorawan stated that the currently used third-generation vaccines are theoretically safer than the first and second-generations. However, these vaccines are still new, and their side effects need to be monitored over time. Though monkeypox is not highly severe, the emergence of new strains outside Africa warrants attention. The Ministry of Public Health recently disclosed that the first Clade 1b mpox (formerly monkeypox) patient in Thailand had close contact with 43 individuals, all of whom are now under surveillance. According to Yong, over 400 mpox cases have been reported in Thailand. For the general public, including both children and adults, Yong advises against vaccination at this time. Instead, the vaccine should be reserved for high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with strangers and those travelling to areas where the disease is prevalent. Yong also shared insights on the development of the smallpox vaccine, which has evolved to the current third generation. Historically, smallpox caused significant mortality until Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who contracted cowpox did not get smallpox. Jenner used cowpox pustules to inoculate a child, effectively demonstrating immunity against smallpox. Contamination risks The first-generation vaccines used the vaccinia virus, inoculating cows and later harvesting the virus from the pustules formed on the cows. This method involved drying the collected lymph and later rehydrating it for human inoculation. Despite the rudimentary process and potential contamination risks, this method was used extensively until smallpox was eradicated. Concerns about biological warfare prompted further vaccine development. Second-generation vaccines cultivated the virus in laboratory cell cultures rather than using cows. This method allowed for more precise control over the virus quantity and improved safety from contamination. However, this generation still relied on traditional inoculation methods, which could cause side effects, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. The third-generation vaccines use the same vaccinia virus but attenuated to the point where it cannot cause disease in humans. Some versions even prevent the virus from replicating, reducing the risk of side effects. These vaccines require two doses, six months apart, and are currently under patent, making them expensive. Despite improvements, all vaccines can cause side effects. Historical smallpox vaccines sometimes led to severe complications, such as encephalitis and myocarditis. While the third-generation vaccines are designed to minimize these risks, their relatively recent introduction means that long-term side effects are still being studied. Given their high cost and potential side effects, these vaccines are recommended only for those at high risk, reported Khaosod. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Business standard official website Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

11-year-old boy placed in protective custody after being caught vaping File photo for reference only The Chonburi Children and Families Shelter is set to care for an 11-year-old who was caught vaping an e-cigarette near a nightclub in Pattaya. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336521-11-year-old-boy-placed-in-protective-custody-after-being-caught-vaping/