snoop1130

Tourist's Brain Invaded by Rare Worms Post-Exotic Holiday File photo for reference only A 30-year-old American woman, recently back from her dream holiday touring Hawaii, Japan, and Thailand, found herself battling rare brain-infesting worms after returning home. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety, the woman, from New England, USA, experienced severe headaches and a strange burning in her limbs, only to later discover she was hosting the dangerous rat lungworm, scientifically named Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352149-tourists-brain-invaded-by-rare-worms-post-exotic-holiday/

File photo for reference only A 30-year-old American woman, recently back from her dream holiday touring Hawaii, Japan, and Thailand, found herself battling rare brain-infesting worms after returning home. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety, the woman, from New England, USA, experienced severe headaches and a strange burning in her limbs, only to later discover she was hosting the dangerous rat lungworm, scientifically named Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Her journey began with a week in bustling Bangkok, sampling local cuisine yet avoiding raw dishes, then led her to Tokyo for sushi-filled days, winding up on Hawaii's shores, where fresh salads and seafood added to her exotic culinary adventure. Unbeknownst to her, these heavenly meals had a hidden nightmare lurking within. Despite being sent home from A&E with dismissals of anxiety, her condition worsened, as doctors struggled to unravel the true cause behind her agony. Eventually, a deeper probe revealed the parasitic culprit — a rare worm contracted through larva-laden produce and seafood. The life cycle of this worm is intricate. It proliferates within rats, whose excrements infect snails and slugs, which can unintentionally end up in foods like raw veggies. Unfortunately, Hawaii, a tourist paradise, has recorded notable occurrences of the parasite, alarmingly affecting global travellers. Doctors promptly intervened with a two-week course of steroids, helping the woman regain her health after a grueling ordeal. Despite the worm’s ability to infiltrate the brain, it often doesn’t survive long enough to mature fully. Her harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the unseen dangers that can accompany exotic travel and cuisine, urging tourists to exercise caution when indulging abroad, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-18

Thai Durians: Safe, Sound, and Sweet in China Photo courtesy of NBT World The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives confidently predicts that Thai durians, already dominating 57% of China's fruit market, will continue to be the top choice. This comes after enhancements in food safety and contamination checks. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat recently met with Chinese Minister Sun Meijun to discuss Thai fruit imports. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352147-thai-durians-safe-sound-and-sweet-in-china/

Photo courtesy of NBT World The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives confidently predicts that Thai durians, already dominating 57% of China's fruit market, will continue to be the top choice. This comes after enhancements in food safety and contamination checks. Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat recently met with Chinese Minister Sun Meijun to discuss Thai fruit imports. Thailand exports durians worth 130 to 140 billion baht each year, expecting a rise in this value by 2025. In response to concerns about the carcinogenic food colouring Basic Yellow 2 (BY2) in some exports, the Department of Agriculture is reinforcing pre-export screenings as per China's request. The National Fruit Product Development and Management Policy Committee, also known as the Fruit Board, is tasked with screening for BY2 and other harmful substances. With laboratories already geared up for these inspections, more facilities are needed to keep pace with the growing demand for Thai durians, a product generating over 100 billion baht annually, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-18

Man Attacks Nurse Over Child Safety in Thai Hospital Scuffle Photo via The Coverage In Rayong, Thailand, a man slapped a nurse at Rayong Hospital for preventing his young child from entering a ward, aiming to protect the child's health. The incident, which unfolded on February 17, was shared by the nurse's sister on Facebook, sparking widespread outrage. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352145-man-attacks-nurse-over-child-safety-in-thai-hospital-scuffle/

Photo via The Coverage In Rayong, Thailand, a man slapped a nurse at Rayong Hospital for preventing his young child from entering a ward, aiming to protect the child's health. The incident, which unfolded on February 17, was shared by the nurse's sister on Facebook, sparking widespread outrage. The altercation began when the nurse advised the man's wife against bringing their child into the hospital room, citing safety concerns. Angered by the warning, the husband confronted the nurse and struck her twice. The hospital reported the incident to local authorities, but the man remained unrepentant, reportedly stating, "I should have slapped her outside the hospital." When the story gained traction online, the man claimed the nurse had insulted his wife, leading to his reaction. His wife explained that the child's presence was meant to comfort her flu-stricken mother, who was staying at the hospital. She alleged that the nurse's stern warning upset her, especially the comment, “Losing a mother isn’t enough? Do you want to lose your child as well?” The nurse later acknowledged she made the statement but insisted it was intended to prioritize the child’s health. She stated that other staff had repeatedly advised the family about the risks, prompting her to enforce the rule firmly. Despite understanding the family's emotional distress, the assaulted nurse is pursuing legal action, emphasizing her surprise and distress that such violence occurred while she was performing her duty, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-18

Tragic Murder-Suicide in Thailand: Man Finds Wife, Lover Dead Photo via ThaiRat In a tragic turn of events today in Chachoengsao, Thailand, a distraught man searching for his missing wife made a harrowing discovery: she was found dead alongside her alleged lover in a car. The police were alerted to the scene after a passerby noticed a bullet hole in the vehicle's window. Inside, they found the bodies of Chatchai Hongcharoen, a local council member, and Natticha, who had been reported missing by her husband, Thitiwat, just a day before. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352066-tragic-murder-suicide-in-thailand-man-finds-wife-lover-dead/

Photo via ThaiRat In a tragic turn of events today in Chachoengsao, Thailand, a distraught man searching for his missing wife made a harrowing discovery: she was found dead alongside her alleged lover in a car. The police were alerted to the scene after a passerby noticed a bullet hole in the vehicle's window. Inside, they found the bodies of Chatchai Hongcharoen, a local council member, and Natticha, who had been reported missing by her husband, Thitiwat, just a day before. The suspected murder-suicide took place in a parked Isuzu MU-X SUV, where Chatchai was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head and a firearm in hand. Natticha, too, was found with a fatal head wound. Police currently suspect that jealousy and an affair led to this devastating outcome, though further investigations are needed to solidify their theories. Thitiwat's emotional presence at the crime scene was a stark reminder of the personal tragedies at the heart of such incidents. He reportedly became concerned after his wife didn’t return home and feared a robbery due to the jewellery she wore when she left. Chatchai and Natticha reportedly met to discuss their tumultuous relationship, which unfortunately ended in tragedy. Authorities are working to fully uncover the motives behind these deaths, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships that can sometimes spiral out of control, reported The Thaiger. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. -- 2025-02-17

Thailand's Economy Misses Predicted Growth, Eyes 2025 Forecasts Picture courtesy of Daily Sabah In a twist of economic expectations, Thailand's recent growth figures did not quite reach analysts' elevated forecasts. Official numbers indicate a respectable 3.2% increase in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks a deviation from the anticipated 3.9% growth initially forecasted by financial analysts in a Reuters poll. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352065-thailands-economy-misses-predicted-growth-eyes-2025-forecasts/

Picture courtesy of Daily Sabah In a twist of economic expectations, Thailand's recent growth figures did not quite reach analysts' elevated forecasts. Official numbers indicate a respectable 3.2% increase in the last quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks a deviation from the anticipated 3.9% growth initially forecasted by financial analysts in a Reuters poll. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) presented these findings, showing Thailand's position as Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. The nation achieved a 0.4% growth from October to December, which, while growth nonetheless, lagged behind the estimated 0.7% rise. In contrast, the preceding quarter yielded a significant 3.0% year-on-year growth, alongside a 1.2% quarterly increase. Over the entirety of 2024, the economy expanded by 2.5%, showing improvement from a revised 2.0% in 2023. For the coming year, NESDC keeps a cautiously hopeful outlook, forecasting growth between 2.3% and 3.3%. This optimism hinges on various factors: increased government spending, rising private consumption and investment, a resurgence in tourism, and an export boost. The consensus among experts is that these elements could provide a sturdy foundation for economic stability in 2025. Despite the soft growth figures, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan remains optimistic. He seems focused on using diplomatic acumen to navigate potential trade challenges, particularly in relation to avoiding US tariffs due to trade surplus concerns. Contributing to this economic narrative, the Bank of Thailand maintained its primary interest rate at 2.25% in December. This followed a surprising reduction by 0.25% in October, a move attributed to mitigating elevated household debt levels. As the next Bank of Thailand policy review approaches on February 26, stakeholders are keenly observing fiscal strategies. The aim is to steer Thailand through turbulent economic waters and maintain a steady course towards sustainable growth. With targeted investments and strategic alignments, there is cautious optimism that Thailand will overcome economic fluctuations and continue on its path of growth, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-17

Thailand Urges Cybersecurity Boost for Logistics Post Data Breach Picture courtesy of Canadian Global Affairs Institute Thailand's National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has issued a stern warning to logistics companies, urging them to fortify customer data protection measures in the wake of a concerning cyberattack. This alert follows a significant security breach within a major company's system, leading to the exposure of sensitive consumer information. The incident has prompted the Personal Data Protection Commission to launch a thorough investigation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352063-thailand-urges-cybersecurity-boost-for-logistics-post-data-breach/

Picture courtesy of Canadian Global Affairs Institute Thailand's National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has issued a stern warning to logistics companies, urging them to fortify customer data protection measures in the wake of a concerning cyberattack. This alert follows a significant security breach within a major company's system, leading to the exposure of sensitive consumer information. The incident has prompted the Personal Data Protection Commission to launch a thorough investigation. Air Vice Marshal Amorn Chomchoey, head of the NCSA, highlighted the growing risk as e-commerce and mobile apps burgeon. Delivery firms are responsible for safeguarding a massive amount of private data, with leaked delivery addresses posing an immediate threat far greater than traditional data breaches. The compromised company, remaining unnamed, suffered a substantial data leak via a vulnerable application programming interface (API). This particular API flaw allowed hackers easy access, showcasing how APIs, crucial for software communication, have become favoured targets for cybercriminals. The breach came to light during a separate law enforcement investigation into the notorious Oreo gang, which was linked to the distribution of concerning videos. A gang member revealed that stolen data was utilised for targeting and harassing individuals, exposing a network of illicit activities. Further enquiries unveiled that a 16-year-old was recruited to gather data using credentials from an accomplice. In response, AVM Amorn has released critical security improvement guidelines for logistics operators. Key recommendations include adopting robust password policies, multi-factor authentication, encrypting API exchanges, and employing auditing tools for database oversight. Additionally, the NCSA advocates for implementing anomaly detection systems to identify unusual data activity, ensuring adherence to personal data protection regulations. The overarching message is unmistakable: with cybercriminals increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in the digital supply chain, enhancing security measures is paramount to avoid severe breaches, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-17

Nissan Consolidates Thai Plants, Clarifies No Closure Plans File photo for reference only In a strategic move, Nissan has clarified its stance on its global plant restructuring, confirming that its operations in Thailand will remain unaffected by closures. Instead, the carmaker will enhance operational efficiency by consolidating production lines in the country. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352056-nissan-consolidates-thai-plants-clarifies-no-closure-plans/

File photo for reference only In a strategic move, Nissan has clarified its stance on its global plant restructuring, confirming that its operations in Thailand will remain unaffected by closures. Instead, the carmaker will enhance operational efficiency by consolidating production lines in the country. Nissan plans to merge production processes from its older Plant 1, established in 1975, into the state-of-the-art Plant 2, built in 2014. In this restructuring, set to begin in Q2 2025, Plant 1 will handle body assembly, stamping, and logistics, while Plant 2 will focus on vehicle assembly. This reorganisation aims to bolster cost efficiency and set the stage for new model productions in 2026-2027. As a vital player in the ASEAN market, Nissan underscores Thailand's critical role as its production hub and regional headquarters. The company reaffirms its commitment by planning further investments and engaging with the Thai government's electric vehicle initiatives. The Board of Investment of Thailand expressed support for this move. They've pledged ongoing aid to automotive firms, especially long-standing Japanese investors, fostering competitiveness and easing the shift towards electric vehicles, reported Thai News Agency. -- 2025-02-17

PM Paetongtarn Promises Solutions for Thale Noi's Water Woes File photo for reference only Prime Minister Paetongtarn made a significant visit to Thale Noi in Phatthalung province on Monday. Amidst feeding water buffalo, she vowed to tackle issues of shallow water and aquatic weeds. This visit precedes the first official off-site cabinet meeting of 2025, which takes place at Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai, Songkhla. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352055-pm-paetongtarn-promises-solutions-for-thale-nois-water-woes/

File photo for reference only Prime Minister Paetongtarn made a significant visit to Thale Noi in Phatthalung province on Monday. Amidst feeding water buffalo, she vowed to tackle issues of shallow water and aquatic weeds. This visit precedes the first official off-site cabinet meeting of 2025, which takes place at Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai, Songkhla. Her inspection of the southern Gulf of Thailand provinces, including Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Surat Thani, and Songkhla, occurred from February 17-18. The Prime Minister’s first stop was the Thale Noi viewpoint in Khuan Khanun district. Here, she reviewed the water management of the Songkhla Lake Basin. Local buffalo farmers urged her to promote Thale Noi buffalo milk products, noting a lack of support and purchasing centers despite existing production. She showed interest in this matter, recognizing buffalo milk's global popularity. To address Thale Noi's shallow water issues, local farmers proposed turning aquatic weeds into fertilizer for income and using them as landfill to expand tourist areas. The Prime Minister supported these ideas, providing hope for change under her leadership. Farmers conveyed optimism, recalling how former PM Thaksin Shinawatra successfully created the Ekkachai Bridge between Phatthalung and Songkhla in 2004, suggesting that similar success could be achieved under PM Paetongtarn’s government, reported Thai News Agency. -- 2025-02-17

Thailand's Unexpected Eco-Hero: Solvent Recycling Leads Way Picture courtesy of Solvent Waste management In the bustling world of Thailand's electric vehicles (EVs), an unexpected saviour emerges - solvent recycling. As the production of zero-emission cars accelerates, solvents, vital in the manufacturing process, are being revitalised by Sun-up Recycling Co. This not only supports the automotive boom but also slashes carbon emissions significantly. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352054-thailands-unexpected-eco-hero-solvent-recycling-leads-way/

Picture courtesy of Solvent Waste management In the bustling world of Thailand's electric vehicles (EVs), an unexpected saviour emerges - solvent recycling. As the production of zero-emission cars accelerates, solvents, vital in the manufacturing process, are being revitalised by Sun-up Recycling Co. This not only supports the automotive boom but also slashes carbon emissions significantly. Solvents, crucial in the creation of lithium-ion batteries and various industrial applications, are given a second life through innovative recycling techniques. Sun-up Recycling's CEO, Siamnat Panassorn, champions this eco-friendly initiative, highlighting the dual benefits of cost savings and environmental impact reduction. Amidst Thailand’s 2030 goal for 30% of vehicles to be EVs, solvent recycling remains pivotal. Recycling used solvents, particularly from EV battery assemblies, ensures a sustainable supply chain while transforming waste into a sustainable resource. Founded in 2017, Sun-up Recycling purchases solvents from various industries, recycling them to a 99% purity level using fractional distillation. This process not only cuts CO2 emissions drastically but also provides financial incentives, with customers saving up to 40% compared to purchasing new solvents. Thailand's focus on the Bio-Circular-Green economic model sees solvent recycling as a cornerstone of its sustainable future. As illegal dumping concerns increase, the company plays a crucial role in protecting the environment by offering viable, profitable solutions. With aspirations to expand into Vietnam and the Philippines, Sun-up Recycling is poised to become a leader in the solvent recycling space. As Thailand advances towards its green commitments, solvent recycling proves indispensable—not just as a means to an eco-friendly end, but as a critical player in the nation's greener tomorrow, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-17

Manhunt Underway After Knife Attack in Kalasin Leaves Four Injured Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a chilling incident at Hua Tum village, Kalasin province, four individuals sustained injuries following a knife assault reportedly carried out by a man identified as Prasit. The incident unfolded yesterday evening, on February 16, when Prasit allegedly attacked his wife, Nantida, and her relatives. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352052-manhunt-underway-after-knife-attack-in-kalasin-leaves-four-injured/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a chilling incident at Hua Tum village, Kalasin province, four individuals sustained injuries following a knife assault reportedly carried out by a man identified as Prasit. The incident unfolded yesterday evening, on February 16, when Prasit allegedly attacked his wife, Nantida, and her relatives. Police were swiftly notified at around 9.30 pm and rushed to the scene alongside rescue units. Upon arrival, they discovered that Nantida, aged 44, had suffered a severe stab wound. Her 67-year-old father, Jaroen, endured neck and facial injuries, her 17-year-old nephew, Ratthasart, was slashed on his left ear, and Kanchana, aged 38, sustained a head injury. All were promptly transported to Kalasin Hospital for urgent medical care, with Nantida's condition stabilising overnight. Witnesses reported hearing a heated exchange before Prasit, allegedly under the influence of drugs, began his violent spree. The suspect then fled the scene on a stolen motorcycle, prompting an intense police manhunt. Local authorities and neighbouring police stations have been alerted, with efforts centred on apprehending Prasit due to the potential threat he poses. According to Nantida’s mother, Boonmee, the attack stemmed from a refusal to reconcile with her husband, citing past episodes of abuse. Despite a history of domestic quarrels, the community was unprepared for such escalated violence. Concerns over Prasit's drug involvement and predisposition to further violence have increased the urgency of the search. Police Colonel Weera assures that a comprehensive investigation is progressing, with added vigilance by provincial police. As the search intensifies, the local community remains on high alert while support from neighbouring police stations bolsters the efforts to capture the suspect, The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-17

UPDATE: Cockpit Crack Forces Thai Airways Flight Return; All Safe Picture of Thai Airways cracked broken cockpit window courtesy of The Daily Mail Thai Airways demonstrated its commitment to passenger safety as a flight from Bangkok to Singapore was rerouted due to a cracked cockpit window, ensuring travellers arrived safely after a swift aircraft swap. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352021-thai-airways-bangkok-singapore-flight-returns-due-to-unexpected-technical-problems/#findComment-19594705

Cockpit Crack Forces Thai Airways Flight Return; All Safe Picture of Thai Airways cracked broken cockpit window courtesy of The Daily Mail Thai Airways demonstrated its commitment to passenger safety as a flight from Bangkok to Singapore was rerouted due to a cracked cockpit window, ensuring travellers arrived safely after a swift aircraft swap. Passengers on Thai Airways flight TG401 faced an unexpected turn when their flight from Bangkok to Singapore had to return shortly after takeoff due to a crack in the cockpit window. This unforeseen incident occurred yesterday, February 16, shortly after the plane departed Suvarnabhumi Airport at 7pm. The crack was noticed by the pilot on the outermost layer of the cockpit's left rear window. Prioritising safety, the crew made the prudent decision to return to Bangkok. Thai Airways confirmed that this move was purely precautionary, reaffirming that passenger safety is their utmost priority. Travellers were swiftly transferred to an alternative aircraft. The replacement flight, TG401D, successfully departed Bangkok today, February 17, at 9am. It landed in Singapore at 12.25pm local time without further incident. A Thai Airways spokesperson stated, “The safety of our passengers is paramount.” Passengers may have experienced minor disruptions, but the airline's swift action turned a potential crisis into a reassuring resolution, exemplifying its dedication to safety. In aviation, prompt and safe decisions are vital. Thai Airways' handling of the situation underscores their unwavering commitment to maintaining high safety standards, ensuring passengers reach their destinations secure and sound, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-17

Chinese Scam Gang Arrested in Yala for Robbing Elderly Thai Woman Photo via Facebook/ YalaToDay ยะลาทูเดย์ In a gripping tale of deceit, five Chinese nationals were arrested in Yala province after allegedly swindling an elderly Thai woman out of a substantial sum. The 71-year-old victim, Jiraporn, reported being duped by the group on February 12, losing 800,000 baht in gold and 150,000 baht in cash. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352049-chinese-scam-gang-arrested-in-yala-for-robbing-elderly-thai-woman/

Photo via Facebook/ YalaToDay ยะลาทูเดย์ In a gripping tale of deceit, five Chinese nationals were arrested in Yala province after allegedly swindling an elderly Thai woman out of a substantial sum. The 71-year-old victim, Jiraporn, reported being duped by the group on February 12, losing 800,000 baht in gold and 150,000 baht in cash. The clever scam began when two of the suspects approached Jiraporn, feigning a search for a person named Wang Taisue. Upon gaining her trust, two additional scammers offered to tell her fortune. Using persuasion and trickery, they convinced her that her daughter was in peril and required an urgent ritual involving her valuables. Jiraporn, taken in by their charade, was instructed to place her assets in a plastic bag for the ritual. Unfortunately, once the ritual was "completed," the supposed purifying bag only contained water and soap. The real treasures had vanished. Promptly suspicious, Jiraporn reported to Betong Police, who quickly acted and arrested the suspects on February 13 at a local hotel. Police recovered part of the loot, roughly 600,000 baht in gold and 30,000 baht in cash, linking some directly to Jiraporn's stolen property. The group members, identified as Xu Yueqin, Xiang Guiqin, Zhu Mianfang, Li Haiyang, and Ke Kuangxian, entered Thailand on tourist visas. Although they claimed it was their inaugural scheme and denied having the full amount Jiraporn reported stolen, police suspect portions were already converted and profits dispersed. Legal proceedings are underway, with charges potentially carrying penalties of up to three years imprisonment or a fine, according to Section 341 of the Criminal Law on deception. While the authorities investigate further, this story remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by seemingly benign strangers, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-17