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Ambulance driver probed over snack stop during emergency Nakhon Nayok Hospital has ordered an investigation into an incident in which the driver of one of its ambulances, with a patient in critical condition on board, stopped on the way to hospital to pick up deep-fried bananas. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309544-ambulance-driver-probed-over-snack-stop-during-emergency/

Nakhon Nayok Hospital has ordered an investigation into an incident in which the driver of one of its ambulances, with a patient in critical condition on board, stopped on the way to hospital to pick up deep-fried bananas. The hospital sent its representatives to apologise to family of Sommai Thongkerd, 64, who was being “rushed” to the hospital with difficulty breathing on October 13. On the way to the hospital, the driver stopped briefly to pick up the snack from a roadside vendor. It is reported that the driver ordered it online and told the vendor to wait and pass him the food on his way to the hospital. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pig Farmers Urge Crackdown on Smuggled Pork BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand is preparing to request a meeting with Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Thamanat Prompow to help expedite efforts to crack down on illegally imported pig carcasses and pork products. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309543-pig-farmers-urge-crackdown-on-smuggled-pork/

BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand is preparing to request a meeting with Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Thamanat Prompow to help expedite efforts to crack down on illegally imported pig carcasses and pork products. The association’s president, Mr. Surachai Sutthitham, disclosed that he will ask the minister to accelerate the crackdown as he pledged on his first day at the Ministry of Agriculture. The promise was to eliminate influential figures involving in smuggling illegal pork within one month, with a deadline set for October 20. Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

RTP, INTERPOL Host International Chemical Safety Conference BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police (RTP), in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), held a conference on "Chemical Safety Operations." The meeting aimed to address emerging criminal trends and integrate databases with chemical safety experts worldwide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309542-rtp-interpol-host-international-chemical-safety-conference/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police (RTP), in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), held a conference on "Chemical Safety Operations." The meeting aimed to address emerging criminal trends and integrate databases with chemical safety experts worldwide. This event saw over 300 representatives from 84 member countries in attendance. They exchanged experiences and case studies with experts from industries, educational institutions, research institutes, law enforcement agencies, and the military. Thailand, as a member of the United Nations and INTERPOL, has diligently adhered to its international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. The RTP emphasized its constant vigilance in chemical safety and emerging threats. They noted that criminals and malicious groups are enhancing their capabilities to evade law enforcement. Modern innovations, like 3D printing for weapon production and artificial intelligence for managing criminal networks, are being employed by them. The international conference on chemical safety and emerging threats was first initiated in 2018 by INTERPOL, the US Security Agency, and G7 partners. Their collective efforts focus on finding solutions to curb and prevent the illegal use of chemicals and explosives worldwide, fostering a cross-border framework for chemical security. By Na-ark Rojanasuvan Full story: NNT 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Government Approves Reduced Train Fares, Proposes New Rail Project BANGKOK (NNT) - According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the fare reduction to 20 Baht is effective today (16 October) on the Purple Line, from Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon stations, and the Red Line from Bang Sue to Rangsit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309540-government-approves-reduced-train-fares-proposes-new-rail-project/

BANGKOK (NNT) - According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the fare reduction to 20 Baht is effective today (16 October) on the Purple Line, from Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon stations, and the Red Line from Bang Sue to Rangsit. Manaporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, said the fare reduction is a time-limited measure aimed at aiding the public in accessing train services. This policy aligns with the promises made by the Pheu Thai Party during its campaign. To implement the reduced fares, the government will subsidize the State Railway of Thailand for approximately 130 million Baht annually. In addition, the Ministry of Transport proposed a second-phase dual-track railway project between Khon Kaen and Nong Khai. The construction timeline depends on the outcome of an environmental impact assessment. The new rail line is expected to enhance trade routes between Thailand, Laos and China while reducing transportation costs. Earlier, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Transport, inaugurated the fare reduction campaign at the Krungthep Apiwat Central Station in Bangkok. He was accompanied by Puangpetch Chunla-iad, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, and other related officials. Minister Suriya stated that, in the initial phase, passengers who use train services across different lines will need to pay two separate fares of 20 baht each, due to an incomplete payment system. According to the data, only 300 passengers out of a total of 100,000 daily riders switch lines. Ongoing efforts are being made to coordinate the payment system, with an expectation that, by November 1st, passengers will be able to switch lines while paying only a single fare of 20 Baht. It is confidently projected that the 20 baht flat fare policy will lead to a significant increase in train service usage. By Na-ark Rojanasuvan Full story: NNT 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cabinet approval sought to extend state of emergency in Thailand’s south The Emergency Situation Public Administration Committee will seek approval from the Cabinet to extend the state of emergency in three restive southern provinces, from October 20th through to January 19th next year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309539-cabinet-approval-sought-to-extend-state-of-emergency-in-thailand’s-south/

The Emergency Situation Public Administration Committee will seek approval from the Cabinet to extend the state of emergency in three restive southern provinces, from October 20th through to January 19th next year. A state of emergency is currently in force in Narathiwat province, with the exception of Si Sakhon, Su-ngai Kolok, Waeng and Sukhirin districts, in Pattani province, with the exception of Yaring, Mayo, Mai Kaen and Mae Lan districts and in Yala province, with the exception of Betong and Kabang districts. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, in his capacity as head of the committee, said today (Tuesday) that the committee decided to omit Krong Penang district in Yala, Thung Yang Daeng district in Pattani and Yi Ngor district in Narathiwat from state of emergency coverage and, at the same, reinstate Si Sakhon district in Narathiwat under state of emergency. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

October 14, 1973: The day Thais thought they cemented democracy How elusive true democracy is. Even the super-massive protesting turnout on the Rajadamnoen Avenue 50 years ago cannot really establish a good political system immune to military intervention, bloodshed, corruption, cover-ups and thought manipulations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309538-october-14-1973-the-day-thais-thought-they-cemented-democracy/

How elusive true democracy is. Even the super-massive protesting turnout on the Rajadamnoen Avenue 50 years ago cannot really establish a good political system immune to military intervention, bloodshed, corruption, cover-ups and thought manipulations. October 14, 1973 is a watershed, though, as it showcased the power of the new generation clamouring for changes for the better. Only the forces it created have collided many times ever since and unfortunately diluted their preciousness in the process. Three years later there was the October 6 massacre. Consequences set the clock back and ushered in a long period of what many described as “half-baked democracy”. When late Chatichai Choonhavan became prime minister in 1988, ending over a decade of non-elected premiership, fresh democratic euphoria presented itself, only for cautious optimism to largely dissipate rather quickly due to the usual flaws like nepotism and graft allegations. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Construction tycoon jailed for poaching leaves prison A former construction tycoon, Premchai Karnasuta, was released from on parole from prison today (Tuesday), after serving a jail term for poaching in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in December 2021. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309537-construction-tycoon-jailed-for-poaching-leaves-prison/

A former construction tycoon, Premchai Karnasuta, was released from on parole from prison today (Tuesday), after serving a jail term for poaching in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in December 2021. He was released on parole after his three years and two months jail term was reduced, resulting in his prison term ending this December. Premchai, 68, was seen being escorted from the prison to a waiting minivan, where his lawyer, Witton Yimprai, was waiting.Before his sentence w as reduced, he was to stay in prison until June next year. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

250 more Thais are due back from Israel Tuesday evening A group of 250 Thai evacuees is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok from Israel at about 7pm tonight (Tuesday), followed by another group of 280 on a Thai Airways International flight, scheduled to arrive at about 3.30am tomorrow morning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309536-250-more-thais-are-due-back-from-israel-tuesday-evening/

A group of 250 Thai evacuees is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok from Israel at about 7pm tonight (Tuesday), followed by another group of 280 on a Thai Airways International flight, scheduled to arrive at about 3.30am tomorrow morning. The fifth group of 244 Thais, including 33 students, were flown into Suvarnabhumi international airport Monday night from Israel, on a chartered flight, to the welcome of their loved ones and friends. One of the returning workers said, although he worked in central Israel, which is comparatively safe, he decided to return to Thailand because he is unsure of the situation there. He also vowed not to return to Israel to work again. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Stranded British man seeks help as wife takes passport and sails away The stranded UK national at the Phuket Bus Terminal. Photo taken from The Phuket News A stranded British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309470-stranded-british-man-seeks-help-as-wife-takes-passport-and-sails-away/

A stranded British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings. The public became aware of the British man’s plight through a report by the Phuket Tourist Police, which was presented amongst other incidents of officers aiding foreign tourists in distressing circumstances. While the identity of the man was kept confidential by the Tourist Police Bureau, the supposed occurrence of the event was traced back to either yesterday or within the week, with a photo of an official in a Vegetarian Festival t-shirt serving as a time marker. The Phuket Tourist Police revealed the man’s domestic dispute. “A tourist from the United Kingdom approached Tourist Police seeking assistance regarding an argument with his wife. The woman left the hotel with her spouse’s passport, so he requested help in tracking her down and retrieving his passport and money. ” By Mitch Connor Caption: The stranded UK national at the Phuket Bus Terminal. Photo taken from The Phuket News Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman struck and killed by train in Southern Thailand Photo by Antoine Beauvillain on Unsplash A tragic incident unfolded in the Hat Yai district, Songkhla, when a 40 year old woman, was struck and killed by a local train near the Tha Sae railway bridge, about 2 kilometres from the Hat Yai railway junction. The incident occurred at around 8.25am. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309469-woman-struck-and-killed-by-train-in-southern-thailand/

A tragic incident unfolded in the Hat Yai district, Songkhla, when a 40 year old woman, was struck and killed by a local train near the Tha Sae railway bridge, about 2 kilometres from the Hat Yai railway junction. The incident occurred at around 8.25am. The Hat Yai police, led by Lieutenant Colonel Nimman Nikuno, reported that the woman was found dead on the scene, her body lying next to the rail track bearing head injuries. Evidence suggests that she was hit by local train 463, which navigates the Phatthlung-Sungai Kolok route. Despite the severity of the impact, her personal belongings, including her mobile phone and purse, remained with her. The train briefly halted at the accident site before continuing its journey towards Hat Yai railway junction. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo by Antoine Beauvillain on Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok craftsman stabs younger colleague over work dispute Photo by siobhan howerton raken from Pexels A violent altercation between two craftsmen over a broken water pipe in a dormitory ended in tragedy, with a Bangkok craftsman, 64 year old Chomphu, fatally stabbing the younger one, 37 year old Suradej. The incident took place in a dormitory located in Soi Charansanitwong 37, Bang Khun Sri, Bang Khun Non, Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309468-bangkok-craftsman-stabs-younger-colleague-over-work-dispute/

A violent altercation between two craftsmen over a broken water pipe in a dormitory ended in tragedy, with a Bangkok craftsman, 64 year old Chomphu, fatally stabbing the younger one, 37 year old Suradej. The incident took place in a dormitory located in Soi Charansanitwong 37, Bang Khun Sri, Bang Khun Non, Bangkok. Suradej, originally from Chai Nat province, had been stabbed in the head and neck and succumbed to his injuries due to severe blood loss. The authorities were alerted to the incident at 8pm, yesterday, October 15. After receiving a distress call from the Khun Non Radio Centre via the 191 emergency system, Deputy Inspector Natthapong Charitngam, the investigating officer from Bang Khun Non Police Station, and his team swiftly arrived at the scene. At the crime scene, a 27-inch sharp sword, believed to be the murder weapon, was found near Chomphu. Within an hour, at 8.50pm, Chomphu was apprehended by police at a house approximately 150 metres from the crime scene while preparing to flee. The suspect was brought into custody along with the recovered weapon. The case was then handed over to the Bang Khun Non Police Station for further investigation. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo by siobhan howerton raken from Pexels Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Turning the Tide: How Bangkok is Reclaiming its Canals & Waterways Source: kikujungboy CC / Shutterstock.com Some of the most pedestrian friendly cities in the world like Venice and Amsterdam often boast beautiful waterways. After all, it’s a very relaxing, refreshing experience to walk alongside a clean body of water. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309467-turning-the-tide-how-bangkok-is-reclaiming-its-canals-waterways/

Some of the most pedestrian friendly cities in the world like Venice and Amsterdam often boast beautiful waterways. After all, it’s a very relaxing, refreshing experience to walk alongside a clean body of water. Bangkok hopes to become one such city and is well on its way to doing so with a host of cleanup and townscaping measures that have already seen a huge improvement in water quality to Bangkok’s canals (or klongs) and to the Chao Phraya River itself. Thailand’s transition from klong to concrete Throughout most of the 19th century, Bangkok was often referred to as the Venice of the East. Indeed, the klong has long been a key part of the Thai way of life, with waterways being used as roads, markets, swimming pools, and more. However, with the shift towards motor vehicles in the 1960s, we began to see a big change throughout the country — particularly in Bangkok. The city’s many canals were replaced by paved roads, and the population boomed. This was a shift that Bangkok’s burgeoning infrastructure wasn’t ready to handle yet and resulted in the remaining canals being unable to accommodate the influx of garbage, runoff, and sewage. Something had to be done. Bangkok is not the first city to tackle a problem such as this. Famously, the Thames in London was responsible for driving people out of the city with “The Big Stink,” in 1858. After World War II, London’s sewage system was destroyed, and the river became almost biologically dead. It took over 60 years, but the Thames is now considered one of the cleaner rivers in a major city. A lot of the treatment and waste collection strategies that London once took have been adapted and improved upon in Bangkok, and that 60 year process is being shortened tremendously through new technology like automated water testing and computer-designed systems. Sustainable and natural water treatment Water treatment comes in many forms. Just like in an aquarium, introducing oxygen into the water is a vital ingredient for a healthy freshwater ecosystem. This is accomplished with aerator machines. One such machine, the Chaipattana Aerator, was patented by His Majesty King Rama IX himself and has since been used to develop a host of new machines to manage standing water bodies like municipal ponds and are often enjoyed by turtles as comfortable rest areas. Nonetheless, that’s only part of the solution. It’s also important to treat the water that enters the canal in the first place. Treatment facilities serve to filter and improve runoff water and fully purify sewage. In the heart of Bangkok, there is one treatment facility that takes a more old-school approach.The new Benjakitti Park has been designed to naturally filter and improve water quality out of the nearby canal using a lush wetland environment. Water flows into the park, and the wetland plants and animals work together to remove various particulates and germs. Of course, in an urban environment, everything is pulling double duty: recently, Benjakitti Park also played host to the Unfolding Bangkok art exhibition. Waste removal initiatives Another key way of improving water quality is to get garbage out of it. The Thai Government, through the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in close partnership with the “Jit Arsa” Royal Volunteers are committed to continuing these efforts with collection areas along every major canal in the city, while municipal waste collectors work daily throughout the city to keep the streets clean. Their efforts are complemented by private and community sector initiatives, such as the TerraCycle Global Foundation, which has built strong partnerships with local businesses, communities, and the Thai Government to support river waste prevention, collection, and recycling. By issuing plastic and carbon offsets, TerraCycle is able to fund marine trash capture technology, provide fair wages and social services to local waste pickers, and identify innovative recycling solutions and end-markets in which to sell the collected materials. At the same time, The Ocean Cleanup nonprofit organization has worked with Chulalongkorn University and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (????????) to research marine pollution and deploy a new solar-powered interceptor to collect garbage out of the Chao Phraya River. Together, these initiatives also prevent considerable waste from entering the Gulf of Thailand, protecting Thai coastal and marine ecosystems. Walking street makeovers Cleaner canals are a far more enjoyable experience when you can, well, experience them up close. Many canals throughout Bangkok are seeing new pedestrian walkways being built and older areas improved. Ong Ang Canal, for example, has been awarded the 2020 Asian Townscape Awards from the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Other standout gems can be enjoyed near Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown), the Giant Swing, Boe Bae market, and Mahakan Fort. These areas offer some beautiful new greenery, clean market spaces, and wide walking areas. Electric vehicles hum in Thailand Bangkok is working on a new fleet of e-boats for both the Chao Phraya and its canals. Many of these state-of-the-art boats are already in operation. Electric boats have a number of advantages over their fossil fuel counterparts, not only in terms of pollution, but also in terms of noise and comfort. However, it’s noteworthy that electric boats will not have nearly as big of an impact on the canals as electric cars. The “first flush” is the initial runoff from various surfaces (mostly roads) during a rainstorm. Pollution, dust, and waste that have collected over time are very quickly washed into the nearest water body. This is one of the biggest challenges to tackling water quality as this process happens very quickly. While waste collection and treatment facilities can catch a part of that, there will always be a lot that goes straight into the canals and river. Electric cars and buses will change this. Without the particulate matter released from combustion engines, dust and grime on the road is drastically reduced. This, in turn, reduces the impact of the first flush and improves the quality of the canals. As Bangkok replaces its fleet of buses with e-buses and city motorists begin to switch over to personal electric vehicles, we should see a corresponding bump in water quality. A more sustainable canal culture It’s been a long journey for everyone who loves and lives in Bangkok, but the city’s waterways are steadily improving. They are getting cleaner. The surrounding areas are becoming greener and more pedestrian friendly. The boats are becoming cleaner and quieter, as are the cars and buses. If things continue along this path, there may very well be a day in the not too distant future where commuting by boat becomes a tranquil romantic experience and we see a renaissance of Thailand’s canal culture. Until then, check out some of the new areas along Bangkok’s canals. You won’t regret it. By Michael Sopon New 1st photo caption: Source: kikujungboy CC / Shutterstock.com 2nd photo caption: Source: Siam1 / Shutterstock.com 3rd photo caption: Source: waranon8327 / Shutterstock.com 4th photo caption: Source: iFocus / Shutterstock.com Full story: THAILAND NOW 2023-10-16 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Petrol prices to drop by 2.50 baht as new year gift, says Thailand’s Energy Minister Photo: Freepik The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy announced plans to reduce petrol prices by 2.50 baht per litre as a new year’s gift to the Thai people. The minister, Peeraphan Saleerathaviphak, also revealed the establishment of an official committee to investigate fuel pricing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309466-petrol-prices-to-drop-by-250-baht-as-new-year-gift-says-thailand’s-energy-minister/