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More than 300 workers cleared flowers, miniatures and mascots that had been installed for Nguyen Hue Flower Street Thursday night. It had been open for eight days and received more than 1.2 million visitors, thought to be the highest number ever. In this photo, workers remove a five-meter cat mascot made by styrofoam. It took them 30 minutes. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/nguyen-hue-flower-street-cleaned-up-as-tet-holidays-end-4563791.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-27

A passenger is about to board a train at the Saigon Station in HCMC's District 3, October 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed ministries and other related agencies to quickly prepare for construction of the trans-Vietnam high-speed railroad line. The PM said Thursday that the preparations would start with the section between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho City in the Mekong Delta. The section will run 174km through Binh Duong, Long An, Tien Giang, and Vinh Long Provinces, according to the feasibility study that the Railway Project Management Board submitted to the Ministry of Transport earlier this month. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/pm-calls-for-focus-on-developing-railroad-network-4563860.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-27

An artist's impression of Dien Bien airport after renovation. Photo by ACV Dien Bien Airport in Dien Bien Province in northwestern Vietnam will suspend operations for at least six months starting in late March while an expansion project is completed. State-owned Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV), which operates all 22 commercial airports nationwide, said the project includes work to expand the taxiway and runway as well as the parking lot and passenger terminal. ACV will choose contractors for the project, which will cost VND1.467 trillion (US$62.38 million) of the state budget. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/sole-airport-in-vietnam-s-northwest-to-close-for-upgrade-4563882.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-27

Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople comforts the mother of slain OFW Jullebee Ranaza, who was a domestic worker based in Kuwait. Department of Migrant Workers handout MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is going after the recruitment agencies behind the deployment of the overseas Filipino worker who was killed in Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers said on Friday. DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olaila said in a briefing that the agencies that recruited 35-year-old Jullebee Ranara are facing a “recruitment violation case and disciplinary action.” He did not specify the violations committed by the local and foreign recruitment agencies. “The investigation is ongoing and if proven that there is negligence, it will definitely lead to sanctions,” Olaila said in Filipino. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/27/2240646/employer-recruiters-slain-ofw-kuwait-face-disciplinary-action-dmw -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-27

Commuters avail free rides as part of the “Libreng Sakay” program at the Monumento EDSA carousel bus station in Caloocan City on August 6, 2022. The STAR / Jesse Bustos, File MANILA, Philippines — The EDSA Bus Carousel may not bring back its free ride services anytime this year, with the government possibly just providing discounts to passengers and subsidy to riders. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III on Friday shared this due to limitations in budget in the hopes that it would still make commuting bearable to the riding public. "Para mapagkasya po itong pondo ng gobyerno, at para maisama po lahat ng transportasyon, magbibigay po sila ng discount, discounts to be given to those who will be availing of this ‘Libreng Sakay,’" said the LTFRB official in a media briefing. (To be able to make do with the state's existing budget, they will be giving... discounts to those who will be availing this 'Libreng Sakay.') Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/27/2240645/ltfrb-libreng-sakay-edsa-bus-carousel-wont-possibly-return-2023 -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-27

Members of the Cusi wing of PDP-Laban clench their fists in the signature pose of President Rodrigo Duterte during their national convention on September 8, 2021. PDP-Laban Cusi wing MANILA, Philippines — The Commision on Elections upheld Friday its decision to recognize the PDP-Laban wing chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte as the legitimate party over the faction led by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III. In a statement, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the en banc “did not find novel issues to be tackled and found no cogent reason to disturb the decision of the Comelec Special Second Division.” Laudiangco said the poll body held that it had jurisdiction over the case as it involved issues related to the Sworn Information and Update Statements and the petition to cancel these. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/27/2240663/comelec-upholds-decision-recognize-duterte-faction-real-pdp-laban -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-27

This file photo shows then-President Rodrigo Duterte standing beside then-Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa during Dela Rosa's Assumption of Command Ceremony at the Camp Crame in Manila on July 1, 2016. AFP / Noel Celis MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:03 p.m.) — Former President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated Friday that he will never cooperate with the International Criminal Court’s investigation into his administration’s “war on drugs,” while the campaign’s architect, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, said his participation would depend on the Marcos administration. Speaking through his former spokesperson, Duterte said “he would never allow foreigners to sit in judgment of him as long as Philippine courts are willing and able to do so.” “He would humbly submit to the prosecution and judgment of any local court. He is ready to face any of his accusers,” former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/27/2240644/drug-war-architect-dela-rosa-looks-marcos-cooperating-icc-probe -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-27

This photo shows a memorial with the names of the victims of extra-judicial killings. Karapatan, Release MANILA, Philippines — Lawyers for families of "war on drugs" victims welcomed the decision of the International Criminal Court on Friday to resume its investigation into the alleged abuses in the Philippines' bloody anti-narcotics campaign. “Families of victims of extra-judicial killings (EJK) in the Philippines have long waited for justice. We started the process of filing a case of Crimes Against Humanity against President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018. However, we are happy to hear from the pre-trial chamber of the ICC that they have formally reopened their investigation into the war on drugs,” the statement from the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) on Friday read. NUPL members Neri Colmenares and Kristina Conti, counsels of families of victims of extra-judicial killings in the ICC case, signed the statement. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/27/2240650/resumption-icc-war-drug-probe-revives-hope-justice-lawyers-victims-kin -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-27

Thai Rescuers Retrieve Phone from Canal for Canadian Tourist PHOTO: Khaosod Online A group of rescuers saved the day of a Canadian woman who dropped her phone into a canal at the Amphawa floating market in Samut Songkhram. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284738-thai-rescuers-retrieve-phone-from-canal-for-canadian-tourist/

PHOTO: Khaosod Online A group of rescuers saved the day of a Canadian woman who dropped her phone into a canal at the Amphawa floating market in Samut Songkhram. The public-spirited rescuers from the Sapparachen Foundation were asked for help by a Canadian tourist yesterday, January 26th. The woman, aged about 50 years old, who was sightseeing at the famous tourist destination, the Amphawa floating market, told the rescuers that she had dropped her iPhone 13 into a canal by accident while getting off a boat. Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/27/thai-rescuers-retrieve-phone-from-canal-for-canadian-tourist/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Phuket Old Town Festival, kicks off tonight Phuket Old Town Sunday Walking Street The Phuket Old Town Festival 2023 is set to take place from January 27-29 in Phuket Town’s historic old town precinct. The festival will feature food stalls, markets, and displays of Peranakan culture, costumes, and tradition along Thalang Road, Krabi Road, Phang-Nga Road, and Soi Rommanee. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284737-phuket-old-town-festival-kicks-off-tonight/

Phuket Old Town Sunday Walking Street The Phuket Old Town Festival 2023 is set to take place from January 27-29 in Phuket Town’s historic old town precinct. The festival will feature food stalls, markets, and displays of Peranakan culture, costumes, and tradition along Thalang Road, Krabi Road, Phang-Nga Road, and Soi Rommanee. Visitors can also enjoy the unique architecture of the Sino-Portuguese buildings. Entertainment at the festival includes a light show, cultural and fashion parades, a Baba Thai-Chinese Peranakan Community wedding, and more. The weather will be perfect for the opening night with light easterly breezes. Visitors should be aware that there will be limited parking around the area and that they should arrive by motorbike or taxi instead of taking the car. Phuket Town has a rich history, including an era of Chinese traders who came through the shanty town during the tin-mining boom. They left behind generations of ethnically Thai-Chinese descendants who continue to uphold the old traditions, such as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. The festival is a celebration of the traditions and generations that have shaped Phuket Town, including the original hub of Old Phuket Town. The annual festival often coincides with the Chinese New Year, and the thousands of tourists that visit Phuket during the annual break. This year, the Year of the Rabbit was celebrated on January 22. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-events/phuket-old-town-festival-kicks-off-tonight/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Phuket residents urge authorities to crack down on illegal alcohol sales in Patong Flickr/Richard Cawood Locals in Patong are calling on the police to investigate people who are allegedly selling alcohol on Bangla Road in the early hours of the morning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284736-phuket-residents-urge-authorities-to-crack-down-on-illegal-alcohol-sales-in-patong/

Flickr/Richard Cawood Locals in Patong are calling on the police to investigate people who are allegedly selling alcohol on Bangla Road in the early hours of the morning. The Phuket Express reports that a number of vendors on the popular tourist thoroughfare have been accused of not only providing alcohol to tourists outside of the legal selling hours, but giving them somewhere to sit and enjoy it. One resident who was driving on Bangla Road at 6.00am yesterday says a number of people were selling alcohol to foreigners and had placed tables and chairs along the road where their customers could sit and drink. Late last year, as the tourism high season got underway, police began cracking down on illegal food and drink vendors on Bangla Road, as well as responding to complaints about transgender (specifically) prostitutes. At the time, Weerawit Kreuasombat from the Patong Entertainment Business Association made it clear that the unlicenced sale of alcohol along the road is illegal. “Selling alcohol in foam boxes by vendors or pop-up style alcohol booths must be banned as this is illegal. Bangla Road is a public road and one cannot sell alcohol on the road.” One woman found to be selling alcohol illegally was given a police warning and responded by taking her clothes off in protest. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-residents-urge-authorities-to-crack-down-on-illegal-alcohol-sales-in-patong/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Final suspect in Phuket snake show fire arrested, links to Chinese triads PHOTO: MGR Online Police in Bangkok have arrested the final suspect wanted in connection with a fire at a Phuket snake show venue last year. According to a Nation Thailand report, the fire was allegedly ordered by a Chinese triad operating under Chaiyanat Kornchayanant. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284735-final-suspect-in-phuket-snake-show-fire-arrested-links-to-chinese-triads/

PHOTO: MGR Online Police in Bangkok have arrested the final suspect wanted in connection with a fire at a Phuket snake show venue last year. According to a Nation Thailand report, the fire was allegedly ordered by a Chinese triad operating under Chaiyanat Kornchayanant. Chinese national Chaiyanat (and also a Thai citizen), aka “Tuhao”, has been in custody since his arrest in November 2022 on charges including running a triad gang in Thailand, drug trafficking and money laundering. His Thai wife, Wattanaree Kornchayanant, a former police colonel, was arrested last month on charges of money laundering. According to the report, neither Chaiyanat nor his wife have been charged in relation to the snake show arson case in Phuket. The final suspect in that case has been arrested in Bangkok. Last October, a Phuket court issued an arrest warrant for 42 year old Surachai Thongkhlip on charges of attempted murder and arson. He was apprehended at a shopping centre in Bangkok’s Dusit district on Wednesday. He denies the charges against him. On the night of April 23, 2022, 3 men entered a snake show attraction in the Muang district of Phuket and set fire to the building. In the process, they tied up the security guard and are accused of beating him so severely he was left permanently disabled, according to Nation Thailand. The first 2 suspects arrested claimed they had received orders from Chaiyanat to burn down the Phuket snake show venue as it was being run by the Chinese man’s business rival. To date, the Thai authorities have seized assets valued at more than 5.3 billion baht from Chaiyanat and others accused of working with him. The Justice Ministry also has its eyes on another 3 billion in assets owned by the alleged triad boss and his accomplices. Chaiyanat and another 40 suspects have been charged with drug trafficking, transnational crime, and money laundering, among other charges. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/final-suspect-in-phuket-snake-show-fire-arrested-links-to-chinese-triads/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Russian Tourists Spearhead Foreign Arrivals in Phuket Phuket is seeing more activities from tourists, as tourism is now at 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Office in Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284734-russian-tourists-spearhead-foreign-arrivals-in-phuket/

Phuket is seeing more activities from tourists, as tourism is now at 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Office in Phuket. Ms. Nantasiri Ronsiri Thursday said that the number of visitors to Phuket from January to December 2022 totaled 9.26 million, with 53.6% being domestic tourists and 46.4% being international tourists, pumping into Phuket 233.38 billion baht in tourism revenue throughout the year. “Before the pandemic, Phuket had a tourism revenue of 400 billion baht,” said Nantasiri, “And now we are at 200 billion baht, so that means a 50% recovery.” Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/01/27/russian-tourists-spearhead-foreign-arrivals-in-phuket/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Paetongtarn Leads Pheu Thai Party’s Election Campaign in Northeast LOEI, Jan 27 (TNA) – Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the main opposition Pheu Thai party’s chief advisor on public participation and innovation led the party’s key figure on a visit to Loei province to launch the party’s election campaign in the northern region. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284733-paetongtarn-leads-pheu-thai-party’s-election-campaign-in-northeast/

LOEI, Jan 27 (TNA) – Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the main opposition Pheu Thai party’s chief advisor on public participation and innovation led the party’s key figure on a visit to Loei province to launch the party’s election campaign in the northern region. The youngest daughter of the former prime minister Thaksin was greeted by her supporters at Loei airport. She will address the supporters at the province’s central stadium today before travelling to Nong Bua Lamphu where she will meet the families of the nursery massacre vicitims and will address the crowd at the market in Na Klang district. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1103462 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Phimai Historical Park to Host Light and Sound Event BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand is inviting tourists to enjoy the enchanting light & sound event at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284732-phimai-historical-park-to-host-light-and-sound-event/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand is inviting tourists to enjoy the enchanting light & sound event at Phimai Historical Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The 2023 Mini Light & Sound Phimai event will be held from January 29th to February 18th, with daily shows from 4 PM to 8 PM. The daily show, which celebrates Phimai’s culture and heritage, is also free to attend. The event also features guided tours around the attractions of Phimai Historical Park, a traditional welcoming and blessing ceremony, stalls selling local specialties, and folk music performances. Phimai Historical Park is one of the most important tourist attractions in the province. Phimai is also known as a renowned town during the era of the Khmer empire, with the Prasat Hin Phimai temple known to be one of the major Khmer temples in ancient times. Contact TAT Nakhon Ratchasima Office at 044 - 213666 or visit their Facebook page, TATNakhonratchasima for more information. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230127132553105 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Bangkok Design Week 2023 to Take Place Next Week BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok Design Week 2023 is set to take place from February 4th to 12th in nine Bangkok districts, under the theme "urban’NICE’zation." Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284731-bangkok-design-week-2023-to-take-place-next-week/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok Design Week 2023 is set to take place from February 4th to 12th in nine Bangkok districts, under the theme "urban’NICE’zation." Organized by Thailand’s Creative Economy Agency (CEA) and 60 other public partners, this year’s event will highlight Bangkok’s role as a City of Design in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) since 2019. The theme "urban’NICE’zation" has been defined into six aspects: Nice for Environment, Nice for Mobility, Nice for Culture Preservation, Nice for Business & Economy, Nice for Community Living, and Nice for Diversity. Reflecting the theme, there will be over 530 online and offline activities spread throughout the nine districts of Charoenkrung - Talad Noi, Yaowarat, Samyan - Siam, Ari - Pradipat, Phra Nakhon / Pak Khlong Talat / Nang Loeng, Wongwian Yai - Talat Phlu / Khlong San, Bang Pho, Phrom Phong, and Kaset. Activities will be organized into four main categories: Showcases and Exhibitions of tangible concepts and prototypes developed by creators of various fields to create new ways of living; Talks and Workshops in an online format by Thai and international creative thinkers to share knowledge and inspire new ideas to the audiences; Events and Programmes ranging from musical performances, movie screenings, and performing art; and Creative Market Platforms and Promotions in both online and offline modes that encourage sales opportunities and market trials that lead to local and international business opportunities. More information on Bangkok Design Week 2023 can be found at www.bangkokdesignweek.com/en/bkkdw2023. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230127101550009 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-27 - 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. The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Bangkok MRT Introduces ’Metro Art’ Attraction BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok’s newest art space and creative landmark, the "Metro Art" project, officially opened on Dec 26 at the MRT Phahon Yothin subway station. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284729-bangkok-mrt-introduces-’metro-art’-attraction/