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Wall of fame. (Photo courtesy of River City Bangkok) On 14th January, 1923, Tuscan-born artist Corrado Feroci arrived in Thailand, or Siam as it was then. A century later his students, artists and art lovers are celebrating his life and times in an exhibition in memory of the 100th year of his arrival in Thailand, the first of many art events to be held this year to mark the milestone. Italian Corrado Feroci came to Siam at age 31 as a court artist during the reign of King Rama VI. He laid the foundation for Silpakorn University, Thailand’s first institute dedicated to fine arts where he served as the first dean of the Sculpture Faculty. His Italian name was changed to the Thai name of Professor Silpa Bhirasri, which is how Thais remember him today. The exhibition entitled “Remembering Silpa Bhirasri: 100 Years After His Arrival in Thailand” immortalizes his era through historical documents including personal letters, photographs, short films, artworks and prototypes of sculptures and coins. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/exhibition-marks-centenary-of-prof-silpa-bhirasris-arrival-in-siam/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Hanoi’s last train of 2022 left Saturday evening carrying 94 passengers for Ho Chi Minh City, which it will reach Monday morning. At 7.20 p.m. the crew of SE1 was getting it ready for the last cross-country ride of the lunar year, which ended Saturday. It took 20 minutes to replace a rail car due to a technical difficulty. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/hanoi-train-rides-into-lunar-new-year-4562794.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-23

As the morning of the Lunar New Year dawned people across the country went to churches and temples to pray for peace and happiness. From 6 a.m. Sunday over 1,000 faithful gathered at the Chinh Trach Catholic Church in Da Nang City for the first mass of the New Year. Priest Gabrial Nguyen Ngoc Tuan blesses Bible verses with incense to give members of the parish. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/photo/news/vietnamese-flock-to-pray-for-peace-on-new-year-4562812.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-23

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper (R) prepares a Tet greetings card at the American Center. Screen shot taken from a video by the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper and his wife made a Braille card to send greetings and wishes to Vietnamese blind children in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The video, which was published by the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam on its official Facebook page Sunday morning, showed Knapper and his wife Suzuko making Lunar New Year cards with the help of their staff. One of the cards, written in Braille, was sent to blind Vietnamese girls. One of them read it out loud as she traced the letters with her hands. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/us-ambassador-sends-tet-card-to-vietnamese-blind-children-4562898.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2023-01-23

Police officers deploy near the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City on January 7, 2022 for heightened police visibility. In response to rumors of a destabilization plot, the PNP said that police were on heightened security because of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila. The STAR / Michael Varcas MANILA, Philippines — Crime was down across the Philippines in the first three weeks of 2023, Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Monday as he declared a strong start to the year for the Philippine National Police. In a briefing, Azurin said crime incidents "generally decreased" by 23.66% with 8,391 cases recorded from January 1 to 21 against 10,991 during the same period in 2022. Index crimes — those against persons, such as murder, homicide, physical injury and rape and against property, like theft and cattle rustling — have also gone down by 29.96% to 1,576 against 2,250 last year. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/23/2239638/pnp-crime-down-236-first-weeks-2023 -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-23

Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople prepares for a press briefing after a welcoming ceremony held at the POEA Blas F. Ople Building on July 1, 2022. Philstar.com / Kaycee Valmonte MANILA, Philippines — A 35-year-old overseas Filipino worker based in Kuwait was found murdered in the said country and the Philippines is working with Kuwaiti authorities on getting justice for the victim. The burnt body of Jullebee Ranara, who was working there as a domestic helper, was found in the desert over the weekend, according to reports of local media. The Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs are both awaiting the official report on the incident. “Kuwaiti authorities have arrested the son of her employer,” the DMW said in a statement on Monday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/23/2239637/philippines-working-kuwaiti-authorities-case-slain-ofw -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-23

Authorities seized more than a thousand sacks of illegally imported white onions during an inter-agency operation by the PNP National Capital Region Police Office-Regional Special Operations Group (NCRPO-RSOG), Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Plant Industry at a stock room in Divisoria, Manila on December 3, 2022. STAR / Miguel de Guzman MANILA, Philippines — As a House of Representatives panel begins its probe into rampant agricultural smuggling, a lawmaker named several individuals allegedly behind the illicit importation of millions worth of farmed goods who he said should be questioned by the committee. Rep. Horacio Suansing Jr. (Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District) requested the House to summon 10 traders, brokers and facilitators during a hearing of the ways and means committee on Monday to question their alleged involvement in “widespread, large-scale” smuggling. Suansing Jr. asked the committee to issue a subpoena for Michael Ma, Lujene Ang, Andrew Chang, Beverly Peres, Manuel Tan, Leah Cruz, Jun Diamante, Lucio Lim and Gerry Teves. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/23/2239639/solon-requests-house-subpoena-individuals-suspected-smuggling-onions-other-goods -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-23

File photo shows online gaming AFP / File MANILA, Philippines — Two service providers to Philippine offshore gaming operators accused of being involved in abductions are still operating, the country’s gaming regulator admitted Monday, despite them being flagged in a privilege speech by Sen. Grace Poe back in December. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation told senators during a hearing that it has only imposed a $10,000 or more than P500,000 on Brickhartz Technology Inc., one of the companies allegedly involved, while no punishment has been given to MOA Cloudzone Corp., another firm accused of kidnapping. The continued operations of Brickhartz and MOA Cloudzone angered Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chairperson of the ways and means panel, as he said called these companies “criminal elements.” Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/23/2239650/pogos-linked-kidnapping-filipinos-still-business-pagcor-admits -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-23

Sen. Mark Villar speaks during a Senate hearing on January 12, 2023. Voltaire F. Domingo / Senate PRIB MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark Villar, who billed himself during the election campaign as someone who works quietly, has brought the bill to create the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund to the Senate. The House of Representatives passed the bill on third and final reading in December and government officials promoted the fund at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last week but Villar's Senate Bill No. 1670 has yet to be approved or even posted on the Senate website. The bill, filed January 12, is an identical copy of the House's third reading version and does not contain the "reengineering" that Rep. Joey Salceda (Albay) of the Ways and Means Committee mentioned over ABS-CBN News Channel on Friday. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/23/2239635/maharlika-fund-bill-reaches-senate-through-mark-villar -- © Copyright Philstar 2023-01-23

11 Bodies from Van Crash Sent for Identification BANGKOK, Jan 23 (TNA) – Eleven bodies of those killed in a passenger van crash in Nakhon Ratchasima were sent to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for identification. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284307-11-bodies-from-van-crash-sent-for-identification/

BANGKOK, Jan 23 (TNA) – Eleven bodies of those killed in a passenger van crash in Nakhon Ratchasima were sent to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for identification. The van running from Amnat Charoen collided with the median barrier and plunged into a ditch on the Bangkok-bound Mittraparb Highway in Si Khiu district on Saturday night. The van was engulfed in flames and exploded after the crash. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1100395 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Malaysian PM to Visit Thailand for Security Talks Next Month BANGKOK (NNT) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to visit Thailand on February 10 for talks with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon on security cooperation between the two nations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284306-malaysian-pm-to-visit-thailand-for-security-talks-next-month/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to visit Thailand on February 10 for talks with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon on security cooperation between the two nations. This visit follows his recent trip to Indonesia, his first journey abroad since becoming Malaysia’s 10th leader. Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir earlier told reporters that Anwar would visit Singapore before traveling to Thailand. Officials revealed that former Malaysian general Zulkifli bin Zainal Abidin, who serves as the chief facilitator for peace talks in the deep South, will also visit Thailand ahead of Anwar’s trip. Zulkifli will reportedly discuss a framework with Gen Prawit and Gen Wallop Raksanoh, head of the government’s negotiation team in the deep South, for a new round of peace talks. This follows a meeting earlier this month, during which Thailand’s negotiation team met with Zulkifli in Kuala Lumpur to prepare for the upcoming talks. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230123122537629 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

BOT Expected to Raise Rates Amid Higher Tourism Growth BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday (25 Jan) to curb elevated inflation, with further hikes likely even as China’s reopening brightens the economic outlook. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284305-bot-expected-to-raise-rates-amid-higher-tourism-growth/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday (25 Jan) to curb elevated inflation, with further hikes likely even as China’s reopening brightens the economic outlook. While price pressures in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy have been cooling, inflation in December was still 5.89% – well above the central bank’s 1-3% target. 21 of 23 economists polled by Reuters expect the BOT to raise its benchmark one-day repurchase rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 1.50% on January 25. The remaining two forecast no change. Thailand, one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, is expected to receive at least 5 million Chinese tourists and a total of 25 million foreign visitors this year, providing a much needed boost to an economy severely impacted by the global pandemic. The poll showed Thailand’s economy is expected to expand 3.7-3.8% this year and next, respectively, in line with government projections. Nearly 70% of respondents, or 15 of 22, expect another hike of 25 basis points to 1.75% by end-March. Six forecast rates at 1.5% by then, and one said it would still be at 1.25%. The poll median showed that the central bank would then raise borrowing costs by another 25 bps, taking it to 2% by end-September. Poll medians showed inflation would average 2.8% this year and then fall to 1.9% in 2024. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230123114847621 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand’s Health Security Office to give out 94.5m free condoms The National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to distribute 94.5 million condoms, free of charge, to gold health card holders of “reproductive age”, starting on February 1st at health service units, primary health service units and community clinics. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284304-thailand’s-health-security-office-to-give-out-945m-free-condoms/

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to distribute 94.5 million condoms, free of charge, to gold health card holders of “reproductive age”, starting on February 1st at health service units, primary health service units and community clinics. NHSO Secretary-General Jadej Thammatacharee said that the card holders must register via the “Pao Tang” app, so that they can receive ten condoms per week, free of charge, for 52 weeks. Vending machines dispensing free condoms will be installed in Pattaya and card holders can get the condoms fromFebruary 14th, which coincides with the Valentine’s Day. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailands-health-security-office-to-give-out-94-5m-free-condoms/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thailand to use the “5Fs” of soft power to promote tourism this year Thailand plans to make full use of its soft power, which includes Thai boxing and food, in the hope of attracting more tourists to visit Thailand this year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284303-thailand-to-use-the-“5fs”-of-soft-power-to-promote-tourism-this-year/

Thailand plans to make full use of its soft power, which includes Thai boxing and food, in the hope of attracting more tourists to visit Thailand this year. Acting Government Spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on Monday that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha hasinstructed all relevant government agencies to promote the tourism sector through the use of Thailand’s “5Fs”, which include Thai food, Thai films, Thai fashion, Thai boxing and Thai festivals. For Thai food, Anucha said that the government will declare 2023 as the “Year of Thai Gastronomy”, during which the Bangkok International Food Festival will be held. The concept of “walking streets” will also be expanded. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-to-use-the-5fs-of-soft-power-to-promote-tourism-this-year/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Thai FDA warns against use of liquid nitrogen in food and drinks The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has warned eateries to be careful in the use of liquid nitrogen in the preparation of food and drinks, or face imprisonment or heavy fines if the substance is overused and has harmful effects on consumers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284302-thai-fda-warns-against-use-of-liquid-nitrogen-in-food-and-drinks/

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has warned eateries to be careful in the use of liquid nitrogen in the preparation of food and drinks, or face imprisonment or heavy fines if the substance is overused and has harmful effects on consumers. TFDA Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Withid Sariddeechaikool also warned consumers to refrain from eating food or drinks mixed with liquid nitrogen, noting that inhaling, touching or ingesting liquid nitrogen can be very harmful to body tissues, adding that inhaling the gas directly may lead to unconsciousness. If eating food mixed with liquid nitrogen, he suggested that consumers wait until all the gas has disappeared or refrain from consuming the food altogether if they are not sure about the quality. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-fda-warns-against-use-of-liquid-nitrogen-in-food-and-drinks/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

15-year-old Thai schoolgirl who committed suicide was bullied at school Being bullied by friends at school appears to have led to the recent suicide of a 15-year girl in Ban Tha Liab of Tha Kradan sub-district in Sanam Chai Khet district of Chachoengsao Province, according to the Facebook page of Teenee Paed Riew. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284301-15-year-old-thai-schoolgirl-who-committed-suicide-was-bullied-at-school/

Being bullied by friends at school appears to have led to the recent suicide of a 15-year girl in Ban Tha Liab of Tha Kradan sub-district in Sanam Chai Khet district of Chachoengsao Province, according to the Facebook page of Teenee Paed Riew. The girl committed suicide by hanging herself in a house in her village, leaving behind a hand-written suicide note lamenting her bullying by friends at school. The letter reads “I do not want to blame anyone but myself, who was the problem. Then I created this last problem…there were problems at school, in that I was bullied, was insulted about my appearance. I tried to bear it alone without telling anybody. I suffer from depression, which is very tormenting, and I am sorry for having to do this – to leave this world.” Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/15-year-old-thai-schoolgirl-who-committed-suicide-was-bullied-at-school/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-23 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Three insurgents killed in clash with Thai government forces in Narathiwat Three southern insurgents were shot dead during a clash with government security forces, in the mountains of Si Sakhon district in the restive southern province of Narathiwat, on Friday morning. The security forces suffered no casualties. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1284132-three-insurgents-killed-in-clash-with-thai-government-forces-in-narathiwat/

Three southern insurgents were shot dead during a clash with government security forces, in the mountains of Si Sakhon district in the restive southern province of Narathiwat, on Friday morning. The security forces suffered no casualties. Acting on a tipoff, that a group of insurgents had set up a jungle camp in the mountains in Ban Da Hong in Choeng Khiri sub-district, a contingent of troops and paramilitary rangers went to investigate. The security forces entered the woods on foot, until they came across about ten huts. They called out to those in the camp to surrender, but the insurgents started shooting at them, triggering a fierce gunfight. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/three-insurgents-killed-in-clash-with-thai-government-forces-in-narathiwat/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-20 - 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. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!