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Vo Van Ba at the police station in southern Can Tho City. Photo courtesy of Can Tho City Police Department A prisoner who was on death row in a jail before escaping has finally been arrested in southern Dong Nai province, after living as a fugitive for 42 years. The prisoner, named Vo Van Ba, was jailed for rape and murder and sentenced to death while he was being held in southern Hau Giang Province in 1977. While he was waiting for execution on October 3, 1980, he broke out of his cell at dawn and ran away. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/death-row-escapee-recaptured-after-42-years-on-the-run-4549721.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-19

People at an apartment complex in Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem District collect water from a water truck, September 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Pham Chieu Hanoi authorities are planning to increase water prices after seven years of no adjustments. Deputy director of the city Department of Finance, Mai Cong Quyen, said Friday a proposal for the hike would be submitted to the People's Committee early next year for approval. After hikes of 20% a year on average between 2013 and 2015, tariffs remained unchanged until 2019, he said. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/hanoi-to-increase-water-prices-next-year-4549524.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-19

A shop selling electric home appliances has been destroyed by a fire that killed two children, December 19, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Cuu Long Fire engulfed a shop selling electric home appliances in the southern Can Tho City early Monday, killing two children aged eight and 11. The shop caught fire at around 1 a.m. It erupted quickly followed by several blasts, prompting neighbors to rush over and bang on the door. Pham Thanh Hung, 42, woke up his wife and then rushed to the room of their children, an 11-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/parents-fail-to-save-children-sleeping-in-burning-room-4549961.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-19

People wear warm clothes as they traverse sunny streets in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Vo Hai Temperatures in Hanoi dropped to as low as 7 degrees Celsius Monday morning even as the entire northern region shivered in cold weather. The region saw the coldest spell so far this winter enter a third day with temperatures dropping below 10 degrees everywhere. In Hanoi, temperatures were down by 6-7 degrees from Sunday, with Ba Vi District recording the lowest of 7 degrees. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/hanoi-s-lowest-temperature-at-7-degrees-celsius-4549944.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-12-19

Motorists experience bumper to bumper traffic along the southbound lane of EDSA Kamuning in Quezon City on December 9, 2022. STAR / Jesse Bustos MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:05 p.m.) — A transport group said Monday that increasing Metro Manila commuter woes stress that need for the government to immediately fix the highly inefficient mass transport problems in the country — from the volatile price of fuel in the country to congested commuter lines and insufficient public transport. Fuel prices are expected to increase on Tuesday with diesel prices getting an estimated P2 per liter increase after weeks of rollbacks. This comes on top of record-high inflation, a crisis in road transport supply, worsening poverty and a lack of government assistance to poor Filipino families. Ahead of the holidays, tales of commuter woe are once again a common subject on social media as Filipinos head back to their home provinces. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/19/2231834/transport-group-oil-price-hike-commuter-lines-congested-roads-require-pro-people-solutions -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-19

After more than two years of hiatus due to the pandemic, thousands of students witness the ceremonial lighting of the campus-wide Christmas decorations of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on December 2, 2022. The ceremonial lighting is part of their UST Paskuhan 2022 event to usher in the yuletide season. Miguel Antonio de Guzman MANILA, Philippines — A survey released Monday by private pollster Pulse Asia revealed that Filipinos are split on whether their family’s Christmas celebration will be more prosperous or just the same as last year. The poll conducted from November 27 to December 1 showed that while 43% of adult Filipinos believed Christmas will be more prosperous this time around, 42% said it will be just as prosperous as last year, while 10% said it will be just as unprosperous. Pulse Asia said the same sentiment was held in the rest of Luzon (35%-41%), Mindanao (46%-48%), Class ABC (36%-48%), Class D (44%-41%) and Class E (39%-43%). Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/19/2231837/more-prosperous-or-just-same-filipinos-split-christmas-celebration -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-19

During the hearing for the proposed P251.184-billion budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for 2023, an allocation of P27.77 billion for the BFP came under scrutiny. Philstar.com / File photo MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers of the progressive Makabayan bloc are urging the House of Representatives to conduct a legislative probe into what they said were the “restrictive and questionable” fire truck procurement bidding process of the Bureau of Fire Protection. In filing House Joint Resolution 15, the Makabayan bloc claimed that the “BFP has imposed restrictions in its published Bidding Documents that effectively ‘tailored-fit’ the process to favored suppliers.” As a result, since November 2018, contracts have been disproportionately awarded to two joint venture entities: the Davao-based JROG Marketing and F. Cura Industries. “These restrictive BFP bidding processes have possibly given undue advantages to favored suppliers and possibly prejudiced, not only other competent suppliers but also the public and the government in general,” the lawmakers said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/19/2231853/house-probe-bfp-fire-truck-procurement-bidding-process-sought

E-sabong involves remote betting on cockfights. Philstar.com MANILA, Philippines — Kidnapping and robbery charges are to be filed against three Philippine National Police officers allegedly behind the kidnapping of "sabungeros," the Department of Justice said Monday. In a briefer released to the media Monday afternoon, the DOJ said: “During the preliminary investigation, the investigating panel finds probable cause against agents [Police Staff Sgt. Daryl Paghangaan, Patrolman Roy Navarete and Patrolman Rigel Brosas].” The resolution was issued on November 25, but was only disclosed on Monday. The DOJ has yet to reply whether charges have already been filed in court. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/19/2231859/doj-five-cops-face-charges-over-case-missing-sabungero -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-19

A mourner holds a placard for slain journalist Percival Mabasa during his funeral at Paranaque, Metro Manila on October 9, 2022. Mabasa, a Philippine radio broadcaster, was shot dead near his home in suburban Manila, police said on October 4, the latest in a long list of journalists killed in the country. AFP / Jam Sta. Rosa MANILA, Philippines — Former Bureau of Corrections official Ricardo Zulueta, who has not been heard from for months and has been declared to be absent without leave, has finally surfaced and broke his silence to deny involvement in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid. “The allegations are all baseless. And this is the handiwork of drug lords who are so angry at him and [Director] General [Gerald] Bantag because they removed the undeserved privileges from the time they took over at BuCor,” Zulueta’s lawyer, Lauro Gacayan, told CNN Philippines’ “The Source” on Monday. Gacayan added that the evidence against Zulueta is “hearsay” and “inadmissible in court.” Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/12/19/2231862/bucor-exec-tagged-percy-lapid-slay-breaks-silence-denies-involvement -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-12-19

100 Gas Cylinders Float in Floodwater SONGKHLA, Dec 19 (TNA) – People were startled with about 100 gas cylinders floating on flooded roads in Kho Hong municipality in Hat Yai district while a landslide toppled about 10 power poles in another area of this southern province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281034-100-gas-cylinders-float-in-floodwater/

SONGKHLA, Dec 19 (TNA) – People were startled with about 100 gas cylinders floating on flooded roads in Kho Hong municipality in Hat Yai district while a landslide toppled about 10 power poles in another area of this southern province. Run-off hit Kho Hong municipality at about 10pm on Dec 18 and washed about 100 gas cylinders from a flooded gas cylinder filling station. Its employees hurriedly retrieved the floated cylinders from floodwater. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1078730 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-12-19 - 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!

Phuket Officially Launches Crime-Free Initiative PHUKET (NNT) - Phuket province has launched its Phuket Crime-Free campaign to stamp out criminal activities and illegal businesses. Local authorities hope the campaign will help boost confidence among tourists and make the city a safer place to live and visit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281033-phuket-officially-launches-crime-free-initiative/

PHUKET (NNT) - Phuket province has launched its Phuket Crime-Free campaign to stamp out criminal activities and illegal businesses. Local authorities hope the campaign will help boost confidence among tourists and make the city a safer place to live and visit. The campaign targets inappropriate behavior, illegal activities, dangerous acts and disruptions to peace and order. It also targets international criminals attempting to operate out of Thailand and tarnish the nation’s image. Since December 1, officials have arrested six foreign nationals overstaying their visas, imposed fines on 117 foreigners, arrested a migrant worker breaching his permit and brought charges against three tour guides and companies operating without a license. The province hopes such actions will give visitors to the city more confidence during their stays. Immigration officials are also working to help foreign nationals who fall victim to scams. A total of 15 charges have been leveled against Thai nationals operating as fake visa agents. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221219160522466 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-19 - 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!

Debt Resolution Expo Concludes in Chiang Mai BANGKOK (NNT) - Debt has become a major problem for many Thais, especially in the aftermath of the global pandemic. The government has marked 2022 as the “year for household debt resolution” with four expos held throughout the year. The latest of these expo recently concluded in Chiang Mai province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281032-debt-resolution-expo-concludes-in-chiang-mai/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Debt has become a major problem for many Thais, especially in the aftermath of the global pandemic. The government has marked 2022 as the “year for household debt resolution” with four expos held throughout the year. The latest of these expo recently concluded in Chiang Mai province. Finance Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith inaugurated the third “Debt Resolution Expo” for 2022 at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Center. The expo was jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Government Financial Institutions Association. The objective of the expo, hosted by Krung Thai Bank, was to provide comprehensive solutions for people with debt issues. The expo sought to help relieve the debt burdens of people as well as business operators through full-time and part-time occupations to generate income. Loans could be sought for use as circulating funds or capital for income generation, while knowledge on finance and occupational skills promotion was on offer to address household debt. Debt relief, repayment period extension, outstanding interest reduction, low-interest loans, collateral-free loans and special interest savings products were also provided. Additionally, the expo offered consultation for businesses experiencing debt problems and investment advice. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221219115206343 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-19 - 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!

TAT Launches Campaign to Promote Pattaya Tourism PATTAYA (NNT) - As part of the "Amazing Thailand, Amazing New Chapters" initiative in Pattaya, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently partnered with Tiger Airline to launch the "Fresh Up Chonburi Family Destination" promotional campaign. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281031-tat-launches-campaign-to-promote-pattaya-tourism/

PATTAYA (NNT) - As part of the "Amazing Thailand, Amazing New Chapters" initiative in Pattaya, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently partnered with Tiger Airline to launch the "Fresh Up Chonburi Family Destination" promotional campaign. The event, held at the Hilton Hotel on December 17, aimed to strengthen the tourism industry and increase the appeal of Pattaya as an ideal tourist destination, with a particular focus on visitors from East Asia. The gathering also provided business matching and networking opportunities for online Pattaya and Chonburi travel agencies, as well as local tourism businesses. Citizens from 20 nations are eligible for a visa on arrival in Thailand. The required documentation can be requested at one of many immigration checkpoints located at all international airports throughout the kingdom. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221219110354320 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-19 - 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!

Free vehicle check-up offered to Thai drivers ahead of end-of-year travel Eleven Media Group It’s one of the busiest times for travel during the year, and especially this year as people take advantage of the ability to travel again, without restrictions (then again, see if you can get a flight to Phuket from Bangkok this week!) Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281030-free-vehicle-check-up-offered-to-thai-drivers-ahead-of-end-of-year-travel/

Eleven Media Group It’s one of the busiest times for travel during the year, and especially this year as people take advantage of the ability to travel again, without restrictions (then again, see if you can get a flight to Phuket from Bangkok this week!) One the roads, drivers in Thailand are being offered a free vehicle “check-up” before they take to the roads over the New Year holiday period. The service is being offered by the Department of Land Transport, in partnership with a number of public and private bodies, according to a Nation Thailand report. According to deputy government spokesperson Thipanun Sirichana, all drivers are being urged to put their cars, pick-up trucks, and motorbikes through the safety checks before embarking on their journey. The “Free Vehicle Check for Safe Driving” includes checking brakes, tyres, the engine and engine oil levels, the radiator, air filter, and lights. If any parts are found to be faulty and in need of replacement, Thipanun says big discounts are being offered to carry out the work, so that drivers do not have to pay a large repair bill. Partnering with the Department of Land Transport in offering the scheme are the Thai Motorcycle Enterprise Association, the Thai European Business Association, and the Thai Automotive Industry Association. A number of car manufacturers and distributors are also involved. The service is available from now until December 31 and participating garages will display a sign to let drivers know they are offering the scheme. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/free-vehicle-check-up-offered-to-thai-drivers-ahead-of-end-of-year-travel/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2022-12-19 - 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!

Wildlife officials in Thailand, Laos searching for 30 trafficked tiger cubs Facebook/Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Wildlife officials in Thailand are working with their counterparts in Laos in a bid to track down 30 tiger cubs believed to have been smuggled across the border. Last month, the authorities in Laos helped rescue 4 trafficked tiger cubs. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281029-wildlife-officials-in-thailand-laos-searching-for-30-trafficked-tiger-cubs/

Facebook/Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Wildlife officials in Thailand are working with their counterparts in Laos in a bid to track down 30 tiger cubs believed to have been smuggled across the border. Last month, the authorities in Laos helped rescue 4 trafficked tiger cubs. According to a Nation Thailand report, the National Park Conservation Area Administration Office, in the north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchanthani, says it’s working with the Laotian authorities to find the missing cubs. Director Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn says he believes the animals will be smuggled back into Thailand and sold to restaurants illegally offering “exotic meat”. Meanwhile, the 4 cubs rescued last month have been named as Kham Khong, Kham Daen, Savan, and Mukda. The authorities believe they were trafficked from a tiger farm in Thailand to criminals in Laos. They were then smuggled back into Thailand and sold to park officials who were acting undercover in the north-eastern province of Mukdahan. The undercover officials had offered to pay 1.5 million baht for the 4 cubs, who were only around 2 months old at the time. The rescued cubs were weak and diagnosed with malnutrition, but Chaiwat says they’re now doing well, with each weighing more than 7 kilos, and their health being monitored by a veterinary team. The couple accused of smuggling the cubs are in custody and awaiting prosecution. According to Chaiwat, the authorities are waiting on the results of DNA testing in order to know if the cubs came from a Thai farm. If this turns out to the case, the farm will face prosecution. If the 30 missing cubs are also found, they too will undergo DNA testing, Chaiwat says. Meanwhile, park officials have also rescued a slow loris after it was abandoned by its owner. The creature had burnt its arms and legs after climbing a high-voltage power pole. Chaiwat says vets had to amputate the damaged limbs in order to save the animal’s life. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/wildlife-officials-in-thailand-laos-searching-for-30-trafficked-tiger-cubs/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2022-12-19 - 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!

Dining carriages to return to Thai trains Flickr/John Dale The State Railway of Thailand is resuming dining car services on a number of routes from January. It follows a closure of nearly 3 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281028-dining-carriages-to-return-to-thai-trains/

Flickr/John Dale The State Railway of Thailand is resuming dining car services on a number of routes from January. It follows a closure of nearly 3 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a TTR Weekly report, the service will be run by the Advance Marketing Service company, with an outsourcing agreement signed earlier this month. This means that from January, train travellers can once again enjoy eating in the dining car on board 8 trains on main services from Bangkok. These include the Special Express Train No. 9/10 Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Bangkok, the Special Express Train No. 31/32 Bangkok-Hatyai Junction-Bangkok, the Isan Special Express Train No. 23/24 Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani-Bangkok, and the Isan Special Express Train No. 25/26 Bangkok-Nong Khai-Bangkok. It’s understood the SRT hopes to further expand the service by next April, with outsourcing agreements expected to run for 3 years. From April, the SRT plans to provide additional food offerings on a number of other routes and up to 10 trains. According to the TTR Weekly report, these will include the Special Express No. 13/14 Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Bangkok, the Express No. 51/52 Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Bangkok, the Special Express No. 37/38 Bangkok-Sungai Kolok-Bangkok, the Express No. 83/84 Bangkok-Trang-Bangkok, and the Express No. 85/86 Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat-Bangkok. Food and beverage services were suspended on all Thai trains in April 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/dining-carriages-to-return-to-thai-trains/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2022-12-19 - 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 Exports Projected to Grow This Year and Next BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has projected that Thailand’s exports will reach nine trillion baht by the end of the year and rise to 9.25 trillion baht in 2023, based on forecasts of stronger-than-anticipated economic growth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1281026-thai-exports-projected-to-grow-this-year-and-next/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Commerce has projected that Thailand’s exports will reach nine trillion baht by the end of the year and rise to 9.25 trillion baht in 2023, based on forecasts of stronger-than-anticipated economic growth. Despite the worrying global economic situation, Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said during a forum on Sunday (18 Dec) that Thailand’s exports in 2022 are projected to grow 7% from last year’s total of 8.5 trillion baht. The "Hmong Economic Leaders Forum 2022" was held in Chiang Mai province with the participation of thousands of prominent figures of Hmong descent, government officials and members of the general public. Jurin told participants that dramatic changes in global economic conditions, especially those caused by the conflict in Ukraine, have prompted authorities worldwide to revise their forecasts for next year. However, he noted that the global economy is still projected to continue expanding during the following fiscal year. According to Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Anucha Burapachaisri, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha recently expressed satisfaction with the World Bank’s Thailand Economic Monitor report, which predicted that Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of this year would increase 4.5%, even higher than the same period in the year preceding the global pandemic. The report projects that this year’s overall economic growth will be closer to 3.4% than its previous estimate of 2.8%. The economic recovery is also anticipated to advance, with growth continuing at around 3.6% - bolstered by sustained tourism, improved investment inflow and rising public consumption and employment. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG221219134103391 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-12-19 - 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!