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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Irishman Caught Napping After Break-in at Pattaya Cannabis Shop Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News In a peculiar twist of events, Pattaya police have arrested an Irish national who allegedly broke into a local cannabis shop, only to enjoy the spoils of his crime until he passed out on the premises. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 2, leading to a prompt investigation and subsequent arrest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351189-irishman-caught-napping-after-break-in-at-pattaya-cannabis-shop/ -
Picture courtesy: The Pattaya News In a peculiar twist of events, Pattaya police have arrested an Irish national who allegedly broke into a local cannabis shop, only to enjoy the spoils of his crime until he passed out on the premises. The incident occurred in the early hours of February 2, leading to a prompt investigation and subsequent arrest. Andrew John Mathews, a 23-year-old from Belfast, stands accused of smashing a window to gain entry into the shop, where he indulged in marijuana products before dozing off. The entire escapade was captured on the shop's CCTV, providing clear evidence of the break-in. After the store owner lodged a complaint, law enforcement officials issued an arrest warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court. The Tourist and Pattaya Police quickly tracked down Mathews and took him into custody on February 6. During questioning, Mathews reportedly confessed to the break-in, admitting he took cannabis but nothing else. He recounted how he smoked the marijuana until he fell asleep and, upon waking, continued to consume more while changing his sleeping location to elude detection. Mathews blamed impaired judgment from the cannabis for his actions, according to reports from The Pattaya News. He is now facing legal proceedings at Pattaya City Police Station. It is important to note that while cannabis has been decriminalized in Thailand since 2022, breaking and entering remains a serious offense, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-08
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
US Aid Freeze Linked to Refugee's Death at Thai Border Mae La refugee camp. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia In a tragic turn of events, the death of a refugee along the Myanmar-Thai border has been linked to a freeze on US foreign aid. The International Rescue Committee (IRC)-funded healthcare facility, recently shuttered due to the US policy shift, had been the lifeline for many refugees like Pe Kha Lau, who sadly passed away. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351186-us-aid-freeze-linked-to-refugees-death-at-thai-border/ -
Mae La refugee camp. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia In a tragic turn of events, the death of a refugee along the Myanmar-Thai border has been linked to a freeze on US foreign aid. The International Rescue Committee (IRC)-funded healthcare facility, recently shuttered due to the US policy shift, had been the lifeline for many refugees like Pe Kha Lau, who sadly passed away. Pe Kha Lau, a 71-year-old refugee with chronic lung issues, succumbed to her condition just days after being discharged from the healthcare facility. The hospital, once a crucial part of the IRC's mission to aid thousands of displaced individuals, was abruptly closed following a "stop-work" directive prompted by the US State Department. This closure follows President Donald Trump's administration's decision to halt nearly all US aid pending a thorough review over the coming months. The IRC has expressed devastation over the loss, while the US Embassy in Bangkok has yet to provide a statement. Amidst uncertainty, the IRC highlighted efforts by the refugee community to self-organize and maintain essential services during this transition. The Thai authorities are also stepping in to support these services. The situation escalated as US President Trump and advisor Elon Musk spearhead initiatives to curtail what they describe as "wasteful" foreign expenses. However, this stands to impact countless individuals dependent on US aid for survival. The US, as the world’s largest humanitarian donor, has stopped most aid operations and is in the process of dismantling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reducing its global workforce from around 10,000 to 300. Umpiem camp. File photo. For the refugee community in Umpiem camp, this aid freeze has been catastrophic. Pe Kha Lau’s family, impoverished and residing in one of the remote mountainside camps, relied on the IRC’s medical provision. Pe Kha Lau had been hospitalised for three years, sustained by a continuous oxygen supply, which became unavailable following the hospital's closure. Her son-in-law, Tin Win, lamented the severe impact the hospital's closure has had, stating, “Whenever she got short of breath, I would carry her right away back to the hospital and she would be fine.” Unfortunately, without hospital access, Pe Kha Lau's family faced insurmountable challenges in caring for her at home due to financial constraints—oxygen being an unaffordable necessity. Authorities attempted to distribute oxygen tanks to patients, but resources were stretched too thin, leaving significant gaps in care continuity. A local Thai health official, who wished to remain anonymous, acknowledged the severity of the situation. Additionally, the closure has forced makeshift solutions for medical emergencies, such as delivering babies in former school buildings under inadequate conditions. Humanitarian groups are alarmed by the global ramifications of the US aid freeze, noting its profound effects on systems designed to combat crises, including famine. As Thai authorities and refugee groups strive to mitigate the consequences, the freeze has underscored the vulnerability of these displaced communities and the critical nature of sustaining international aid mechanisms. With the IRC clinic's abrupt closure, those left behind face an uncertain and challenging future, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-08
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Qatar. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia In a continued display of diplomatic resolve, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to securing the release of the final Thai hostage held by Hamas. This pledge underscores Qatar's vital role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. Majed Muhammad Hassan Abdullah al-Ansari, an adviser to Qatar's Prime Minister, confirmed this dedication in a conversation with Bangkok Post. "We are determined to do everything within our power to ensure the safe return of this hostage to their family," he stated, highlighting Qatar's persistent efforts on the diplomatic front. From the onset of the conflict, Qatar has leveraged its influential position to mediate and aid in the release of Thai captives. This initiative began with negotiations that led to a ceasefire, allowing for the release of the first 23 Thai hostages in November 2023. Despite a subsequent collapse of the truce, Qatar once again marshalled its resources, this time collaborating with Egypt and the United States, to broker another ceasefire. This latest truce facilitated the release of an additional five Thai hostages on 30 January. Dr Ansari emphasised the tireless efforts of the Qatari diplomatic corps, working relentlessly to safeguard civilians caught in the conflict's crossfire—particularly Thai workers, who remain uninvolved yet deeply affected by the hostilities. "Seeing these hostages reunited with their families was profoundly rewarding for us," he commented. The liberation of the remaining Thai hostage, however, remains elusive due to the complex and fraught backdrop of Israeli-Hamas relations. Dr Ansari acknowledged the pervasive distrust and historical hostilities that complicate negotiations, especially when it comes to delicate matters like hostage exchanges. These factors have continually tested Qatar's mediating role, requiring a careful balancing act to ensure commitments are met and agreements honourably executed. "The confirmation of hostage swaps often occurs at the eleventh hour, demanding intensive coordination with all parties involved," Dr Ansari explained. Despite these hurdles, he expressed relief that the Thai hostages were part of the release initiative but noted the work is not yet complete, with one Thai family still anxiously awaiting their loved one's return. "We remain resolute and dedicated to our mission, even if it concerns a single hostage," Dr Ansari assured, reaffirming Qatar's commitment to its humanitarian responsibilities in the region. As efforts intensify, Qatar's vigilant diplomacy could pave the way for a peaceful resolution and end to this troubling chapter for the remaining Thai hostage's family, as reported by Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-08
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Qatar Vows to Free Last Thai Hostage Held by Hamas Qatar. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia In a continued display of diplomatic resolve, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to securing the release of the final Thai hostage held by Hamas. This pledge underscores Qatar's vital role as a mediator in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351126-qatar-vows-to-free-last-thai-hostage-held-by-hamas/ -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thaksin Pressed to Tackle Cambodian Call-Centre Scams Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo/Creative Commons License In an intriguing turn of events involving Thailand's political heavyweights, Thaksin Shinawatra, now a dominant figure within the Pheu Thai party, has been urged to leverage his long-standing connections with Cambodia to curtail notorious call-centre scams. These scams, operating from Cambodian cities Poipet and Sihanoukville, have been preying on unsuspecting victims across the border in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351122-thaksin-pressed-to-tackle-cambodian-call-centre-scams/ -
Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo/Creative Commons License In an intriguing turn of events involving Thailand's political heavyweights, Thaksin Shinawatra, now a dominant figure within the Pheu Thai party, has been urged to leverage his long-standing connections with Cambodia to curtail notorious call-centre scams. These scams, operating from Cambodian cities Poipet and Sihanoukville, have been preying on unsuspecting victims across the border in Thailand. Thaksin, who shares a robust rapport with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, could discreetly persuade Cambodian authorities to dismantle these transnational operations. According to Paradorn Pattanathabut, a former National Security Council secretary-general in Thailand, Thaksin's intervention is expected to be quiet yet impactful, drawing on his ties with the Cambodian leadership. The intensified focus on Cambodian scams arises amid concerns that the crackdown on similar activities in Myanmar could lead perpetrators to shift base. Thaksin's personal involvement is perceived as pivotal, considering his strategic influence and past dealings in the region. Paradorn suggests that Thaksin's actions against these scams in Cambodia follow a recent Thai government directive to cut electricity to Myanmar's scam hotspots, heavily reliant on Thai power. While Myanmar's cities like Tachileik and Myawaddy have begun feeling the pinch from cut power supplies and halted internet signals aimed at destabilising scam infrastructures, the Cambodian locales remain unaffected by such measures due to their independent supply systems. Poipet, in particular, sits right across from Thailand's Aranyaprathet district, adding a layer of complexity to bilateral crime-fighting efforts. Police Inspector-General Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabut has voiced concerns that if unchecked, these scammers might shift operations to Cambodian provinces bordering Thailand, such as Battambang and Pailin. Thus, Paradorn's call for Thaksin to act is not just about utilising his influence but prioritising public interest over potential personal or commercial gains. Amid this backdrop, critics have scrutinised Thaksin's involvement, suspecting his motivations could include safeguarding financial interests tied to Thai-Cambodian ventures. Notably, a memorandum of understanding, signed during his time as Prime Minister, concerns joint developments of natural resources in contentious Gulf areas. This has sparked speculation about his willingness to maintain these ventures at the public's cost. In urging Thaksin to aid in the dismantling of these scams, the spotlight remains on how effectively political clout can be wielded against transnational crime. Without concrete action, the integrity of Thai-Cambodian cooperation remains at stake, and the pressure mounts for Thaksin to demonstrate that public interest is paramount. As the situation evolves, the ramifications for Thailand-Cambodia relations and regional security could be significant, transforming this political manoeuvring into a decisive moment in regional crime prevention, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-02-08
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Scouting trouble: Russian woman nabbed after uniform theft in Phuket By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เกษม สำราญ Police arrested a Russian woman in Phuket after breaking into a local’s house and stealing a scout uniform before leaving. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351120-scouting-trouble-russian-woman-nabbed-after-uniform-theft-in-phuket/ -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Icelandic man gets his face busted after falling into Pattaya drain By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English An Icelandic tourist suffered painful facial injuries after tumbling into an uncovered drainage hole on a hazardous Pattaya footpath—yet another grim reminder of the city’s crumbling infrastructure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351118-icelandic-man-gets-his-face-busted-after-falling-into-pattaya-drain/ -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Foreign man steals iPhone worth nearly 60,000 baht from Phuket shop - video By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ มิสเตอร์ เคโมบาย A foreign man remains at large after stealing an iPhone worth nearly 60,000 baht from a local shop near Chalong Intersection in Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351127-foreign-man-steals-iphone-worth-nearly-60000-baht-from-phuket-shop-video/ -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 8 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1351097-thailand-live-saturday-8-february-2025/ -
Screenshot from Daily Mail video Sin city: Brit beaten by furious Thai bar girls over unpaid bill (video) by Puntid Tantivangphaisal A British tourist was beaten with high heels and thrown out of a Thai bar by furious female workers after refusing to settle his tab. The middle-aged holidaymaker and his friend were treating a group of young women to drinks at a bar in Pattaya... Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351095-sin-city-brit-beaten-by-furious-thai-bar-girls-over-unpaid-bill-video/
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Screenshot from Daily Mail video by Puntid Tantivangphaisal A British tourist was beaten with high heels and thrown out of a Thai bar by furious female workers after refusing to settle his tab. The middle-aged holidaymaker and his friend were treating a group of young women to drinks at a bar in Pattaya, Thailand’s infamous nightlife hub, when the night took a violent turn. The man allegedly refused to pay the full bill, which included a 50% markup on the women’s drinks, sparking a furious reaction from both the bar staff and the women. Chaotic footage from inside the bar captures the yet-to-be-named British man being pinned to the floor as several women aggressively demand payment. In a brutal assault, they remove their stilettos and repeatedly smash them into his forehead before slapping and kicking him. Screenshot from Daily Mail video One woman is heard shouting, “Take the money from his pocket!” as another reaches for a pool cue, seemingly ready to escalate the violence. Bleeding from a head wound, the stunned tourist struggles to his knees and pleads, “Why are you being nasty? Why are you being nasty?” A concerned bystander steps in, trying to defuse the situation, urging the enraged women to calm down while physically restraining one of them. Meanwhile, a female bar manager in a black dress aggressively orders the Brit out, yelling, “Get the f*ck out of my bar! Do you want more beating?” As the battered tourist stumbles out, the owner delivers a final insult, screaming, “F*ck off!” Screenshot from Daily Mail video “I felt sorry for him because he was hurt but he must respect women when he comes to bars. This is our job.” Pattaya, once a quiet fishing village, transformed into a booming nightlife hotspot in the 1950s when it became a favourite for US troops on leave. Today, it remains notorious for its wild party scene, where incidents like this are far from rare. Screenshot from Daily Mail video Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Sin city: Brit beaten by furious Thai bar girls over unpaid bill (video) by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Screenshot from Daily Mail video A British tourist was beaten with high heels and thrown out of a Thai bar by furious female workers after refusing to settle his tab. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351095-sin-city-brit-beaten-by-furious-thai-bar-girls-over-unpaid-bill-video/ -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thai Grab rider shocked after being booked to transport corpse at 53 baht by Petch Petpailin Photo by nullplus via Canva A Thai Grab motorcycle rider took to social media to share his experience of being booked for 53 baht to transport a corpse to a temple in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351083-thai-grab-rider-shocked-after-being-booked-to-transport-corpse-at-53-baht/ -
Photo by nullplus via Canva by Petch Petpailin A Thai Grab motorcycle rider took to social media to share his experience of being booked for 53 baht to transport a corpse to a temple in Pathum Thani province near Bangkok. The Grab rider shared a screenshot of the booking and his conversation with the female passenger on a Facebook group for Grab drivers on Wednesday, February 5. The booking showed the pick-up location as Chulalongkorn Pratunam Police Station, with the destination being Bang Poon Temple in Pathum Thani province. The woman booked a GrabBike Saver, a motorcycle taxi service offering a lower fare than the standard GrabBike service. The distance was approximately 6 kilometres, with an estimated travel time of 17 to 20 minutes. The fare displayed on the app was 53 baht, and the passenger was required to pay in cash. Everything seemed normal until the passenger provided additional information. She sent further messages to the rider. Photo by Pete Walls via Unsplash The woman informed the rider that he would have to travel alone with the lifeless body and stated that her family members were waiting at the temple. Aside from the unsettling request, the booking was made around 2am, adding to the Grab rider’s eerie experience. Many netizens suspected the rider of fabricating the story to gain public attention, similar to a previous case involving another app-based rider who falsely claimed to have assisted a drunk female passenger. However, the rider maintained that his account was true. Bang Poon Temple | Photo via Bang Poon Sub-district Municipality Channel 7 later interviewed officers at Chulalongkorn Pratunam Police Station regarding the alleged corpse. The officers stated that no body was at the police station on the day of the incident. While the police believed the rider may have been telling the truth, they suspected that the passenger fabricated the story as a prank. The police also emphasised that the transportation of corpses involving law enforcement and hospitals is carried out under proper procedures. Officers stressed that under no circumstances would they allow anyone, even family members, to transport a body on a motorcycle. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-02-07
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Pattaya Responds to Criticism Over Viral Video of Indian Tourists Sleeping on Beach Screenshot courtesy: Siam Rath A recent video showing large groups of Indian tourists lounging on Pattaya Beach has sparked intense debate online. The clip, shared on Instagram with the caption "Indian Tourists in Pattaya," features around 100 visitors sprawled on mats, some of whom are seen drinking beer amid piles of litter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351078-pattaya-responds-to-criticism-over-viral-video-of-indian-tourist-sleeping-on-beach/ -
Screenshot courtesy: Siam Rath A recent video showing large groups of Indian tourists lounging on Pattaya Beach has sparked intense debate online. The clip, shared on Instagram with the caption "Indian Tourists in Pattaya," features around 100 visitors sprawled on mats, some of whom are seen drinking beer amid piles of litter. The footage has been met with criticism from both local and international netizens, questioning why these tourists have chosen the beach over hotels. Concerns are being raised over the unseemly behaviour potentially tarnishing Pattaya’s reputation. Pattaya’s mayor, Poramet Ngampichet, addressed the situation by noting the surge in Indian tourists to the area, particularly during the high season. The recent beach expansions have made the area a round-the-clock relaxation spot, but it remains a public space, hence the city cannot impose opening or closing hours. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath "Pattaya Beach will continue to be monitored by our municipal officers and tourist police around the clock. Although we cannot prevent tourists from sleeping on the beach if they aren't causing harm or breaking laws, any rowdiness, loud noise, or disruptive alcohol consumption will be dealt with immediately under existing laws," the mayor stated. Image courtesy: Siam Rath Regarding the littering issue, Pattaya imposes fines up to 2,000 baht for improper waste disposal. Additional measures, such as high-mast lighting and CCTV, have been implemented to enhance safety and curb illegal activities. While Pattaya continues to welcome global tourists, authorities urge visitors to adhere to local regulations to preserve the city's international appeal. Any violations, such as disturbances or littering, will be addressed with stringent enforcement, reported Siam Rath. -- 2025-02-07
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Pattaya Beach Wins Three Awards for Beauty and Eco-Friendliness Picture courtesy: Facebook สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา Nestled just an hour from Bangkok, Pattaya Beach has recently earned three prestigious awards, spotlighting its outstanding beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351058-pattaya-beach-wins-three-awards-for-beauty-and-eco-friendliness/ -
Picture courtesy: Facebook สายตรงนายกเมืองพัทยา Nestled just an hour from Bangkok, Pattaya Beach has recently earned three prestigious awards, spotlighting its outstanding beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism practices. This recognition, granted by esteemed organisations such as the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research and the Department of Tourism, affirms Pattaya’s ongoing dedication to high-quality beach management. Central to these accolades is the ISO 13009 standard, which serves as a benchmark for evaluating tourism quality on beaches. Pattaya Beach excelled, particularly in the category of 'natural tourist attraction quality standards', applauded for its robust management and development strategies. Additionally, the beach achieved Level 2 "Full Requirements" certification under the ISO 13009:2015 Beach Operation standard and received the Thai tourist attraction quality standards for beaches award (TCT. 609:2551). Pattaya's commitment doesn't stop at awards; the city is actively aligning its tourism efforts with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative is aimed at addressing multifaceted challenges spanning economic, social, and environmental sectors to create a promising future for both visitors and locals. These achievements come amid a noticeable tourism surge in Chonburi province, which houses Pattaya. Chaiwat Tamthai of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Pattaya office reports a significant uptick in visitor numbers. From January to November 2024, Chonburi welcomed 24 million visitors — a 17.92% increase compared to the previous year. This influx generated an impressive revenue spike of 26.54%, amounting to 260 billion Thai Baht. The visitor demographic is diverse, with an influx of both international and domestic tourists. Specifically, 10 million from abroad and 14 million from within Thailand enjoyed Pattaya's offerings. Projections for 2025 suggest this upward trend will continue, predicting a 25% growth in tourism, especially given the 505,411 visitors who embarked on their Pattaya experience just in the first five days of January. Among the top nationalities visiting Pattaya are Chinese (69,548), Malaysians (57,127), Russians (46,752), South Koreans (28,160), and Indians (26,635). This diversity underscores Pattaya Beach’s robust appeal and its status as a premier global destination. As Chonburi and Pattaya continue to enhance their tourism strategies and infrastructure, these awards solidify the region’s commitment to excellence in both beauty and sustainability. natural allure and world-class tourist experiences, reported The Nation. -- 2025-02-07
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
webfact replied to webfact's topic in Thailand Live
Thailand Resumes Search for New Central Bank Chief File photo courtesy: Prachachat In an effort to stabilise its central bank leadership, Thailand has resumed the long-delayed process of appointing a new chairman for the Bank of Thailand (BoT). This follows a botched attempt last year when the Ministry of Finance's nomination faced political opposition. Now, the focus turns to two fresh candidates, hoping to step into this critical financial role. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351054-thailand-resumes-search-for-new-central-bank-chief/ -
File photo courtesy: Prachachat In an effort to stabilise its central bank leadership, Thailand has resumed the long-delayed process of appointing a new chairman for the Bank of Thailand (BoT). This follows a botched attempt last year when the Ministry of Finance's nomination faced political opposition. Now, the focus turns to two fresh candidates, hoping to step into this critical financial role. The previous selection effort saw the Finance Ministry nominate Kittiratt Na-Ranong, a former finance minister with links to the ruling Pheu Thai Party. However, his nomination was a non-starter, blocked by the government’s legal council due to perceived unfitness attributed to his political affiliations. Thailand's Finance Ministry has now put forward Somchai Sujjapongse, a former permanent secretary for finance, as its latest candidate. Simultaneously, the Bank of Thailand has countered with Surapon Nitikraipot, an academic. The rekindled process and these two strong contenders were reported by Isra News Agency, citing sources from within the central bank and the finance ministry. Although the BoT chairman does not engage directly in monetary policy decisions, the role remains influential. The chairman partakes in selecting members of the Monetary Policy Committee and can critically assess the performance of the governor. This influence comes into the spotlight at a time when Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration hopes to spur economic policies that align with governmental objectives. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose administration has shown interest in rate cuts to stimulate the languishing economy, may be inclined to support a chairman who shares these economic priorities. Since taking office, she has aimed to ease the financial burden on citizens through increased budget allocations and monetary support initiatives. This has been underscored by recent efforts to distribute financial aid worth billions of Thai Baht to vulnerable groups. However, the BoT, maintaining a degree of independence critical to its function, recently held its policy rate steady at 2.25% after an unexpected quarter-point reduction last October. This reflects an ongoing tension between the government's economic stimulations plans and the BoT’s cautious approach to monetary stability. Economist Supavud Saicheua, serving as an adviser to Prime Minister Paetongtarn, has reiterated the administration's calls for lower interest rates. Acknowledging challenges such as low inflation, global trade risks, and negative loan growth, he argues that the current interest rate is insufficient to support economic recovery. The BoT is scheduled to reassess the interest rate on February 26, highlighting an ongoing narrative of economic stewards trying to navigate growth amid global and local challenges, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-07
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THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
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Smoke signal: Suvarnabhumi sparks smoking rooms outrage By Bob Scott Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Smoking row ignites as the Airports of Thailand (AoT) makes a shocking bid to reintroduce smoking rooms at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, pushing against the global trend towards smoke-free terminals. As the world gears up for 100% smoke-free airports, Thailand’s move has stirred up a storm of controversy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351005-smoke-signal-suvarnabhumi-sparks-smoking-rooms-outrage/ -
THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 7 February 2025
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4 Israeli men fined for causing chaos at hospital in Mae Hong Son By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 7 Police fined four Israeli men 3,000 baht each for causing chaos at Pai Hospital in the northern province of Mae Hong Son on February 2 by entering an emergency room without permission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351023-4-israeli-men-fined-for-causing-chaos-at-hospital-in-mae-hong-son/