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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Amid rising regional tensions, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has stated that he is prepared to cease the supply of power to certain Myanmar townships, contingent on receiving directives from national security bodies. This potential move targets the townships of Tachileik and Myawaddy, located across from Thailand's Mae Sai in Chiang Rai and Mae Sot in Tak, respectively. Currently, the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), under the supervision of the Interior Ministry, provides electricity to these areas. Anutin clarified that such an action would only proceed following an official request from agencies responsible for national security. This hints at organisations possibly under the Ministry of Defence or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as being pivotal in this decision-making process. The tension arises from concerns that these power supplies may be exploited by transnational criminal networks, including call-centre scams and drug trafficking operations, taking refuge in these border regions. While these operations are well-publicised, Anutin was quick to emphasise the humanitarian considerations involved. These townships house educational facilities, healthcare units, and residential populations alongside illicit activities. Thus, any decision to halt power delivery must weigh humanitarian needs against security imperatives. Thailand's relationship with Myanmar is complex and nuanced, involving trade and security agreements which facilitate the daily power supply across borders. These arrangements, forged amidst Myanmar's ongoing internal conflicts, are now being scrutinised under the lens of security concerns. The backdrop to Anutin's current position is a tapestry of cross-border issues, marked by political upheaval and conflict within Myanmar, particularly areas controlled by ethnic rebel groups. The escalating activities of such elements, often operating in the shadows, complicate the situation, necessitating a coordinated response from Thailand's defence and foreign policy sectors. Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, aware of the delicate balance Thailand must maintain between aiding its neighbour and safeguarding its own national security interests. This unfolding situation poses significant geopolitical challenges, not only to the immediate stakeholders but also to broader Southeast Asian stability, reported Thai Newsroom. Anutin's statement reflects Thailand's cautious and calculated approach to managing its cross-border dynamics, demonstrating the country's ongoing commitment to regional security inextricably linked with humanitarian responsibilities. As events progress, critical decisions made in Bangkok will have far-reaching implications for the Thai-Myanmar relationship and beyond. -- 2025-01-30

700 Stray Dogs Starving in Thai Landfill - Rabies Fears Rise File photo for reference only In a dire situation in Chachoengsao province, over 700 stray dogs are starving at a local landfill, raising fears of a potential rabies outbreak as temperatures rise. Residents are calling on the government to urgently address the growing crisis. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350222-700-stray-dogs-starving-in-thai-landfill-rabies-fears-rise/

Police Boost Security for Tourists on Pattaya's Walking Street During CNY File photo for reference only During this year's Chinese New Year, tourists visiting Pattaya's famous Walking Street experienced more than vibrant neon lights and lively nightlife. Law enforcement was highly visible, with Pattaya Tourist Police, local police, and the US Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) teaming up for a major safety operation aimed at protecting visitors.m Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350225-police-boost-security-for-tourists-on-pattayas-walking-street-during-cny/

Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction - video By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350212-pattaya’s-tourism-takes-a-hit-afte

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 30 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1350219-thailand-live-thursday-30-january-2025/

Photo courtesy of Everything Bangkok Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you By Puntid Tantivangphaisal The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350218-thailand’s-destination-visa-loophole-that-could-cost-you/

UPDATE: Thailand pledges continued refugee healthcare despite US aid halt by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Government House Thailand’s government will maintain healthcare services for refugees following US President Donald Trump’s directive for a 90-day halt on foreign aid, which affects the financial support for refugee healthcare in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350159-karenni-army-us-aid-cuts-impact-refugee-camps-forces-medical-transfers-to-thailand/#findComment-19547828

Thailand pledges continued refugee healthcare despite US aid halt by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Government House Thailand’s government will maintain healthcare services for refugees following US President Donald Trump’s directive for a 90-day halt on foreign aid, which affects the financial support for refugee healthcare in the country. Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin stated yesterday, January 28, that approximately 100,000 refugees reside in nine camps along the Thai-Myanmar border. He noted that international organisations assist in funding the operational costs of these camps. “We will have to wait and see if there will be another announcement.” This statement was made after reports from the BBC on January 27 highlighted the difficulties civil society groups encounter in initiating operations in refugee camps due to Trump’s policy announced last week. A civil society representative in Mae Sot, located in northern Tak province, informed the broadcaster of a letter received on January 25. It indicated that the subsidy would only be paid until January 24, followed by an announcement of an 85-day suspension. Due to a partial freeze in US funding, a refugee hospital within a camp reportedly had to reduce staff, leading to some patients leaving the hospital because of staff shortages. Sunai Phasuk, an adviser to Human Rights Watch in Thailand, shared a letter on the X platform in Burmese, stating: “Devastating! The Trump administration’s suspension of foreign aid has resulted in the closure of field hospitals in refugee camps.” Somsak assured that the Thai government is seeking a resolution to the issue. He emphasised, “We cannot abandon or chase them away since they have lived here in the camps for a long time.” When questioned about the source of funds if the US government retracts financial support, Somsak mentioned that such a policy would only be temporary. He acknowledged that while the Public Health Ministry is not the primary agency responsible for refugee care, they must ensure medical treatment for all people. “No matter who they are, we have to take care of them,” he stated. Somsak further explained that the ministry’s focus extends beyond refugee healthcare, addressing issues like illegal entries, including refugees, illegal immigrants, and people awaiting nationality verification, totalling around 700,000 people, reported Bangkok Post. “We cannot just talk about refugees who have been affected by Trump’s policies. All kinds of healthcare and assistance must be provided to other groups of people who live in this country.” Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-29

Chinese Tourism to Thailand Rises by 20% Amid Safety Concerns FILE photo Despite growing safety concerns, Thailand has seen a substantial 20.3% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals year-on-year this past week. This boost underscores the enduring allure of Thailand's diverse attractions even amidst apprehension about certain safety issues that have circulated recently. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350178-chinese-tourism-to-thailand-rises-by-20-amid-safety-concerns/

FILE photo Despite growing safety concerns, Thailand has seen a substantial 20.3% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals year-on-year this past week. This boost underscores the enduring allure of Thailand's diverse attractions even amidst apprehension about certain safety issues that have circulated recently. Tourism and Sports Minister, Sorawong Thienthong, announced that during the week of January 20 to 26, tourist arrivals experienced a 16% growth compared to the same period last year, with the increase driven largely by short-haul visitors. Chinese tourists topped the list, with 178,762 entering the country despite some reports of cancellations. The surge places China ahead of other significant tourist source countries like Malaysia, which saw 95,062 arrivals, Russia with 53,820, South Korea with 51,268, and India with 44,054 visitors. Interestingly, Malaysia and South Korea saw their numbers grow by 21% and 9.84%, respectively, while arrivals from Russia and India showed slight declines. The influx of tourists from these leading markets significantly contributed to the country's tourism recovery, with the total tourist footfall from January 1 to 26 reaching 3.02 million visitors. This marks a 19.3% increase year-on-year, generating approximately 150 billion Thai Baht (£3.3 billion) in revenue. In response to safety concerns frequently voiced by the Chinese market, the Thai government has taken proactive measures. They are working to heighten security, improve the tourist experience, and increase flight capacity in collaboration with airlines to ensure smoother logistics for incoming visitors. Sorawong emphasised the government's commitment to maintaining Thailand's appeal. Efforts are underway to sustain and bolster tourist confidence, including launching the 'Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year'. This campaign aims to spotlight Thailand's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures to an international audience. A press conference to further detail these initiatives is scheduled for February 3 at One Bangkok. As Thailand continues to navigate the balance between promoting tourism and addressing safety concerns, these numbers illustrate the resilience and relentless draw of the nation within the global tourism market. The coming months will reveal whether these efforts will placate concerns, allowing Thailand to maintain its standing as a preeminent travel destination for Chinese tourists and others seeking its unique charms, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-29

Thai Government Faces Vote-Buying Allegations Over Cash Handout Picture courtesy: Money and Banking The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, launched just days before the provincial elections, is bound to be seen by some as a form of vote-buying, said People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul on Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350152-thai-government-faces-vote-buying-allegations-over-cash-handout/

Picture courtesy: Money and Banking The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, launched just days before the provincial elections, is bound to be seen by some as a form of vote-buying, said People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul on Tuesday. The government introduced this scheme as a part of its plan to bolster the economy and support those affected by ongoing economic challenges. Each eligible Thai citizen is receiving about 10,000 Thai Baht (£270). Officials claim the effort is entirely aimed at providing much-needed financial aid to help citizens with the rising cost of living, promising that it is neither connected to political motivations nor upcoming elections. However, critics are not convinced. Opposition parties and political analysts argue that this scheme is suspiciously timed, coinciding with the approach of local government elections. They suspect the government is leveraging this handout to sway public opinion and secure votes, particularly among economically vulnerable demographics who might feel indebted to the ruling party. The accusations of vote-buying have sparked a heated debate, further polarising the already divided political landscape in Thailand. Vote-buying, a persistent issue in Thai politics, is a notorious practice where politicians or parties attempt to buy votes, often through direct cash distributions or other inducements. It is illegal, but enforcement is difficult, and the practice has plagued past elections in the country. The controversy surrounding the recent cash handouts underscores the persistent challenges of maintaining a fair electoral process in the nation. Nevertheless, the government remains unyielding in its stance. "This initiative is solely aimed at boosting the economy and supporting our people in these difficult times," stated a spokesperson for the Prime Minister. "It is unfortunate that this necessary support is being politicised." Amid these allegations, the Election Commission of Thailand has been urged to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure elections proceed fairly and transparently. Political observers warn that how the government handles these accusations could significantly impact its political standing and future electoral success. As the debate rages on, the Thai public waits with bated breath. With the economy a central issue for many voters, how this controversy unfolds could have far-reaching implications for the country's political future. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal whether this financial assistance is seen as a genuine effort to aid the Thai people or as a strategic ploy to win political favours. For now, citizens remain divided, with some expressing gratitude for the financial relief and others sceptical of the government's motives. One thing is certain: the ongoing discourse has put the spotlight firmly on Thailand's political practices and the delicate balance between governance and electioneering, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-29

Thailand Approves 29 Billion Baht for Tablets and Laptops for Schools Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The Thai government has greenlit a budget of 29 billion baht to purchase tablets and laptops for secondary school students. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350151-thailand-approves-29-billion-baht-for-tablets-and-laptops-for-schools/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The Thai government has greenlit a budget of 29 billion baht to purchase tablets and laptops for secondary school students. On 28th January, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the Cabinet had approved the expenditure as part of their initiative to enhance digital education across the country. This move is part of a broader educational funding plan, totalling 7.9 billion baht for the year 2025, aimed at promoting equality and preventing school dropouts, potentially benefiting 1.35 million students. It focuses on providing digital resources to enable learning "anywhere, anytime." Education Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul noted that the funding will cover the distribution of digital devices to over 600,000 students in Grades 10 to 12 during the next academic year. The plan will later extend to lower secondary education, involving approximately 1.2 million students, with an additional 29 billion baht earmarked for 2026. This initiative aligns with the government's strategy to integrate technology into education, thereby facilitating lifelong learning and human capital development. The "Digital Skill/Credit Portfolio: Empowering Educations" project aims to leverage technology to enhance digital skills while reducing costs related to supplementary learning resources, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-01-29

PM Paetongtarn to Discuss Thai Tourism Safety with Xi in Beijing File photo. Courtesy: Xinhua/Ding Haitao Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next week to discuss tourist safety in Thailand. Her visit to Beijing, scheduled for February 5-8, aims to reassure Chinese tourists concerned about recent safety issues linked to a high-profile human trafficking case involving a Chinese actor near the Thai-Myanmar border earlier this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350119-pm-paetongtarn-to-discuss-thai-tourism-safety-with-xi-in-beijing/

Chinese nationals deny dine and dash, citing a misunderstanding By Petch Petpailin Photo via Naewna Chinese nationals accused of a dine and dash claimed they did not intentionally evade a bill of 9,480 baht at a restaurant in the Isaan province of Udon Thani, but instead cited a misunderstanding. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350131-chinese-na

Bangkok prison scrutinised for bribes and Chinese inmate privilege By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เรือนจำพิเศษกรุงเทพมหานคร A Thai political activist and former inmate accused officials at Bangkok Remand Prison of accepting bribes from a Chinese inmate and granting them privileges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350137-bangkok-prison-scrutinised-for-bribes-and-chinese-inmate-privilege/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 29 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1350129-thailand-live-wednesday-29-january-2025/

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ Russian couple accused of dining and dashing at many Phuket restaurants By Petch Petpailin A Russian couple reportedly dined and dashed at multiple restaurants in Phuket, sparking an online debate over the visa-free scheme, which some online users claim attracts low-quality foreign visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350122-russian-couple-accused-of-dining-and-dashing-at-many-phuket-restaurants/

Thai Cabinet Backs Measures to Strengthen Laws on Cybercrimes & Call Centres Image courtesy: Sanook In a decisive move, Thailand's Cabinet has approved amendments aimed at fortifying the country's legal framework against cybercrimes and call centres. This development promises sweeping changes, potentially transforming how such crimes are tackled and punished. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350124-thai-cabinet-backs-measures-to-strengthen-laws-on-cybercrimes- -call-centres/

Image courtesy: Sanook In a decisive move, Thailand's Cabinet has approved amendments aimed at fortifying the country's legal framework against cybercrimes and call centres. This development promises sweeping changes, potentially transforming how such crimes are tackled and punished. Proposed by the Digital Economy and Society Ministry, these amendments come in response to the alarming loss of approximately 60 to 70 million Thai Baht daily to cybercriminal activities. The existing decree was found lacking in several respects, particularly regarding the authority to tackle mule accounts—accounts which are often instrumental in laundering illicit funds. The proposed amendments to the Royal Decree on Measures for Protection and Suppression of Technology Crimes B.E. 2566 (2023) will introduce several key changes. Firstly, they will enhance the authority to act against peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms involved in any wrongdoing. Secondly, telecommunications service providers will be obliged to suspend the SIM cards of those implicated in offences. Moreover, banks will face new obligations, required to promptly provide mule account details to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to expedite investigations and facilitate the swift recovery of funds for victims. Non-compliant financial institutions, alongside mobile networks, will encounter increased penalties should they refuse to disclose information about accounts held by perpetrators. Further steps include heightened penalties for unauthorised disclosure of personal information. These changes reflect a broader push to hold financial institutions, mobile network operators, and social media platforms more accountable for the damages resulting from cybercrimes. The amendment draft will now journey to the Office of the Council of State for scrutiny. Following this, it will return to the Cabinet for final approval, after which it will be enacted via publication in the Royal Gazette and come into force immediately. The Council of State is expected to review the draft within 30 days, with February marked as the possible period for its official announcement. This legislative stride not only exhibits the government's resolve to curb cybercrimes but also underscores an evolving recognition of technological crime threats in Thailand's digital landscape. By intensifying legal repercussions and streamlining cooperation between banks, telecoms, and regulatory bodies, these measures aim to significantly deter cybercriminal activity, protecting citizens and financial entities alike, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-28

British woman jailed after collecting debt from Thai millionaire byPetch Petpailin Petch Photo by Rachel Stallard via Daily Mail A British woman accused a Thai millionaire of bribing police to have her jailed after she travelled from the UK to Thailand to collect an unpaid service fee of £30,000 (approximately 1.25 million baht) for her company. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350081-british-woman-jailed-after-collecting-debt-from-thai-millionaire/

Photo by Rachel Stallard via Daily Mail byPetch Petpailin Petch A British woman accused a Thai millionaire of bribing police to have her jailed after she travelled from the UK to Thailand to collect an unpaid service fee of £30,000 (approximately 1.25 million baht) for her company. Rachel Stallard, a British private estate consultant, shared her distressing experience in a Thai jail on her LinkedIn account but later deleted the post after being released. However, her story was reported by the Daily Mail and the Thai news agency, Channel 3. Stallard explained that she travelled to Thailand to collect the unpaid service fee from her Thai client, who previously utilised her company’s consultancy services but failed to pay the £30,000 charge and stopped responding to communications. During their meeting, the client reportedly became irate. Stallard alleges that her wealthy client used his influence and money to bribe police officers into pressing baseless charges against her, subsequently resulting in the British woman being imprisoned without any wrongdoing. According to Stallard, she was accused of seven serious offences, although she did not specify the nature of the charges. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison. Stallard described being held in a prison cell without any food or drinks, forcing her to bribe a police officer for scraps of food. She also shared photos of the prison’s conditions, revealing a cell with no proper bathroom facilities, just a squatting toilet and a bucket of water. Photo by Rachel Stallard via Daily Mail Broke and in debt She then managed to contact a colleague in Bangkok, who brought her food, water, mosquito spray, and wet wipes. Despite her efforts to seek assistance from the British Embassy in Thailand, she criticised their response as inadequate. “I sat in that jail cell for days, not knowing the time of day, imagining what my life was about to become, and it was terrifying. The officials were useless, even though they knew the charges were totally fake. In fact, on the third call, the lady who answered hung up once I told her my name.” Stallard was able to contact her family but had only one opportunity to explain the situation to her 80 year old mother and her daughter. Photo by Rachel Stallard via Daily Mail Fortunately, Stallard managed to secure her temporary release by paying £14,000 (approximately 590,000 baht) in bail and £24,000 (approximately 1 million baht) in legal fees. She lost a total of £70,000 (2.8 million baht) to return home, leaving her in debt. However, Stallard is still required to await trial, which could take six to eight years. She insisted that there is no evidence of her wrongdoing in the seven charges she faces. Photo by Rachel Stallard via Daily Mail After her ordeal, the British woman spent some time in Bangkok and other provinces in Thailand according to her post on LinkedIn three weeks ago. She stated that she plans to return to the UK soon. Channel 3 reported that Stallard’s post about Thai prisons attracted numerous complaints regarding corruption in the country. However, some netizens questioned how the British woman was able to use her mobile phone to take pictures inside the cell. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-28

Tourist brawl in Phuket sparks debate on visa policy (video) by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Speednews ภูเก็ต Facebook A video depicting an altercation between Italian and Indian tourists in Phuket’s Patong area has sparked significant social media discussion. The incident, captured in a 1.04-minute clip shared by the Facebook page Speednews Phuket, occurred yesterday, January 27, at the end of Bangla Road, Kathu district, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350078-tourist-brawl-in-phuket-sparks-debate-on-visa-policy-video/

Picture courtesy of Speednews ภูเก็ต Facebook by Bright Choomanee A video depicting an altercation between Italian and Indian tourists in Phuket’s Patong area has sparked significant social media discussion. The incident, captured in a 1.04-minute clip shared by the Facebook page Speednews Phuket, occurred yesterday, January 27, at the end of Bangla Road, Kathu district, Phuket. The video shows the tourists engaged in a fierce brawl, surrounded by onlookers comprising both foreigners and Thai nationals. Many bystanders recorded the incident on their mobile phones, with some even cheering the combatants. However, security personnel and other tourists witnessing the altercation stepped in to separate the two parties before the situation could escalate further, eventually leading to both tourists dispersing. Following the video’s circulation online, numerous viewers have expressed concerns regarding the implications of the free visa policy for tourists. Critics argue that while the policy facilitates tourism, it should be accompanied by stringent laws to prevent such incidents from recurring, reported KhaoSod. The sentiment reflects a broader concern that without adequate legal frameworks, similar situations may arise in the future. Fortunately, this particular incident did not result in serious injuries or fatalities. In similar news, a night of partying on Bangla Road turned into chaos when a drunken Russian tourist was hospitalised after a violent altercation with security guards. The incident unfolded at Oscar Bar, Patong on December 18 last year. Police were called to the scene at 11.50pm, where they found 31 year old Russian national Evgenii Kozlov seriously injured after a scuffle with bar security. According to initial reports, Kozlov, heavily intoxicated, climbed onto the stage and began dancing, disrupting the bar’s operations. Security guards, 30 year old Chalermphon Suphannaphon, 28 year old Thammakach Sukho, and 19 year old Watcharaphon Laowong intervened, removing him from the stage. The situation escalated when the Russian man reportedly began acting aggressively towards other patrons, prompting complaints. As the guards attempted to escort him out, a struggle ensued, culminating in a violent brawl. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-28