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FILE photo courtesy: ChandigarhMetro In a move stirring public debate, Thailand's government has made a controversial decision to legalise online gambling, sparking concerns over potential societal impacts. Former senator Wallop Tangkhananurak has questioned the motivations behind this decision, airing doubts about the government’s transparency. The initiative came to light not through official channels, but via an announcement by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong earlier this week. He assured that legal frameworks would be adjusted promptly to decriminalise online gambling, indicating it's a priority for the government. Prasert has also promised swift action, stressing the economic benefits expected to follow. Yet, the absence of this issue from the cabinet’s official resolutions, as revealed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has raised eyebrows. Wallop suspects underlying motives and hastened efforts, particularly since the announcement coincides with a recent campaign trail statement by Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister and current political influencer. Wallop has been vocal about his fears of grave consequences for Thai society. He argues that legalised gambling could erode traditional values and negatively influence the youth’s mindset, leading to shifts in cultural attitudes toward gambling. “These measures demonstrate a government willing to compromise on moral standards for financial gain,” Wallop stated, condemning what he perceives as hypocrisy, given Prasert's previous stance on cracking down illegal gambling rings. He cautioned that this shift could create long-term societal issues, painting a grim picture of future generations plagued by vices. Wallop challenges Prime Minister Paetongtarn, a mother herself, to reconsider the ethical implications of such a decision. "Is she prepared to craft a society where moral decay defines the youth's legacy?" he questions, underscoring his stance as an advocate for maintaining ethical integrity in governance. As these developments unfold, they shed light on the broader economic strategy and political dynamics at play in Thailand. Critics argue that the economic gains from a legalised online gambling market, potentially amounting to billions of Thai Baht, could be overshadowed by societal costs, reported Thai PBS. As this polarising issue takes centre stage, it reveals the complex balancing act between economic ambition and cultural preservation in modern Thailand. -- 2025-01-17

Romantic Stunt Gone Wrong: Man Steals Truck to Impress his Crush Picture courtesy: Khaosod In an unexpected twist of events in Chumphon, a man's ill-fated attempt to woo his long-time crush ended in legal trouble. Mr. Wathana, 32, from Prachuap Khiri Khan province, sought to impress a high school girl by stealing a government vehicle, only to have his plans unravel when the police swiftly apprehended him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349039-romantic-stunt-gone-wrong-man-steals-truck-to-impress-his-crush/

Picture courtesy: Khaosod In an unexpected twist of events in Chumphon, a man's ill-fated attempt to woo his long-time crush ended in legal trouble. Mr. Wathana, 32, from Prachuap Khiri Khan province, sought to impress a high school girl by stealing a government vehicle, only to have his plans unravel when the police swiftly apprehended him. The story began when Mr. Prasat, 59, an official from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, left his pickup truck idling at Chumphon City’s railway station to fetch some goods. Upon returning, he discovered the vehicle missing. Fortunately, the truck was equipped with a GPS system, allowing local police to track it quickly. Mr. Wathana's motivations behind the theft were as foolhardy as they were romantic. For three years, he had secretly adored a girl now in the 11th grade, the daughter of a local grocery store owner. Despite frequenting her family's store, he never summoned the courage to declare his feelings. Desperate and unlikely emboldened by four methamphetamine pills, he seized the opportunity to make a grand gesture by absconding with the government pickup. Having been monitored along the busy Phetkasem Road, law enforcement officers coordinated a swift strategy, notifying checkpoints further along the highway. At about 5:30 p.m., in Bang Saphan Noi district, Wathana's journey was abruptly curtailed near Kiri Lom School. But what drives a man to such impulsive acts? Mr. Wathana owns a six-rai durian orchard but seemed to lack courage in romance, opting instead for a drug-fuelled fantasy of heroism. This rash act of devotion has now left him facing serious charges, including vehicle theft and drug-impaired driving. Aside from the legal repercussions—a court hearing likely to follow—this episode raises poignant questions about the lengths to which people might go in pursuit of love. Transporting stolen government property is a severe offence, carrying heavy penalties and fines in Thailand, potentially totalling up to ฿40,000 (approximately £900) for theft alone. The tale is a cautionary reminder of the thin line between romantic ambition and reckless folly. For Mr. Wathana, the lofty aim of capturing a young woman's heart collided disastrously with the reality of the law, teaching a costly lesson that admiration cannot be fuelled by crime and misconduct, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-17

Trump's Nominee Rubio Pledges to Lobby Thailand on Uyghur Detainees Picture courtesy: Facebook Immigration Bureau Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China. This pledge arises amidst significant human rights concerns about the potential fate of the Uyghurs if returned to China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349012-trumps-nominee-rubio-pledges-to-lobby-thailand-on-uyghur-detainees/

Dutch national arrested in Bangkok for US$55,000 gold scam By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News Thailand’s Immigration Bureau announced on Tuesday, January 14, the arrest of a 43 year old Dutch national for allegedly organising a gold scam in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349013-dutch-national-arrested-in-bangkok-for-us55000-gold-scam/

Supreme Court Petitioned to Return Thaksin to Jail Amid Allegations File photo In a dramatic turn of events, former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak has officially petitioned the Supreme Court to consider sending Thaksin Shinawatra back to prison. Efforts are also sought to investigate alleged irregularities in his release facilitated by the Corrections Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349023-supreme-court-petitioned-to-return-thaksin-to-jail-amid-allegations/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 17 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1349028-thailand-live-friday-17-january-2025/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Chaos on Pattaya Beach: Drunk tourists fuel brawls in hotspot By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fuelled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349017-chaos-on-pattaya-beach-drunk-tourists-fuel-brawls-in-hotspot/

Supreme Court Petitioned to Return Thaksin to Jail Amid Allegations File photo In a dramatic turn of events, former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak has officially petitioned the Supreme Court to consider sending Thaksin Shinawatra back to prison. Efforts are also sought to investigate alleged irregularities in his release facilitated by the Corrections Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349023-supreme-court-petitioned-to-return-thaksin-to-jail-amid-allegations/

File photo In a dramatic turn of events, former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak has officially petitioned the Supreme Court to consider sending Thaksin Shinawatra back to prison. Efforts are also sought to investigate alleged irregularities in his release facilitated by the Corrections Department. The petition, submitted today, urges the Supreme Court to review the circumstances under which Thaksin was granted effectively preferential treatment, avoiding imprisonment upon his return from a 17-year self-imposed exile in 2023. The former Thai Prime Minister, and influential political figure, had been sentenced to a curtailed one-year imprisonment by the Supreme Court due to charges of power abuse during his tenure in office. Critics argue that Thaksin, whose daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the current Prime Minister, was allowed to serve his sentence under questionable conditions. Allegedly, he was granted a six-month hospital stay at Police Hospital instead of fulfilling his sentence in Bangkok Remand Prison. This arrangement reportedly exploited legal ambiguities to extend undue privileges, potentially undermining the judiciary’s authority. Charnchai contends that the Corrections Department’s actions, in conjunction with certain executive officers, amounted to government misconduct by facilitating Thaksin’s avoidance of jail through purported health concerns. Upon supposed medical necessity, Thaksin’s stay at the hospital reportedly coincided with his release on parole, sanctioned by Justice Minister and Prachachart leader Thavi Sodsong last year. The petition raises significant questions about the integrity and consistency of the legal system in enforcing judicial decisions, especially those concerning high-profile political figures. The case underscores ongoing tensions between branches of government and the continued scrutiny of Thailand's political landscape. The Supreme Court judges, specifically tasked with overseeing criminal cases involving political figures, now face a pivotal decision in acting upon Charnchai’s petition. Whether the court will choose to reinstate Thaksin’s prison sentence or dismiss the appeal remains to be seen, as the matter highlights broader concerns over equality and justice within the Thai legal framework. This unfolding story captures the complexities entwining politics and law in Thailand, as observers keenly watch for the Supreme Court’s response and the potential implications for Thaksin and the country's political order, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-16

Trump's Nominee Rubio Pledges to Lobby Thailand on Uyghur Detainees Picture courtesy: Facebook Immigration Bureau Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China. This pledge arises amidst significant human rights concerns about the potential fate of the Uyghurs if returned to China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349012-trumps-nominee-rubio-pledges-to-lobby-thailand-on-uyghur-detainees/

Picture courtesy: Facebook Immigration Bureau Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China. This pledge arises amidst significant human rights concerns about the potential fate of the Uyghurs if returned to China. The announcement came during Rubio’s confirmation hearing in Washington on Wednesday, where he promised to leverage his potential new role to influence Thailand’s decision-making. The Uyghurs, hailing from China's Xinjiang region, have long faced persecution, with around 1.8 million reportedly held in internment camps starting 2017. Recent reports have resurfaced, indicating that Thailand might proceed with their deportation, igniting a fervent response during the hearing. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley prompted Rubio to articulate his stance on the matter, emphasising the urgency and ethical weight of preventing the deportations. Rubio, who maintains a firm stance on China-related policies, assured the committee that he would actively engage Thailand, highlighting the strategic and longstanding alliance between Thailand and the United States as a pivotal aspect of the diplomatic effort. He expressed optimism that America's close partnership with Thailand could indeed render the desired results. An encouraging development has been noted by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), which suggests that the heightened international spotlight may have temporarily alleviated the immediate threat of deportation. Confidential discussions with Thai insiders reveal that Thailand remains wary of repeating the international outcry that followed the 2015 deportation of over 100 Uyghurs to China, an act that substantially impaired its diplomatic image. Further assurance came from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which, upon hearing unverified rumours of deportation preparations, received contrasting assurances from Thai authorities, suggesting no imminent action. The saga began in the early 2010s when Thailand emerged as a critical route for Uyghurs escaping the increasing repression at home and seeking asylum in Turkey. In 2014, approximately 350 were detained near the Malaysian border, with many later deported or enduring harsh conditions in Thai detention centres. More than 100 were forcibly returned to China in 2015, with their current whereabouts remaining unknown. This ongoing situation illustrates the complexity of international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, as Rubio stands poised to potentially influence this delicate affair in his prospective role, adding yet another layer to the multifaceted global stage, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-16

Thai Man Attacks Swiss with Cue Over Alleged Pool Cheat FILE photo for reference only. A Thai man, aged 30, attacked a Swiss man after accusing him of cheating during a game of pool at a bar in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348977-thai-man-attacks-swiss-with-cue-over-alleged-pool-cheat/

FILE photo for reference only. A Thai man, aged 30, attacked a Swiss man after accusing him of cheating during a game of pool at a bar in Pattaya. On 16 January, Pattaya's Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received reports of an assault resulting in injuries at a bar on Khao Talo road. Police and rescue volunteers responded swiftly to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found Devin, a 36-year-old Swiss national, suffering from a wrist injury inflicted by a pool cue. Rescue workers provided initial treatment before transporting him to a hospital. The Thai man responsible, identified as Anand, appeared heavily intoxicated and was detained by police. Anand told officers that he and the victim had been playing pool together, but claimed the Swiss man was cheating. This led to a heated argument during which Anand admitted to striking him with the cue, alleging the victim had attacked him first. The bar owner, who witnessed the incident, recounted that Anand reacted angrily after losing the game and accused the Swiss man of cheating. Despite the owner's attempts to intervene, Anand, in his drunken state, ignored the warnings, prompting the call to the police, reported CH 7. -- 2025-01-16

Northern Irishman fights for life after Thailand holiday accident by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of the Sunday World Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348968-northern-irishman-fights-for-life-after-thailand-holiday-accident/

Picture courtesy of the Sunday World by Bob Scott Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Ryan Daly, from Portadown, had set off on an ambitious round-the-world trip when tragedy struck, leaving him on life support and his loved ones in turmoil. The 27 year old care attendant, known for his dedication and compassion while working with J & K Coaches’ ambulance department in Moneymore, now finds himself in dire need of care, prompting his employer to launch a heartwarming fundraiser yesterday, January 15. Already, generous well-wishers have contributed nearly £8,000 (338,00 baht) to support his family during this unimaginable ordeal, said a company spokesperson. “Tragically, Ryan was involved in a devastating accident this week and is now on life support in Thailand.” His heartbroken mother, Julie, and sister, Lucy, have journeyed to be by his side after receiving the traumatic news of his critical condition, although the details of Daly’s accident have yet to be revealed by Thai officials. In a heartfelt plea to the community, the spokesperson added, “In response, we have created this fundraising page to offer support to Julie and Lucy, and we’re reaching out to you, our community, followers, and clients, to help us provide the assistance they need.” Daly, whose kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others have left a lasting impact, now needs the community’s support more than ever, said the company spokesperson. “Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference. Please join us in standing with the Daly family during this heart-wrenching time.” To lend a helping hand, the fundraiser is accessible at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jkcoaches-daly-family-fundraiser. Every donation brings hope and comfort to a family facing their darkest hours, uniting a community in solidarity and support. News of Daly’s misfortune comes hot on the heels of another young Irishman, whose body was discovered lifeless on a Thai island. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations have pointed towards acute pulmonary cardiac failure as the cause of his untimely demise, but as investigations continue, the mystery surrounding his death only deepens as no information has been revealed to why his heart failed. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-16

Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail UPDATE In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348966-irish-diver’s-fate-revealed-on-thailand’s-‘death-island’/

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail UPDATE by Bob Scott In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations have pointed towards acute pulmonary cardiac failure as the cause of his untimely demise, but as investigations continue, the mystery surrounding his death only deepens as no information has been revealed to why his heart failed. “His death was very unexpected,” shared Tracy King, his heartbroken mother, when speaking with the Irish Daily Mail. The 21 year old, a skilled free diver and master diver, left for Thailand on November 20 last year in high spirits, obtaining two diving qualifications shortly after his arrival, said Robby’s mother. “He was in a really good place mentally and his normal self.” Picture of Robby courtesy of Sunday World Hailing from the picturesque village of Quilty in County Clare, Robby had set his sights on the vibrant diving havens in Southeast Asia. “He just walked in one day and said, ‘I am going to Thailand. I have already booked the ticket.’ It was where all the diving was. He was doing very, very well over there and supported himself through his diving qualifications.” Grieving friends have set up a fundraiser to bring Robby’s body back to Ireland, amassing nearly 45,000 euros (1.6 million baht) by Wednesday morning. Paying tribute to the vivacious backpacker, a close friend said he was the kind of person who lit up every room with his kindness and warmth. “He was always the first to help others, putting their needs before his own without a second thought.” In his final days, Robby’s dreams came alive amid Koh Tao’s azure depths, as he free dived and scuba-dived in the place that brought him boundless joy, surrounded by an ever-growing circle of friends. His untimely passing has cast a dark shadow over what should have been the adventure of a lifetime, leaving those who knew him grappling for answers and mourning a life tragically cut short. RELATED TOPIC Heartbroken Irish mum honours ‘special son’ lost on Koh Tao https://aseannow.com/topic/1348669-heartbroken-irish-mum-honours-‘special-son’-lost-on-koh-tao/ Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-16

British Skincare Brand 'The Body Shop' to Close All Thai Stores Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The Body Shop, a popular British skincare brand, has announced it will be closing its stores across Thailand, with the final day of trading set for 31st January 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348957-british-skincare-brand-the-body-shop-to-close-all-thai-stores/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath The Body Shop, a popular British skincare brand, has announced it will be closing its stores across Thailand, with the final day of trading set for 31st January 2025. In a heartfelt Facebook post, The Body Shop Thailand expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for all the love - See you again soon." They reassured customers that this is not a permanent farewell but a temporary pause with the message, "Hold on a little longer and see you again soon!" After years of providing environmentally friendly and ethically sourced beauty products, The Body Shop is taking this break with appreciation for all its customers’ support, hinting at a possible return in the future, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-01-16

Thai Tourist Police Enhance Efforts to Boost Confidence in Bangkok's Thonburi Area Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On 14th January, officers from the Tourist Police Region 3, led by Deputy Superintendent Pol Lt Col Jirapat Kheosiri, conducted a safety patrol around Wat Arun Ratchawararam in Thonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348954-thai-tourist-police-enhance-efforts-to-boost-confidence-in-bangkoks-thonburi-area/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath On 14th January, officers from the Tourist Police Region 3, led by Deputy Superintendent Pol Lt Col Jirapat Kheosiri, conducted a safety patrol around Wat Arun Ratchawararam in Thonburi. Their focus was to boost tourist confidence and promote the new Thailand Tourist Police app, an initiative aligned with the policies introduced by Tourist Police Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Saksripiak. Launched on 12th December 2024, this app allows tourists to conveniently report incidents, send messages, images, and locations, effectively connecting them to the 1155 emergency centre. With multilingual support in eight languages available 24/7, the app aims to streamline communication between tourists and local authorities, enhancing the ability to respond to and assist in emergencies efficiently. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath This new initiative not only strengthens tourist safety but also bolsters Thailand's image as a top travel destination. The app is available for download on both Android and iOS, ensuring easy access for international visitors, thereby improving overall tourist experiences and safety outcomes, reported Siam Rath. -- 2025-01-16

Thailand Backs Bill to Empower Small Liquor Producers In a groundbreaking move, Thailand's House of Representatives passed a pivotal bill on Wednesday aimed at transforming the nation's liquor industry by empowering small-scale and community-based producers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348934-thailand-backs-bill-to-empower-small-liquor-producers/

File photo for reference only. In a groundbreaking move, Thailand's House of Representatives passed a pivotal bill on Wednesday aimed at transforming the nation's liquor industry by empowering small-scale and community-based producers. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lauded the decision, emphasising that this could break the long-standing dominance of a few major corporations, while boosting the rural economy. The newly-approved Community Liquor Bill is designed to provide a fair playing field for individual entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and farmers' associations, allowing them to obtain licences to produce and sell various types of alcohol. An overwhelming majority of 415 out of 420 lawmakers supported the bill, which now advances to the Senate for further debate. This legislative shift opens doors for microbreweries and small distilleries, potentially challenging the decades-long stranglehold of industry giants like Thai Beverage and Boon Rawd Brewery. The revised regulations are also expected to benefit restaurants and pubs, enabling them to create unique drinks, catering especially to international tourists' tastes. Prior reform attempts include the 2022 initiative, which did away with stringent requirements on capital and production capacity for small producers. This was yet another step towards democratising Thailand's alcohol production landscape. As it stands, Thailand's domestic alcoholic drink sales amounted to 2.97 billion litres, worth approximately 584 billion Thai Baht (equivalent to $16.3 billion) in 2023, reported Krungsri Research. Beer and spirits dominate the market, comprising 55.8% and 36.1% of the total value, respectively. With parliamentary approval pending, detailed ministerial regulations need development before licences are issued, explained Chanin Rungtanakiat of the Pheu Thai Party. If related agencies act promptly, the bill might be implemented by October. Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, an advocate for dismantling the liquor monopoly, expressed optimism. His relentless campaign helped shape aspects of this bill, though he's committed to pushing for his own Progressive Liquor Bill too. In a heartfelt post on X, he recalled his journey from being arrested for homebrewing almost eight years ago to today, lauding the collaborative efforts across party lines. Founded in 1933, Boon Rawd remains a major player under the Bhirombhakdi family, noted as Thailand’s 19th wealthiest by Forbes. Meanwhile, ThaiBev, created by Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, who ranks as the nation's third-richest individual, controls a significant share of both the beer and spirits markets. This new legislation symbolises a notable shift towards smaller producers, envisaging a more diverse and dynamic alcohol industry in Thailand. If enacted, it holds the promise of economic revitalisation and increased choice for consumers, marking a significant moment in the country's economic narrative, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-16

Polish man arrested for spanking Thai woman’s bottom (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เจาะลึกทั่วไทย Inside Thailand Police arrested a Polish man at his condominium in Bangkok for spanking a Thai woman’s bottom in a convenience store. He claimed he was unaware that his actions were illegal and stated that he had done the same thing to many women before. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348940-polish-man-arrested-for-spanking-thai-woman’s-bottom-video/