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Wan Xing aka Xingxing. Picture courtesy: Facebook The Reporters The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is swiftly taking action to restore Thailand's image among Chinese tourists following the harrowing experience of Chinese actor Xingxing. He was reportedly coerced into a scam centre in Myawaddy, Myanmar, just across the border from Thailand's Mae Sot. The incident has led to a notable drop in tourist numbers and the cancellation of some events, according to reports on January 15. TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool addressed the issue, explaining that the actor's detention and subsequent release in early January sparked widespread reactions on Chinese social media. These reactions have contributed to fears among potential tourists, many of whom have never visited Thailand. In response, TAT is introducing chartered flights aimed at reassuring apprehensive tourists. Although the incident has led to some flight cancellations, Thapanee noted that tourists familiar with Thailand's hospitality and safety remain largely undeterred. In fact, 90 to 95% of independent travelers, who typically use regular airlines, are reportedly continuing their plans to visit Thailand. Nevertheless, efforts are being concentrated on improving Thailand's online image and conveying accurate information to Chinese audiences. All five TAT offices in China are collaborating with travel agents, tour operators, and airlines to ensure tourists receive a warm welcome during the Chinese New Year. Their focus lies on presenting Thailand as a safe destination, offering high-quality products and services, and providing a memorable holiday experience. Moreover, Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Theinthong is prioritising collaboration with the Tourist Police to enhance safety measures, reassuring both new and returning visitors of Thailand's commitment to tourist welfare. This proactive approach aims to counteract the negative publicity generated by Xingxing's ordeal and emphasises Thailand’s standing as a safe and inviting destination for travellers from around the world. With the implementation of these strategies, the TAT hopes to win back the confidence of Chinese tourists and stabilise tourism numbers once more, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-16

Nattawut Saikuar. Picture courtesy: New TV Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is once again under scrutiny, as activist Sonthiya Sawasdee has filed a formal petition challenging her recent appointment of Nattawut Saikuar, a former red shirt activist with a criminal history, as her adviser. The case, filed on Wednesday, seeks to have the issue reviewed by the Constitutional Court, asserting that the appointment breaches constitutional ethics provisions. The controversy stems from Prime Minister Paetongtarn's decision on 4th October last year to appoint Nattawut, a high-profile figure from the red shirt protest movement, which has sparked concerns regarding compliance with ethical standards. According to Mr Sonthiya, the appointment violates several sections of the Thai Constitution, notably Section 160, which demands that cabinet members uphold moral integrity and ethical standards in political appointments. Notably, the Constitutional Court previously removed Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin from office in 2022 for a similar ethical breach. His transgression involved the appointment of a lawyer with a criminal record to a cabinet position, leading to a complete governmental reshuffle, eventually ushering in Ms Paetongtarn's administration. Mr Sonthiya highlights that Nattawut is presently serving a 10-year political ban, and was sentenced in 2020 to two years in prison for orchestrating a violent protest in 2007. Despite having served as deputy commerce and agriculture minister from 2012 to 2014 under the Yingluck Shinawatra government, Nattawut's political activity ban stands. Sonthiya argues that the advisory role given to Nattawut is indeed political and contests its propriety given Nattawut's history and the existing political ban. This move adds to a growing list of ethical challenges against Prime Minister Paetongtarn, echoing previous complaints launched by activists Nopparut Worachitwutthikul and Ruangkrai Leekitwattana late last year. Currently, over a dozen petitions have been directed against Ms Paetongtarn and the Pheu Thai Party, spanning allegations of corruption and unethical decision-making. Among these, at least six have been instigated by Mr Ruangkrai, underscoring pervasive scrutiny of the government's adherence to constitutional statutes during its appointments. As the matter heads towards potential legal examination, the Prime Minister faces increasing pressure to demonstrate compliance with ethical standards, amidst ongoing political challenges from both within and outside her administration. The outcome of these petitions could have significant implications for the current government's stability and credibility, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-16

Picture courtesy: News1 A disturbing incident unfolded recently in Phuket's Patong area, involving two French nationals who own a local restaurant. The pair allegedly attacked two Burmese workers who arrived late for work. The assault left one of the workers unconscious and severely injured. The incident came to light through a widely shared video on social media, showing two foreign men violently attacking Asian workers. Despite the severity of the attack, no formal complaint had been initially reported. The victims, both Burmese, were hospitalised following the attack, which reportedly occurred on 14th January. Police investigations identified the assailants as SAID IDJIHADI and SOFIANE REDOUANE HADJI, French nationals who had hired five Burmese workers to renovate their French restaurant in Patong. On the day of the incident, displeased with the late arrival of their employees, Mr. Idjihadi slapped one worker, Aye Min, aged 37. Although Aye Min proceeded to work upstairs, tensions escalated. Mr. Idjihadi later confronted Aye Min again, leading to a decision by Mr. Min to leave work. This resulted in a group assault on Aye Min and his co-workers. Mr. Min attempted to flee, but was pursued and violently attacked, suffering lacerations from a sharp object. A concerned citizen eventually transported him to Patong Hospital, where another worker also sustained injuries. Later that evening, police arrested Mr. Idjihadi and Mr. Hadji at their restaurant. They were charged with assault causing physical and psychological harm. Upon confronting the suspects with the video evidence, both men admitted their involvement in the attack. The arrests underscore the seriousness of the crime, with the perpetrators now facing legal consequences, reported News1. -- 2025-01-16

Picture courtesy: Amarin TV A group of young motorcyclists in Pattaya has been harassing tourists by slapping their heads as they walk along the streets. This bizarre behaviour led to calls for immediate police action to safeguard the city’s image. A video, recently shared on Facebook by the page 'Want to be famous? Let me help Part 6', shows CCTV footage capturing these incidents. The footage reveals young bikers approaching groups of Indian tourists before the pillion rider reaches out and slaps a tourist on the head unexpectedly. The post questioned, "Does this ruin our tourism image?", highlighting the repeated occurrences of such attacks. The incidents have reportedly become alarmingly frequent near Pratumnak Hill, with attacks happening almost nightly, particularly on South Pattaya Road near the Citrine Hotel. The actions typically occur between 10 pm and late at night, targeting tourists walking in the area. Santana, a 58-year-old Indian businessman, reported that attacks have persisted for a week. The latest incident occurred on 14 January around 10:58 pm. The attackers, both around 20 years old, were riding a motorcycle when one reached out and forcefully slapped the head of an unsuspecting Indian tourist, causing nearly knocked him off his balance. The assailants quickly fled the scene on their bike. Witnesses like 28-year-old traditional massage therapist Ms. Nut, shared her account, describing how the attackers would indiscriminately slap any group of tourists they passed, questioning their motive with, "Why hit him? What did he do wrong?" She expressed her distress over the negative atmosphere these incidents create. Tao, a local motorbike taxi driver, noted that such happenings are regular, occasionally involving schoolchildren as perpetrators. Most attacks involve Honda PCX bikes, where the pillion rider slaps the tourist's head, sometimes even spitting on them. The area is well-known for its central Indian business community, featuring hotels, restaurants, massage parlours, and travel agencies which attract a substantial number of Indian tourists. Local police are currently investigating these incidents to apprehend those responsible and prevent future occurrences, reported Amarin TV. -- 2025-01-16

Indian doctor accused of killing wife in Pattaya bathtub drowning By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Times of India A romantic getaway in Pattaya turned into a nightmarish scene from a horror movie as an Indian doctor based in the city of Lucknow stands accused of murdering his wife by sedating her and causing her to drown in a hotel bathtub. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348902-indian-doctor-accused-of-killing-wife-in-pattaya-bathtub-drowning/

Thai PM Paetongtarn Targeted by Scammers Using AI Voice Cloning FILE - Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP) In a stark revelation today, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra disclosed that she narrowly escaped falling victim to a cunning scam involving AI voice cloning. The scammers impersonated a foreign leader in an attempt to extract fake donations, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber scams. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348907-thai-pm-paetongtarn-targeted-by-scammers-using-ai-voice-cloning/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 16 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1348908-thailand-live-thursday-16-january-2025/

Photo courtesy of Expatica Thai tax tangle: Expats warned of new rules on overseas income By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348917-thai-tax-tangle-expats-warned-of-new-rules-on-overseas-income/

Thai PM Paetongtarn Targeted by Scammers Using AI Voice Cloning FILE - Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP) In a stark revelation today, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra disclosed that she narrowly escaped falling victim to a cunning scam involving AI voice cloning. The scammers impersonated a foreign leader in an attempt to extract fake donations, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber scams. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348907-thai-pm-paetongtarn-targeted-by-scammers-using-ai-voice-cloning/

FILE - Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to a reporter during a news conference at the government house in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP) In a stark revelation today, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra disclosed that she narrowly escaped falling victim to a cunning scam involving AI voice cloning. The scammers impersonated a foreign leader in an attempt to extract fake donations, highlighting the increasing sophistication of cyber scams. During discussions on fiscal policies for 2026, Ms Paetongtarn shared her unsettling experience. She received a call from someone mimicking the voice of a prominent international leader, asserting that she had missed making a scheduled donation. An audio clip, convincingly matching the leader's voice, accompanied the request, complete with instructions directing her to an erroneous international payment link. "I want to warn people that I, myself, almost fell victim. This matter is important," the Prime Minister declared. Expressing her concern over these advanced fraudulent tactics, she announced that the Digital Economy and Society Ministry is now investigating the case. The scam began with an AI-generated message purporting to be from a foreign leader, proposing a collaboration with Prime Minister Paetongtarn. Responding casually with an "Okay," she thought little of it until a late-night call followed, which she missed as she was already asleep. The following morning, she sent an apologetic message for missing the call, after which the scammers escalated their ruse. They sent another AI-generated audio clip, urging her to donate, falsely stating that Thailand was the only ASEAN nation yet to contribute. The transaction instructions raised her suspicions, as the bank details pointed to an account abroad, confirming her doubts. Realising the scam, Ms Paetongtarn entrusted Deputy Prime Minister and Digital Economy Minister Prasert Jantararuangthong with the investigation. Notably, the scam utilised a foreign application rather than the more commonly used local Line app, complicating the tracking and investigation process. The Prime Minister's experience echoes a previous incident involving her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who also faced a similar scam prior to his return to Thailand. In that case, a message claimed he was distributing cash using a voice message, which she instantly recognized as fraudulent, reported Bangkok Post. Emphasising the lesson learned, Ms Paetongtarn assured that neither she nor her administration would participate in such dubious financial dealings. Her experience serves as a potent reminder to the public to remain vigilant and sceptical of unsolicited communication, particularly those involving financial transactions. With current exchange rates, vigilance is vital amidst scams potentially siphoning large amounts of money abroad. -- 2025-01-15

Barking bad: Bangkok dealer’s pitbulls mask meth smells with poop by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Amarin TV In a barking mad drug bust, police uncovered a cunning scheme where a Bangkok dealer used his pitbulls to poop and pee to hide his methamphetamine operation. The dogs’ pee and poop were more than just a mess – they were meant to mask the whiff of a massive meth haul stashed right under their noses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348865-barking-bad-bangkok-dealer’s-pitbulls-mask-meth-smells-with-poop/

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV by Bob Scott In a barking mad drug bust, police uncovered a cunning scheme where a Bangkok dealer used his pitbulls to poop and pee to hide his methamphetamine operation. The dogs’ pee and poop were more than just a mess – they were meant to mask the whiff of a massive meth haul stashed right under their noses. Today, January 15, a tip-off led police to a nondescript wooden house in Soi Krungthep Kreetha 7, Huamark, where they executed a search warrant from the Criminal Court. The sounds of snarling pitbulls greeted the officers, as they prepared to storm the den. Inside, the lead suspect, 26 year old Natthaphon, also known as “Bees Pitbull,” was caught with his canine companions on high alert. Once the coast was clear, officers waddled through dog muck splattering the floor before hitting pay dirt, nearly 6,000 meth pills. Natthaphon had cleverly concealed them in dog food bags and beneath the wooden flooring. The haul was accompanied by 50 zip-lock bags, a mysterious 2,060 baht in cash, and a mobile phone, all serving as telltale signs of his dealing days. Natthaphon didn’t deny his past, admitting his criminal record stretched back to a teenage arrest at 14. Despite two stints in jail, his penchant for peddling meth persisted. Pictures courtesy of Amarin TV Buying each bundle from a shady figure known only as “Mr. Is,” he sold the pills for 50 baht each around the neighbourhood. As for the pack of pitbulls, three males and three females, all six years old, Natthaphon claimed he was raising them to sell. But the neighbours weren’t buying it. Officers suspect the pitbulls served as his guard dogs, intentionally used to deter intruders and cloak the meth smell with their pungent poo. Natthaphon was swiftly nabbed and whisked to Huamark Police Station, facing charges of selling Category 1 narcotics with commercial intent. Natthaphon’s tale is a prime example of how crime doesn’t pay, especially when your cover’s been blown by your barking partners in crime. Picture of the drug dealers courtesy of Amarin TV Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Thai schools to shift lessons online amid severe air pollution threat by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Schools in Thailand may transition to online classes if fine dust pollution reaches critical levels, according to the Thai Education Ministry. Teachers are advised to monitor students’ health as PM2.5 haze pollution affects several provinces, including Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348859-thai-schools-to-shift-lessons-online-amid-severe-air-pollution-threat/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Schools in Thailand may transition to online classes if fine dust pollution reaches critical levels, according to the Thai Education Ministry. Teachers are advised to monitor students’ health as PM2.5 haze pollution affects several provinces, including Bangkok. Siripong Angkasakulkiat from the Education Ministry stated yesterday, January 14, that Minister Permpoon Chidchob urged the creation of appropriate plans to organise classes in schools impacted by fine dust and cold weather. Siripong noted that low temperatures and wind conditions tend to trap fine dust particles, increasing PM2.5 levels in many areas, which significantly affects schools. The surge in fine dust particles raises the risk of respiratory issues among children, with symptoms including clogged nostrils, red eyes, and fever. Additional symptoms such as sleeplessness and snoring can hinder students’ learning abilities. Schools are instructed to limit outdoor activities to reduce exposure to air pollution. Activities to be halted include morning assemblies, outdoor sports, and scout training. Schools experiencing high PM2.5 levels should conduct online classes or make necessary arrangements to minimise exposure. Some schools have already taken steps to mitigate fine dust exposure by installing dust control equipment, ventilation fans, and water sprays, as well as educating students about the health risks posed by haze. “These initiatives allow students to reach their full learning potential in a safer environment during the pollution crisis.” Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s air quality monitoring centre, AirBKK, reported that 70 areas in the capital exceeded the 37.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) safety threshold yesterday. Suchatchavee Suwansawas, Deputy Democrat Party leader, suggested the BMA implement a low emission zone (LEZ) in 16 inner-city districts to tackle air pollution. His proposal covers 130 square kilometres, including Phra Nakhon, Pomprap Sattruphai, Pathumwan, Samphanthawong, Dusit, Ratchathewi, Phaya Thai, Sathon, Bang Rak, and Yannawa districts, reported Bangkok Post. In a Facebook post, Suchatchavee stated that this measure would lead to cleaner air. The policy would charge drivers of fossil-fuel vehicles to enter the zone, exempting electric vehicle drivers. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Forks of fury: Woman seeks justice after nightspot stabbing drama by Petch Petpailin Photo via Hatyai Focus A Thai woman is seeking justice after being accused by a group of nearly 10 women of pouring water over them before they attacked and stabbed her in the back with a fork at a nightclub in the southern province of Songkhla. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348856-forks-of-fury-woman-seeks-justice-after-nightspot-stabbing-drama/

Photo via Hatyai Focus by Petch Petpailin A Thai woman is seeking justice after being accused by a group of nearly 10 women of pouring water over them before they attacked and stabbed her in the back with a fork at a nightclub in the southern province of Songkhla. The 24 year old victim, Tar, brought the matter to Channel 7 after the police failed to update her complaint. The incident occurred around 10pm on January 4 at a nightclub near Chalathat Beach in Songkhla. Tar told the media that she had visited the entertainment venue with her friends, arriving around 10pm. The assault took place shortly afterwards. Tar explained that one of the women, whose table was near hers, approached her and accused her of pouring water over their table. Tar insisted on her innocence, suggesting that the woman had the wrong person. Tar attempted to clarify the misunderstanding but the woman and her friends refused to listen. They proceeded to attack her in a group until security guards intervened. Photo via Hatyai Focus However, instead of taking action against the attackers, the guards ejected Tar from the venue and failed to offer her any assistance, even though she was left with wounds and bruises. The attack continued outside the nightclub, where the group followed Tar and assaulted her further. According to Tar, she sustained a serious wound to her forehead, a torn left ear, and injuries to her head from having her hair pulled. She later discovered that she had also been stabbed in the back with a fork. Tar reported the brutal assault to Mueang Songkhla Police Station but none of the attackers have been summoned for questioning or faced legal consequences. Photo via Hatyai Focus Channel 7 reported that all the women involved in the group were unemployed. They reportedly frequent several nightclubs in the area and are known for assaulting other patrons. Some bars have allegedly banned them due to the damage they cause to furniture and utensils during their rampages. As of now, officers at Mueang Songkhla Police Station have remained silent and have not provided any updates on the case. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Thai-ing up rates: BoT bosses feel heat over 2% cap warning by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of the Bank of Thailand Bank of Thailand (BoT) bosses are under fire after warnings from the top brass at the National Economic and Social Development Council that their key policy rate should not breach the 2% mark. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348853-thai-ing-up-rates-bot-bosses-feel-heat-over-2-cap-warning/

Picture courtesy of the Bank of Thailand by Bob Scott Bank of Thailand (BoT) bosses are under fire after warnings from the top brass at the National Economic and Social Development Council that their key policy rate should not breach the 2% mark. BoT chief advisor Supavud Saichuea insisted keeping the lid on interest rates is crucial, given the country’s inflation target and sluggish GDP growth. Speaking at a high-profile seminar hosted by the Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group, Supavud dished out some cold, hard numbers. “With inflation set between 1-3%, we shouldn’t see rates topping 2%. The pundit is all for a real policy rate hovering between 0-1%, matching the GDP growth rate that’s struggling to creep past 3%. “Back in the day, 2007 to 2014, to be precise, both inflation and real policy rates played nice at around 2%, while GDP strutted its stuff at 3.5%.” Policy rate cut But the financial heatwave of 2024 saw inflation plummet to a chilly 0.4%, with experts forecasting it to climb back to a comfy 2% by year’s end. Hitting the central bank’s nerve, Supavud hinted that a policy rate cut could be in the cards. “The central bank’s strong monetary policy stance is about preparing for stormy economic weather ahead. However, putting off rate adjustments while waiting for clearer signals might just spell trouble for our economy and borrowers alike.” The potential consequences of a rate standoff have Supavud cautious about economic downturns later this year, amid global uncertainties from none other than US President-elect Donald Trump and his curveball policies. “With external forces in play, achieving a 3% GDP growth target is looking like a tall order.” Trump’s so-called ‘2.0 policies,’ notably his tariffs, are expected to stir the pot, aggravating trade tensions between the US and China, reported Bangkok Post. Supavud foresees this adding a layer of anxiety for Thailand, as exports might feel the pinch in late 2025. His advice? Thailand and its agile businesses need to pivot their strategies pronto. On a brighter note, while tensions rise, there might be a silver lining in the shape of opportunities in Thailand’s export trade with the Chinese giant, especially within the bustling food and services sectors, said Supavud. “We’re outpacing our neighbours with food exports to China.” Meanwhile, the ever-reliable services sector, bolstered by tourism, remains a cornerstone of the Thai economy. The government’s investment in casino-based entertainment complexes may pump up tourism, investment, and jobs in the longer haul. Yet Supavud urges caution, reminding leaders to keep an eye on potential social ramifications. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Chinese couple beg for help in Bangkok amid son’s trafficking fears by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of South China Morning Post A distraught Chinese couple has made a desperate plea outside the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, seeking help to find their missing son, suspected to be a victim of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348851-chinese-couple-beg-for-help-in-bangkok-amid-son’s-trafficking-fears/

Photo courtesy of South China Morning Post by Puntid Tantivangphaisal A distraught Chinese couple has made a desperate plea outside the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, seeking help to find their missing son, suspected to be a victim of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. The couple, 64 year old Sun Maoxing and his wife 60 year old Wang Weiju, travelled from China’s Shandong province to Thailand on their first-ever trip abroad, hoping to locate their only son, 32 year old Sun Baochao. “He is our only son. We cannot live without him. Please save my son.” Sun Baochao’s last known contact with his parents was during his mother’s funeral in April last year. Since then, the family has only received sporadic messages via WeChat, including vague requests for money. Wang also reported receiving three calls from her son’s account but the caller was a woman speaking broken Mandarin. Thai police confirmed Sun arrived in Bangkok on January 1, taking a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport but no further trace of him has been found. Embassy staff have requested the couple submit case documents but offered no updates. “The embassy said they’d contact me when there’s news, but they have nothing right now.” The case underscores the growing crisis of human trafficking in Southeast Asia, where victims are often lured by fake job offers and coerced into working in scam operations, especially along the Myanmar border. Their story parallels that of 40 year old Wang Yaxin who is searching for his missing 28 year old cousin last located in Thailand’s Tak province. Wang fears his cousin fell victim to a loan scam. The issue recently made headlines after Chinese actor Wang Xing was rescued from a Myanmar scam compound. Wang, like many victims, was lured under false pretences, held captive, and forced into fraudulent schemes, reported Hindustan Times. The Thailand-Myanmar border region, particularly areas like Mae Sot in Tak province, has become a hotspot for such criminal activities. Criminal syndicates exploit these border areas to traffic individuals into scam operations, often involving forced labour and severe mistreatment. Reports indicate that over 6,000 individuals, including approximately 3,900 Chinese nationals, are held captive in Myanmar’s human trafficking networks, enduring physical and psychological abuse, according to The Star. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Tourists' Airport Walkway 'Boat' Stunt Sparks Safety Concerns video screenshot A playful TikTok video featuring two foreign tourists pretending to paddle a boat while seated on a moving walkway at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has gone viral. While the antics drew laughs and numerous likes and shares online, many netizens have raised safety concerns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348849-tourists-airport-walkway-boat-stunt-sparks-safety-concerns/

video screenshot A playful TikTok video featuring two foreign tourists pretending to paddle a boat while seated on a moving walkway at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has gone viral. While the antics drew laughs and numerous likes and shares online, many netizens have raised safety concerns. The clip, posted by user "svenvandijk21," shows the two tourists humourously staging a boat trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, complete with paddling gestures. It quickly gained traction, captivating audiences with its light-heartedness. However, amid the laughter, several online commenters reminded viewers of the potential dangers of such stunts, urging against imitating the behaviour on airport walkways, reported Daily News. -- 2025-01-15

Thailand Sets Sights on Nuclear Power Integration by 2037 File photo for reference only Thailand is gearing up for a transformative shift in its energy landscape with plans to integrate nuclear power by 2037, focusing on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348847-thailand-sets-sights-on-nuclear-power-integration-by-2037/

File photo for reference only Thailand is gearing up for a transformative shift in its energy landscape with plans to integrate nuclear power by 2037, focusing on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). This move is part of the country's upcoming Power Development Plan (PDP), which intends to harness cleaner energy sources to meet its future energy demands. However, the rollout of this plan is currently facing delays. Small modular reactors are compact nuclear power units capable of generating up to 300 megawatts each, about a third of the capacity of traditional nuclear reactors. They are being considered as a viable option for Thailand due to their smaller size, potentially increased safety, and flexibility in deployment. The forthcoming PDP, which outlines Thailand's energy strategy from 2024 through 2037, has yet to receive official endorsement. According to the Royal Gazette, a collaborative effort between the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Office of Atoms for Peace is anticipated, focusing on nuclear safety and energy grid security. The two agencies are poised to tackle essential issues, such as legal frameworks and technological challenges associated with SMRs. An unnamed energy official has indicated that government endorsement of the SMR project is unlikely until these agencies conclude their groundwork, offering a clearer picture of nuclear energy's role in Thailand's future. Currently, the PDP outlines plans for the development of two SMRs, each contributing 300 megawatts, to become operational towards the end of the planning period. These reactors may potentially be managed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. However, the plans for SMRs could shift if alternative clean fuel technologies become available, offering similarly low-carbon electricity solutions. The primary thrust of the PDP is to significantly boost the use of clean energy. By 2037, Thailand aims for renewable energy to account for 51% of its energy mix, up from 20% at the close of 2023. In contrast, reliance on coal and gas is expected to decrease sharply to 48%, compared to nearly 80% in early 2024. The remaining 1% will be provided by nuclear power and emergent low-carbon energy solutions. Despite its ambitions, the PDP has encountered delays partly due to disagreements among energy experts. Critics argue that the current renewable energy targets may not sufficiently support Thailand’s anti-carbon emission goals, and the proposed energy demand projections impose a considerable financial burden on the government. As discussions continue, the nation watches closely to see how Thailand will navigate the complex journey towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-15

Thai Casinos: Haven or Hazard for ‘Grey’ Chinese Money? File photo for reference only //Wikipedia ANALYSIS Thailand sits at a crossroads as debates swirl around the potential opening of entertainment complexes and casinos, with looming concerns over their possible misuse as venues for money laundering by ‘grey’ Chinese businesses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348845-thai-casinos-haven-or-hazard-for-‘grey’-chinese-money/