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The Thai government is pushing forward a new law designed to boost its domestic gaming industry, offering tax incentives to gaming developers. This legislative move fits into the broader vision of the current administration, aiming to enhance Thailand's "soft power" and stimulate economic growth. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has reiterated the importance of "soft power" for Thailand's economy. She believes that the gaming industry can play a pivotal role in this strategy by attracting investment, creating jobs, and fostering creativity within the country. The proposed new law seeks to provide attractive tax breaks and incentives to both local and international gaming developers who set up operations in Thailand. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the government to position Thailand as a hub for the creative industries in Southeast Asia. Paetongtarn's emphasis on soft power isn't isolated. Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also underscored the significance of developing digital skills among Thai workers. By cultivating these skills, the country aims to support the growth of various creative sectors, including gaming, film, and digital content creation. The Thai government sees the gaming industry as a promising avenue to drive economic development and cultural influence abroad. By fostering a thriving domestic gaming ecosystem, the administration hopes to not only create economic value but also enhance Thailand's cultural footprint internationally. In addition to tax incentives, the government plans to invest in educational and training programmes to develop the local talent pool. Partnerships with international gaming companies and institutions are also on the table, aimed at sharing knowledge and technology to elevate the industry’s standards. The initiative is received positively within the gaming community in Thailand, with many developers expressing optimism about the potential for growth and international collaboration. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the swift and effective implementation of the proposed law and accompanying support measures. As Thailand gears up to become a regional leader in the gaming industry, the world will be watching closely to see how these policy changes unfold and the impact they have on both the local economy and the broader cultural landscape. File photo courtesy: Techupth -- 2024-09-11 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 11 September 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337864-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-11-september-2024/

NEWS - 11-September.mp4 Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Yagi caused landslides near Chiang Mai yesterday afternoon , leading to two confirmed deaths, multiple injuries, and at least six missing, including children. A village headman was swept away while warning residents, and the body of a child was found in floodwaters. Power cuts in flooded areas affected a water pumping station, risking water supply to nine villages. Authorities are continuing search efforts this morning using rescue vehicles, boats, and drones. Meanwhile further north Flood victims in Chiang Rai province, have posted requests for help on social media, Some houses are now submerged up to their roofs. Rescue units were unable to reach many areas due to strong currents. Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister has confirmed that the government plans to distribute 145 billion baht in cash through its digital wallet handout program to vulnerable groups and state welfare cardholders, starting on September 20th. He noted that further details of the program will be clarified following the government's policy statement to parliament tomorrow. Construction of a second runway at U-Tapao Airport near pattaya is set to begin this year. The project is currently seeking a loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and has already selected a contractor. The new runway will be 3,500 meters long and positioned 11 hundred meters away from the existing runway, the airport will handle up to 70 flights per hour, including large aircraft. The estimated cost is 15.2 billion baht and construction is expected to take 36 months. Around the region Philippines Former -mayor Alice Guo appeared before a Senate panel less than a week since she was arrested in Indonesia after fleeing the Philippines. Guo largely declined to answer questions from senators throughout a five-hour long inquiry. She is being linked to money laundering involving billions of pesos that went into her bank accounts, and how these were linked to a China-focused online gambling network. Todays Weather Storm yagi is now north west of Chaingmai over Myanmar But still brining torrential rain to parts of the north and west of Thailand Chiang Mai and the north: Thunderstorms 28C degrees celsius Bangkok: Thundershowers 34 Pattaya: Cloudy with thundershowers 32 Phuket and the south: Cloudy with thundershowers 30C Hua Hin: Bright but Cloudy, isolated shower 32C. AQI: green which is good Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-09-11 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Sets Sights on Becoming Top Destination for Indian Film Productions File photo courtesy: Prachachat The Department of Tourism is gearing up to enter Mumbai's "Bollywood-Hollywood" film market with the goal of attracting more Indian film crews to Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337862-thailand-sets-sights-on-becoming-top-destination-for-indian-film-productions/

File photo courtesy: Prachachat The Department of Tourism is gearing up to enter Mumbai's "Bollywood-Hollywood" film market with the goal of attracting more Indian film crews to Thailand. From September 12-15, 2024, the Foreign Film and Video Affairs Division (TFO Thailand Film Office) will participate in the Thai Film Festival 2024 at the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in Mumbai. This initiative aims to showcase Thailand as an ideal filming destination to Indian film professionals. The Thai Film Festival 2024 is organized through a collaboration between the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Mumbai, the Department of Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) of India. The festival is designed to promote Thailand's soft power and highlight the country's film industry to Indian government officials, film industry leaders, and the public. Mr. Chaturon Pakdevanich, Director-General of the Department of Tourism, noted that the Indian film market is substantial, with a large audience for films, series, and entertainment. Statistics for 2024 show that from January to August, 35 Indian films were shot in Thailand, with an investment of over 265 million baht, making it the second most popular location for foreign films. Shah Rukh Khan. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia This opportunity allows the Department of Tourism to strengthen its appeal to Indian film crews, reaffirming Thailand's readiness to support their projects with incentives such as a 15-20 percent refund. The Department hopes this will attract more Indian filmmakers, generate revenue, create jobs in the film industry, and enhance Thailand’s cultural influence, while also boosting tourism based on popular film locations. -- 2024-09-11 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Don’t kill the golden goose! Tax reforms may drive away expats File photo Thailand's potential tax policy changes could have a significant impact on expatriates and investors Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337855-don’t-kill-the-golden-goose-tax-reforms-may-drive-away-expats/

File photo courtesy: Triaster Thailand's potential tax policy changes could have a significant impact on expatriates and investors A new proposal from the Thai Revenue Department seeks to tax both Thai and foreign residents on their worldwide income, regardless of whether that income is brought into Thailand. Currently, only income transferred into Thailand is taxed, with the new regulations set to take effect in January 2024. A prominent law firm network with a presence in the USA and Asia has strongly opposed this proposal. They argue that taxing worldwide income would deter investment in Thailand and that the Thai Revenue Department lacks jurisdiction to control assets outside the country. Implementing such a drastic policy change would require a formal amendment to Thai law, which is a complex process. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, at the Shaping Tomorrow summit, suggested that personal and corporate income tax rates in Thailand are higher than those in competing countries and might benefit from adjustments, reported Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail. However, he did not address the issue of worldwide income taxation for residents. No government spokesperson has yet endorsed or commented on the proposal, leaving the expatriate community uncertain. There is speculation on social media that annual stay extensions might soon require income tax clearance in Thailand. This rumor has not been confirmed by the Cabinet or immigration authorities and could create issues for long-term visa holders who spend less than six months per year in Thailand. Meanwhile, tourists might exploit new visa-exempt rules to stay beyond 180 days in a calendar year, complicating the tax landscape. As the Thai Revenue Department works to enhance national tax income, the strong warnings against this proposal emphasize the need for a thorough discussion. With many expatriates considering leaving and economic challenges looming, a comprehensive debate on the proposed tax changes is crucial. -- 2024-09-11 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Tuk-Tuk Driver Arrested for Stealing from American Tourist Picture via Thai Rath A 66-year-old tuk-tuk driver, Boonlert Jadsanam, was arrested by Chakkrawat Police for stealing from an American tourist in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337853-tuk-tuk-driver-arrested-for-stealing-from-american-tourist/

A 66-year-old tuk-tuk driver, Boonlert Jadsanam, was arrested by Chakkrawat Police for stealing from an American tourist in Bangkok. On August 30, James Anthony Viafore, the tourist, boarded Boonlert’s tuk-tuk near Phaya Thai BTS station and agreed to a 500-baht fare to Soi Mangkon in the Chakkrawat district. Upon reaching the destination, Viafore handed over a 1,000-baht note. Instead of returning change, Boonlert sped off with the money and the tourist’s luggage, which contained valuable items. The stolen items included a U.S. passport, $500 in cash (approximately 18,000 baht), jewelry, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and other personal belongings, reported Thai Rath. After the incident, police reviewed CCTV footage along the escape route and discovered that the tuk-tuk used fake license plates. The investigation led to Boonlert’s arrest in the Ratchathewi district on September 9. During questioning, Boonlert admitted to targeting tourists in popular areas such as Nana, Pratunam, and Yaowarat, but claimed to have taken only the cash, discarding the other stolen items. However, police are skeptical of this claim and are continuing their investigation to recover the missing belongings. Boonlert is in police custody and will face charges for nighttime robbery and theft using a vehicle. Picture via Thai Rath -- 2024-09-11 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thammanat-Led MPs Unlikely to Face Expulsion from Palang Pracharat File photo courtesy: Prachatai A group of 20 MPs, led by Thammanat Prompao, is unlikely to be expelled from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) despite shifting their support to the rival Pheu Thai Party. Paibul Nititawan, PPRP’s secretary-general, confirmed this on September 10, stating that formal expulsion is not planned. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337851-thammanat-led-mps-unlikely-to-face-expulsion-from-palang-pracharat/

A group of 20 MPs, led by Thammanat Prompao, is unlikely to be expelled from the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) despite shifting their support to the rival Pheu Thai Party. Paibul Nititawan, PPRP’s secretary-general, confirmed this on September 10, stating that formal expulsion is not planned. If removed, these MPs would have 60 days to join another party to keep their parliamentary status. Paibul advised against voluntary resignation, as it would result in the immediate loss of their MP status, triggering re-election. The issue arose after Thammanat’s faction backed Paetongtarn Shinawatra for prime minister, leading to their collective resignation from the PPRP executive board. Notably, PPRP leader Prawit Wongsuwan did not attend the session to vote on Paetongtarn's candidacy, which he had contested earlier. Although Thammanat did not secure a cabinet role, his allies gained key ministerial posts. Narumon Pinyosinwat became Thailand’s Trade Representative, while Akhara Prompao and Itthi Sirilatthayakorn were appointed as Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister and Deputy Ministers. This shift has created tensions within the Thai parliament, highlighting fluid alliances and internal challenges in the PPRP during this politically turbulent period. File photo courtesy: Prachatai -- 2024-09-11 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 11 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1337850-thailand-live-wednesday-11-september-2024/

Nude awakening: Foreigner filmed naked on Phuket hotel balcony Photo via Facebook/ เบส ซาโจ้ A foreign man caught the attention of locals in Phuket after he was seen talking on the phone as naked as the day he was born on a hotel balcony. He continued to stand naked even after realising he was being filmed by a Thai man. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337837-nude-awakening-foreigner-filmed-naked-on-phuket-hotel-balcony-video/

A barber in the central province of Ayutthaya went viral on Thai social media for charging customers based on the size of their penis, rather than the length of their hair. Thai barber goes viral for pricing list based on penis size Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337811-size-matters-thai-barber-goes-viral-for-pricing-list-based-on-penis-size-video/ Photo via Channel 7

3 Thai police face sack for mistaking woman as drug suspect by Petch Petpailin Photo via KomChadLuek Three police officers in the northern province of Chiang Rai may face dismissal after mistakenly identifying a Thai woman as a drug suspect and attempting to arrest her, leading to a violent high-speed chase. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337783-3-thai-police-face-sack-for-mistaking-woman-as-drug-suspect/

Three police officers in the northern province of Chiang Rai may face dismissal after mistakenly identifying a Thai woman as a drug suspect and attempting to arrest her, leading to a violent high-speed chase. The 22 year old Thai woman filed a complaint with Mae Yao Police Station, stating that a group of men tried to abduct her on the night of September 2. The men, travelling in a white SUV, cut her off while she was riding her motorcycle home. One of the men exited the vehicle and tried to apprehend her but she managed to flee on her motorcycle. A high-speed chase ensued but the woman was eventually assisted by locals in the area. She maintained that she had no prior conflicts with anyone. The woman suspected that the group were police officers who mistook her for a criminal and attempted to arrest her. Her suspicions were confirmed when three police officers turned themselves in on September 9. One of the officers is a Police Senior Sergeant Major from Chiang Rung Police Station. He was formerly an investigating officer with the Chiang Rai Provincial Police. The officer explained that he and his two colleagues were tracking a drug suspect and mistaking the woman for the target. CCTV footage showed them following the woman and cutting her off. They decided to abort the operation and leave the scene when they saw locals helping the woman, as they did not want the public to become aware of their covert operation. The three officers also admitted to crashing their SUV into a parked car during the chase. The Commander of the Chiang Rai Provincial Police, Manop Saenakun, told the media that the officers must be punished severely as their actions were considered to be outside the scope of their duties. Manop stated that the three could face dismissal if Mae Yao Police Station officers find that their actions violated any serious laws. Channel 7 reported that the police officers in question attempted to offer the victim 100,000 baht to settle the case but the victim rejected the offer and insisted on pursuing the matter to the fullest extent. ORIGINAL STORY: Thai woman survives attempted kidnapping in Chiang Rai (video) A Thai woman issued a warning to other women after a group of men in an SUV stalked and attempted to kidnap her on a road in the northern province of Chiang Rai. The 22 year old woman shared security camera footage when she sought help from a resident in the Mae Yao district of Chiang Rai province. She posted the footage on the news Facebook page, J-moi v+ (เจ๊ม้อย v+), to gather more clues about the suspects and to issue a warning to others, particularly women travelling alone at night. The page shared her video on September 3 with a caption that read, “Women travelling alone at night must be aware of this incident. This woman was on her way home when a group of men attempted to abduct her. She decided to abandon her motorcycle and seek help from a resident. Anyone with useful information about the gang can contact the page.” The video shows the woman leaving her motorcycle and running into a resident’s house. She can be heard saying, “Please help. Those men tried to kidnap me.” ThaiRath shared another video of the incident, showing the white Toyota Fortuner SUV cutting in front of the victim while she was riding her motorcycle. One man then got out of the car and tried to approach the woman. Realising the danger, the woman sped away on her motorcycle. The man returned to the SUV, and the driver immediately chased after her. She shouted for help as she fled, and a resident came to her aid, causing the SUV to speed away from the scene. In an interview with ThaiRath, the victim said the incident took place at around 8pm on Monday, September 2. She explained that she had never had any conflicts with anyone and could not speculate on the gang’s motives. She suggested that the men might have been police officers who mistook her for someone else. The woman revealed that the high-speed chase lasted for only 30 metres before she was helped by residents. The victim stated that she filed a complaint at Mae Yao Police Station, and officers assured her that they would bring the gang to justice soon. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KomChadLuek Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Heavy rain set to flood Ang Thong and Ayutthaya this week by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Heavy rain is expected to drench the Bangkok area this week, with imminent flooding forecasted for Ang Thong and Ayutthaya provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337776-heavy-rain-set-to-flood-ang-thong-and-ayutthaya-this-week/

Heavy rain is expected to drench the Bangkok area this week, with imminent flooding forecasted for Ang Thong and Ayutthaya provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) predicted rain for more than half of Greater Bangkok throughout the week, with particularly intense downpours anticipated on Sunday. The Hydro-Informatics Institute reported overflows from two main canals in Ayutthaya province. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department issued warnings for potential floods in parts of Ang Thong and most areas of neighbouring Ayutthaya within the next 24 hours. The Chao Phraya River’s flow was recorded at 1,498 cubic metres per second on Sunday, September 8, according to the institute’s measurements. The Royal Irrigation Department stated that the water flow rate is still controllable. They noted that the Chao Phraya Barrage dam released 2,700 cubic metres per second during the significant flood of 2011. Meanwhile, former super typhoon Yagi has been downgraded to a low-pressure system after wreaking havoc and causing fatalities in the Philippines, Vietnam, and southern China, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, East Pattaya residents are once again feeling the brunt of the relentless rains. Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet and his team swooped into Chok Nimit 2 Village in Soi Boon Sampan 2, Khao Noi Community on Thursday, September 5, to assess the aftermath of severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall on September 3. Ten households, submerged by the rising waters, received crucial survival kits and financial aid of 2,000 baht each. The Mayor acknowledged the area’s long-standing flood problems, owing to its low-lying nature. In other news, residents of Phayao province faced significant flooding, impacting homes, roads, and temples in the Ban Fang Min and Ban Mae Tam Muang Chum areas. Amidst the chaos, a well-meaning individual delivered 400 food and water packages, only to trigger a controversy due to miscommunication. The flood-stricken communities of Ban Fang Min, Moo 4, Dok Kham Tai subdistrict, Dok Kham Tai district, and Ban Mae Tam Muang Chum, Mae Tam subdistrict, Mueang district, were severely affected by flooding on September 4. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Anutin Backs Cannabis and Entertainment Complex Policies File photo courtesy: Sanook On 9th September, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, affirmed his support for the continuation of cannabis policies and the development of entertainment complexes, despite past reservations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337773-anutin-backs-cannabis-and-entertainment-complex-policies/

File photo courtesy: Sanook On 9th September, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, affirmed his support for the continuation of cannabis policies and the development of entertainment complexes, despite past reservations. Anutin, who leads the Bhumjaithai Party, spoke following a special Cabinet meeting aimed at setting government policies before presenting them to Parliament. In his remarks, Anutin emphasised the need for a stringent Cannabis Control Act to regulate the medical use of cannabis. He stated that discussions had taken place with former Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and relevant agencies to ensure focused regulation. "Our emphasis is solely on medical use," Anutin confirmed, stressing the importance of clarity and control in cannabis policies. Turning to the subject of entertainment complexes, Anutin threw his weight behind them, citing their potential to attract tourists, generate revenue, and create jobs. While he acknowledged that existing laws might need amending to facilitate these developments, he skirted around directly addressing his party's past opposition to gambling legislation. "We support projects that benefit the public and adhere to legal and moral standards," Anutin said, focusing on the broader benefits to Thailand's economy. Anutin also responded to questions about what appeared to be a shift in the party's stance on gambling laws. He refuted claims of a reversal, clarifying that the Bhumjaithai Party’s priority is to ensure any new policy benefits the national economy and aligns with ethical norms. He elaborated that the concept of an entertainment complex encompasses more than just casinos, including shopping malls, food centres, amusement parks, and concert venues to boost tourism. The conversation around these policies gained momentum after Chaichanok Chidchob, Secretary-General of the Bhumjaithai Party, previously voiced opposition on 13th August. Chaichanok had cited concerns about the impact on illegal gambling, unclear benefits to the state, and inadequate provisions for Thai workers. However, the endorsement of the project by Thaksin Shinawatra and its inclusion in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's urgent policy agenda seemingly tipped the scales. Taking a unified stance, Anutin's recent statements align with the broader push to capitalise on tourism and economic growth through these projects. While challenges remain in balancing ethical concerns with economic ambitions, Anutin appears committed to steering the policies in a direction that garners wide-reaching benefits. -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Officer Allegedly Demands Bribe and Sexual Favors from Arrested Student Picture via Thai Rath A disturbing case of police misconduct has come to light as a 22-year-old university student accused an officer from Thanyaburi Police Station in Pathum Thani, near Bangkok, of demanding a 10,000 baht bribe and sexual favours following her arrest for drunk driving. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337770-thai-police-officer-allegedly-demands-bribe-and-sexual-favors-from-arrested-student/

Picture via Thai Rath A disturbing case of police misconduct has come to light as a 22-year-old university student accused an officer from Thanyaburi Police Station in Pathum Thani, near Bangkok, of demanding a 10,000 baht bribe and sexual favours following her arrest for drunk driving. The female student reached out to the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, detailing her harrowing experience. She and Pavena Hongsakul, the foundation’s founder, revealed that the officer involved held the rank of police lance corporal and was stationed at Thanyaburi Police Station. The ordeal began when the student collided with a sedan at approximately 11 PM on 30th August. While the other driver sought medical attention, she accompanied the police to the station, where the lance corporal conducted a breathalyser test revealing a blood alcohol level of 103 milligrammes percent. Admitting to having drunk with friends, she was then taken to a room without CCTV coverage. The officer allegedly offered to suppress her test results in exchange for 10,000 baht, leveraging the threat of imprisonment and a 20,000 baht fine. Frightened, she agreed. She was made to sign two documents, one real and one falsified, and was required to provide her home address and phone number. Later, the officer met her at an entertainment venue, encouraged her to drink, and coerced her into sexual activity in exchange for the genuine test result document. Despite complying, she never received the document. The officer even claimed he had never handed over such documents in past encounters. The student, traumatised and suffering from depression, spent three days in hospital following the incident. The officer's attempts to visit her condo after her discharge pushed her to seek help from the foundation. Superintendent Jirawat Piampinsate of Thanyaburi Police Station stated that the accused officer had a clean record over his two-year tenure. However, the officer has remained silent on the accusations. Jirawat pledged a thorough investigation to ensure justice and promised protection for the student to prevent any further harassment. This case underscores a significant abuse of power and highlights the urgent need for accountability and reform within the police force. -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Hope Thailand Intervenes to Halt Dog Sacrifice Ritual in Nan Photo courtesy: Facebook page of The Hope Thailand Hope Thailand, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals, has intervened to stop a ritualistic dog sacrifice in the northern province of Nan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337769-hope-thailand-intervenes-to-halt-dog-sacrifice-ritual-in-nan/

Photo courtesy: Facebook page of The Hope Thailand Hope Thailand, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals, has intervened to stop a ritualistic dog sacrifice in the northern province of Nan. The disturbing tradition planned in Ban Huai Klaeb, Song Khwae district, was set for 3 PM on Sunday. However, thanks to timely action by Hope Thailand, the event was called off. The turn of events began when a concerned individual, identified only as Krit, uncovered the ritual plans via social media. Alarmed, Krit reached out to Hope Thailand, seeking assistance. The organisation swiftly fact-checked the report, confirming its authenticity. After validating the information, Hope Thailand’s official contacted the village headman, Sawat, urging him to halt the ritual, citing laws against animal cruelty. The official also involved the Livestock Development Office in Nan, arranging for a veterinarian to visit the village and reinforce the message. Responding promptly, the village headman convened a meeting with the village committee. They collectively agreed to “postpone” the ritual, marking a temporary victory for animal rights advocates. However, the situation has placed Krit’s family under significant pressure. The village committee demanded that Krit return from Lampang to explain his actions, causing concern for his and his parents' safety. Hope Thailand has sought help from Nan’s deputy governor, aiming to educate the villagers on the legal implications of such rituals. Hope Thailand’s officials are also planning a visit to Ban Huai Klaeb to discuss the issue further. The goal is to inform and educate the villagers about animal protection laws, fostering a community shift away from cruel practices. This intervention by Hope Thailand not only halted an immediate act of cruelty but also highlighted the importance of legal and moral action in protecting animals. The story underscores the critical role of community education and vigilance in preventing such practices in the future. -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand-China high-speed rail project faces delays October By Pattaya Mail The project, which spans 250.77 km from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima and involves an investment of 179.4 billion baht, has seen some delays, particularly in two remaining contracts. BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Transport Minister, Surapong Piyachote, has announced progress in addressing the delays in the Thailand-China high-speed rail project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337767-thailand-china-high-speed-rail-project-faces-delays/