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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. He is set to discuss the issue with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with plans to sign the construction contract for the Ayutthaya section by October 2024. 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. One of the key challenges is the impact on the Ayutthaya UNESCO World Heritage site. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has completed the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report and submitted it to UNESCO, addressing concerns by adjusting the construction plans, including reducing the height of structures from 19 meters to 17 meters. The route itself remains 1.5 km away from the heritage site, separated by the Pa Sak River, and any decision by UNESCO will not affect the project’s continuation. Two remaining contracts, covering the Ban Pho-Phra Kaew section (13.3 km) and the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section (15.2 km), are expected to move forward. Adjustments have been made to align with other projects, such as the high-speed rail connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. By Pattaya Mail Full story: PATTAYA MAIL -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 10 September 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337766-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-10-september-2024/

NEWS - 10-September.mp4 Local residents in Sukhothai have asked the government to step in to help resolve the floods in the area, which have been going on for over two months. Many villages have been cut off or badly flooded, More than 50 percent of phitsonulok are said to be flood Police are investigating two suspects accused of operating a fraudulent tour company and overseas employment agency. Authorities have received complaints from 10 victims, with total damages exceeding 20 million baht. So far, 150 victims have been identified, with some losing sums ranging from tens of thousands to millions of baht. The Transport Minister is requesting approval from Prime Minister Paetongtarn to finalize the first phase of the long-delayed Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. Concerns have been raised over the location of the Ayutthaya Station, which is near a Unesco World Heritage site. A Heritage Impact Assessment of the construction plan has been completed and submitted to Unesco for review. The Transport Ministry has approved a series of projects aimed at enhancing maritime connectivity between krabi and phuket, , the aim is to improve the region's logistics infrastructure and promote tourism, two new piers will be constructed in Phuket and Krabi. The new facilities are expected to significantly reduce travel time and boost economic activity in the area. Completion is expected in 2027. Around the region North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the country is now implementing a nuclear force construction policy to increase the number of nuclear weapons. He said North Korea must more thoroughly prepare its "nuclear capability and its readiness to use it properly at any given time. Singapore Foreign Minister met top Chinese officials yesterday during a two-day official visit to Beijing, both sides outlined hopes for a further deepening of the relationship. Todays Weather Storm yagi is still just north of thailand bringing torrential rain to Chaing Rai and the far north. Chiang Mai and the north: Rain 27C degrees celsius Bangkok: Thundershowers 33 Pattaya: Cloudy 32 Phuket and the south: Cloudy 31C Hua Hin: Cloudy, 33C. Much the same over the weekend . 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 2024-09-10 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Jakrapob Penkair Tipped for Government Spokesperson Role On September 9, reports from Government House indicated that during the first official Cabinet meeting, set for September 17 at 10:00 AM, appointments for political positions, including ministerial secretaries and advisors, will be made. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337765-jakrapob-penkair-tipped-for-government-spokesperson-role/

On September 9, reports from Government House indicated that during the first official Cabinet meeting, set for September 17 at 10:00 AM, appointments for political positions, including ministerial secretaries and advisors, will be made. Many of these positions are expected to be filled by individuals who served under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's government, although some ministries may see adjustments to ensure appropriateness. Each party is currently reviewing candidates. Among the appointments is the nomination for the role of spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office. Several candidates are under consideration, including Jakrapob Penkair, a former Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office in the government of former Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, and a former spokesperson in Thaksin Shinawatra's administration. Jakrapob's name is reportedly a leading contender for the position. Picture courtesy: Daily News -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Arrest 3 Drug Couriers with 45kg of Ice, 600,000 Meth Pills Picture courtesy: Siam Rath In the evening of September 9, police officers led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Worawit Yanajinda arrested three young drug couriers involved in trafficking methamphetamine and crystal meth (ice) into Bangkok. The suspects, identified as Mr. Nan (30), Mrs. Wannipa (28), and Ms. Jittrawi, also known as "Poo" (29), were apprehended with 600,000 meth pills and 45 kilograms of ice. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337764-police-arrest-3-drug-couriers-with-45kg-of-ice-600000-meth-pills/

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath In the evening of September 9, police officers led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Worawit Yanajinda arrested three young drug couriers involved in trafficking methamphetamine and crystal meth (ice) into Bangkok. The suspects, identified as Mr. Nan (30), Mrs. Wannipa (28), and Ms. Jittrawi, also known as "Poo" (29), were apprehended with 600,000 meth pills and 45 kilograms of ice. Authorities also seized two cars, a motorcycle, and four mobile phones at the scene, located in Tha It, Pak Kret, Nonthaburi. A second operation was conducted at a residence on Soi Ladprao 101 in Klong Chan, Bangkapi, Bangkok. The arrests were the result of an investigation launched on September 7, after police uncovered a major drug trafficking network. This group had been smuggling drugs into Bangkok and distributing them to youth and other individuals in the Ladprao area. The findings were promptly reported to the senior officers. Pol. Maj. Gen. Worawit then ordered an intensive investigation to track down the culprits. Authorities discovered that Ms. Poo had been transporting drugs from Pathum Thani to central Bangkok, with an escort vehicle driven by Mr. Bom (alias) and accompanied by Ms. May (alias). Their role was to check for police along the route. The police monitored the operation, leading to the arrest of Ms. Jittrawi in Tha It, where the drugs, valued at over 9 million baht, were found hidden in a vehicle. Soon after, Mr. Nan and Mrs. Wannipa, who were driving the escort vehicle, were arrested at a house in Soi Ladprao 101. Picture courtesy: Siam Rath During questioning, the suspects confessed to receiving payments ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 baht for each delivery. The escort drivers earned between 15,000 and 30,000 baht per trip. After each successful delivery, the leader of the operation would instruct them on where to pick up the next drug shipment, often in the outskirts of Bangkok. The group had carried out around four or five deliveries in total. All suspects were charged with possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and ice) with intent to sell, a crime that poses significant risks to public safety and national security. Police are continuing their investigation to apprehend the leader of the drug operation, reported Siam Rath. -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Man Seeks Help After His 200,000 Baht Motorcycle Gets Stolen By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A 33-year-old Thai man in Pattaya is seeking help to track down thieves who stole his motorcycle worth over 200,000 baht from his residence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337760-pattaya-man-seeks-help-after-his-200000-baht-motorcycle-gets-stolen/

Pattaya — A 33-year-old Thai man in Pattaya is seeking help to track down thieves who stole his motorcycle worth over 200,000 baht from his residence. On September 8th, 2024, Mr. Kamol Hiransiri, 33, complained to The Pattaya News and provided CCTV footage to assist in tracking down the suspects responsible for the theft of his red and white Honda CRF 300 motorcycle. The theft occurred late at night at his home, located in the Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. After the theft, Mr. Kamol filed a complaint with the Nongprue Police Station and handed over the CCTV footage as evidence. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Historian Urges Thaksin To Stop Pulling Strings Behind PM FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, hugs his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Historian Attachak Satayanuruk from Chiang Mai University has called for Thaksin Shinawatra to cease his backstage political machinations concerning his daughter and newly-appointed Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337755-historian-urges-thaksin-to-stop-pulling-strings-behind-pm/

FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, hugs his daughter and newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra before the royal endorsement ceremony appointing Paetongtarn as Thailand's new prime minister at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Historian Attachak Satayanuruk from Chiang Mai University has called for Thaksin Shinawatra to cease his backstage political machinations concerning his daughter and newly-appointed Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The comments come in light of ongoing lawsuits filed against Thaksin and Paetongtarn, seeking to end what is being described as a shared, unconstitutional power dynamic. Attachak expressed concerns that Thaksin, the de facto Pheu Thai boss, has not only acted as the puppet master but has also brought unnecessary attention to himself in the political sphere. "It's time Thaksin stopped pulling the strings and allowed his daughter to govern independently if he truly cares about the country's future," said the historian. Thaksin has allegedly convened a confidential meeting with coalition party leaders at his residence on August 14, just hours after the Constitutional Court ousted Thailand's former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. These actions are seen as Thaksin's continued influence over ministerial decisions, a manoeuvre deemed illegal due to his prior indictment and permanent political disqualification. Attachak criticised Thaksin for his inability to discern trustful allies from foes, leading to an alliance with previous adversaries and forming a controversial coalition government. This coalition includes ultra-conservative factions such as the military-backed Ruam Thai Sang Chart and Palang Pracharath, reported Thai Newsroom. Critics argue that Thaksin's reconciliation with former enemies was part of a deal ensuring his safe return after 17 years of self-imposed exile and avoiding a full prison sentence. In exchange, Thaksin’s political influence has allegedly facilitated the establishment of a Pheu Thai-led government. Despite the Pheu Thai government's efforts to introduce populist policies, such as the digital wallet project, Attachak argues that voter support may waver if fundamental issues concerning justice, human rights, and social governance remain unaddressed. The historian believes that people are now focusing more on these crucial matters than mere economic relief. In summary, Attachak's plea is clear: Thaksin should step back and let his daughter govern to restore faith in democratic values and justice in Thailand. -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

New Lawsuit Seeks Dissolution of Thaksin-Linked Coalition Parties FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) A lawsuit was filed September 9 by political activist Noparut Worachitwuthikul, seeking the dissolution of six key parties in the current government, which are allegedly manipulated by Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337754-new-lawsuit-seeks-dissolution-of-thaksin-linked-coalition-parties/

FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, left, with, his daughter Paetongtarn, arrives at Don Muang airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.(AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit, File) A lawsuit was filed September 9 by political activist Noparut Worachitwuthikul, seeking the dissolution of six key parties in the current government, which are allegedly manipulated by Thaksin Shinawatra. This comes just weeks after the Constitutional Court deposed former Thailand PM Srettha Thavisin for severely violating political ethics. The six parties under scrutiny include Bhumjaithai, Palang Pracharath, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, Chart Thai Pattana, Prachachart, and Pheu Thai itself, led by Thaksin's daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Thaksin, despite being legally barred from political activities due to prior misconduct charges, allegedly convened a crucial meeting at his residence on August 14, directing the coalition’s next steps. Thaksin’s involvement is significant because, under Thai law, he is prohibited from participating in politics. However, he reportedly hosted an urgent meeting attended by prominent coalition members just hours after the court's decision to depose Srettha Thavisin. This gathering, allegedly directed by Thaksin, aimed to ensure the leadership of Pheu Thai MP Chaikasem Nitisiri as a new prime ministerial candidate, while maintaining the coalition's grip on power. The key figures in this controversial meeting included Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, former Palang Pracharath secretary-general Thammanat Prompao, Ruam Thai Sang Chart secretary-general Eknath Prompan, and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, among others. Each attended this secret session at Thaksin's Chan Song Lah residence, reported Thai Newsroom. The legal proceedings triggered by Noparut’s petition to the Election Commission mark one of several steps aimed at dismantling these coalition partners over their alleged unconstitutional manipulation by Thaksin. Should the court rule in favour of the dissolution, the leaders and executive members of these parties, including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, face the possibility of being banned from political activities for several years. -- 2024-09-10 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 10 September 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1337753-thailand-live-tuesday-10-september-2024/

Thailand Accelerates 145 Billion Baht Digital Wallet Payout File photo for reference only Thailand plans to fast-track the distribution of 145 billion baht from its "digital wallet" programme, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. Originally slated for the year's end, the initiative aims to provide immediate economic relief to vulnerable groups amid a sluggish economic recovery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337739-thailand-accelerates-145-billion-baht-digital-wallet-payout/

A Frenchman was arrested in Krabi after a visa overstay of eight years. The Frenchman, Didier, entered Thailand on February 19, 2016, with a tourist visa that expired on May 18, 2016. After the visa’s expiration, Didier continued to stay in Thailand, resulting in a total overstay of 3,032 days. Frenchman arrested in Krabi for eight-year visa overstay Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337724-frenchman-arrested-in-krabi-for-eight-year-visa-overstay/ Image courtesy of KhaoSod

Bangkok hospital’s Nazi ‘gas chambers’ plan sparks fury by Bob Scott Director of Mongkutwattana Hospital, Rienthong Nanna. Picture: ThaiPost The director of Mongkutwattana Hospital in Bangkok sparked a storm of controversy with a plan to punish smokers who defy his anti-smoking ban, drawing comparisons to Nazi Germany’s grim practices. Rienthong Nanna, the director of the private hospital located in the Laksi district, declared on Facebook that he would confine defiant smokers in ‘gas chambers’ made from old telephone booths until they inhale 100% of their cigarette smoke. Rienthong detailed that these telephone booths, donated for Covid-19 screening between 2020 and 2022, will now serve as a method to enforce the smoking ban within the hospital premises. The initiative aims to contain the smoke, preventing it from affecting other patients and visitors while ensuring smokers fully absorb their cigarette emissions. “In the innovative gas chambers, those who defy the smoking ban at Mongkutwattana Hospital can fully inhale the smoke from their cigarettes. The smoke will not be released to the outside and annoy or harm the public but will ruin the health of the smokers themselves.” The booths will feature lock sensors that detect smoke. Once the smoke dissipates, the doors will unlock automatically, allowing the smokers to exit. Rienthong expressed his frustration with selfish smokers, noting that this method would replace previous physical confrontations. Rienthong is not a stranger to controversy. This announcement comes after a recent incident where Rienthong made headlines for slapping and stripping a teenager who smoked on hospital grounds. The director defended his actions, citing the need to protect other visitors and patients from second-hand smoke, which could travel through the hospital’s ventilation system. The altercation led to legal action against the Bangkok hospital director. Complicating matters, it was later revealed that the teenager was allegedly in possession of heroin during the visit to the hospital, reported Bangkok Post. In a related incident, a disturbing incident unfolded at Mongkutwattana Hospital yesterday, May 13, where the director, Doctor Rianthong Nanna, is accused of physically assaulting a 14 year old boy and ordering him to strip naked as punishment for smoking in the hospital’s restroom. Full story: The Thaiger -- 2024-09-09 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Passenger Criticizes Thai Airways for Stranding Over 30 People at Arlanda Airport File photo courtesy: Wikipedia A woman shares a cautionary tale about being stranded by Thai Airways. She describes how over 30 passengers were left abandoned when their flights were canceled, with no communication from the airline. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337703-passenger-criticizes-thai-airways-for-stranding-over-30-people-at-arlanda-airport/

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia A woman shares a cautionary tale about being stranded by Thai Airways. She describes how over 30 passengers were left abandoned when their flights were canceled, with no communication from the airline. The woman, along with her entire family including a 3-year-old child, was forced to stay at the airport without any assistance for more than 6 hours before receiving new tickets. On September 9th, the Facebook user "jinnysista" shared her dreadful experience with Thai Airways. Her post reads, "Review of a terrible experience with Thai Airways – cancellation at the gate GATE 65, Stockholm Arlanda Airport Terminal 5. Who would imagine spending 170,000 baht (3823.68 GBP) on a legitimate ticket purchased from Thai Airways’ website, just to have it canceled right before boarding? On September 2, 2024, at 7:20 AM, even as the plane was landing in Stockholm—already delayed by 20 minutes—Jinny and her family rushed to re-scan their bags and run to the gate. But they were informed that Thai Airways canceled tickets for everyone, totaling over 30 passengers, without prior notice. Oddly, other passengers who hadn't booked with Thai Airways could still board their flights without issues. To this day, the true reason for Thai Airways' cancellation remains unknown, but there are a few possibilities: 1. The delayed flight might have caused a timing issue with transferring luggage to a connecting flight at the airport. 2. Thai Airways potentially didn’t pay extra fees for staff to wait for delayed passengers. 3. The connecting flight was with SAS, which had exited the Star Alliance. Regardless of the reason, none of this was the passengers' fault. However, passengers were left stranded at the terminal without immediate help, and no Thai Airways staff were available to assist. Imagine expecting to return home to the UK but instead being stuck at the airport without a Schengen visa. It took 6 hours of phone calls to finally get new tickets, without ever meeting or receiving help from any Thai Airways staff. Jinny and her family had to chase down Thai Airways staff from other flights to enquire about food and expense compensation, which they rightly deserved. After a long wait of 4 more hours, they finally received 300 SEK each (initially, they were only offered 100 SEK per person, until they filed a complaint). Throughout their communication, Thai Airways staff consistently deflected responsibility, despite the fact that they had booked tickets directly with the airline. How can they shirk responsibility like this? It’s a question left unanswered, but one thing is clear—they were deeply disappointed with Thai Airways.” -- 2024-09-09 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Latest carmaker to scale back its EV ambitions amid slowing sales By Pattaya Mail The world’s largest automaker now plans to produce only 1 million EVs in 2026, down from the previously announced target of 1.5 million units. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337700-latest-carmaker-to-scale-back-its-ev-ambitions-amid-slowing-sales/

The world’s largest automaker now plans to produce only 1 million EVs in 2026, down from the previously announced target of 1.5 million units. Toyota Motor, the Japanese automotive giant, has revised its electric vehicle (EV) production plans for 2026, reducing its original target by one-third, according to a report by Nikkei Business, September 8. Toyota is the latest carmaker to scale back its EV ambitions amid slowing EV sales. The world’s largest automaker now plans to produce only 1 million EVs in 2026, down from the previously announced target of 1.5 million units. Despite the reduction, Toyota clarified that its commitment to reaching 1.5 million EVs annually by 2026 and 3.5 million by 2030 remains unchanged, emphasizing that these numbers are benchmarks for shareholders rather than fixed goals. By Pattaya Mail Full story: Pattaya Mail -- 2024-09-09 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Khao Yai National Park Enforces Stricter Wildlife Protection Rules Picture courtesy: Amarin TV Chaiya Huaihongthong, the chief of Khao Yai National Park, announced the implementation of new stringent measures to preserve the park’s delicate ecosystem. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337698-khao-yai-national-park-enforces-stricter-wildlife-protection-rules/

Picture courtesy: Amarin TV Chaiya Huaihongthong, the chief of Khao Yai National Park, announced the implementation of new stringent measures to preserve the park’s delicate ecosystem. Situated in the Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, the park will now have inspection points on Thanarat Road to monitor exhaust noise and vehicle speeds. These initiatives come in response to rising concerns over PM 2.5 dust pollution and the need to maintain the park's pristine air quality. "We have coordinated efforts to set up checkpoints to measure noise levels and vehicle speeds for both cars and motorcycles entering and exiting the park," Chaiya explained. Under the new regulations, vehicles are prohibited from exceeding 95 decibels in noise and must adhere to a speed limit of 60 kilometres per hour. These regulations align with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s standards to ensure pollution-free air, safeguarding both wildlife and visitors from noise disturbances. "We are serious about enforcing these rules to protect wildlife and visitors from noise disturbances," Chaiya added. A worrying trend has been identified where some motorcyclists and motorists temporarily block exhaust noise using steel wool, only to remove these makeshift buffers once outside the park. This practice endangers wildlife, as discarded steel wool can be ingested by animals such as wild elephants. Several vehicles have already been fined for breaching the 95-decibel noise limit. Khao Yai National Park mandates that all entering vehicles must have exhaust systems devoid of smoke and excessive noise, as per legal limits. Loud exhausts not only disturb the serene environment but also pose a threat to the wellbeing of wildlife. Visitors are urged to comply with these rules to help maintain a pollution-free environment, beneficial for both humans and animals. Chaiya stressed that the park’s objective is to preserve Khao Yai as a beautiful, healthy destination. To this end, the park’s regulations emphasize : don't drive fast, don't make loud noises, don't litter, don’t feed the animals, and don’t bring pets into the park. The park chief’s firm stance underscores the importance of abiding by these guidelines for the long-term preservation of Khao Yai National Park. -- 2024-09-09 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai doctor vows to create "Hitler Room" to gas hospital smokers On September 8, 2024, it was reported that Major General Dr. Reienthong Nanna, Director of Mongkutwattana Hospital, posted on his Facebook page, stating: Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1337695-thai-doctor-vows-to-create-hitler-room-to-gas-hospital-smokers/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath THAILAND - On September 8, 2024, it was reported that Major General Dr. Reienthong Nanna, Director of Mongkutwattana Hospital, posted on his Facebook page, stating: "I plan to repurpose the 'public phone booths' that were donated for COVID-19 screening during the 2020-2022 pandemic. These booths are no longer in use and would otherwise become waste. I will turn them into an innovation called 'Smoke Rooms' for those who break the no-smoking rule at Mongkutwattana Hospital. Smokers can smoke as much as they want inside these rooms, but the smoke will remain contained. It won’t disturb others or harm public health, only the smoker's health, reported Thai Rath. The cigarette smoke will continuously circulate inside the 'Smoke Room' until it's fully consumed. The door, controlled by an automatic smoke sensor, will unlock only after the smoke has cleared, allowing the smoker to exit. This ensures that smokers inhale 100% of their own cigarette smoke, maximizing the experience of each cigarette they smoke. Not a single bit of smoke will escape to disturb or harm anyone else. While this 'Smoke Room' innovation may seem harsh, it ensures no one smokes inside Mongkutwattana Hospital. If someone avoids our hospital because of this strict anti-smoking measure, I would be more than happy. Dr. Reienthong also mentioned he would name this 'Smoke Room' the 'Hitler Room.' (ห้องฮิตเลอร์) He warned that anyone caught smoking selfishly in the hospital, harming others, will face public shaming by hospital volunteers and 'Black Hooded' individuals. He emphasized that this is not a joke and that they are serious. Major General Dr. Reienthong Nanna, Director of Mongkutwattana Hospital—a hospital committed to civility, safety, being smoke-free, and free from troublemakers —September 8, 2024, at 10:35 AM. Note: The 'Smoke Room' or 'Hitler Room' will be showcased to the public once it is ready, as a deterrent for non-smokers." -- 2024-09-09 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe