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The Thai political landscape is witnessing yet another ripple as a fresh move by former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak seeks to have ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to jail. Thaksin, a prominent figure in Thailand's political scenario and father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has come under scrutiny once more for allegedly circumventing his jail term. Having been granted a royal pardon last year upon his return from a self-imposed 17-year exile, Thaksin's initial eight-year sentence for power abuse was reduced to a single year. However, it is claimed that Thaksin has not served this year-long sentence in full, avoiding physical incarceration altogether. Instead, he spent six months in a private ward at the Police Hospital before his release on parole earlier in the year, sparking accusations of legal manipulation. Charnchai is appealing to Thailand's Supreme Court to rule retroactively, asserting that Thaksin had utilised his influence to evade jail, a move that is "categorically against the law." The crux of the matter lies in whether the Corrections Department legally transferred Thaksin to the hospital. Normally, such a transfer would necessitate prior approval from the Criminal Court, something that allegedly did not occur in this case, regardless of Thaksin's reported "critical illness." Should the Supreme Court rule in favour of Charnchai's petition, Thaksin could face returning to prison to complete his sentence. Further, Corrections Department Director-General Sahakarn Petchnarin could also face misconduct charges if found complicit. This development adds another layer to the saga surrounding the Shinawatra family and their ongoing influence in Thai politics. The outcome of this legal challenge will undoubtedly impact the country's political narrative in the coming months, reported Thai Newsroom. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-10-22

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 22 October 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1341306-thailand-live-tuesday-22-october-2024/

Netizens take aim at foreign woman’s slingshot antics in Chon Buri zoo - video Photo via TikTok/ @patcharida_36 Thai netizens called for legal action against a foreign woman who was seen using a slingshot inside Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341290-netizens-take-aim-at-foreign-woman’s-slingshot-antics-in-chon-buri-zoo-video/

Yingluck Shinawatra Promotes Thai Cuisine from London Picture courtesy: Matichon Online Yingluck Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, has recently highlighted her love for northern Thai cuisine through a Facebook post. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341304-yingluck-shinawatra-promotes-thai-cuisine-from-london/

Sisaket beauty sets Facebook afire with search for Mr Right criteria Picture courtesy of KhaoSod An open audition for love has captivated the virtual world as one Sisaket beauty took to Facebook Live, laying down eight non-negotiable criteria in her hunt for Mr Right. Despite overwhelming social media buzz, Sayamon Unkam, known affectionately as Alice, is resolutely sticking to her structured love list, having learned the lessons of heartbreak by simply following her heart. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341310-sisaket-beauty-sets-facebook-afire-with-search-for-mr-right-criteria/

In a significant political development, Newin Chidchob, a key political figure in Thailand, has openly dismissed Thaksin Shinawatra's proposal to legalise casinos. This decision came out during a private discussion between these two influential persons earlier this month. Newin Rejects Thaksin's Casino Plan for Thailand Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341295-newin-rejects-thaksins-casino-plan-for-thailand/ Picture courtesy: Sanook

Yingluck Shinawatra Promotes Thai Cuisine from London Picture courtesy: Matichon Online Yingluck Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, has recently highlighted her love for northern Thai cuisine through a Facebook post. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341304-yingluck-shinawatra-promotes-thai-cuisine-from-london/

Yingluck Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, has recently highlighted her love for northern Thai cuisine through a Facebook post. From her current base in London, Yingluck shared her fondness for Khao Soi, a renowned dish from northern Thailand, which she sampled at a local London restaurant coincidentally named "Khao Soi." However, the eatery creatively pronounces it as Khao Soi-I, giving it a unique Japanese flair. Joining her for this culinary experience was her son, Supasek Amonrchat, aged 22. Yingluck expressed her delight at witnessing the popularity of this northern Thai dish in the UK capital, noting the impressive queues outside the restaurant. Her post proudly celebrated the international recognition of Khao Soi, which ranked sixth among the world's 100 best dishes on the TasteAtlas list this April. TasteAtlas is an experiential online travel guide that caters to those with a penchant for traditional food. Yingluck's culinary musings on social media offer more than just a taste of Thai culture; they subtly weave in elements of nostalgia and pride associated with northern Thailand, a region where the Shinawatra family has strong historical and political roots, particularly in Chang Mai province. Chiang Mai, in particular, has been a significant stronghold for the Pheu Thai party, championed by the Shinawatra family for decades. Exiled from Thailand since 2017, Yingluck fled shortly before she was sentenced in absentia for negligence connected to the controversial rice subsidy programme. Now living in London, she continues to maintain her cultural ties and share her enthusiasm for Thai delicacies with the international community. Her recent London dining anecdote is just one among the many ways she celebrates her roots while abroad, reported Thai PBS. Picture courtesy: Matichon Online -- 2024-10-21

Newin Rejects Thaksin's Casino Plan for Thailand Picture courtesy: Sanook In a significant political development, Newin Chidchob, a key political figure in Thailand, has openly dismissed Thaksin Shinawatra's proposal to legalise casinos. This decision came out during a private discussion between these two influential persons earlier this month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341295-newin-rejects-thaksins-casino-plan-for-thailand/

Picture courtesy: Sanook In a significant political development, Newin Chidchob, a key political figure in Thailand, has openly dismissed Thaksin Shinawatra's proposal to legalise casinos. This decision came out during a private discussion between these two influential persons earlier this month. Thaksin, father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has been trying to gain support for his casino initiative as part of larger entertainment complexes in popular tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya, where gambling is currently illegal. These proposed casinos would be part of grand entertainment centres aiming to attract tourism and boost the economy. Despite Thaksin's efforts, Newin maintained a clear stance against the casino plan, expressing concerns over potential social and economic issues, such as debt and addiction among the public. Newin's stance is pivotal since his Bhumjaithai Party holds considerable influence within Thailand's ruling coalition, which includes Thaksin's Pheu Thai Party. However, it is understood that Newin is not entirely against the notion of building entertainment complexes. He may support such projects on the condition that they exclude gambling activities. This stipulation underscores a key difference in vision between the two political figures. Thaksin has been under scrutiny for potentially overstepping legal and political boundaries by allegedly wielding undue influence over his daughter's government and coalition partners. In light of this, investigations are already underway by several bodies, notably the Election Commission and Constitutional Court, to examine these allegations further, reported Thai Newsroom an Reuters. In conclusion, while Thaksin continues to push forward ambitious projects, including the joint Thai-Cambodian initiative in the Gulf of Thailand, his casino plan faces a formidable challenge with Newin’s rejection. New developments in this political story could significantly impact Thailand’s legal and economic landscape in the near future. -- 2024-10-21

Armed gang extorts 4 million baht, kidnaps two in Bangkok heist by Ryan Turner Image: KhaoSod Five armed men stormed a prominent company on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, extorted over 4 million baht, and kidnapped two Chinese nationals before abandoning them on Nawamin Road. Police are currently investigating the incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341251-armed-gang-extorts-4-million-baht-kidnaps-two-in-bangkok-heist/

Five armed men stormed a prominent company on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok, extorted over 4 million baht, and kidnapped two Chinese nationals before abandoning them on Nawamin Road. Police are currently investigating the incident. Yesterday, October 20, two Chinese nationals reported to Suthisan Police Station that they had been victims of an armed robbery and kidnapping at their workplace on Ratchadaphisek Road. The incident occurred around 4pm on October 19 when five men, two Thai and three Myanmar nationals, armed with firearms, stormed the office. They forcibly extorted 3.2 million baht baht from the victims. A friend of the victims revealed that the assailants weren’t satisfied with the initial amount and continued to threaten the two Chinese nationals. They forced them into a vehicle and drove towards Nakhon Nayok province, demanding an additional US$600,000 (20 million baht). Lacking the required funds, the victims had to borrow US$270,000 from their Chinese relatives, which was then transferred to the assailants. The friend revealed that the criminals eventually released the victims on Nawamin Road in Bangkok. They confiscated their mobile phones, destroyed the SIM cards, and returned the phones before leaving them stranded. The victims then purchased new SIM cards from a convenience store and contacted their friend to assist them in filing a police report. Preliminary investigations by the Suthisan Police Station have involved coordinating with an investigative team to examine CCTV footage and verify the facts of the case. Efforts are currently underway to track down the perpetrators for further questioning, reported KhaoSod. In other news, Thai police are searching for four Chinese nationals who yesterday stole 70 million baht in cryptocurrency from a Chinese couple in the central province of Pathum Thani. Officers from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station swooped on a house in the Banmai district of Pathum Thani in the early hours of yesterday, August 14, after being alerted by the homeowners, a 35 year old Chinese man named Ge Jiao Pa, and his wife. Advertisements by Ryan Turner Image: KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-21

Unholy muddle: Monks caught in naughty habits in defrock shock by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Police officers and a village head raided a monk’s quarters, resulting in the defrocking of two monks for engaging in drug use, drinking alcohol, and having an illicit affair with a local man’s wife. The raid occurred after receiving complaints and evidence of inappropriate behaviour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341247-unholy-muddle-monks-caught-in-naughty-habits-in-defrock-shock/

Police officers and a village head raided a monk’s quarters, resulting in the defrocking of two monks for engaging in drug use, drinking alcohol, and having an illicit affair with a local man’s wife. The raid occurred after receiving complaints and evidence of inappropriate behaviour. The search took place at a temple in Lahan Sai district, Buriram province yesterday, October 20. Police from Lahan Sai Police Station, together with the village head, inspected the quarters of two monks in the Tatchong subdistrict. Complaints had been lodged about monks engaging in drug use, alcohol consumption, and illicit affairs with villagers’ wives, supported by video evidence of sexual activity. During the raid, the police first searched the quarters of 37 year old Ek. No drugs or drug paraphernalia were found but a pair of women’s underwear was discovered hidden among his robes. In the quarters of another monk, 35 year old Thun, police also did not find drugs or drug paraphernalia, but they did find bottles of liquor and beer. Following the search, both monks underwent urine tests which came back positive for drugs. They were immediately taken to the abbot to be defrocked and then escorted to the police station, where they were charged with drug use and sent for rehabilitation as per legal procedures, reported KhaoSod. Image: KhaoSod In a confession, former monk Ek admitted to using methamphetamine, stating he had consumed three pills two days prior. However, he denied the accusations of an affair, claiming that he only communicated with the woman because she had told him she was separated from her husband. He also denied any knowledge of sending explicit clips to mock the woman’s husband. The woman’s 31 year old husband shared his ordeal, saying that the first time he discovered his wife’s affair with Ek, she claimed to have been coerced by the monk. He forgave her after she promised to cease all contact. Despite this, he later caught them exchanging messages and found out they continued to meet secretly, prompting the husband to file a complaint and report the incident. by Ryan Turner Image courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-21

Heavy rain expected in 32 provinces with 70% of Bangkok affected by Ryan Turner Image: KhaoSod Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) predicts heavy rain across 32 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience downpours over 70% of its area. Citizens are advised to stay alert for potential flash floods and forest runoff. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341241-heavy-rain-expected-in-32-provinces-with-70-of-bangkok-affected/

Today’s weather forecast from the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) predicts heavy rain across 32 provinces, with Bangkok expected to experience downpours over 70% of its area. Citizens are advised to stay alert for potential flash floods and forest runoff. The TMD issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours, predicting thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in central, eastern, and southern Thailand. Residents in these regions are urged to be cautious of heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to sudden flooding and forest runoff, particularly in mountain slopes near waterways and low-lying areas. The high-pressure system or cold air mass from China covering the upper northern and upper northeastern regions of Thailand is causing this weather pattern. This results in easterly and southeasterly winds bringing moisture from the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to cover the lower northern, lower northeastern, central, and eastern regions. Along with the monsoon trough passing through the upper Gulf of Thailand, the eastern and upper southern regions are also affected. In the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, moderate waves are expected. The Andaman Sea will see waves between one to two metres, while the Gulf of Thailand will have waves about 1 metre high and more than 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners in these regions are advised to proceed with caution and avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms. In the northern region, there will be thunderstorms covering 60% of the area, mostly in Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Phichit, and Phetchabun provinces. Temperatures will range from a minimum of 21 to 24 degrees Celcius (°C) to a maximum of 32 to 34°C. Easterly winds will blow at a speed of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour (km/h). Regional updates In the northeastern region, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, primarily in Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Khon Kaen, and Nong Bua Lam Phu provinces. The temperature will range from 22 to 25°C at the lowest to 32 to 33°C at the highest, with easterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 km/h. In the central region, 70% of the area will experience thunderstorms with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram provinces. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at the lowest to 31 to 34°C at the highest, with easterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 km/h. In the eastern region, 70% of the area will have thunderstorms with heavy rain in some places, especially in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. The temperature will range from 23 to 25°C at the lowest to 32 to 34°C at the highest, with variable winds blowing at 15 to 30 km/h. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, and more than 2 metres high in areas with thunderstorms. In the southern region (eastern coast), 40% of the area will have thunderstorms with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at the lowest to 30 to 35°C at the highest, with variable winds blowing at 15 to 30 km/h. The sea will have waves about 1 metre high, and more than 2 metres high in areas with thunderstorms. In the southern region (western coast), 30% of the area will have thunderstorms, mostly in Ranong and Phang Nga provinces. Temperatures will range from 23 to 25°C at the lowest to 31 to 35°C at the highest, with southwesterly winds blowing at 15 to 35 km/h in areas from Phuket upwards and 15 to 30 km/h from Krabi downwards. The sea will have waves between 1 to 2 metres high, and more than 2 metres high in areas with thunderstorms. In Bangkok and its vicinity, 70% of the area will see thunderstorms with heavy rain in some places. Temperatures will range from 25 to 26°C at the lowest to 32 to 34°C at the highest, with easterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 km/h. by Ryan Turner Image: KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-21

Wi-Fi Rescue Boats Boost Disaster Response in Flood-Hit Areas by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, under the Thai Red Cross Society, has received eight “Wi-Fi Rescue Boats” from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341239-wi-fi-rescue-boats-boost-disaster-response-in-flood-hit-areas/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Friends in Need (of “PA”) Volunteers Foundation, under the Thai Red Cross Society, has received eight “Wi-Fi Rescue Boats” from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI). Developed by Thai academics, these boats provide light, power, and internet connectivity during emergencies, enhancing flood response efforts. They will be distributed to disaster alert networks in eight communities across seven provinces. The “Wi-Fi Rescue Boats” are flat-bottomed vessels capable of operating in shallow waters and carrying up to 40 kilograms. Equipped with solar-powered Wi-Fi transmitters, they provide internet access for up to six hours and can charge multiple mobile devices. The boats feature sirens, loudspeakers, and live-stream cameras facilitating real-time monitoring during emergencies. The technology addresses power outages and communication challenges often encountered in flood-affected areas. The donation was officially handed over on October 17 during a ceremony held at MHESI headquarters. The boats will be used by the foundation’s networks in provinces, including Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Chaiyaphum, and Phatthalung, to support disaster relief and recovery. The foundation, established under the initiative of Princess Soamsawali and Princess Bajrakitiyabha, provides comprehensive support during floods and other natural disasters. Developed in collaboration with several MHESI-affiliated agencies, including Princess of Naradhiwas University and the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Fund, the boats are expected to greatly enhance safety and quality of life for flood victims in some of Thailand’s most vulnerable regions. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT -- 2024-10-21

Nearly 20% of Thai teens at risk of self-harm, warns DMH by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Department of Medical Health Almost 20% of Thai teenagers face the risk of self-harm, according to the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to prioritise mental health issues among the youth, experts suggest. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341238-nearly-20-of-thai-teens-at-risk-of-self-harm-warns-dmh/

Almost 20% of Thai teenagers face the risk of self-harm, according to the Department of Mental Health (DMH). This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to prioritise mental health issues among the youth, experts suggest. DMH director Kittisak Aksornwong revealed on October 18 that 503,884 teenagers aged 18 and under have registered on the Department’s Mental Health Check-in application from February 12, 2022, to October 18 this year. The app is designed for self-assessment of mental health and screening for potential problems, offering users a channel to seek advice from experts online. Out of those registered, 51,789 users, or 10.28%, may be at risk of depression, while 87,718, or 17.4%, are at risk of self-harm, Kittisak noted. “These figures not only reflect the urgent need for mental health care among teenagers but also serve as a warning sign that we all need to work together to solve this problem.” Addressing mental health challenges, especially in the digital age, requires more than just government intervention. Kittisak emphasised that cooperation from all sectors, including the private sector and civil society, is essential. Speaking at the launch of the TikTok Mindful Makers campaign at Samyan Mitrtown, Kittisak highlighted TikTok as an influential platform among teenagers. He pointed out that technology and social media significantly impact daily life for the younger generation. “Creating a safe online space that is responsible and promotes good mental health is a challenge that we all must work together to achieve.” The DMH has partnered with TikTok Thailand to introduce the TikTok Mindful Makers campaign and the new Sati app. This app provides access to safe, confidential, anonymous, and on-demand listening services offered by trained listeners. The TikTok Mindful Makers campaign collaborates with the World Health Organisation and the Mental Health Trust Network Programme. The goal is to disseminate information about mental health, foster an online community of support, and promote a more compassionate and understanding society. Chanida Klyphun, head of public policy for TikTok Thailand, highlighted that Mindful Makers has garnered over 13 billion views worldwide. She stressed the importance of making the platform safe for everyone to ensure it remains a creative and supportive space, reported Bangkok Post. by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Department of Medical Health Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-21 “Making the platform a safe area for everyone is essential for it to become a creative space.”

Drunk Porsche Driver Offers B200,000 Settlement, Victim’s Father Questions Charges Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Chiang Mai – A family is demanding justice after a young man was severely injured by a drunk Porsche driver who offered B200,000 to settle the case. The victim's father believes the charges laid against the driver are too lenient, raising concerns over police handling of the incident and their refusal to consider attempted murder charges. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341236-drunk-porsche-driver-offers-b200000-settlement-victim’s-father-questions-charges/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Chiang Mai – A family is demanding justice after a young man was severely injured by a drunk Porsche driver who offered B200,000 to settle the case. The victim's father believes the charges laid against the driver are too lenient, raising concerns over police handling of the incident and their refusal to consider attempted murder charges. The accident occurred in the early hours of 24 July 2024 at the Fa Thani intersection in Chiang Mai. Mr. Irfan Musa, a 22-year-old fourth-year university student, was stopped at a red light on his motorcycle with his friend, Ms. Aom, also 22, when a speeding Porsche ran the light and hit them without braking. CCTV footage from the scene captured the chilling moment as the Porsche crashed into the stationary motorcycle. Mr. Musa was thrown to the ground while Ms. Aom was dragged by the car for more than 10 metres before being flung onto the pavement. Shockingly, the driver, who was visibly intoxicated, did not immediately help the injured pair. Instead, he reversed the car, running over Mr. Musa a second time before pulling over to the side of the road. Bystanders quickly called emergency services and restrained the driver, fearing he might attempt to flee the scene. Witnesses described the driver as a young man who was "stumbling and clearly drunk." Both victims sustained serious injuries. Mr. Musa suffered a ruptured liver, a fractured skull, and a broken pelvis, while Ms. Aom was critically injured. Mr. Musa required two hospital stays and ongoing physiotherapy, and his family had to temporarily close their business to care for him. The Porsche driver was arrested and charged with reckless driving causing injury and drunk driving. However, Mr. Musa’s father, Mr. Suding Musa, believes these charges are inadequate given the severity of the crash and the driver’s reckless actions. "From the footage, it’s clear that the driver didn’t just hit my son—he ran over him again when reversing. We are asking for an additional charge of attempted murder, but the police have refused, saying it doesn’t meet the criteria." Despite the serious injuries sustained, the driver’s lawyer recently proposed a settlement of B200,000 for each victim, insisting this was all the driver could afford. The lawyer suggested that if the family did not accept the offer, they would fight the case in court and were prepared for the driver to face prison time. Mr. Suding, however, refuses to accept the settlement, stating that it is insufficient compensation for the pain and suffering his son has endured. "We don’t want money—we want justice. My son’s dreams have been shattered. He wanted to become a physiotherapist, but now he can barely walk. How is B200,000 supposed to make up for that?" Mr. Musa himself has spoken out, sharing how the accident has left him physically and emotionally scarred. "I’ve lost the ability to move the way I used to. I was passionate about sports and physical therapy, but now I can’t even walk properly. It’s hard to accept that my future has changed because of someone’s reckless behaviour. If this had happened to someone in the driver’s family, would they settle for this?" The case has drawn public attention, with many questioning the leniency of the charges and the handling of the investigation. Mr. Musa’s family has called for a full inquiry into the Porsche driver’s actions and the police’s decision not to press more serious charges. In the meantime, Mr. Musa continues to undergo physiotherapy, although his recovery has been slow. His family remains determined to pursue the case in court, rejecting the settlement offer and seeking harsher penalties for the driver. "We will not rest until justice is served," Mr. Suding said. "My son’s life will never be the same, and we cannot accept that the driver gets off so easily." Chiang Mai police have stated that they are continuing their investigation but have not yet added any further charges, reported Thai Rath. -- 2024-10-21

Anutin Visits Nakhon Phanom to Address and Solve Local Issues Picture courtesy: INN Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, visited Nakhon Phanom to engage with the local community and assess the quality of life improvements in the region. He emphasised the importance of directly addressing issues raised by residents to enhance tourism and cultural development in the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341235-anutin-visits-nakhon-phanom-to-address-and-solve-local-issues/

Picture courtesy: INN Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, visited Nakhon Phanom to engage with the local community and assess the quality of life improvements in the region. He emphasised the importance of directly addressing issues raised by residents to enhance tourism and cultural development in the area. During his visit, Anutin and senior officials from the Ministry of Interior outlined strategies to improve the well-being of local residents, meeting with village health volunteers and local government leaders. He stressed that the ministry prioritises ensuring basic necessities such as clean water, electricity, and well-maintained roads, while also promoting economic growth. Anutin expressed his commitment to visiting Nakhon Phanom whenever possible, stating that the prosperity and happiness of the province were of utmost importance. He highlighted key cultural and tourism assets like the sacred Phra That Phanom and the iconic Naga statue along the Mekong River, which attract visitors and support the local economy, reported INN. The Ministry of Interior aims to strengthen tourism, culture, and related industries, ensuring that Nakhon Phanom continues to develop in a way that benefits the entire community. Anutin reaffirmed his dedication to resolving issues swiftly, noting that the well-being of the people is a top priority. -- 2024-10-21

British Man Drives 500 km to See 'Lamduan,' Sisaket’s Baby Hippo Picture courtesy: Daily News A British man visiting his Thai wife in Chonburi recently embarked on an unexpected journey, driving over 500 kilometres to see a baby hippo named "Lamduan" in Sisaket after being unable to catch a glimpse of the much-talked-about "Moo Deng" in Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1341233-british-man-drives-500-km-to-see-lamduan-sisaket’s-baby-hippo/