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Cockpit Crack Forces Thai Airways Flight Return; All Safe Picture of Thai Airways cracked broken cockpit window courtesy of The Daily Mail Thai Airways demonstrated its commitment to passenger safety as a flight from Bangkok to Singapore was rerouted due to a cracked cockpit window, ensuring travellers arrived safely after a swift aircraft swap. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352021-thai-airways-bangkok-singapore-flight-returns-due-to-unexpected-technical-problems/#findComment-19594705

Thailand Faces Severe Air Pollution Crisis as PM2.5 Levels Soar Picture courtesy of Thai Health Northern and northeastern Thailand are grappling with a significant air pollution crisis, as hazardous PM2.5 levels have surpassed safety standards in 42 provinces. With deteriorating air quality expected to worsen from 18th to 24th February, especially in the north, concerns are mounting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352041-thailand-faces-severe-air-pollution-crisis-as-pm25-levels-soar/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 18 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1352046-thailand-live-tuesday-18-february-2025/

Thailand Faces Surge in Influenza: 100,000 Cases, 9 Deaths Picture courtesy of CDC, Unsplash Thailand is grappling with a serious influenza outbreak, having witnessed nearly 100,000 infections alongside nine fatalities in just 15 days. The Ministry of Public Health has confirmed this alarming increase, underlining schools as significant hotspots. In response, the government is mobilising efforts, including the distribution of 4.5 million vaccine doses, to curb further spread. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352044-thailand-faces-surge-in-influenza-100000-cases-9-deaths/

Thai Airways Bangkok-Singapore Flight Returns Due to Unexpected Technical Problems FILE PHOTO for reference only A THAI Airways International flight headed to Singapore from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport experienced unexpected technical problems, causing an unscheduled return to Thailand. The incident unfolded last night, as reported by Amarin TV. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352021-thai-airways-bangkok-singapore-flight-returns-due-to-unexpected-technical-problems/

FILE PHOTO for reference only A THAI Airways International flight headed to Singapore from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport experienced unexpected technical problems, causing an unscheduled return to Thailand. The incident unfolded last night, as reported by Amarin TV. The flight in question, TG401, carried 270 passengers and was en route to Singapore’s Changi Airport. However, as it approached for landing, the aircraft circled back, making a return to Suvarnabhumi Airport around 10 p.m. This sudden manoeuvre left passengers puzzled, as there was no immediate explanation from the airline about the situation. Upon landing, passengers were instructed to disembark and wait in HoldRoom C, where they were informed they would board a different flight scheduled for 5 a.m. the following morning. The lack of detailed communication initially heightened confusion among those on board. Later, a Facebook user going by “Khon Khao Ton Prakan” provided additional insight, suggesting the technical issue involved a malfunction and broken glass. Although specifics remain scant, the post offered some clarity on the nature of the problem experienced by the aircraft, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-02-17

Four Illegal Workers Arrested in Naklua Picture courtesy: The Pattaya News Banglamung Police have arrested four foreign workers residing illegally behind Naklua New Market in Chonburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352018-four-illegal-workers-arrested-in-naklua/

Picture courtesy: The Pattaya News Banglamung Police have arrested four foreign workers residing illegally behind Naklua New Market in Chonburi province. The swift operation on 15th February uncovered that two of these individuals were living in Thailand without valid visas for over six years. The authorities’ raid targeted unlawful residency, a recurring issue in the bustling area of Naklua. The four arrested were detained and face legal proceedings, with deportation imminent for breaching immigration laws. These arrests highlight ongoing challenges in managing illegal immigration in Thailand. The authorities urge adherence to immigration regulations by both individuals and employers to avoid such pitfalls. With continued efforts, they aim to uphold lawful residency, ensuring community safety and regulatory compliance across the region, reported The Pattaya News. -- 2025-02-17

Chinese Driver Crashes SUV into Thai Home, Injures Two Photo via YouTube/ GMM25Thailand In an unsettling incident over the weekend, a Chinese driver collided his SUV into a rental home in Thailand's Prachin Buri province, leaving two occupants injured. This shocking event took place at approximately 9:30 pm on Saturday, February 15, in the district of Kabin Buri. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352005-chinese-driver-crashes-suv-into-thai-home-injures-two/

Photo via YouTube/ GMM25Thailand In an unsettling incident over the weekend, a Chinese driver collided his SUV into a rental home in Thailand's Prachin Buri province, leaving two occupants injured. This shocking event took place at approximately 9:30 pm on Saturday, February 15, in the district of Kabin Buri. The immediate scene, attended by officers from the Kabin Buri Police Station, was chaotic; a white Honda SUV could be seen partially embedded within the compromised structure of the house. The perpetrator, identified as a 37-year-old Chinese national, escaped with minor injuries himself. The victims, a Thai woman and a Laotian man who were residing in the house, also suffered injuries, though the specifics remain undisclosed. Camera footage from a nearby security system provided crucial insights. It captured the SUV hurtling through an intersection, suggesting that the driver possibly mistook the accelerator pedal for the brake upon encountering a red traffic signal. Police are yet to announce specific charges against the driver. However, precedent suggests he could be prosecuted under Section 390 of the Criminal Code for reckless driving resulting in injury. This offence carries a maximum penalty of one-month imprisonment or a fine of up to 10,000 Thai Baht, or possibly both. This incident draws parallels with several past accidents involving reckless or impaired driving. In March 2024, a similar crash took place in Lop Buri, when a drunk driver smashed a sedan into a beauty clinic. Thankfully, the staff inside escaped unscathed. Later, in July, a Thai driver in Phatthalung drove his sedan into a home, severely injuring an elderly resident. Sadly, no alcohol test was conducted at that scene. A particularly tragic case unfolded in Songkhla within the same year. There, a seemingly drug-affected driver rammed into a roadside pavilion during a school activity, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to thirteen others, highlighting the severe consequences of such negligence. These unfortunate events underscore the pervasive issue of dangerous driving in Thailand. Legal authorities face a continuing challenge to curb such incidents through stricter regulation and enforcement, emphasising the need for heightened public awareness and responsibility on the roads. As investigations proceed, it remains vital for justice to be served swiftly to deter future occurrences and safeguard community safety, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-02-17

Motorway Mayhem: 12 Cars Crash in Bangkok-Chonburi Race Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV A car race on the Bangkok-Chonburi motorway ended in chaos as twelve vehicles were involved in a massive pile-up. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1352000-motorway-mayhem-12-cars-crash-in-bangkok-chonburi-race/

Picture courtesy: AMARIN TV A car race on the Bangkok-Chonburi motorway ended in chaos as twelve vehicles were involved in a massive pile-up. The crash occurred around 3:30 AM when modified cars, racing at high speeds, collided on the motorway. Thankfully, despite the scale of the accident, injuries were minor. According to Ronnachai Jaipet, a rescue worker from Sawang Prateep Sriracha, the crash took place near kilometre marker 91+800 in Sriracha, Chonburi. Picture courtesy: Amarin TV Emergency services arrived promptly, using hydraulic tools to rescue a man trapped in his car, who was then taken to hospital. The cars, reportedly heading towards Bangkok from Pattaya, started racing along the motorway before the incident. Authorities from the Highway Police are investigating, having documented the scene and intending to summon and question those involved, reported Amarin TV -- 2025-02-17

Fake Electricity Authority Call Center Scams Victim for 1 Million Baht Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In Sakhon Nakhon, a man was conned out of over 1 million baht by scammers pretending to be electricity officials. The perpetrators tricked him into clicking a link and facial scanning, causing his life savings to vanish. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351999-fake-electricity-authority-call-center-scams-victim-for-1-million-baht/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In Sakhon Nakhon, a man was conned out of over 1 million baht by scammers pretending to be electricity officials. The perpetrators tricked him into clicking a link and facial scanning, causing his life savings to vanish. On 12th February, a group posing as electricity board officials contacted the victim under the pretext of upgrading his meter to a digital one. Alone at home, he was convinced to follow their instructions, which included adding them on Line, video calling, and scanning his face three times while inputting his ATM details. Within moments of the scan, all money was extracted from his bank accounts, totalling approximately 1,146,651 baht. The situation was exacerbated as it coincided with a public holiday, Makha Bucha Day, delaying any immediate bank action. The victim’s daughter, Jiraphan, shared the ordeal online, urging public awareness. Despite reporting the incident to the Vanornivas police in Sakhon Nakhon, there’s uncertainty about the recovery of the stolen funds. The family highlights the bank's hesitance to freeze the accounts swiftly, emphasising the need for an official police document. This scam reflects a trend of fraudulent schemes preying on unsuspecting citizens. Victims and their families are calling for stricter protective measures from banks and law enforcement, reported Thai Rath. -- 2025-02-17

Burapa Bike Week: Bikers Parade Through Pattaya's Streets Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail On February 15th, a spectacular parade of bikers flooded through Pattaya Beach, energizing the city and marking the beginning of the 28th Burapa Pattaya Bike Week under the theme “The Way of Life Never War.” This annual celebration brings together motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life, promoting camaraderie, safety, and a shared passion for biking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351998-burapa-bike-week-bikers-parade-through-pattayas-streets/

Picture courtesy: Pattaya Mail On February 15th, a spectacular parade of bikers flooded through Pattaya Beach, energizing the city and marking the beginning of the 28th Burapa Pattaya Bike Week under the theme “The Way of Life Never War.” This annual celebration brings together motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life, promoting camaraderie, safety, and a shared passion for biking. The colourful convoy, comprising hundreds of bikers, took off from the Eastern National Sports Training Center on Soi Chaiyapruek 2. With engines roaring, the parade journeyed down Sukhumvit Road, carefully hugging the left lane, before turning onto North Pattaya Road. Riders enjoyed scenic vistas along Pattaya Beach, passing landmarks like the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel. Continuing through the iconic Walking Street, the bikers then cruised onto Thappraya Road towards the Machanu Intersection. A striking view of Jomtien Beach greeted them as they turned onto Ayakan Road (Na Jomtien), eventually looping back via Sukhumvit Road to their starting point. This grand procession not only celebrated the unifying spirit of the biker community but also aimed to boost Pattaya’s tourism sector and contribute positively to Thailand’s broader economy. By attracting niche tourism markets, the event underscores Pattaya's diverse travel offerings, from its vibrant nightlife to serene beaches. Besides the vibrant display of motorcycle culture, Burapa Bike Week emphasises safe riding practices, fostering a secure and positive environment for enthusiasts. The success of this parade reinforces Pattaya’s commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring that such events continue to attract visitors and create lasting memories while supporting the local economy, reported Pattaya Mail. -- 2025-02-17

Thailand Urged to Investigate Criminal Use of Satellite Internet Wikipedia file photo for reference only. A Thai parliament member has urged the government to establish a working group to investigate the potential criminal misuse of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. This comes amid concerns that call centre gangs operating on Thailand's borders might exploit satellite internet to sustain their illegal activities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351993-thailand-urged-to-investigate-criminal-use-of-satellite-internet/

Wikipedia file photo for reference only. A Thai parliament member has urged the government to establish a working group to investigate the potential criminal misuse of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. This comes amid concerns that call centre gangs operating on Thailand's borders might exploit satellite internet to sustain their illegal activities. The closure of ground-based telecom networks has been a primary strategy for disconnecting these gangs from internet access. However, Takorn Tantasith of the Thai Sang Thai Party warns that resilient satellite connections could undermine these efforts. He pointed specifically to networks operated by major satellite companies OneWeb and Starlink, both of which have expansive global coverage that includes Thailand. OneWeb's network consists of 648 satellites, while Starlink, known for its extensive deployment, operates around 6,000 satellites worldwide, serving continents and regions including North and South America, Europe, Australia, parts of Africa, and across Asia. Importantly, Starlink's use of Ka and Ku frequency bands facilitates robust internet connectivity via portable signal-receiving equipment. Takorn emphasized that even if terrestrial internet is severed, neighbouring countries could still exploit LEO satellite networks. As such, he called for an immediate governmental study into these satellite systems' potential impacts on national security and crime prevention efforts. Government efforts, which include cutting off electricity and internet in certain border zones and limiting oil sales, have been previously praised by Takorn. In fact, last year, Thai authorities, including the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry, confiscated 58 Starlink satellite equipment sets intended for use by fraudsters. Currently, there's a significant push to clamp down on such illicit satellite use, with the DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong noting that measures to disrupt illegal online activities have led criminals to modify their tactics. This includes removing unauthorised signal towers and cross-border communication cables to stay beneath the radar of law enforcement. This call to action signals the need for enhanced regulatory oversight and technological strategies to prevent criminal exploitation of satellite internet, ensuring the sustainability of Thailand's anti-crime initiatives along its borders, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-17

Government Unfazed by Calls for Dissolution Amid Charter Debate Thai Government house. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia The Pheu Thai-led government has dismissed opposition calls for a House dissolution following failed attempts to deliberate changes to the 2017 constitution. Opposition People's Party leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, urged dissolution after joint sittings collapsed last week due to a lack of quorum, highlighting perceived disunity within the coalition. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351992-government-unfazed-by-calls-for-dissolution-amid-charter-debate/

Thai Government house. File photo courtesy: Wikipedia The Pheu Thai-led government has dismissed opposition calls for a House dissolution following failed attempts to deliberate changes to the 2017 constitution. Opposition People's Party leader, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, urged dissolution after joint sittings collapsed last week due to a lack of quorum, highlighting perceived disunity within the coalition. Pheu Thai MP Sutin Klungsang countered that differing opinions are typical and do not signal instability within the coalition. "Despite the current impasse, it's business as usual, and Pheu Thai continues to effectively lead the government," he stated. Anusorn Iamsa-ard, another Pheu Thai list MP, supported this view, asserting that the government remains committed to serving its full four-year term. He dismissed the dissolution calls as an overreaction to rumours purported by the opposition. The quorum failures occurred during sessions intended to discuss amendments to Section 256 of the constitution, a key hurdle in the charter rewrite process. Opposition leader Natthaphong attributed these failures to coalition disunity, but Pheu Thai maintains it will move forward with its mandate. To resolve the stalemate, Pheu Thai plans to petition Thailand's Constitutional Court. They seek clarity on whether a public referendum is necessary before initiating the charter drafting process. The court’s new ruling is anticipated to guide the path forward, particularly given different interpretations of a 2021 court ruling on the matter. Government MPs remain divided over the need for a referendum, due to ambiguous language in the previous court ruling. Pheu Thai's legal team is actively preparing arguments to gain parliamentary support for a new court ruling, clarifying the process. This will potentially clear the way for further debate on charter rewrite bills submitted by both Pheu Thai and the People's Party. Pheu Thai's stance indicates steadfast confidence in their leadership and ability to navigate through the legislative challenges, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining both the coalition and their legislative agenda, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-17

Thai Court Approves Thaksin's ASEAN Trip to Brunei File photo courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's Criminal Court has granted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra permission to travel to Brunei to participate in ASEAN meetings on February 18-19. This marks the second occasion he has been allowed to leave Thailand recently, following his release on bail with a 5-million-baht surety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351990-thai-court-approves-thaksins-asean-trip-to-brunei/

File photo courtesy: Thai Rath Thailand's Criminal Court has granted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra permission to travel to Brunei to participate in ASEAN meetings on February 18-19. This marks the second occasion he has been allowed to leave Thailand recently, following his release on bail with a 5-million-baht surety. Thaksin will attend the meetings as an adviser to Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appointed Thaksin to informally advise on ASEAN matters, paving the way for his visit to Brunei. However, Thaksin's requests to extend his visit to include Vietnam and Cambodia during the same period were denied. The court cited the lack of formal invitations from the respective governments as a key reason for rejecting these additional travel requests. Under the terms of his bail, Thaksin is barred from leaving Thailand without explicit permission. He faces charges related to lese-majeste and computer crime, arising from an interview conducted in South Korea in 2015, with witness testimonies scheduled for July this year. The court's decision was reportedly influenced by an official invitation from Malaysia's Prime Minister arranged through Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This mirrors a previous trip facilitated for consultations with Mr. Anwar in Malaysia from February 2-3. Thaksin submitted his latest travel request on February 13, followed by a court hearing on Friday where both Thaksin and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa provided testimony. The court stipulated that Thaksin must report back within three days of his return to Thailand. The court declined Thaksin's request to visit Vietnam after he cited invitations from business associates rather than the Vietnamese government. A personal invitation from Cambodia's former Prime Minister Hun Sen was similarly deemed insufficient for court approval. These developments illustrate the stringent conditions surrounding Thaksin's bail and highlight the ongoing scrutiny of his activities as he navigates his legal and diplomatic engagements, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-17

Thai PM Paetongtarn Highlights Advantages of Recent China Visit Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing, China, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed optimism that her recent official visit to China will yield significant benefits for Thailand, particularly in terms of security and enhancing trade relations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351989-thai-pm-paetongtarn-highlights-advantages-of-recent-china-visit/

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Beijing, China, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Thailand's Government Spokesman Office via AP) Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed optimism that her recent official visit to China will yield significant benefits for Thailand, particularly in terms of security and enhancing trade relations. Speaking on her monthly television segment "Opportunities for Thailand with Prime Minister Paetongtarn" on NBT HD2, she elaborated on the outcomes of her trip, which took place from February 5-8 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations. During her visit, the Prime Minister engaged with prominent Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, National People's Congress chairman Zhao Leji, and Prime Minister Li Qiang. Discussions focused on strengthening the longtime friendship and exploring avenues of cooperation over the next half-century. Key topics included a gesture of goodwill involving the transfer of two giant pandas to Thailand and the construction of a royal archway to honour His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday. The Prime Minister also extended a warm invitation to Chinese tourists to experience Thailand's Songkran festival in April, emphasizing the Thai government's commitment to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all international visitors. Concerns regarding cross-border scams affecting Chinese nationals were raised, and both parties discussed strategies to curb scam syndicates and cybercrimes. President Xi commended Thailand’s efforts to combat these criminal activities and agreed to collaborate on forming a task force to intensify the crackdown. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will appoint a liaison to work closely with this task force to quickly address any arising issues. The Prime Minister further briefed President Xi on Thailand's ambitious first high-speed rail link project, which aims to connect Thailand and China through Laos. This development promises to cut logistics costs and unlock new business opportunities for farmers and small-to-medium enterprises. Encouraged by China's support, the Prime Minister pledged to expedite the project's progress. Additionally, China has shown considerable interest in Thailand's southern Land Bridge project, seeking further details from feasibility studies as they evaluate potential investments. These discussions suggest a promising future for increased Chinese economic involvement in Thailand. Overall, Prime Minister Paetongtarn's visit seems set to bolster bilateral ties, pave the way for new economic initiatives, and enhance safety and security cooperation between the two countries, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-02-17

Teenage Boy Cycles 100km to Be with His Grandparents Picture courtesy: Khaosod A 13-year-old boy named Pond embarked on an ambitious 100-kilometre bicycle journey to reunite with his grandparents in Ubon Ratchathani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351988-teenage-boy-cycles-100km-to-be-with-his-grandparents/