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More incentives for growers not to burn sugarcane before harvesting Thailand’s Cane and Sugar Board will propose that the government increases the incentives for sugarcane growers not to burn it before harvesting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320822-more-incentives-for-growers-not-to-burn-sugarcane-before-harvesting/

Thailand’s Cane and Sugar Board will propose that the government increases the incentives for sugarcane growers not to burn it before harvesting. Virit Viseshsindhu, secretary-general of the board, said that the current price difference between fresh and burned sugarcane, even allowing for the “no burn” subsidy, is not enough to persuade many growers to refrain from burning, which makes the cane easier to cut. Sugar milling for the 2023-24 crop year began on December 10th and ended on February 22nd. About 70.23 million tonnes of sugarcane are projected to be milled this year. Of these, 50.08 million tonnes were fresh cane and the rest were burned. According to the board, hot spots in sugarcane cultivation areas in 47 provinces accounted for only 5.98% of the 37,464 so far detected in the country. Nakhon Ratchasima registered the highest amount of burned cane, at 2.4 million tonnes, followed by 1.8 million tonnes in Phetchabun, 1.7 million tonnes in Udon Thani, 1.6 million tonnes in Kalasin and 1.5 million tonnes in Khon Kaen. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chiang Mai Forest Fire Spreading Fiercely After Raging For 2 Days by TNR Staff The forest fire raging at Chiang Mai’s Ob Luang National Park. Photo: TV Channel 7 A HUGE forest fire at Chiang Mai’s Ob Luang National Park is spreading widely after officials failed to extinguish it for two days due to difficult access with villagers who secretly started small fires to gather forest products to blame, TV Channel 7 said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320821-chiang-mai-forest-fire-spreading-fiercely-after-raging-for-2-days/

by TNR Staff The forest fire raging at Chiang Mai’s Ob Luang National Park. Photo: TV Channel 7 A HUGE forest fire at Chiang Mai’s Ob Luang National Park is spreading widely after officials failed to extinguish it for two days due to difficult access with villagers who secretly started small fires to gather forest products to blame, TV Channel 7 said today (Feb. 25). The forest fire is mainly spreading in Pha Dam area of this national park next to Road 108 that links Chiang Mai’s Hot district to Mae Hong Son’s Mae Sariang district with one mountain covered with flames and clearly visible from the road at night. Mr. Suparerk Lertlucksirikul, head of Ob Luang National Park, said the area where the fire is raging, Pha Dam, is difficult to reach with the cliffs being steep which led to the blaze spreading quickly. by TNR Staff TOP: The forest fire raging at Chiang Mai’s Ob Luang National Park. Photo: TV Channel 7 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Most People Disagree To Parole Granted To Thaksin: NIDA Poll By Thai Newsroom Reporters File photos of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Credit: Thai Rath MOST PEOPLE DISAGREE TO the granting of parole for de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra last week, says the NIDA Poll today (Feb.25). FFull story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320820-most-people-disagree-to-parole-granted-to-thaksin-nida-poll/

MOST PEOPLE DISAGREE TO the granting of parole for de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra last week, says the NIDA Poll today (Feb.25). According to the opinion poll recently conducted among a total of 1,310 people from all walks of life in all regions of the country, 59% of the respondents say they disagree to the parole granted by the Corrections Department to the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict who had roughly spent half of his curtailed, one-year sentence for convicted misconduct at a hospital in lieu of a prison under an excuse of mystery-shrouded “critical illnesses.” That compared to 37% of the respondents who say they agree to the parole granted to the allegedly powerful, privileged Thaksin who has returned to his Chan Song Lah residence wearing soft splints around his neck and right arm. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: File photos of de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Credit: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Paetongtarn To Visit Phnom Penh Next Month By Thai Newsroom Reporters A photo published by Khmer Times showing former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, left, and Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, with the letter she sent accepting his invitation to visit Cambodia in between. PHEU THAI LEADER PAETONGTARN Shinawatra has accepted an invitation from former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen to pay an informal visit to Phnom Penh next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320819-paetongtarn-to-visit-phnom-penh-next-month/

PHEU THAI LEADER PAETONGTARN Shinawatra has accepted an invitation from former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen to pay an informal visit to Phnom Penh next month. The Cambodian People’s Party posted on its Facebook page to confirm Paetongtarn, daughter of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra, will lead a group of executive officials of the ruling Thai party to Cambodia on March 18 and 19. The invitation has been finally accepted though the earlier-scheduled trip has been put off from March 14 and 15. Hun Sen extended his invitation for Paetongtarn’s return visit during his informal visit to her father at Chan Song Lah residence on Wednesday, apparently making him the first guest of the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict who was granted parole last week. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: A photo published by Khmer Times showing former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen, left, and Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, with the letter she sent accepting his invitation to visit Cambodia in between. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM visits Thaksin at home in his Ban Chan Song La residence Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a private visit to former prime minister and prison parolee Thaksin Shinawatra at his Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi on Saturday morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320818-pm-visits-thaksin-at-home-in-his-ban-chan-song-la-residence/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin paid a private visit to former prime minister and prison parolee Thaksin Shinawatra at his Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi on Saturday morning. He was seen arriving in a brand new “sonic titanium” Lexus LM350H Executive 4-seater prime ministerial staff car. He lowered the window to “wai” reporters and photographers gathered in front of the residence, without giving an interview. He is the first high-ranking Thai government official to visit Thaksin since he was released on parole from the Police General Hospital on February 18th. The first VIP to visit Thaksin was former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen. Full story: Thai BPS 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin to have significant role in Pheu Thai ruling party – Poll In an opinion poll, released today, most respondents (50.38%) say they believe that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now on parole, will have advisory political roles in the Pheu Thai party and 26% anticipate that this will significantly reduce the party’s popularity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320817-thaksin-to-have-significant-role-in-pheu-thai-ruling-party-–-poll/

In an opinion poll, released today, most respondents (50.38%) say they believe that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now on parole, will have advisory political roles in the Pheu Thai party and 26% anticipate that this will significantly reduce the party’s popularity. The opinion poll on the Corrections Department’s power and politics, taken since Thaksin’s release last Sunday, was conducted by telephone by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) from February 20th to 22nd. 1,310 respondents aged over 18 throughout the country responded. Most respondents believe that dissatisfaction over Thaksin’s release on parole, subsequent to his conviction on corruption charges, will not lead to street demonstrations. Regarding the power of the Corrections Department, most respondents (40%) disagree with its authority to either reduce sentences for or grant parole to prisoners convicted in Court. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Power Bank Explosion Causes Panic on AirAsia Flight Terrifying moment power bank explodes on plane - sending flames and smoke through cabin and sparking mid-air passenger panic on AirAsia flight in Thailand By GINA KALSI Those onboard rushed out of their seats and flocked to the other side of the aircraft, with some clutching their children This is the terrifying moment a power bank exploded on an AirAsia flight mid-air, sending passengers into panic. The plane was flying from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south of the country when flames and smoke were seen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320816-power-bank-explosion-causes-panic-on-airasia-flight/

Thai AirAsia Plane Lands Safely After Power Bank Explodes by TNR Staff The cabin of Thai AirAsia flight from Don Mueang Airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat is filled with smoke after a power bank exploded. Photo: Matichon ALL 186 passengers and crew of Thai AirAsia flight FD3188 heading from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat at 7.20 a.m. this morning (Feb. 24) were unharmed and the plane landed safely at the destination after a power bank exploded, Matichon newspaper quoted TV Channel 3 as saying. On this flight was Sub. Lt. Sayan Srimai, an assistant reporter of this TV channel and a reporter of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Press Association, and his wife. He said that there was chaos in the cabin after the device exploded around 30 minutes after takeoff. Smoke rose in the middle of the cabin from row 15, which was directly in front of the reporter, shocking all the passengers. The flight crew were able to extinguish the fire in two minutes and the blast did not affect the rest of the journey with the plane landing safely at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport. The passenger who carried the power bank to the plane said he and his family, totaling seven to eight members, were going to Nakhon Si Thammarat for a three-day holiday. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cell phone power bank fire on Thai Air Asia flight extinguished quickly A passenger’s cell phone power bank, in their carry-on luggage, caught fire during a Thai Air Asia flight this morning, but the fire was quickly put out by the crew. Thai Air Asia said in a statement that the incident took place on flight FD3188, from Don Mueang airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat province at 7.20am this morning. Smoke was seen emanating from the overhead luggage compartment, but the crew quickly used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. The flight, its passengers and crew all landed safely, the statement said. Thai Air Asia thanked the passengers who alerted the crew and helped in extinguishing the fire. The airline also warned passengers to check their reserve batteries or power banks, to make sure that they meet the required quality specifications, adding that no spare batteries or power banks can be loaded in their hold luggage and must be kept in their carry-on bags only. Source: Thai PBS 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

This is the terrifying moment a power bank exploded on an AirAsia flight mid-air, sending passengers into panic. The plane was flying from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south of the country when flames and smoke were seen. Shocked cabin crew rushed to the middle row of the Airbus A320 to extinguish the flames, as nervous customers watched on. Those onboard rushed out of their seats and flocked to the other side of the aircraft, with some clutching their children. As fumes filled the cabin, passengers frantically moved their belongings away from the flames. Others rushed to go and get bottled water in an attempt to put out the fire. Sayan Srimai, who recorded the video, said: 'The whole plane was in a state of chaos. 'We had been sitting for about 30 minutes when suddenly there was a fire burning and smoke rising in the middle of the plane, in row 15. 'Passengers were extremely shocked. The crew were excellent and it only took them two minutes to put out the fire.' The eruption left one of the leather seats burnt and charred and the plane landed on time. Nobody was injured in the incident. Technicians boarded the vehicle to check the damage and found black burn marks on the seat. They told passengers that a power bank had been stored in the seat pouch but it exploded during the flight. By GINA KALSI Picture: Those onboard rushed out of their seats and flocked to the other side of the aircraft, with some clutching their children Full story: Daily Mail 2024-02-26 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 26 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1320815-thailand-live-monday-26-february-2024/

A Moroccan national was arrested for the murder of an Austrian DJ on Koh Pha-ngan. The suspect, 37 year old Anas Rakib stands accused in connection with the brutal murder of Austrian DJ Max Hartl in Surat Thani province. Moroccan arrested for murder of Austrian DJ on Koh Pha-ngan by Puntid Tantivangphaisal | Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320796-moroccan-arrested-for-murder-of-austrian-dj-on-koh-pha-ngan/

A Moroccan national was arrested for the murder of an Austrian DJ on Koh Pha-ngan yesterday. The suspect, 37 year old Anas Rakib stands accused in connection with the brutal murder of Austrian DJ Max Hartl in Surat Thani province. Hartl’s lifeless body was discovered on Thursday, February 22, a grim sight beside a quiet roadside, his features marred by severe blunt force trauma. Eyewitnesses pointed fingers at Rakib, alleging he was the last individual seen with the victim before his untimely demise. The suspect’s identity emerged swiftly, casting a shadow of suspicion over what had once been a friendship between him and the 42 year old DJ. Hartl’s grieving sister, Martina Shelley, revealed to authorities that her brother had spent years spinning tunes at a local food joint, his vibrant presence a fixture on the island’s nightlife scene. However, beneath the surface of revelry, lies a tale of potential discord and disagreement, hinted at by Shelley’s suspicions of a fatal altercation amongst Hartl and his circle of friends, reported The Nation. Deputy Chief of Surat Thani police, Police Colonel Sirichai Suksart, revealed chilling details emerging from Rakib’s interrogation. Rakib admitted to a quarrel with Hartl, culminating in a shocking confession. As the truth unfolded, it became clear that what began as a night of camaraderie had escalated into a deadly confrontation. In related news, a Thai man in Chachoengsao admitted to the brutal murder of his wife after her remains were found in a rubber plantation. Initially reporting her missing, the 33 year old man later disclosed the violent altercation that led to him taking his 27 year old wife’s life on Tuesday, February 20, and attempting to conceal the crime by burning her body in Prachinburi province. In other news, police are accelerating their search for a suspect vehicle in connection with the brutal murder of a woman, whose charred remains were discovered in a tyre at a dumpsite in Khon Kaen’s Waeng Noi district. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-25 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Charcoal smoke engulf Phetchabun village causing health hazards by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Residents of a Phetchabun village are in distress due to the pervasive smoke from charcoal production, causing health hazards. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320734-charcoal-smoke-engulf-phetchabun-village-causing-health-hazards/

Residents of a Phetchabun village are in distress due to the pervasive smoke from charcoal production, causing health hazards. Amid picturesque winter fog-like scenes captured in images, lies a dire situation for the villagers of Moo 10, Phadaeng, who find themselves unable to breathe easily due to the thick smoke from numerous charcoal burners operating in the area. The issue, primarily occurring at night and continuing until morning, has sparked complaints and calls for urgent action. Nisachol Sathity, a resident of Moo 10 in the Salalai sub-district of the Chon Daen district, shared her plight on Facebook, expressing the community’s suffering. She highlighted the sleepless nights, sore throats, and the incessant crying of children unable to sleep due to the smoke. Her post, accompanied by drone images of the village shrouded in smoke, urged relevant authorities to address the problem. The charcoal burning in the village is not for household use but is a commercial industry, with charcoal being sold and distributed on a larger scale. This has significantly increased the amount of smoke and odor, severely affecting nearby residents, especially during the night. The smoke, which tends to hover low, has made it impossible for villagers to leave their windows open, exacerbating the situation. Health implications are substantial, with the smoke affecting the respiratory system and causing irritation in the nasal passages and chest. The pervasive smell permeates homes, lingering on bedding and clothing, and remains trapped inside houses, even those with well-sealed ceilings. Attempts to mitigate the issue, such as purchasing air purifiers, have proved ineffective as the smoke continues to envelop the exterior of the homes throughout the night, reported KhaoSod. Locals have reported the issue to local authorities, who have responded by instructing the charcoal producers to erect black nets around the burners; however, these measures have failed to prevent the smoke and odour from spreading. The community’s plea to the provincial environmental authorities is for a thorough examination and solution to the issue, as the long-term health consequences for the village’s future generations are a significant concern. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-24 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s state railway to construct three new double-track routes by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is advancing with plans to construct three double-track railroad routes that will span a total of 634 kilometres. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320731-thailand’s-state-railway-to-construct-three-new-double-track-routes/

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is advancing with plans to construct three double-track railroad routes that will span a total of 634 kilometres. The project, which will require a combined investment of 113.14 billion baht, has been approved by the SRT board and is due to be submitted to the Transport Ministry later this month. SRT governor Nirut Maneepan announced the three projected routes, which form part of the second phase of the double-track rail network. These include the 281-kilometre Pak Nam Pho-Denchai route, with an estimated cost of 81.14 billion baht, the 308-kilometre Jira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani route (44.1 billion baht), and the 45-kilometre Hat Yai-Padang Besar route, costing 7.9 billion baht. Nirut confirmed that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, crucial for the construction works, have been approved by the National Environment Board. These projects can be launched as soon as they receive Cabinet approval. The EIA reports, cleared a few years prior, remain valid and are yet to expire. The Pak Nam Pho-Denchai route, as detailed by the SRT governor, will consist of a 235-kilometre ground level section, a 40-kilometre elevated section, and a 5.22-kilometre tunnel. It will include 36 stations and three container yards (CY), with approximately 1,089 rai of land set to be expropriated for construction. The Jira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani route will feature a 292.6-kilometre ground level section and three elevated sections covering 15 kilometres, with a total of 35 stations. Infrastructure such as overpasses, underpasses, and wildlife crossings will be introduced to minimize disruption to local communities, with about 43 rai of land to be expropriated for the project. The Hat Yai-Padang Besar route will include a 44.5-kilometre ground level section and two elevated sections spanning 4.6 kilometres, with a total of three stations. About 21 rai of land will be expropriated for this project, reported Bangkok Post. According to Nirut, the second phase project will comprise seven routes in total. The first of these, the 167-kilometre Khon Kaen-Nong Khai route, has already been approved by the Cabinet and cost 29.74 billion baht. The drafting of the terms of reference (ToR) is expected to be completed next month. The remaining projects, worth 149.59 billion baht, include the 168-kilometre Chumphon-Surat Thani route, the 324-kilometre Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla route, and the 189-kilometre Denchai-Chiang Mai route. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-24 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

19-Year-Old Drowns in Pond While Looking for Clams By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A 19-year-old man drowned in a pond in Pattaya while searching for clams with his intoxicated dad. Ful story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320729-19-year-old-drowns-in-pond-while-looking-for-clams/

Pattaya — A 19-year-old man drowned in a pond in Pattaya while searching for clams with his intoxicated dad. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, February 21st, when a 19-year-old Thai man, only identified as Mr. Tao, drowned in a pond located in Soi Mab Song, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Nongprue police and rescue workers rushed to the scene to find a crowd of concerned residents gathered around the pond. Witnesses recounted that Mr. Tao had entered the water to collect shellfish but had vanished beneath the surface moments later. Divers plunged into the murky water, and their search culminated in the heartbreaking discovery of Mr. Tao’s body submerged in the mud. No signs of physical harm were found on his body. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-24 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe