webfact

Parties or their members are behind political conflicts – NIDA Poll 52.60% of respondents to a NIDA Poll are most concerned that the current political situation may lead to a new round of political conflict in Thailand, while 71.91% believe that politicians, parties and political groups are involved in political conflict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320250-parties-or-their-members-are-behind-political-conflicts-–-nida-poll- /

52.60% of respondents to a NIDA Poll are most concerned that the current political situation may lead to a new round of political conflict in Thailand, while 71.91% believe that politicians, parties and political groups are involved in political conflict. 38.9% of the respondents are also concerned that political conflict will damage the Thai economy. NIDA Poll, by the National Institute of Development Administration, gauged the opinions of 1,310 people aged 18 and over, in various occupations, with a range of incomes and from different educational backgrounds between February 13th and 15th regarding domestic political conflicts. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-19 - 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

Move Forward party calls for equal justice for all The opposition Move Forward party has called for justice equality and an end to double standards, citing the privileges allegedly accorded to convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320249-move-forward-party-calls-for-equal-justice-for-all/

The opposition Move Forward party has called for justice equality and an end to double standards, citing the privileges allegedly accorded to convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In a statement issued following Thaksin’s release on parole this morning, after having spent 180 days at the Police General Hospital, the Move Forward party said that, despite Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s repeated assurances of his government’s adherence to the rule of law, the privileges accorded to Thaksin, from his treatment outside Corrections Department’s facilities to his parole, lack transparency and have raised significant concerns over double standards. The party also said, however, that it is undeniable that Thaksin was subjected to unfair treatment, as manifested by his overthrow in a military coup and by the judicial process, resulting in his convictions and sentencing. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-19 - 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 Srettha says he has no plan to meet with Thaksin yet Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today that he has no immediate plan to meet with convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but wishes him a happy reunion with his family following his release on parole from the Police General Hospital this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320248-pm-srettha-says-he-has-no-plan-to-meet-with-thaksin-yet/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today that he has no immediate plan to meet with convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, but wishes him a happy reunion with his family following his release on parole from the Police General Hospital this morning. He also said that he has not called Pheu Thai party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra to congratulate her on the release of her father, adding that he can speak to her when they meet. Anutin Charnvirakul Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also leader of the Bhumjaithai party, said that he will visit Thaksin when his health improves, because Thaksin used to be his boss. He dismissed speculation that, with the release of Thaksin on parole, the seat of power will move from Government House to the Ban Chan Song La Thaksin residence. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-19 - 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 19 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1320247-thailand-live-monday-19-february-2024/

Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole and returned to his family mansion, Ban Chan Song La, in Bangkok this morning. This marks the first time the media has caught a glimpse of him since his 180 days at the Police General Hospital. Thaksin freed on parole and returns to Ban Chan Song La residence Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320212-thaksin-freed-on-parole-and-returns-to-ban-chan-song-la-residence/

BREAKING - Sunday, 18 February Thaksin freed on parole and returns to Ban Chan Song La residence Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole and returned to his family mansion, Ban Chan Song La, in Bangkok this morning. This marks the first time the media has caught a glimpse of him since his 180 days at the Police General Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320212-thaksin-freed-on-parole-and-returns-to-ban-chan-song-la-residence/

Thaksin Shinawatra was released on parole and returned to his family mansion, Ban Chan Song La, in Bangkok this morning. This marks the first time the media has caught a glimpse of him since his 180 days at the Police General Hospital. At 06:09 am, Thaksin and Paetongtarn were seen together in a black van followed by a black security detail SUV. Thaksin wore a green face mask and a neck support. By 6:32 am, the van had arrived at the Chan Song La residence, where supporters and observers had gathered in front of his house. Police officers from Bang Phlat police station were deployed to help direct traffic in the neighborhood. Since last night, a large media crew and journalists have been stationed outside his home. This marks the first time in 180 days that he has left the hospital and appeared in front of the media. He neither returned to the correction facility nor spent a day in jail after returning to Thailand. Security at the Police General Hospital and Thaksin’s home has been tight all night. All cars going in and out of the hospital were checked as a group of so-called royalist Kor-Por-Tor gathered to observe the situation Source: Thai PBS 2024-02-18 - 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

Family leaps to safety from second-floor in Pathum Thani blaze by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A family of four made a harrowing escape from their burning home in the early hours of yesterday, as flames engulfed the property in Chalida Village, Pathum Thani province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320184-family-leaps-to-safety-from-second-floor-in-pathum-thani-blaze/

A family of four made a harrowing escape from their burning home in the early hours of yesterday, as flames engulfed the property in Chalida Village, Pathum Thani province. The incident, which occurred around 1.20am, forced the family to make a desperate leap from the second floor to avoid the rapidly spreading fire. The fire brigade, along with public disaster relief officials, volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, and local police, rushed to the scene with three fire engines. The house, a two-story townhouse at address 35/250, was ablaze when they arrived. Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames, successfully preventing them from spreading to adjacent houses. After about 30 minutes, the fire was under control, but the house was completely destroyed. The 34 year old mother of the family, Nanthana Wilaihok recounted the moment of the fire. She was asleep upstairs with her husband and two children when they were awakened by the air conditioning shutting down. Upon opening the bedroom door, she was met with a house full of smoke. Her husband quickly broke the security bars and the family jumped from the second floor to safety, with her son sustaining minor injuries, reported KhaoSod. Deputy Investigation Chief at Klong Luang Police Station, Sirot Naebnian, after examining the scene, recorded evidence for further investigation. The police forensic team is scheduled to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. In related news, a fire tore through a vast garbage pond in Soi Thung Klom-Tan Man near Pattaya on Monday evening. The Nong Prue Municipal Disaster Mitigation Center sprang into action following reports of the inferno around 10pm on Monday, February 12, prompting a swift response from municipal officials across the region. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-17 - 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

First challenge in 89 years to snooker’s gambling status in Thailand by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Playo The status of snooker as a Class B gambling game is set to be challenged for the first time in 89 years, as an agreement has been reached to propose its cancellation to the interior minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320182-first-challenge-in-89-years-to-snooker’s-gambling-status-in-thailand/

The status of snooker as a Class B gambling game is set to be challenged for the first time in 89 years, as an agreement has been reached to propose its cancellation to the interior minister. This initiative has garnered support from the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, the Interior Ministry, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), and the House Committee on Sports. This new development followed a recent meeting by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Sports where the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand was present. The discourse was centred around the proposal to expunge snooker from the list of Class B gambling activities as outlined in the Gambling Act 1935. Sunthorn Charumon, the Chairman of the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, shed light on the fact that snooker has been categorised as a gambling activity since 1935, despite SAT’s recognition of it as a sport in 1985. This recognition came as snooker made its way into several tournaments, including the SEA Games, the Asian Games, the Asian Snooker Championship, and the World Amateur Snooker Championship. “The gambling status of snooker has inadvertently placed restrictions on individuals under 20 years old, limiting their opportunities to sharpen their skills in the sport. This is in direct contradiction with SAT’s agenda of fostering more youth athletes.” During the meeting, the attending parties, namely the Interior Ministry, the SAT, the Billiard Sports Association of Thailand, and the House Committee, arrived at a consensus that snooker should be removed from the Gambling Act. They also concurred on forwarding a proposal for its removal to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, reported Bangkok Post. Parinya Roekrai, the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, has committed to delivering the proposal to Anutin. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Playo Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-17 - 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

Concerns over Khao Yai National Park land allocation plans by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of InThailand.Travel The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has strongly opposed the Agricultural Land Reform Office’s (ALRO) plan to allocate portions of Khao Yai National Park to farmers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320181-concerns-over-khao-yai-national-park-land-allocation-plans/

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has strongly opposed the Agricultural Land Reform Office’s (ALRO) plan to allocate portions of Khao Yai National Park to farmers. The authorities are concerned about the encroachment of agricultural practices into fertile forest zones. Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, the director of the National Parks Office, expressed grave concerns after learning that nearly 3,000 rai of land within the Khao Yai National Park, a world heritage site, has been marked for farming under the Sor Por Kor (agricultural land title deed) policy. Furthermore, over 500 rai of planted forests under the Department of Royal Forest’s purview has also been included in ALRO’s plan for Sor Por Kor 4-01 (agricultural land for the poor) rights. The initiative to plant forests is part of the government’s strategic plan to increase green spaces. “We have found that ALRO has prepared to announce Sor Por Kor land rights in many protected areas in the fertile forest, especially national parks in northern Thailand. This is our prime concern. We have lost too much already. We don’t want the case of Tab Lan National Park to happen again when 200,000 rai was turned into Sor Por Kor land.” The Department of National Parks was alerted by the local village chief about the allocation of almost 3,000 rai of land within Khao Yai National Park by the land reform office. This led to the department launching an investigation, confirming its ownership of the land. Parts of the land have already been converted into mango farms, and the forest officials are taking legal action against five farm workers for encroachment. The Mapping and Land Text Management Bureau of ALRO has marked 2,933 rai of land inside Khao Yai National Park for Sor Por Kor land allocation. Of this area, 972 rai has already been issued Sor Por Kor 4-01 rights to five individuals, who, according to Chaiwat, are neither farmers nor poor. The village chief further clarified that ALRO’s Sor Por Kor announcement does not mention the sizes and locations of land allocated to these individuals. He also emphasised that the area is a fertile forest where no agricultural activity is visible. Setting boundaries The forest department has removed the boundary markers installed by ALRO, cleared the mango trees, and removed the Sor Por Kor land signage from the area. Additionally, it has filed a complaint against ALRO’s offices, including the provincial ALRO chief, for legal misconduct, reported Bangkok Post. “Since the policy of the Sor Por Kor land for sale was approved, we have been afraid that similar cases will occur. Many forest areas have now become a main target for reallocation into Sor Por Kor lands.” The DNP director called upon civil society to closely monitor the situation, pointing out that the Office of the National Land Policy Board appears to have been granted absolute power. He also questioned ALRO’s transparency. Chaiwat highlighted that the value of the plots of land within Khao Yai National Park is approximately 30 million per rai, leading to questions about who will benefit from it and who is the actual owner of the land. by Mitch Connor Top Photo courtesy of InThailand.Travel Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-17 - 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

Dead Oarfish found in the seas off Phuket A rare deep-water Oarfish was caught in the net of a Thai trawler in the Andaman Sea, about 8 nautical miles from Phuket, on Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320180-dead-oarfish-found-in-the-seas-off-phuket/

A rare deep-water Oarfish was caught in the net of a Thai trawler in the Andaman Sea, about 8 nautical miles from Phuket, on Thursday. The fish, which is the second to be found in Thai waters, was already dead when it was hauled on board the trawler. It was, however, transferred to another boat bound for the fishing pier in Mueang district, because the trawler which caught it had yet to complete its fishing operations. On being informed of the find, the provincial fisheries chief, Sitthiphol Muangsong, and officials from the Phuket Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre went to the pier to investigate. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-17 - 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

Japanese pet shop owner arrested for smuggling fowl and fruit from Thailand by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A Japanese pet shop owner has been apprehended by local authorities in Tokyo for his alleged involvement in smuggling birds and mangosteen fruits into Japan from Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320178-japanese-pet-shop-owner-arrested-for-smuggling-fowl-and-fruit-from-thailand/

A Japanese pet shop owner has been apprehended by local authorities in Tokyo for his alleged involvement in smuggling birds and mangosteen fruits into Japan from Thailand. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) disclosed that the shop owner, Masayuki Sekiguchi, stands accused of violating both the infectious diseases control law and the plant quarantine law. His arrest on Wednesday left many bewildered by the accusations levelled against the seemingly harmless pet enthusiast. The 69 year old shop owner reportedly confessed to his actions, stating that he wanted to breed the birds as they were pretty and adorable, and brought the mangosteens as gifts because they taste good, according to police statements. However, his intentions were clouded by the illegality of his actions, as both the birds and the fruits were prohibited imports under Japanese law. The smuggling operation allegedly involved Sekiguchi transporting seven birds and 33 mangosteens concealed within a suitcase and tote bag during a flight from Thailand to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport last August. Among the birds were specimens of four different species, including the Pacific parrotlet, which requires explicit permission from the Japanese government for importation due to their potential role as carriers of avian influenza. Furthermore, the importation of mangosteens from Thailand is strictly regulated, with only those produced at designated farms and meeting government quality standards being permissible. The unauthorised fruits are barred due to the risk of harbouring pests, reported Bangkok Post. Customs officials uncovered the illicit cargo when they became suspicious of the weight of a cardboard box labelled as containing alcohol. Sekiguchi reportedly told customs that the birds could be thrown away if they were not allowed, underscoring the cavalier attitude towards his unlawful activities, as relayed by police sources. In related news, CISF personnel thwarted a smuggling attempt at Kempegowda International Airport, Karnataka, India, as a passenger who landed from Bangkok on an AirAsia flight tried to conceal a live cobra inside a bottle. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-17 - 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

Thai delegation, BRN hope to clinch peace deal by year-end By Thepchai Yong Chief of Thai peace delegation Chatchai Bangchuad (left) with head of BRN delegation Anas Abdulrahman and Malaysian facilitator Gen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin during a press conference after the latest round of peace talks in Kuala Lumpur on February 6-7. After 10 years of on-and-off dialogue, Thailand’s peace negotiators and representatives of the biggest separatist group in southern Thailand finally hope to be able to reach a peace agreement by the end of this year, according to the head of the Thai delegation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320177-thai-delegation-brn-hope-to-clinch-peace-deal-by-year-end/

After 10 years of on-and-off dialogue, Thailand’s peace negotiators and representatives of the biggest separatist group in southern Thailand finally hope to be able to reach a peace agreement by the end of this year, according to the head of the Thai delegation. Chatchai Bangchuad, deputy secretary general of the National Security Council, said the result of the latest session of peace dialogue hosted by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on February 6-7 gave him confidence that peace is returning to the troubled region. He confirmed in a recent interview with Thai PBS World that the Thai peace delegation and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN) are committed to reaching a peace agreement by December 31 this year. The timeframe is included in what is referred to as the final draft of a peace roadmap agreed upon by the two sides at the recent meeting. The peace plan, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan towards Peace (JCPP), lays out three stages leading to a peace agreement. They include cessation of violence, followed by public consultations and political solutions. Chatchai said he expected the Thai delegation and BRN to formally endorse the peace roadmap in March. By Thepchai Yong TOP Picture: Chief of Thai peace delegation Chatchai Bangchuad (left) with head of BRN delegation Anas Abdulrahman and Malaysian facilitator Gen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin during a press conference after the latest round of peace talks in Kuala Lumpur on February 6-7. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-17 - 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

Big Joke Dismisses Involvement In Money-Laundering, Online Gambling Charges By Thai Newsroom Reporters Deputy Police Chief Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn. Photo: Thai Rath DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn, nicknamed Big Joke, yesterday (Feb.16) dismissed allegations that he had been involved in money-laundering and running a gambling website. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320176-big-joke-dismisses-involvement-in-money-laundering-online-gambling-charges/

DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn, nicknamed Big Joke, yesterday (Feb.16) dismissed allegations that he had been involved in money-laundering and running a gambling website. The well-known deputy police chief admitted that as many as eight police officers under his command had been accused of alleged involvement in the money-laundering with huge profits from the gambling website, named Minnie, but categorically denied he himself had been so involved as well. However, some of those unnamed police officers suspected of involvement in the illegal online gambling had allegedly mentioned him as their mastermind. But Pol.Gen. Surachate said he has been groundlessly accused in a conspiracy hatched up among high-ranking police officers to keep him out of a race for promotion as police chief. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Deputy Police Chief Pol.Gen. Surachate Hakparn. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-17 - 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

Pakistani Arrested in Phuket for Using Thai ID Card By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A wanted Pakistani man was arrested in Phuket for using a Thai Identification card. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320172-pakistani-arrested-in-phuket-for-using-thai-id-card/