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Three farmers were struck by lightning while toiling on a farm in Huay Yai Phrom Community in Sri Racha district last Friday, February 9. According to the Sri Racha Police Station, the calamity unfolded around 5pm as an unexpected thunderstorm engulfed the area. The victims, identified as 45 year old Somchai, 40 year old Nongnuch and 18 year old Nattapong were tending to their vegetable harvest when tragedy struck. The bolt’s ferocity left the trio scorched and in a state of shock from the powerful surge. Locals swiftly sprang into action, rushing the injured farmers to Sri Racha Hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the severity of their injuries, the hospital provided a glimmer of hope, assuring concerned onlookers that the victims were in stable condition and on the path to recovery, reported Pattaya Mail. Authorities issued a warning in the wake of the shocking incident, urging the public to exercise extreme caution during thunderstorms. With lightning’s unpredictable nature posing a grave threat, they advised against outdoor activities and implored individuals to seek refuge in sturdy structures or vehicles. They cautioned against proximity to metal objects, trees, and water sources, underlining the paramount importance of safety amidst the storm. by Top Top Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Full story: [source name + source link] 2024-02-14 - 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

Chon Buri’s Wonnapha Beach makeover sparks online debate by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The renovation of Wonnapha Beach in Chon Buri province sparked significant debate among the online community. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319854-chon-buri’s-wonnapha-beach-makeover-sparks-online-debate/

The renovation of Wonnapha Beach in Chon Buri province sparked significant debate among the online community. The popular tourist destination, situated in the town of Saensuk, has undergone a facelift that has seen parts of its sandy stretch replaced with precast concrete slabs, resembling large tiles. This development has left little of the original beach visible, leading to a divided response on social media. Critics of the renovation argue that the new surface creates a slip hazard. Comments on the Bangsaen Facebook page reflect safety concerns. “Dangerous, get ready to slip.” Another suggests the need for maintenance staff to scrub away slippery algae. “We’ll have tourists slipping and getting injured continuously.” Conversely, some find the new look appealing, especially during low tide, when the water recedes to reveal the beauty of the revamped area. However, the issue of waste management also comes to light, with visitors urged to maintain cleanliness by properly disposing of their litter. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-14 - 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

British fraudster swaps UK for Thailand, leaves cops scratching heads by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Essex police A British fraudster swapped one resort town in England for another in Thailand to escape being charged with issuing fake driving licences in the UK, leaving the authorities puzzled about his whereabouts for over three years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319853-british-fraudster-swaps-uk-for-thailand-leaves-cops-scratching-heads/

A British fraudster swapped one resort town in England for another in Thailand to escape being charged with issuing fake driving licences in the UK, leaving the authorities puzzled about his whereabouts for over three years. Leon Childs, from Southend, found himself embroiled in a web of deceit when Paul Ridden, a 70 year old, allegedly confessed to peddling counterfeit driving licences for £1,500 each over a decade. Uncovering damning evidence during a search of Ridden’s abode, investigators stumbled upon a trove of incriminating materials: a transparent folder concealed beneath a bed containing eight bogus licence applications, and a notebook cataloguing clients’ names. Among them was Childs, operating under the alias James Luck. While Ridden admitted to his illicit activities spanning ten years, legal charges against him related specifically to actions since 2017. Found guilty of multiple offences including conspiracy to commit fraud and possession of criminal proceeds, Ridden faced the gavel of Ipswich Crown Court on February 9th, receiving a 15-month prison sentence. The 36 year old Childs, faced similar charges but eluded justice by absconding to Thailand in 2021, evading apprehension ever since. The court refrained from sentencing him in absentia. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Essex police Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-14 - 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

German tourist’s night out in Pattaya turns into nightmare by Top Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In the dim-lit streets of Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, chaos erupted as a German national found himself entangled in a brutal altercation with Go-Go bar thugs in the early hours of yesterday, leaving him nursing injuries to his left ear. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319851-german-tourist’s-night-out-in-pattaya-turns-into-nightmare/

In the dim-lit streets of Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, chaos erupted as a German national found himself entangled in a brutal altercation with Go-Go bar thugs in the early hours of yesterday, leaving him nursing injuries to his left ear. The 46 year old German tourist, Mike Groebiinghoff, accompanied by his Thai girlfriend, innocently sought a parking spot in front of the bar. However, their night took a menacing turn when a group of unruly Go-Go bar brutes callously seized the space, sparking fury in the German tourist. Despite persistent honks from the couple, the staff remained obstinate, refusing to vacate the area. What ensued was a heated exchange escalating swiftly into a violent confrontation, with Groebiinghoff at the receiving end of the Go-Go ruffians’ fury, aided by additional bar hoodlums. Distraught by the harrowing ordeal, Groebiinghoff wasted no time in seeking police intervention, reported Pattaya Mail. However, the path to justice hit a snag as initial investigations revealed that crucial CCTV footage from the scene mysteriously vanished, with the bar management citing technical glitches. Undeterred, authorities advised Groebiinghoff to file a formal complaint at the Pattaya City Police Station. by Top Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-14 - 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 Reaffirms Intention To Complete Full Term By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin reassured today (Feb.13) he has unfaltering intention to run the country throughout the Pheu Thai-led government’s four-year term during which, he said, the people’s welfare will be better. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319850-pm-reaffirms-intention-to-complete-full-term/

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin reassured today (Feb.13) he has unfaltering intention to run the country throughout the Pheu Thai-led government’s four-year term during which, he said, the people’s welfare will be better. The Pheu Thai-endorsed Srettha was apparently responding to sustained speculation that he might possibly be pressed to resign sooner or later and be replaced by somebody else among the leadership of the Pheu Thai-led coalition partners now that de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra is being released on parole. Srettha, known as personally associated with deposed prime minister/Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra who had quietly pushed for his rise to power following last year’s election, did not either confirm or deny speculation that he might possibly change his mind and finally bow out of the Pheu Thai-led government in face of mounting pressure from within the Thaksin-orchestrated core coalition partner. More or less speculated to succeed Srettha as head of government could possibly be Pheu Thai leader/Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Palang Pracharath leader Prawit Wongsuwan, partisan sources said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-14 - 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

Justice Minister Confirms Thaksin Has Been Granted Parole By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra with an image of his daughter and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra inset. Photo: Matichon DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-CUM-CONVICT Thaksin Shinawatra has already been granted parole, confirmed Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong today (Feb.13). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319821-thaksin-to-walk-free-from-prison-on-sunday/?do=findComment&comment=18692464

Justice Minister Confirms Thaksin Has Been Granted Parole By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra with an image of his daughter and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra inset. Photo: Matichon DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-CUM-CONVICT Thaksin Shinawatra has already been granted parole, confirmed Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong today (Feb.13). After spending half of his curtailed, one-year jail sentence accounting for a six-month period at Police Hospital since August, the de facto Pheu Thai boss is being released on parole among a total of 930 convicts, according to the justice minister. Thawee said Thaksin has been granted parole due to his being over 70 years old and having “critical illnesses”, albeit shrouded in secrecy from the public. The billionaire, politically powerful Thaksin is expected to return to his Chan Song Lah residence on the Thonburi side of the capital immediately after being released from Police Hospital where he has been staying for nearly six months now, according to Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of the de facto party boss. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-14 - 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 Wednesday 14 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1319849-thailand-live-wednesday-14-february-2024/

Cabinet Approves Extra Holiday for Songkran Festival BANGKOK (TNA) – The Cabinet has passed a resolution approving Friday, April 12, 2024, as an additional public holiday, creating a continuous holiday period of five days for Songkran Festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319829-cabinet-approves-extra-holiday-for-songkran-festival/

Thaksin to walk free from prison on Sunday Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be released this Sunday, as he is on the latest list of 930 prisoners granted parole, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319821-thaksin-to-walk-free-from-prison-on-sunday/

The proposed legislation that would ban recreational cannabis use in Thailand has been delayed by the government to gather further public feedback, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. PHOTO: MGRONLINE Thai Government Delays Proposed Recreational Cannabis Ban to Seek More Input Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319832-thai-government-delays-proposed-recreational-cannabis-ban-to-seek-more-input/

UPDATE: BMA proposes 50km/h speed limit on 40 roads in Bangkok by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to lodge a request with the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), advocating for the imposition of a 50 kilometres-per-hour speed limit on 40 roads in central Bangkok and key residential areas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319769-move-to-reduce-speed-limit-on-40-busy-bangkok-roads-to-50km-per-hour/?do=findComment&comment=18690851

BMA proposes 50km/h speed limit on 40 roads in Bangkok by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to lodge a request with the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), advocating for the imposition of a 50 kilometres-per-hour speed limit on 40 roads in central Bangkok and key residential areas. The move is primarily aimed at reducing traffic accidents and enhancing road safety, according to Thaiphat Tanasombatkul, the director-general of BMA’s Traffic and Transportation Department. The Traffic and Transportation Department, under the umbrella of the BMA, outlined policies and measures to bolster road safety. These strategies involve the application of relevant engineering expertise, the introduction of speed restrictions on roads that traverse communities and residential precincts, the prosecution of alcohol-impaired drivers, the initiation of public awareness campaigns on the perils of road accidents, and the repair of hazardous roads. In a collaborative effort with Chulalongkorn University, the BMA has evaluated the safety standards of the roads across Bangkok. This evaluation was based on the criteria outlined in the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP). Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-13 - 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

Revised regulation on meth pill possession is nothing new – Health Minister The Ministry of Public Health and the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) have defended a revised ministerial regulation which treats a person who possesses five meth pills, instead of 15, as a drug abuser who requires rehabilitation. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew said that the revised regulation is nothing new because it was enforced about 20 years ago, but was later amended to increase the number of meth pills, which would be considered possession for distribution, to 15, below which was for self-consumption. He explained that possessing even one meth tablet is illegal, but authorities want to separate the drug users from the drug traders, so that those who possess not more than 5 meth pills will be subject to rehabilitation if they develop psychiatric symptoms. If they do not have symptoms, they can voluntarily undergo rehabilitation, he said. The minister insisted that the government is determined to the tackle the drug problem within a year, by targeting both drug users and traffickers. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-13 - 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 to reassess recent reduction in meth penalties by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday that the government is open to reevaluating a recently announced policy which reduces penalties for individuals found with five or fewer methamphetamine pills. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319800-thailand-to-reassess-recent-reduction-in-meth-penalties/

Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin affirmed yesterday that the government is open to reevaluating a recently announced policy which reduces penalties for individuals found with five or fewer methamphetamine pills. This statement follows the public disapproval that has arisen in response to the law, signed by Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew on February 9, which determines that anyone found with five or fewer methamphetamine tablets will be considered a user rather than a dealer. The new possession limit has been met with significant criticism on social media, as many have argued that the quantity is excessive considering the country’s ongoing struggle with drug abuse. In response to the backlash, the 61 year old Thai PM has asked the public to remain patient and observe the policy’s effectiveness once it is applied. “People should not possess any quantity of drugs, no matter if it’s five pills or one pill, but we will have to try the new policy and see if it works” Prime Minister Srettha emphasized that the government is working relentlessly to address the drug issue as part of its national agenda. The current strategy involves enhanced efforts to curb drug smuggling across borders while promoting drug abuse rehabilitation. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-13 - 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

Digital love: 80% of Thais to swipe right on online Valentine’s gifts by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Lazada Philippines Facebook According to a recent study conducted by the YouGov analysis institute, sponsored by Visa, the go-to name in digital payments, 80% of Thais will be ordering their Valentine’s Day treats from the comfort of their screens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319799-digital-love-80-of-thais-to-swipe-right-on-online-valentine’s-gifts/

According to a recent study conducted by the YouGov analysis institute, sponsored by Visa, the go-to name in digital payments, 80% of Thais will be ordering their Valentine’s Day treats from the comfort of their screens. The research delved deep into the hearts and wallets of Thai consumers, uncovering fascinating insights into how lovebirds navigate the digital aisles in search of that perfect gift for their special someone. Surprisingly, it seems that communication remains key, with almost two-thirds (59%) of respondents opting for the direct approach, openly expressing their heart’s desires. But in a twist that could have come straight from a sci-fi romance, 27% are relying on the help of artificial intelligence (AI), using their partner’s smartphone to drop hints. Regarding where to shop for that token of affection, the digital realm reigns supreme, with 57% favouring online retailers and eCommerce platforms. Social media isn’t far behind, with a cheeky 20% planning to snap up gifts from social commerce outlets on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LINE. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Lazada Philippines Facebook Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-13 - 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 health ministry targets birth rate boost with new fertility strategies by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is set to introduce strategies designed to encourage artificial insemination and support those who wish to become parents, encompassing the LGBTQ community as well. The drive is part of an initiative to increase the country’s birth rate. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319797-thailand’s-health-ministry-targets-birth-rate-boost-with-new-fertility-strategies/

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is set to introduce strategies designed to encourage artificial insemination and support those who wish to become parents, encompassing the LGBTQ community as well. The drive is part of an initiative to increase the country’s birth rate. During a meeting with Jos Vandelaer, Thailand’s World Health Organisation representative, at Nakhonping Hospital, the Minister, Cholnan Srikaew, disclosed that the Department of Health (DoH) has been tasked with developing measures to enhance access to infertility treatments and preconception counselling. The DoH is to explore ways of optimising the provision of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services for those who require them. Cholnan also highlighted that a change in the law to permit single women and the LGBTQ community to access infertility treatment is being considered. He predicted that the amendment could be proposed as early as March, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-13 - 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 by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock

South Thailand: Volunteer killed, four injured in Thai insurgent ambush by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World In a tragic turn just days after peace negotiations resumed, a roadside explosion in the Janae district of Thailand’s Narathiwat province yesterday killed a defence volunteer and left four others with serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319795-south-thailand-volunteer-killed-four-injured-in-thai-insurgent-ambush/