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For a few days during the first week of February, news headlines in Thailand included reports about ‘elephant pants’. Discussions ranged from trade competitiveness and intellectual property to Thailand’s attempts to increase its soft power. According to a London based fashion historian, pushing a fashion trend as an element of a country’s soft power raises questions about its origins. Promoting a fashion trend as an element of soft power is short sighted For fashion connoisseurs, ‘elephant pants’ could be seen as ‘harem pants’ making a comeback from the 1910s. The style, popularised by Paul Poiret, featured a party costume with ballooning pants fitted at the ankle. They are very similar to what we know today as part of the essential ‘tourist uniform’, worn with tank tops, t-shirts or matching loose shirts. “It’s great that this has become a global trend, but as a national policy to promote it as an element of soft power, I think it’s very short sighted of the government. In terms of fashion, you don’t own a fashion trend”, said Lupt Utama, a London based fashion historian and Emmy Award nominated costume designer. The use of elephant motifs is also not new. According to Lupt, “since the 15th and 16th centuries, elephants have been motifs on textiles. Exported Indian chintz, for example. Even now, they are made into fashion items, like Loewe in 2016, who produced this really cute elephant bag, and they’re copied worldwide by Zara. Even Jim Thompson produced this really cute shopping bag, so it’s nothing new”. In fact, elephant motifs are popular because of their origins shared by many cultures. “I think it is the cultural aspect that comes with it as well. As you know, elephants in Thai culture have lots of meaning, including longevity and wisdom. In India, and many other countries around southeast Asia, elephants also have symbolic meanings”, Lupt added. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-12 - 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

Royal Thai Air Force relinquishes Kantarat golf course for public projects by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thairath A recent decision by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) opened up new prospects for public project development. The RTAF consented to relinquish its Kantarat Golf Course, situated between the runways of Don Mueang Airport, for state project development, as revealed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319679-royal-thai-air-force-relinquishes-kantarat-golf-course-for-public-projects/

A recent decision by the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) opened up new prospects for public project development. The RTAF consented to relinquish its Kantarat Golf Course, situated between the runways of Don Mueang Airport, for state project development, as revealed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. In a social media post, the prime minister expressed gratitude towards the RTAFforce’s initiative towards the public interest. According to PM Srettha, he had a fruitful discussion with ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul, the air force’s commander-in-chief, concluding with several promising updates for the public. The 61 year old Thai PM detailed a collaborative plan between multiple parties and the RTAF to transition the ownership of the Kantarat Golf Course, colloquially known as Sanam Ngu (field full of snakes), from the RTAF to the government. This move aims to utilise the land for public welfare. Punpakdee offered to transfer the golf course in light of the government’s aviation upgrade plan, intending to expand Don Mueang Airport. The golf course’s unique position between the airport runways makes it a strategic asset, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thairath Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

Dark web leak reveals 19.7M older persons’ personal data by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash A dark web data leak has exposed the personal details of 19.7 million members of the Department of Older Persons (DOP) in Thailand, sparking the Thailand Consumers Council to prompt immediate action. The council has implored the DOP to enlighten its members about the potential risks they face and to devise strategies that will ensure the protection of their data. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319678-dark-web-leak-reveals-197m-older-persons’-personal-data/

A dark web data leak has exposed the personal details of 19.7 million members of the Department of Older Persons (DOP) in Thailand, sparking the Thailand Consumers Council to prompt immediate action. The council has implored the DOP to enlighten its members about the potential risks they face and to devise strategies that will ensure the protection of their data. Supinya Klangnarong, leading the Telecoms and ICT subcommittee of the Thailand Consumers Council, asserted yesterday, February 10, the necessity for the DOP to acknowledge the data leak and inform the affected individuals. This approach would allow them to brace for any impending risks. A report issued on January 22 by Resecurity, a private cybersecurity firm based in the US, unveiled 19,718,687 lines of personally identifiable information (PII). The exposed data featured names, addresses, phone numbers, ID numbers, emails, signatures, and ID card photos of Thai citizens, all available on the dark web. The DOP was identified as the source of the data leak. Supinya expressed deep concerns over the data breach. She pointed out the current predicament where delays in taking action and weak enforcement prevail, despite the existence of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). She also underscored the elderly’s limited knowledge about modern technology, suggesting that the government should create digital functions that cater to their needs, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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 prosecutors allege life-threatening harassment linked to gambling probe by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is currently investigating claims of life-threatening harassment against two of its senior prosecutors, allegedly committed by a group of police officers connected to major gambling operations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319677-thai-prosecutors-allege-life-threatening-harassment-linked-to-gambling-probe/

Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is currently investigating claims of life-threatening harassment against two of its senior prosecutors, allegedly committed by a group of police officers connected to major gambling operations. The distressing allegations were brought forward by Kulthanit Mongkolsawat, the chief of the OAG’s Investigation Office, and Suriyon Prabhasavat, a senior public prosecutor. The OAG spokesperson, Prayut Phetcharakhun, revealed yesterday, February 10, that the prosecutors’ plea was under consideration by the OAG. He also mentioned that the Deputy Police Chief, Thana Chuwong, had invited the OAG to assign staff to the police investigation team. An anticipative wait for the police’s verdict on these claims is now in effect, with a decision expected to be released next week, as stated by Prayut. On February 2, Kulthanit and Suriyon lodged their plea, claiming that they had been threatened during their work on a case. The case in question deals with online gambling websites purportedly linked to Suchanun “Minnie” Sucharitchinsri. The prosecutors were appointed by the OAG on November 2 to oversee the Thung Mahamek police’s conduct during the investigation, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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

Genetic link discovered between prehistoric Thai communities and modern ethnic groups by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Ancient human bones and teeth excavated from Iron Age Log Coffin sites in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province have revealed a genetic link between prehistoric communities and modern ethnic groups in the region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319676-genetic-link-discovered-between-prehistoric-thai-communities-and-modern-ethnic-groups/

Ancient human bones and teeth excavated from Iron Age Log Coffin sites in Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province have revealed a genetic link between prehistoric communities and modern ethnic groups in the region. The discovery follows a study led by Rasmi Shoocongdej, a lecturer at Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Archaeology, who has been exploring a prehistoric cave community in Mae Hong Son since 1998. Pang Mapha’s highlands, where the study took place, served as an ancient burial site. Here, the Log Coffin culture thrived, with large teak coffins dating back 1,000 to 2,300 years found across approximately 40 caves and rock shelters in the province, said Rasmi. “This research broadens our understanding of the cultural evolution of Log Coffin-associated sites. It uncovers the genetic ancestry profiles and interconnectedness of individuals from five Log Coffin culture sites.” by Mitch Connor Top Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-12 - 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 Red-Headed Vulture Chick Hatches In The Wild After Over 30 Years by TNR Staff Ming the female red-headed vulture with her egg that has now hatched. Photo: Thai Rath WILDLIFE officials were overjoyed at the arrival of the first red-headed vulture chick at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary after becoming extinct in the wild for over 30 years, Thai Rath newspaper said this morning (Feb. 10). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319675-first-red-headed-vulture-chick-hatches-in-the-wild-after-over-30-years/

WILDLIFE officials were overjoyed at the arrival of the first red-headed vulture chick at Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary after becoming extinct in the wild for over 30 years, Thai Rath newspaper said this morning (Feb. 10). Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, head of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said he got a report from Mr. Permsak Kanitchat, head of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province, on the success of restoring red-headed vulture population in the wild. A male red-headed vulture named “Pok” was brought from Korat Zoo to mate with “Ming” a female vulture of the same species that was already at this wildlife sanctuary. by TNR Staff Ming the female red-headed vulture with her egg that has now hatched. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-12 - 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

Prachuap Khiri Khan leads central Thailand in tourism revenue for 2023 By Online Reporter Tourists at Ao Manao beach during New Year. File photo Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has emerged as the top revenue earner from tourism in Thailand’s central region for the year 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319674-prachuap-khiri-khan-leads-central-thailand-in-tourism-revenue-for-2023/

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has emerged as the top revenue earner from tourism in Thailand’s central region for the year 2023. Deputy Governor Komkrit Charoenpatanasombat announced on Friday (Feb 9) that the province attracted 11,143,079 visitors throughout the year, marking a significant 14.31% increase over the previous year. This surge in tourism brought in a total revenue of 44,241 million baht, a substantial 34.72% jump from 2022. The breakdown of these figures reveals that the majority of the tourists, numbering 10,656,168, were domestic travelers, contributing 38,890.14 million baht to the total tourism revenue. By Online Reporter TOP: Tourists at Ao Manao beach during New Year. File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-02-12 - 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 Stands at the Brink of Dissolution By Thai Enquirer Political tensions in Thailand have escalated following a court ruling that could potentially lead to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party over charges stemming from its campaign to amend the country’s lèse majesté law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319673-move-forward-stands-at-the-brink-of-dissolution/

Political tensions in Thailand have escalated following a court ruling that could potentially lead to the dissolution of the Move Forward Party over charges stemming from its campaign to amend the country’s lèse majesté law. Political uncertainty in Thailand has heightened again. The Constitutional Court has ruled that the party’s actions to reform the country’s lèse majesté law amounted to an exercise to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. This has sent the Move Forward Party (MFP) — the top vote-getter in the 2023 general election with support from over 14 million voters — into a potential death spiral. At the core of this judicialised intervention is the ongoing struggle between the movement advocating for reform and the countermovement opposing changes to the kingdom’s lèse majesté law, Article 112 of the Thai Criminal Code. This law carries a sentence of three to fifteen years of imprisonment per count of defamation, insult, or threat to the king, queen, heir-apparent, or regent. The MFP had won the 2023 general election on a platform which included a proposal to amend the law. By Thai Enquirer Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2024-02-12 - 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 father returns to Thailand, pursuing 17-Year quest for daughter’s murderer File photo Yasuaki Kawashita, a Japanese man from Osaka, returned to Thailand today to demand answers from the Thai police regarding the unsolved murder of his then 27-year-old daughter during the Loy Krathong festival in Sukhothai province 17 years ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319672-japanese-father-returns-to-thailand-pursuing-17-year-quest-for-daughter’s-murderer/

Yasuaki Kawashita, a Japanese man from Osaka, returned to Thailand today to demand answers from the Thai police regarding the unsolved murder of his then 27-year-old daughter during the Loy Krathong festival in Sukhothai province 17 years ago. He is scheduled to revisit the spot in Sukhothai Historical Park where his daughter, Tomoko, was killed, something he has done almost every time he has returned to Thailand. File photo : Yasuaki Kawashita Tomoko’s throat was slashed and her body suffered knife wounds, Thai police said. Her body was found near Wat Saphan Hin in the Mueang district, lying next to the bicycle she had rented for sightseeing. Some of her belongings were missing, leading police to suspect that it was a robbery gone wrong. “She was stabbed when the attacker tried to rob her. She resisted and ran away, but then he caught her and slashed her throat with a knife,” a police officer said at the time. Top: file photo Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-12 - 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

Red flags flying on Krabi beaches as speed boat capsizes in rough seas Photo from ไทยโพสต์ Red flags are being flown along the beaches in the Hat Noppharat Tara Mo Ko Phi-Phi National Park, to warn tourists not to swim in the sea due to strong winds. A small speed boat, belonging to a naval officer, capsized at about noon today, about 300 metres from Hong Island, but all eight people on board are safe after being plucked from the sea by a tour boat from Phuket and being put ashore on Hong Island. It is reported that all eight people wore life vests. Mana Nualwan, the chief marine official in Krabi, said he had told all tourist boat operators to equip their boats with life-saving equipment and to ensure all the passengers wear life vests while on board. Meanwhile, in the southern province of Surat Thani, a British tourist is reported to have gone missing this afternoon while kayaking, after he fell into the reservoir behind Rajjaprabha (Cheow Lan) Dam in Ban Ta Khun district. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-12 - 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

Pita Suggests Plan B Be Applied In Lieu Of Digital Wallet Project By Thai Newsroom Reporters Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon and former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat together with some MPs visited Chinatown to mark Chinese New Year – Year of the Dragon. Photo: Matichon FORMER MOVE FORWARD leader Pita Limjaroenrat today (Feb.10) suggested the Pheu Thai-led government prepare and apply Plan B in place of the much-heralded, highly contentious digital wallet project. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319671-pita-suggests-plan-b-be-applied-in-lieu-of-digital-wallet-project/

FORMER MOVE FORWARD leader Pita Limjaroenrat today (Feb.10) suggested the Pheu Thai-led government prepare and apply Plan B in place of the much-heralded, highly contentious digital wallet project. Pita advised the government to put Plan B to work if the populist handout campaign, the implementation of which has already been postponed beyond May, finally fizzles out. Without elaborating, Pita said the bottom-up economics be applied to all parts of the country rather than the top-down approach which the government has apparently put forward. Since late last year, the national economy has slowed down despite an increase in foreign tourist arrivals whilst spending of the public sector and export volumes have declined, according to the former Move Forward leader. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Move Forward leader Chaithawat Tulathon and former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat together with some MPs visited Chinatown to mark Chinese New Year – Year of the Dragon. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-12 - 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

Boat Carrying Chinese Tourists Capsizes, All Safely Rescued by TNR Staff Chinese tourists and the boat’s crew members floating in the sea after the vessel capsized Feb. 11, 2024. Photo: Amarin TV A LONG-TAIL boat carrying seven Chinese tourists plus the vessel’s crew members capsized off Krabi today (Feb. 11) but fortunately all were safely rescued by a passing boat, Amarin TV said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319670-boat-carrying-chinese-tourists-capsizes-all-safely-rescued/

A LONG-TAIL boat carrying seven Chinese tourists plus the vessel’s crew members capsized off Krabi today (Feb. 11) but fortunately all were safely rescued by a passing boat, Amarin TV said. The accident occurred near Koh Lao Lading island, around 300 metres from Koh Hong with the two islands being part of Krabi’s Than Bok Khorani National Park. The long-tail boat capsized after being hit by high waves with the tourists and crew members struggling to stay afloat in the middle of the sea. by TNR Staff TOP: Chinese tourists and the boat’s crew members floating in the sea after the vessel capsized Feb. 11, 2024. Photo: Amarin TV Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-12 - 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

Beach Beds and Umbrellas Seen Back on Freedom Beach in Phuket Causes Controversy By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: MONSOONGARBAGE Phuket – Beach Bed Umbrella were found all over the Freedom Beach in Patong which is a nature and environment conservation area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319669-beach-beds-and-umbrellas-seen-back-on-freedom-beach-in-phuket-causes-controversy/

PHOTO: MONSOONGARBAGE Phuket – Beach Bed Umbrella were found all over the Freedom Beach in Patong which is a nature and environment conservation area. The Phuket Express noted that Freedom Beach has been listed as the 18th World’s Top Best Beach by the World Beach Guide 2023. This isn’t the first time beach beds and umbrellas have caused controversy, as we point out below. The Army Region 4 commander Lieutenant General Santi Sakuntanak inspected the beach last year. Freedom Beach has been clearly announced as a nature and environment conservation area. No one is allowed to do anything for personal benefit like set up buildings on the beach. The beach is locally known as ‘Mai Ngao’ Beach but Freedom Beach is famously known by foreign tourists. The beach is in the area of the Nak Kerd Mountain Reserve Forest in Karon. Freedom Beach was cleared of beach beds and umbrellas and structures after a full crackdown last year. Now for our update: Photos of beach bed umbrellas on the Freedom Beach were posted on the MONSOON GARBAGE Facebook page and went viral on social media last week. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-12 - 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

Patong Tuk Tuk Taxi Driver Fined after Foreign Passenger Seen Dancing on Roof – Video By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –A TuK Tuk taxi driver was fined after his foreign passenger was seen dancing on a roof in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319668-patong-tuk-tuk-taxi-driver-fined-after-foreign-passenger-seen-dancing-on-roof-–-video/