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Bangkok—At 10:00 AM, on February 7th, 2024, Thai tourist police and relevant agencies performed an inspection at the Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, in preparation to facilitate incoming tourists. The police joined forces with the private sector and a representative from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand to prepare for incoming tourists at the Sanam Luang and Grand Palace areas following the Thai government’s Chinese New Year policy by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Yesterday, February 7th, the Thai police enacted pick-up and drop-off points, and information signboards in multiple languages for tourists at Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace respectively, according to Thai national media. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - 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

Govt Wants People to Reduce Incense Burning for Chinese New Year to Stop Air Pollution By Kittisak Phalaharn On February 7th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, gave a statement for the Chinese New Year Celebration from February 8th to the 10, emphasizing monitoring the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and burning of paper money. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319339-govt-wants-people-to-reduce-incense-burning-for-chinese-new-year-to-stop-air-pollution/

On February 7th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, gave a statement for the Chinese New Year Celebration from February 8th to the 10, emphasizing monitoring the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and burning of paper money. The Deputy Government Spokesperson publicly stated that the Thai government was concerned about the health problems from PM 2.5 smoke on a concerning level. To reduce small dust particles in the atmosphere and protect the environment, the Thai government asked to reduce the use of incense and to use electric incense instead. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - 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

Polish Man Arrested after Allegedly Stealing Over 10,000 Baht of Food and Drinks From a Supermarket in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai – A Polish man was arrested after he was caught allegedly stealing food and drinks costing 13,376 Baht at a supermarket in Rawai, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319338-polish-man-arrested-after-allegedly-stealing-over-10000-baht-of-food-and-drinks/

Rawai – A Polish man was arrested after he was caught allegedly stealing food and drinks costing 13,376 Baht at a supermarket in Rawai, Phuket. The Chalong Police told the Phuket Express that on Wednesday (February 7th) they arrested a 49-year-old Polish man at a supermarket in Rawai. Seized from him were an avocado (119 Baht), a bottle of honey (225 Baht), a bottle of beer (119 Baht), a bottle of olive oil (279 Baht), two bottles of whisky (9,999 Baht and 2,099 Baht), butter (254 Baht) and a tea box (282 Baht). Polish Man Arrested after Allegedly Stealing Over 10,000 Baht of Food and Drinks From a Supermarket in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-08 - 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

‘Pattaya Heat’ Action Thriller Debuts in Movie Theatres, Shot in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Major Group Pattaya —The big budget highly anticipated Thai action thriller, “Pattaya Heat: All Men Are Brothers,” is set to ignite the silver screen as it makes its debut on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319337-‘pattaya-heat’-action-thriller-debuts-in-movie-theatres-shot-in-pattaya/

Pattaya —The big budget highly anticipated Thai action thriller, “Pattaya Heat: All Men Are Brothers,” is set to ignite the silver screen as it makes its debut on Thursday, February 8th, 2024. The red carpet was rolled out on February 6th for a star-studded lineup of top Thai actors, artists, and renowned influencers, as they gathered to celebrate the launch of this groundbreaking movie at the ‘Gala Premiere’ event at Siam Paragon. Pattaya Heat is a gripping action thriller that delves into the so-called dark underbelly of the world-famous resort city. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Major Group Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-08 - 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 in Crisis: Population plummets by 500k in 4 Years by Joseph O' Connor Figures up to the end of 2023 showed Thailand’s population declined by 506,320 people in four years. The new data shows that the ageing crisis is here and is a key reason for declining growth rates in the Thai economy. It is still set to grow worse in coming decades. Thailand in crisis as population declined by over 500k over the last four years according to the latest data Thailand in Crisis: Population plummets by 500k in 4 Years. Economic growth stagnates as the ageing crisis looms. Social Security fund faces bankruptcy. Urgent government action and reappraisal is needed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319336-thailand-in-crisis-population-plummets-by-500k-in-4-years/

Figures up to the end of 2023 showed Thailand’s population declined by 506,320 people in four years. The new data shows that the ageing crisis is here and is a key reason for declining growth rates in the Thai economy. It is still set to grow worse in coming decades. Thailand in crisis as population declined by over 500k over the last four years according to the latest data Thailand in Crisis: Population plummets by 500k in 4 Years. Economic growth stagnates as the ageing crisis looms. Social Security fund faces bankruptcy. Urgent government action and reappraisal is needed. It is officially happening. Thailand’s population looks like it declined by over half a million people in the last four years. After that, things are set to get a whole lot worse. Certainly, this is a real crisis and the key factor behind the country’s lack of economic growth. In addition, it also leaves the government facing a plethora of new challenges. This crisis is not in the future, it is here and now as the kingdom presently loses 100,000 people each year. Shockingly, this figure is destined to balloon in size. Thailand, known for its vibrant culture and economic dynamism, especially in its service sector, is facing a bleak vista. The kingdom has now begun a profound demographic shift that threatens its social fabric and economic stability. The news is confirmed with the latest update on Thailand’s population at the end of 2023. It reveals a worrying trend of a decreasing population. In turn, this has broader implications for the country’s economic prospects. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-02-08 - 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 Won’t Be Held In Police Custody Upon Release On Parole: Lawyer By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Naewna DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra will legally be free of police custody upon his being released on parole later this month, said a prominent lawyer today (Feb.7). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319335-thaksin-won’t-be-held-in-police-custody-upon-release-on-parole-lawyer/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra will legally be free of police custody upon his being released on parole later this month, said a prominent lawyer today (Feb.7). According to Narinpong Jinapuck, head of the Lawyers Association of Thailand, the “untouchable” Thaksin is legally obliged to return home upon release on parole, speculated on Feb.18, and to not leave the country whilst he will still be legally considered a “convict”, albeit practically at large, as long as his one-year jail sentence, scheduled to end in August, is valid. A likely whereabouts for the billionaire, politically powerful Thaksin to stay after release on parole is his Chan Song Lah residence on the Thonburi side of the capital city. Neither can the police or public prosecutors hold the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict in custody anywhere pending a planned questioning of him on charge of violating the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Code, with verbal statements which he had made during his self-exile abroad, according to the association head. By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-02-08 - 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 Thursday 8 February 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1319334-thailand-live-thursday-8-february-2024/

Immigration Bureau Boosts Staff for New Year Rush BANGKOK (NNT) - The Immigration Bureau is gearing up for an expected surge in visitors arriving in Thailand for the Chinese New Year, particularly from February 8 to 14, with daily arrivals anticipated to hit 80,000. The preparation follows an incident on January 24 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where a technical glitch at the automatic biometrics immigration kiosks led to extended queues, as officers were required to manually check travel documents. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319251-immigration-bureau-boosts-staff-for-new-year-rush/

Thailand’s Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew say the a revised version of the Cannabis & Hemp Control Bill is set to be presented at next week’s cabinet meeting. The proposed bill maintains the stance that “cannabis is strictly for medical purposes” and explicitly prohibits any recreational use. Cannabis & Hemp Bill goes to Thai Cabinet next week Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319261-cannabis-hemp-bill-goes-to-thai-cabinet-next-week/

Coffins Placed at Concert to Prevent Brawl KAMPHAENG PHET, Feb 7 (TNA) – Coffins were placed in front of a concert stage at an annual temple fair following consecutive nights of intense youth clashes resulting in multiple injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319232-coffins-placed-at-concert-to-prevent-brawl/

KAMPHAENG PHET, Feb 7 (TNA) – Coffins were placed in front of a concert stage at an annual temple fair following consecutive nights of intense youth clashes resulting in multiple injuries. The tactic initiated by the deputy abbot of Wat Karuehabodisong is proved to be effective as there was no such incident on the last day of the event. The temple fair was held to allow devout disciples to pay respect the preserved body of the former abbot, Luangpu Wibunwachiratham, which has defied decomposition for more than 47 years. The deceased monk has been highly revered and his amulets are believed to offer protection for wearers. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-02-07 - 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 to press ahead with amending Article 112 – but within limits imposed by court Move Forward Party’s Spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu speaking to Thepchai Yong in an interview for “Talking Politics” programme on Monday. The Move Forward Party has not abandoned its endeavor to have the lese majeste law amended but its spokesman admitted that it will have to work within the bounds set by the Constitutional Court which last week ruled that it constituted an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319231-move-forward-to-press-ahead-with-amending-article-112-–-but-within-limits-imposed-by-court/

The Move Forward Party has not abandoned its endeavor to have the lese majeste law amended but its spokesman admitted that it will have to work within the bounds set by the Constitutional Court which last week ruled that it constituted an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. Speaking to Thai PBS World in an interview on Monday, Move Forward Spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu said the court ruling has far-reaching ramifications on Thailand’s democracy. “I think what immediately struck us was that this ruling is not only going to have implications on the short-term fate of Move Forward Party and its MPs, but it might have a more sustained or long-term effect or set of implications on the status and health as well as direction of Thailand’s democracy and Thailand’s political system,” he said. PICTURE: Move Forward Party’s Spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu speaking to Thepchai Yong in an interview for “Talking Politics” programme on Monday. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-07 - 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 Parit refuted charges that the Move Forward’s advocacy for Article 112 to be amended was tantamount to an attempt to overthrow the country’s democratic system with the King as the head of state as ruled by the court.

Cannabis & Hemp Control Bill heads to Cabinet, Thaksin's parole - Tim Newton Today - Feb 7 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319230-cannabis-hemp-control-bill-heads-to-cabinet-thaksins-parole-tim-newton-today-feb-7/

Thailand news - A Cannabis & Hemp Control Bill heads to the Thai cabinet next Tuesday in a major back-peddle from the 'decriminalisation' announcement by the previous public health minister. Mass tourism is causing problems for tour operators and tourists at Phi Leh Lagoon and Maya Bay, Thaksin will due for a compassionate parole in 2 weeks, and the bombing of a school in Myanmar is just another in the long list of indiscriminate violence against their own citizens. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thailand to merge ID and disability cards for streamlined support by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), announced plans to merge identification (ID) and disability cards as part of an effort to streamline support for disabled individuals. The disability allowance includes those who are incarcerated. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319229-thailand-to-merge-id-and-disability-cards-for-streamlined-support/

Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), announced plans to merge identification (ID) and disability cards as part of an effort to streamline support for disabled individuals. The disability allowance includes those who are incarcerated. The minister’s declaration was in response to the story of Monthon Phetsang, a 48 year old disabled man who embarked on a 400-kilometre journey on his hand-powered tricycle from Sukhothai to Bangkok, in a bid to claim his disability benefits. Monthon, who has been registered as disabled since 2015, initiated this trip three weeks ago and is currently in the province of Ayutthaya. Despite being eligible for a monthly allowance of 800 baht, Monthon reported that he had not received any payments since 2020. After losing his ID documents in a flood, he was advised by officials in Sukhothai to approach the Comptroller General’s Department (CGD) in Bangkok to verify his disability and reinstate his monthly allowance. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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

Reckless driver’s wrong-way sedan smash-up leaves one dead (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online A reckless Thai driver killed a man and injured others when he drove his sedan against the traffic flow in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, colliding with a pickup truck. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319227-reckless-driver’s-wrong-way-sedan-smash-up-leaves-one-dead-video/

A reckless Thai driver killed a man and injured others when he drove his sedan against the traffic flow in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, colliding with a pickup truck. Pak Kret Police Station officers and Poh Teck Tung Rescue Foundation rushed to the accident scene on the Khlong Prapa Overpass in the Pakkret district of Nonthaburi province at about 5.20am yesterday, February 6. Three damaged cars were found, including a black Toyota Vios sedan, a silver bronze Toyota Vios sedan, and a golden bronze Toyota Hilux Vigo pickup. The driver of the black sedan, 32 year old Chayothorn Jaroenphong, was injured and transferred to hospital. The driver of the golden bronze pickup, 25 year old Phurit Jitard, escaped unhurt. The driver of the silver-bronze sedan, 34 year old Suthanon Chuenthotsaphonchai, was trapped inside the damaged car. Officers managed to free him, and immediately administered CPR, but were unable to save his life. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-07 - 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

Interior Ministry Initiates Draft Gun Amnesty Regulations by Naark Rojanasuvan BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Interior has assigned the Department of Provincial Administration to draft an emergency decree, which fundamentally allows for the return of firearms within a specified timeframe, with the owners of such firearms not facing any legal repercussions, following the directive from the Prime Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319223-interior-ministry-initiates-draft-gun-amnesty-regulations/