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Operation Launched to Remove Invasive Fish from Rivers by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has launched a campaign to eradicate the invasive blackchin tilapia from the Tha Chin River and its connected water bodies in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan, and Phetchaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319002-operation-launched-to-remove-invasive-fish-from-rivers/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has launched a campaign to eradicate the invasive blackchin tilapia from the Tha Chin River and its connected water bodies in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan, and Phetchaburi. The operation, spearheaded by the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, seeks to restore the ecological balance by removing this non-native species, which poses a significant threat to local fish populations and the broader aquatic ecosystem. To achieve this, fishermen in the affected regions will employ specially designed push nets, approved by Agriculture Minister Captain Thammanat Prompow, for use in 23 designated areas for a year to disrupt the breeding cycle of the blackchin tilapia. Provincial fishery offices have also been tasked with monitoring the species' numbers to evaluate the campaign's effectiveness and decide on further actions. In addition to the removal efforts, the ministry plans to release 60,000 latidae, a type of native perch-like fish, to help replenish the natural fish population in these waters. Captain Thammanat is scheduled to discuss potential markets for the captured blackchin tilapia and a plan to turn the catch into a source for fertilizer with the Fishmeal Producers Association of Thailand in the coming weeks. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-02-05 - 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

Bangkok to Revamp Bus Numbers After Complaints by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Transport Ministry is revising its recently updated bus route numbers due to feedback from disgruntled passengers who found the changes confusing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319001-bangkok-to-revamp-bus-numbers-after-complaints/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Transport Ministry is revising its recently updated bus route numbers due to feedback from disgruntled passengers who found the changes confusing. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the revision would eliminate the dash between zone and route numbers to simplify the system for commuters. The move comes in the wake of alterations made to bus routes in Greater Bangkok last month as part of an initiative to reform the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), which included renumbering routes such as bus No.59 to 1-8, where the initial digit denoted the service area and "E" indicated expressway usage. These modifications, however, have been met with widespread criticism for their ambiguity and insufficient dissemination of information to the public. In response to the outcry seen on social media and the BMTA's Facebook page, the minister has proposed a more intuitive numbering, for example, changing bus No.1-15 to 115, though the implementation date remains unspecified. The new system has also faced opposition from the House Committee on Economic Development and the BMTA labor union, both of which have demanded a return to the original numbering, citing the confusion it has caused among passengers and arguing against the reform's effectiveness. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-02-05 - 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

Northern Thailand braces for cool weather and thunderstorms by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather alert for the northern part of the country, warning of cool to cold conditions with isolated thunderstorms. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319000-northern-thailand-braces-for-cool-weather-and-thunderstorms/

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather alert for the northern part of the country, warning of cool to cold conditions with isolated thunderstorms. The capital, Bangkok, is expected to experience light rain while the country’s upper region faces moderate to high levels of dust particles and smoke haze today (February 5). In the early hours of the morning, a blanket of fog engulfed the upper parts of Thailand, particularly the northern and northeastern regions, which experienced cool to cold weather. Meanwhile, the lower northeast, the lower central region, and the east were swept by southerly and southeasterly winds, leading to isolated thunderstorms in these areas. Residents are advised to take care of their health due to the changing weather conditions and to exercise caution when travelling through foggy areas. The easterly and southeasterly winds, which are currently weak, cover the Gulf of Thailand, the South, and the Andaman Sea, resulting in less rainfall in the southern part of the country, reported KhaoSod. For the north, the forecast predicts cool to cold weather with morning fog, and temperatures ranging from a low of 12-19 degrees Celsius to a high of 32-38 degrees Celsius. Mountain peaks are expected to experience colder conditions, with possible frost in some areas and temperatures dipping as low as 4-14 degrees Celsius. The westerly winds in this region are estimated to have speeds ranging from five to 15 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-05 - 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

Two People Injured in Phuket Pickup Truck Crash By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation Two people who have sustained injuries became stuck after a pickup truck crashed in Rassada. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318999-two-people-injured-in-phuket-pickup-truck-crash/

By Goongnang Suksawat Two people who have sustained injuries became stuck after a pickup truck crashed in Rassada. Emergency responders were notified of the accident on Friday (February 2nd) on the Chalerm Phrakiet Rama 9 Road (Bypass Road) in Rassada, Mueang Phuket. The first responders arrived at the scene to find the damaged pickup truck on the roadside with the male driver still stuck inside the cab. By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-05 - 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

No Easy Answers to Pattaya’s Homeless Problem By Adam Judd Over the past several days there have been multiple news articles from us covering both complaints by local residents and tourists and relevant authorities responses to what appears to be a growing homeless problem in the Pattaya and Jomtien area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318998-no-easy-answers-to-pattayas-homeless-problem/

Over the past several days there have been multiple news articles from us covering both complaints by local residents and tourists and relevant authorities responses to what appears to be a growing homeless problem in the Pattaya and Jomtien area. For instance, just this past weekend fourteen Thai people were detained around Jomtien after numerous complaints of the homeless individuals being consistently drunk and on drugs and causing problems for people around Jomtien Beach. Six of them tested positive for illegal drugs. Another homeless man in Jomtien was arrested this weekend for stealing the electric bike of an Australian ex-pat. Last week, multiple migrant beggars from nearby countries, some with young children, were arrested in Pattaya and found to be in the country illegally. There were also concerns about if the children had been trafficked and that was being investigated as of press time. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-05 - 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

Jarhusna Crowned Miss Thailand Chonburi 2024 By Aim Tanakorn The highly anticipated Miss Thailand Chonburi 2024 pageant concluded on Saturday, with Jarhusna Worapatanakit, contestant MTCN07, crowned the new titleholder. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318997-jarhusna-crowned-miss-thailand-chonburi-2024/

The highly anticipated Miss Thailand Chonburi 2024 pageant concluded on Saturday, with Jarhusna Worapatanakit, contestant MTCN07, crowned the new titleholder. Organized by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kansinee Milinjaroonphong, the pageant’s copyright holder, the final round took place at Central Sri Racha on Feburary 3rd under the esteemed presence of Mr. Surachai Chaitrakulthong, former Deputy Minister of Labor. The final round included captivating performances by the 15 remaining contestants. The opening ceremony featured a captivating showcase by Athitaya “Kat” Benjapat, the reigning Miss Thailand Chonburi 2023. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-02-05 - 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

Balcony collapses at Chiang Mai resort injuring 13 by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic incident unfolded at a popular resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at 7.30am today, where a newly constructed balcony collapsed, leaving several attendees of a seminar injured amidst chaos and cries of pain. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318995-balcony-collapses-at-chiang-mai-resort-injuring-13/

A tragic incident unfolded at a popular resort in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at 7.30am today, where a newly constructed balcony collapsed, leaving several attendees of a seminar injured amidst chaos and cries of pain. Rescue teams from Ban Waen and Hang Dong swiftly responded to the scene at the Rom Mai Ruean Ngam Resort, situated behind the Ban Waen Subdistrict Office in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai. Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Upon arrival, they discovered that the second-floor balcony, which had recently undergone extension works, had given way, injuring approximately 13 individuals. The sounds of distress echoed as the injured were in visible agony, awaiting assistance. The victims, primarily from the San Kamphaeng District of Chiang Mai, had travelled to the resort for a seminar. The gathering on the newly extended balcony turned disastrous when it collapsed, causing a sudden and violent plunge of the attendees to the ground below. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-05 - 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 Airways on track for Stock Exchange return amid rehabilitation success by Alex Morgan Photo by Cityswift via Flickr Anticipations are high for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to make its comeback on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in the coming year, as disclosed by Tibordee Wattanakul, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318994-thai-airways-on-track-for-stock-exchange-return-amid-rehabilitation-success/

Anticipations are high for Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) to make its comeback on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in the coming year, as disclosed by Tibordee Wattanakul, the director-general of the State Enterprise Policy Office (Sepo). The national flag carrier’s liquidity is on the mend, and operations are systematically aligning with its rehabilitation plan. This positive shift is contingent on the airline recording a profit for 12 consecutive months and achieving positive equity. The Finance Ministry has clarified that it has no intentions of reinstating the company as a state enterprise while continuing to hold a stake of less than 50% in the struggling national carrier. Despite this, the state remains the majority shareholder of THAI. Wattanakul noted an improvement in THAI’s financial performance under the rehabilitation programme. The company has strategically limited its expenses by reducing its workforce by half and downsizing its fleet by approximately 40% via leasing. The aviation industry faced a tremendous blow from the pandemic that spanned over two years, with THAI being one of the victims. by Alex Morgan Photo by Cityswift via Flickr Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-05 - 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

Phuket airport gears up for Lunar New Year influx of 49,000 daily visitors by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran Phuket International Airport is bracing for an influx of around 49,000 visitors each day throughout the Lunar New Year festival, which commenced on Sunday and extends till February 16. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318988-phuket-airport-gears-up-for-lunar-new-year-influx-of-49000-daily-visitors/

Phuket International Airport is bracing for an influx of around 49,000 visitors each day throughout the Lunar New Year festival, which commenced on Sunday and extends till February 16. This figure was revealed by Monchai Tanod, the airport director, who also stated that the total number of arrivals during the 13 days is projected to reach a staggering 640,000. This tally includes an expected 430,000 international tourists. The airport, managed by Airports of Thailand, is set to accommodate 3,915 flights, comprising 2,298 international and 1,617 domestic, during this period. In anticipation of the surge in passengers, the airport management has ramped up measures to ensure top-notch efficiency and safety. Enhanced real-time passenger tracking systems and common-use self-service kiosks have been introduced to expedite passenger check-ins and make the process more user-friendly. In addition, the airport has been festively adorned to commemorate the Lunar New Year, with a host of activities planned and souvenirs to be distributed on February 8. Passengers departing from the airport have been advised to arrive two to three hours before their flights. Updates regarding flights can be accessed via the “SAWASDEE by AOT” app or through the airport’s contact centre, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-05 - 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

Equal Justice Under Law: The Case Against Expedited Parole for Thaksin: Opinion by Lynn Sasinpong (In response to this article Editorial: Thaksin Should Be Released) We have only just passed January, and Thailand’s justice system is already not off to a great start this year. But releasing Thaksin on parole this month will only make it worse. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318987-equal-justice-under-law-the-case-against-expedited-parole-for-thaksin-opinion/

(In response to this article Editorial: Thaksin Should Be Released) We have only just passed January, and Thailand’s justice system is already not off to a great start this year. But releasing Thaksin on parole this month will only make it worse. A Thai Enquirer editorial claims that “[r]eleasing Thaksin on parole is, therefore, a matter of upholding the rule of law and the principles of a fair judicial process. It is about asserting that in a democracy, even those who are politically inconvenient have rights that must be respected. It is a statement that the legal system should not be wielded as a weapon to settle political scores but should stand as an impartial arbiter of justice.” This comes after an announcement by the Department of Corrections that Thaksin will soon be eligible for parole, and he qualifies due to his age and deteriorating health. Releasing Thaksin on parole, unlike what the editorial claims, is not about upholding the rule of law. In fact, the message that Thaksin’s parole will give to the Thai people is precisely the opposite. The rule of law is about all persons being equal under the law, and that no one is above the law. It entails principles of equality, fairness, and justice. I fail to see how releasing Thaksin would uphold these principles. On the contrary, giving special consideration and fast-tracking his eligibility for parole due to his infamous status, while hundreds of prisoners are waiting in line, undermines equality under the law. by Lynn Sasinpong Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2024-02-05 - 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 5 February 2024 Fill story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318985-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-5-february-2024/

Prime Minister Srettha was guest of honour at Sri Lanka's 76th Independence Day celebrations yesterday, both nations signed a free trade agreement with the aim of revitalizing trade and investment. Sri Lanka has turned to Thailand for assistance in revitalizing its economy and restoring global trust. The National Human Rights Commission has accused the Social Security Office of violating human rights by capping dental treatment cost coverage at 900 baht per person annually. They claim limitation leads to inadequate coverage for necessary treatments, contributing to a rise in severe dental diseases among patients. Thailand's health policy emphasizes equal access to standard public health services as a basic right for all. 12 people were injured, some seriously, after a balcony at a resort in Chaingmai collapsed Sending 40 people to the ground. The injured were public health volunteers from a local hospital The district chief said the resort was built legally, but the balcony was added later the resort owner would face a charge of unlawfully modifying the building. Unseeded nineteen-year-old Diana Shnaider beat Zhu Lin 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, to win her first WTA Tour title in front of a sell-out crowd at the Thailand Open yesterday at Arena Hua hin. Earlier Top seeds Al-dida Sut-jadi from Indonesia and Miyu Kato from Japan beat second seeds Xinyu Jiang and Hanyu Guo 4-6 6-1 10-7 in a final set match tiebreaker for the doubles title. Finally: some 150 golfers participated in the The HuaHin Heroes golf tournament at Banyan Golf course on Saturday, together they raised 1 million 2 hundred thousand baht, which will be used to support the children at Ban Wang Khoi school near Mong Kon. Around the region. China’s Meteorological department issued an orange alert for blizzards, with seven central and eastern provinces hit by wintry conditions as millions of people set off on Chinese New Year trips. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the northSunny 33C Bangkok: Sunny 35C Pattaya: Sunny 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny 32C Hua Hin: Sunny 32 C AQI Orange HIGH The weekend sunny some light cloud Green clear, yellow light, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-02-05 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - 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

Loan shark gang threatens 60-year-old debtor in Nakhon Si Thammarat Picture: Daily News In a chilling incident in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, the notorious loan shark gang, known as "Bao-LanSaka," showed no regard for the law as they brandished knives and guns, menacing a 60-year-old debtor in her village home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318982-loan-shark-gang-threatens-60-year-old-debtor-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

In a chilling incident in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, the notorious loan shark gang, known as "Bao-LanSaka," showed no regard for the law as they brandished knives and guns, menacing a 60-year-old debtor in her village home. The victim's relatives and neighbors intervened to prevent the assault but were met with threats and violence, prompting the debtor to report the incident out of fear for her safety, reported Daily News. On February 4th, the local police received a distress call about an armed debt-collecting gang led by "Bao-LanSaka." The incident occurred in Ban Ka (pseudonym), Tha Pho Sadej sub-district, Mueang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, discovering the victim and her traumatized family. Picture: Daily News Earlier in the afternoon, the gang, led by a person known as "Bao" or "Bao-LanSaka," comprising approximately ten members, arrived in pickup trucks and sedans. They aggressively approached the debtor, engaging in verbal abuse and making threats. The debtor's relatives and neighbors rushed to her aid, but the opposing gang persisted, even resorting to brandishing knives and guns. The victim, identified as Ms. A (pseudonym), revealed that she had borrowed 25,000 Baht from the loan shark gang, accumulating interest payments exceeding 30,000 Baht. Despite the substantial repayment, the gang refused to accept it, leading to heated disputes over the phone. Eventually, Bao and his accomplices descended on her residence with the intent to coerce continuous interest payments. Picture: Daily News Ms. A, determined to seek justice, captured evidence of the gang's intrusion and threats on video, which she later used to file a police report. The community remains on edge as the legal process unfolds, exposing the menacing tactics employed by loan sharks in the region. Top Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 2024-02-05 - 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Power Poles Spark Fear of Fires in Yasothon Picture: Siam Rath Residents of Khonsai Village, Tambon Tad Thong, Yasothon Province, experienced a sleepless night on February 4th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318981-power-poles-spark-fear-of-fires-in-yasothon/