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Axe hangs over Thailand’s reform movement as Move Forward faces judgment day By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk After witnessing its figurehead, Pita Limjaroenrat, cleared in his media shareholding case last week, the opposition-leading Move Forward Party will be keeping its fingers crossed as the Constitutional Court prepares to issue another verdict on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318424-axe-hangs-over-thailand’s-reform-movement-as-move-forward-faces-judgment-day/

After witnessing its figurehead, Pita Limjaroenrat, cleared in his media shareholding case last week, the opposition-leading Move Forward Party will be keeping its fingers crossed as the Constitutional Court prepares to issue another verdict on Wednesday. While the court has not been asked to decide whether the reformist party should be disbanded, Wednesday’s ruling could support subsequent legal efforts to dissolve Move Forward. The case stems from a petition by lawyer Theerayut Suwankesorn, who in July last year accused the party and its then-leader Pita of seeking to overthrow Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. Theerayut asked the Constitutional Court to issue an order putting an end to the alleged acts. He claims that Move Forward’s policy to amend the lese majeste law violates Article 49 of the Constitution, which states that: “No person shall exercise rights or liberties to overthrow the democratic regime of government with the King as head of state.” The clause also states that any person who learns of such an act can call on the attorney-general to request a Constitutional Court order to halt the infringement. If the attorney-general rejects or fails to act on the petition within 15 days, the petitioner can take the complaint directly to the Constitutional Court. Theerayut took the matter to court after petitioning the attorney-general in May but getting no answer for 15 days. By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-30 - 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

Foreign man refuses to pay fare and bites Bolt driver in Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod A Thai Bolt driver in Pattaya reached out to a news agency after a foreign man refused to pay his transport fare and bit him, leaving him with a cut lip. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318421-foreign-man-refuses-to-pay-fare-and-bites-bolt-driver-in-pattaya/

A Thai Bolt driver in Pattaya reached out to a news agency after a foreign man refused to pay his transport fare and bit him, leaving him with a cut lip. Channel 7 announced that the reporters visited the Thai Bolt driver, Weeraphon, in hospital yesterday, January 29. The man was being treated for bite marks and scratches on his stomach, back and right arm. His right eye was covered with a shield and his lower lip was cut. Weeraphon explained to reporters that the incident happened at 3.30am on Sunday, January 28. He picked up a foreign man from Soi Buakhao, and the passenger’s destination was a house in Soi Tung Klom-Tarn Man 27 in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya. When they arrived in the southern Pattaya area, the foreign man asked him to stop because he needed to pee. However, the foreign passenger walked away from him and left the scene with a motorcycle rider. Weeraphon said he was not sure whether the rider was an app-based rider or a local motorcycle taxi rider in the area. by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Udon Thani family terrorised nightly by local youth’s attacks by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of GoOpgiip Kanokwan Geawjit (Facebook) A family in Udon Thani is living in fear after their home has been persistently targeted by a local youth. The family’s residence in Nong Han district has been under siege, with objects ranging from rocks and beer bottles to dumbbells and even ping pong bombs being hurled into their property by a teenager. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318418-udon-thani-family-terrorised-nightly-by-local-youth’s-attacks/

A family in Udon Thani is living in fear after their home has been persistently targeted by a local youth. The family’s residence in Nong Han district has been under siege, with objects ranging from rocks and beer bottles to dumbbells and even ping pong bombs being hurled into their property by a teenager. The situation has escalated to the point where the mother has been threatened with death, and the family is now reluctant to even step outside their home. Kanokwan Geawjit, the homeowner, took to Facebook to plead for media assistance, detailing the distressing events that have unfolded. Despite numerous complaints to the police, the authorities have yet to resolve the ongoing harassment. The family’s ordeal typically occurs between 1am and 3am, when they are startled awake by loud noises caused by the objects thrown at their home. This has become a nightly terror for them, with the psychological impact deepening with each incident, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of GoOpgiip Kanokwan Geawjit (Facebook) Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Rock-solid plea: Don’t send Bi-2 back to Russia, urges Human Rights Watch director by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Andrea DiCenzo. A Human Rights Watch director pleaded with the Thai authorities not to deport a Russian rock band back to their homeland. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318417-rock-solid-plea-don’t-send-bi-2-back-to-russia-urges-human-rights-watch-director/

A Human Rights Watch director pleaded with the Thai authorities not to deport a Russian rock band back to their homeland. Elaine Pearson, the Asia Director of the Human Rights Watch division, revealed that the Russian-Belarusian rock band Bi-2 faces persecution for their outspoken public criticism of the Russian government if Thailand deports them back home. The Thai police arrested the band for allegedly performing a concert without the proper work authorisations. Subsequently, they were transferred to an immigration detention centre pending deportation. Pearson wasted no time in demanding the release of the band, which was formed in 1988 in Bobruisk, Belarus. “The Thai authorities should immediately release the detained members of Bi-2 and allow them to go on their way, “Under no circumstances should they be deported to Russia, where they could face arrest or worse for their outspoken criticisms of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s war in Ukraine.” by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Andrea DiCenzo. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Rebel Russian rock band risk deportation from Thailand today - Tim Newton Today - Jan 30 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318416-rebel-russian-rock-band-risk-deportation-from-thailand-today-tim-newton-today-jan-30/

Thailand news - Rebel Russian rock band Bi-2, risk deportation from Thailand today after being detained on minor 'permit' issues, with Israeli and Australian band members, the issue might flare up into an major diplomatic fail for Thailand. Taiwanese man has been detained in Pattaya for crimes in Taiwan and a 2 and a half year overstay. Thailand ranks 4th in the world for liver cancer. The new Andaman Airport progresses, putting Phang Nga and Krabi onto the world tourist map. And a Thai driver took a wrong turn, all thanks to a GPS traffic direction map. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Thailand pledges support to Laos in handling ASEAN issues by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Thailand is prepared to back Laos in addressing the Myanmar crisis and other significant issues within the ASEAN region, according to Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318415-thailand-pledges-support-to-laos-in-handling-asean-issues/

Thailand is prepared to back Laos in addressing the Myanmar crisis and other significant issues within the ASEAN region, according to Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara. During a press conference yesterday, January 29, he explained that this support would bolster Laos’s success as the ASEAN chair this year. Parnpree held discussions with his Lao equivalent, Saleumxay Kommasith, on Sunday to explore Laos-Thailand relations. This meeting took place amidst an ASEAN foreign ministers’ retreat organised by the Laos government, an initiative connected with its ASEAN chairmanship. The foremost subject of their conversation was the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Parnpree voiced Thailand’s readiness to aid Laos in tackling the issue. The minister highlighted the significant concerns within the ASEAN community regarding the situation in Myanmar, which had been in turmoil since the military coup in February 2021. He expressed hope for peace to be restored as soon as possible. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Nakhon Si Thammarat abbot charged with animal cruelty by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod The abbot of a temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat is facing animal cruelty charges after reportedly hitting a stray dog with a stick, causing severe eye injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318412-nakhon-si-thammarat-abbot-charged-with-animal-cruelty/

The abbot of a temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat is facing animal cruelty charges after reportedly hitting a stray dog with a stick, causing severe eye injuries. The 37 year old abbot Danai of Wat Chan Por in Tha Sala district, along with a 15 year old temple novice, identified only as A, voluntarily appeared at the Tha Sala Police Station to acknowledge the charges against them. Yesterday at 11am, Abbot Danai, accompanied by his student and officials from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Office of Buddhism, met with Police Colonel Apichat Chansamret, the chief of Tha Sala Police Station. In the presence of local monastic leaders and officials, Abbot Danai confessed to the accusations, admitting to the act of animal cruelty he was charged with. The police took him into custody for further questioning. The dog, named Nong Yon, sustained serious but non-fatal injuries. The Office of Buddhism and the local monastic hierarchy characterized the abbot’s actions as a minor moral failing, not a grave offence that would warrant immediate defrocking. The decision on whether Abbot Danai will be defrocked depends on the final court ruling regarding the severity of his actions. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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 taxi driver seeks justice after brutal axe attack and car theft by Petch Petpailin Photo via SiamRath A local taxi driver sought justice after a Thai man posing as a passenger attacked him with an axe before stealing his car. The taxi driver said he was seriously injured but the police gave the attacker a lenient sentence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318411-thai-taxi-driver-seeks-justice-after-brutal-axe-attack-and-car-theft/ Full story:

A local taxi driver sought justice after a Thai man posing as a passenger attacked him with an axe before stealing his car. The taxi driver said he was seriously injured but the police gave the attacker a lenient sentence. The taxi driver, 51 year old Chinnaphat Chokchana, urged non-profit organisation Saimai Survive to help him seek justice. Chinnaphat recounted the brutal attack, by the 24 year old Thai man named Sarawut on Wednesday, January 24, to the organisation and news agencies at a press conference yesterday, January 28. Chinnaphat reported that Sarawut got into his car, a yellow Toyota Corolla taxi, at about 8.30pm that day in Soit Nuan Chan 16 in the Bueng Kum district of Bangkok. Sarawut said he wanted to go to Soi Lamsai in the Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province. Chinnaphat said he drove along the motorway leading to Ayutthaya province and asked Sarawut to pay the toll. Sarawut asked Chinnaphat to pay and promised he would reimburse him after he paid the fare. by Petch Petpailin Photo via SiamRath Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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 transwoman betrayed by friend and caught in Hong Kong cannabis bust by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Pat Catty A Thai man allegedly betrayed a transwoman friend by hiding cannabis in her luggage, leading to her arrest in Hong Kong. More than 30 other victims of the Thai man came forward to expose his fraudulent behaviour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318410-thai-transwoman-betrayed-by-friend-and-caught-in-hong-kong-cannabis-bust/

A Thai man allegedly betrayed a transwoman friend by hiding cannabis in her luggage, leading to her arrest in Hong Kong. More than 30 other victims of the Thai man came forward to expose his fraudulent behaviour. The Facebook account, Pat Catty, shared a story of her transwoman friend on January 25 and urged netizens to be aware of a deceiving Thai man, identified as Get. The Facebook user accused Get of tricking her transwoman friend named Cindy into smuggling cannabis into Hong Kong. According to her Facebook account, Cindy planned to visit Hong Kong to pray at several temples. Get invited Cindy to go with him instead of her mother and Cindy agreed. At the check-in desk before departure, Get asked Cindy to carry his luggage, claiming it was overweight. Cindy agreed and allowed Get to put his bag into Cindy’s. At Hong Kong Airport, Get did not wait for Cindy and went straight to immigration. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Pat Catty Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Extortion racket tied to anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya more structured than thought by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via tpnnational.com The extortion racket, previously linked to the anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya, is more extensive and well-structured than initially suspected, according to reports from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The organised group, which is believed to have a mastermind, has targeted numerous individuals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318409-extortion-racket-tied-to-anti-corruption-advocate-srisuwan-more-structured-than-thought/

The extortion racket, previously linked to the anti-corruption advocate Srisuwan Janya, is more extensive and well-structured than initially suspected, according to reports from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). The organised group, which is believed to have a mastermind, has targeted numerous individuals. CIB’s deputy commissioner, Charoonkiat Pankaeo, stated that the police investigation into the alleged 3 million baht extortion from the director-general of the Rice Department by the gang associated with Srisuwan made significant strides. The police have secured witnesses and evidence that reveal a highly organised operation, with specific gang members assigned to choose extortion targets, negotiate, and collect the extorted money, said Charoonkiat. “There are several other individuals involved. One of them appears to supply the mastermind with information that leads to complaints. He added that the group had allegedly demanded around 100 million baht from another organisation but no payment has been made yet. The organisation in question is currently being contacted for more details.” by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via tpnnational.com Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Fertilizer factory fire in Kanchanaburi sets ablaze over 100 paint containers by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A fire broke out at a renowned fertilizer factory in Kanchanaburi province, engulfing over a hundred 200-litre paint containers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318408-fertilizer-factory-fire-in-kanchanaburi-sets-ablaze-over-100-paint-containers/

A fire broke out at a renowned fertilizer factory in Kanchanaburi province, engulfing over a hundred 200-litre paint containers. The blaze, which started at 9.30pm yesterday (January 29), was reportedly caused by burning sugarcane debris from the wind onto the storage area, igniting the containers and setting off explosions. The inferno necessitated a response from over 30 fire trucks, with the expectation that it would take approximately 10 hours to fully extinguish. At the scene, firefighters encountered a challenging situation as the fire raged through the stacks of paint containers, preventing them from getting close enough to effectively fight the flames. The primary strategy was to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby sugarcane and cassava fields, as well as a close proximity ammunition factory. Officials anticipated letting the paint fuel burn off completely, a process expected to last around 10 hours, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-30 - 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

Counterfeit Goods Seized in Patong Worth 10 Million Baht By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – More than 500 counterfeit goods were seized at shops in Patong and collectively were worth more than 10 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318406-counterfeit-goods-seized-in-patong-worth-10-million-baht/

Patong – More than 500 counterfeit goods were seized at shops in Patong and collectively were worth more than 10 million baht. The Region 8 Police told the Phuket Express that on Sunday (January 28th) they raided shops on the Ratch Uthit 200 Pi Road. The raid came after they were notified by a company which sold genuine brand name goods such as GUCCI, BALENCIAGA, ADIDAS, ALEXANDER and McQUEEN. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-30 - 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 government pushes for 500-billion-baht loan to boost economy by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat underlined the government’s prerogative to deem the current economy as crisis-ridden, a pivotal aspect for sanctioning the 500-billion-baht loan bill to propel its digital wallet disbursement scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318404-thailand’s-government-pushes-for-500-billion-baht-loan-to-boost-economy/