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School near Nakhon Phanom town has only one teacher Primary schools in Thailand’s more remote areas having only one teacher responsible for the teaching of all subjects is not uncommon, but such a school only seven kilometres from the north-eastern provincial capital of Nakhon Phanom is not a good sign. It is stark evidence of the educational inequality in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318113-school-near-nakhon-phanom-town-has-only-one-teacher/

Primary schools in Thailand’s more remote areas having only one teacher responsible for the teaching of all subjects is not uncommon, but such a school only seven kilometres from the north-eastern provincial capital of Nakhon Phanom is not a good sign. It is stark evidence of the educational inequality in Thailand. Section 49 of the Constitution specifies that every Thai is entitled to a free and quality education for at least 12 years. The Dong Choke Ratsadon-uthit school, in Nong Yat sub-district, is supervised by the Primary Education Office of Nakhon Phanom and is under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Basic Education Commission. The school’s one and only teacher is Thanyalak Deechan and she told a Thai PBS reporter that there are 19 students at the school, from kindergarten up to fifth grade (Pathom 6). The school also has two general affairs officials, who occasionally help her to teach the students. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-26 - 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

UPDATE: PM says coalition government is stable, no need for cabinet reshuffle Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed that there will be no cabinet reshuffle anytime soon, because the coalition government is stable and has more than enough votes in the House. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318082-second-government-coalition-dinner-party-leaders-strengthen-bonds-in-a-warm-atmosphere/?do=findComment&comment=18646513

PM says coalition government is stable, no need for cabinet reshuffle Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed that there will be no cabinet reshuffle anytime soon, because the coalition government is stable and has more than enough votes in the House. Leaders of the coalition parties got together Thursday night for a working dinner, hosted by Bhumjaithai party leader and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Chada Thaised, deputy interior minister and deputy leader of Bhumjaithai party. “Just listen to me,” said the prime minister as he asked the media not to report unsupported rumours about a cabinet reshuffle, because such claims are demoralising. The coalition parties control 314 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-26 - 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

Indonesian pickpocket gang nabbed at Bangkok mall after stealing 310,000 baht by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod An Indonesian gang specialising in pickpocketing was apprehended at a well-known shopping centre in Bangkok and swiftly brought to justice by police following a report from a Japanese victim. The culprits were caught yesterday (January 25) at around 8am, shortly after their ill-fated heist. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318111-indonesian-pickpocket-gang-nabbed-at-bangkok-mall-after-stealing-310000-baht/

An Indonesian gang specialising in pickpocketing was apprehended at a well-known shopping centre in Bangkok and swiftly brought to justice by police following a report from a Japanese victim. The culprits were caught yesterday (January 25) at around 8am, shortly after their ill-fated heist. The swift police action led to the recovery of a cache of items and the confession of the gang members, who now face charges for their crimes. On Wednesday, January 24, a Japanese national, Yoshimune Yoshida, fell victim to a pickpocketing incident in a popular Sukhumvit shopping mall. Yoshida had just exchanged a substantial amount of US dollars, approximately 310,000 Thai baht (US$8,694), and placed the money in his backpack, which he carried on his back while shopping. Within minutes, his money was gone, believed to have been stealthily taken by the gang. The police, led by Deputy Chief of Thonglor Police Station Pansak Amrapitak and Lieutenant Akkrapol Thantham, alongside the investigative team, quickly examined CCTV footage from the mall. They identified a suspect monitoring Yoshida from outside the currency exchange before following him. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-26 - 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

Tourists survive speedboat crash in Trat by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya News A tourist speedboat crashed into a reef 16 miles off the Laem Thian area on Koh Kut, Trat on January 24. The Trat Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center (CARDC) dispatched three marine rescue speedboats at 2.30pm to the island with the aid of 12 tourists and three crew members who were stranded. However, at one point the rescue teams lost contact with the group waiting for help, said a CARDC spokesperson. “After 30 minutes, we were in the dark about the tourists and crew. It was a race against time and the vastness of the ocean.” Undeterred, the rescue speedboats scoured the waters, expanding their search radius when the victims and their ill-fated vessel proved elusive. Battling treacherous waves, the rescue teams clung to the hope that the speedboat had been carried away by the currents. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-26 - 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

Swiss man sacrifices arm in bear attack by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวช่องวัน A Swiss man cut off his right arm as a bear locked his teeth onto his arm and stubbornly refused to release its grip while he was volunteering at a wildlife foundation in the northern province of Chiang Mai. The 32 year old Swiss man is in a private hospital in Chiang Mai province after being attacked by the Asian black bear at the wildlife foundation in Chiang Dao district of the province yesterday, January 25. ThaiRath reported that the Swiss man was feeding the bear in its cage. He stuck his right arm into the cage to place food on a tray and was immediately attacked by the bear. He tried to get his arm back but the bear would not let him go. The Swiss man then took out a knife and cut off his arm in a bid to save his life. Prompted by the urgency of the situation, fellow members of the foundation swiftly administered first aid and transported him to Chiang Dao Hospital, from where he was later transferred to a private hospital in the province’s central area. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-26 - 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

UPDATE: 2 suspects arrested for murder of millionaire give conflicting stories by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod and Channel 8 Police arrested a Thai man and woman for the murder of a 77 year old millionaire in the central province of Chantaburi. Each suspect blamed the other. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318048-thai-millionaire-allegedly-murdered-to-settle-30-million-baht-debt/?do=findComment&comment=18646266

2 suspects arrested for murder of millionaire give conflicting stories by Petch Petpailin Photo via KhaoSod and Channel 8 Police arrested a Thai man and woman for the murder of a 77 year old millionaire in the central province of Chantaburi. Each suspect blamed the other. The lifeless body of the millionaire, Panithi Kosalanan, was discovered in a pond on her plantation in Chantaburi province on January 22. The autopsy and suspicious signs in her home suggested murder, prompting officers to question her seven siblings, her employees, and business partners in a search for the killers. Officers from the Makham Police Station arrested the first suspect, a 40 year old Thai man named Krit Moonwong, on January 24. Krit claimed that he did not kill Panithi and only helped the murderer, 43 year old Somsuda, destroy the evidence of the death. According to Krit, Somsuda telephoned him requesting transportation from a hotel to Panithi’s residence. Somsuda instructed him to park his motorcycle 100 metres from the house and proceeded inside alone. Approximately 20 minutes later, Somsuda summoned Krit into the house, where he discovered Panithi’s lifeless body on the staircase. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-26 - 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

TAT unveils new ‘Monopoly: Bangkok Edition’ in Thailand series Set to roll the dice later this year, the public have about a month to suggest their favourite places in the Thai capital to be featured while local businesses can propose to be considered for the game. Bangkok, 26 January 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Bangkok will be the third destination in Thailand to get its very own official Monopoly board game, the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition, following the success of the Phuket and Chiang Mai editions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318106-tat-unveils-new-‘monopoly-bangkok-edition’-in-thailand-series/

Set to roll the dice later this year, the public have about a month to suggest their favourite places in the Thai capital to be featured while local businesses can propose to be considered for the game. Bangkok, 26 January 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Bangkok will be the third destination in Thailand to get its very own official Monopoly board game, the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition, following the success of the Phuket and Chiang Mai editions. Mrs. Duangjai Kanteeranon, Deputy Executive Director of Europe Region, said “We are so excited to announce the launch of the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition in collaboration with Winning Moves. The development of the Bangkok edition marks a significant milestone in our partnership. “The third Thailand inspired game in the collection, we still firmly believe that creating these destination focused editions provides a unique and fun platform to showcase Thailand’s diverse attractions, and we encourage our stakeholders to get involved to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Bangkok is set to join the ranks of other global cities such as Dublin, Dubai and Sydney as the next destination to “Pass GO” on an official Monopoly game in 2024. The Monopoly: Bangkok Edition will replace the traditional streets with the city’s cultural sites, historical landmarks, cherished businesses, and attractions. Each of the Chance and Community Chest cards will share the unique stories of Bangkok with players too. Mr. Jake Houghton, Territory Head of Asia at Winning Moves, said “The game will be a celebration of Bangkok, of the street food, the culture, the landmarks and the stories. We want to hear what your favourite places are in Bangkok. Where do you visit locally? Where are the places you would take family and friends that are visiting Bangkok? We want to hear what is important in this community, no matter how big or small. “We’re so excited to be putting together this special edition MONOPOLY board game for Bangkok and cannot wait to see what the public thinks we should look into to feature in this game!” Additionally, Winning Moves UK will be releasing a Bangkok edition of the world-famous card game, Top Trumps, showcasing a selection of Bangkok’s top destinations and visitor attractions. Game creators are now seeking suggestions from the public on what should be featured in this exciting new edition. The public can comment their suggestions to the official MONOPOLY: Bangkok Edition Facebook page or write these to the team at [email protected] for consideration by 25 February 2024. Any local businesses that wish to be considered for the game can also write in to [email protected] and address this to Jennifer Lau. Mr. Monopoly was snapped jetting into Bangkok to officially announce the upcoming game at King Power Mahanakhon today. As a must-visit attraction in Bangkok, King Power Mahanakhon is delighted to be a part of this sensational new game. Ms. Aroonroong Srivaddhanaprabha, Assistant Chief Investment Officer of King Power Corporation said “We are honoured to host the announcement of this exclusive edition of MONOPOLY: Bangkok edition. Serving as an iconic destination that attracts visitors globally on a daily basis, we are happy to highlight the exceptional experiences that Bangkok and King Power Mahanakhon has to offer, such as an exhilarating stroll on our glass floor at an awe-inspiring height of 314 meters above the city.” The Monopoly: Bangkok Edition and Bangkok Top Trumps is expected to hit shelves in Bangkok towards the end of the year and will be widely available online. The first in the Thailand series, the Monopoly: Phuket Edition board game was released in 2022, followed by the Monopoly: Chiang Mai Edition and Chiang Mai Top Trumps in 2023. Both are widely available online. More information on the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition board game can be found on the Facebook page Bangkok Monopoly. Full story: [source name + source link] 2024-01-26 - 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 braces for rainstorms, Bangkok faces minor impact by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock A significant weather warning has been issued today by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), cautioning of potent rainstorms expected to hit 12 provinces, including a minor impact on Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318105-thailand-braces-for-rainstorms-bangkok-faces-minor-impact/

Photo courtesy of iStock A significant weather warning has been issued today by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), cautioning of potent rainstorms expected to hit 12 provinces, including a minor impact on Bangkok. The upper parts of Thailand woke to a cool to cold morning with strong winds at 5am today, January 26, as a robust high-pressure system continues to dominate the country and the South China Sea. This weather pattern is responsible for the chilly mornings accompanied by gusty winds across the northern regions of Thailand, reported KhaoSod. As a westerly trough from Myanmar moves across the northern and upper central parts of Thailand, sporadic rainfall is anticipated in the upper regions. The population in these areas is advised to safeguard their health due to the changing weather conditions and to be vigilant against potential fire hazards that can arise from the dry and windy conditions. The strong northeastern monsoon that is currently affecting the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region is causing heavy rainfall in some parts of the lower south. Residents in these locales are warned of the dangers posed by heavy rains and accumulated precipitation, which could lead to flash floods, and forest runoffs, particularly in hillside areas and low-lying zones near waterways. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-26 - 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 party unlikely to be dissolved by charter court – law professor A law professor at Thammasat University says the Constitutional Court has three options for its ruling next Wednesday, in a case in which the Move Forward party is accused of intending to overthrow Thailand’s Constitutional Monarchy with its election pledge to abrogate Section 112 of the Criminal Code, more commonly known as the lèse majesté law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318104-move-forward-party-unlikely-to-be-dissolved-by-charter-court-–-law-professor/

A law professor at Thammasat University says the Constitutional Court has three options for its ruling next Wednesday, in a case in which the Move Forward party is accused of intending to overthrow Thailand’s Constitutional Monarchy with its election pledge to abrogate Section 112 of the Criminal Code, more commonly known as the lèse majesté law. Assistant Professor Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, director of the university’s Law Centre, said that this case is, however, potentially more serious for the Move Forward party than the iTV share ownership case against its former leader Pita Limjaroenrat, on which the Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday clearing him of the charge. He played down speculation that the party will be dissolved, because the petitioner only asked the court to order the party to cease attempts to abrogate or weaken the lèse majesté law, not to dissolve the party. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-26 - 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 teacher arrested over sexual assault of minors, 90 day reporting options - Tim Newton Today - Jan 26 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318103-british-teacher-arrested-over-sexual-assault-of-minors-90-day-reporting-options-tim-newton-today-jan-26/

Thailand news - Pita rolls up to Parliament stating his next move will be to Government House (the PM's residence), the situation with 90 day reporting, and visa reporting, in neighbouring countries, a 59 year old British man arrested over sexual assault of minors in Pathum Thani, 15 people fished out of the sea off Koh Kood. Thai GDP predictions for 2024 and more lions appearing in Pattaya streets! Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

High hopes for Thai tourism in 2024 A pet-friendly hotel is a prime example of the growing trend in lifestyle hotels, attracting numerous pet parents. Industry leaders are expressing optimism for 2024 even though Thailand’s tourism industry has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels either in terms of foreign tourist arrivals or revenues. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318101-high-hopes-for-thai-tourism-in-2024/

Industry leaders are expressing optimism for 2024 even though Thailand’s tourism industry has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels either in terms of foreign tourist arrivals or revenues. Indications that support the positive forecast were recently revealed at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2024 (TTF 2024), the respected annual forum focusing on the tourism/hospitality industry. Jesper Palmqvist, Managing Director of CoStar Group’s Asia-Pacific subsidiary, STR Global, revealed that 10,000 new hotel rooms will be added to the Thai market this year, and the majority of these establishments will fall into the upper-midscale category, followed by luxurious accommodations. Jesper Palmqvist, Managing Director of CoStar Group’s Asia-Pacific subsidiary, STR Global Palmqvist added that planned increases included more than 12,000 rooms for the Phuket hospitality sector within the next 2-3 years, signifying a robust commitment to reinvigorating tourism in a key market. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is also optimistic about this year. Announcing its 2024 target revenue of 3.5 trillion baht – 2.5 trillion from international tourists, and 1 trillion from domestic travellers. Among its plans to achieve this ambitious target are enhancing quality over quantity, promoting sustainable practices, and boosting tourism in “Muang Rong” (secondary cities). TOP picture: A pet-friendly hotel is a prime example of the growing trend in lifestyle hotels, attracting numerous pet parents. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-26 - 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 anticipates scorching summer with temperatures up to 44.5°C by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock Thailand is bracing for an intense summer this year, with the Thai Meteorological Department forecasting that temperatures could soar to a sweltering 44.5 degrees Celsius. The summer season, which is expected to commence towards the end of February and last until the end of May, is predicted to be unusually severe, with temperatures rising 1-1.5 degrees above the average. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318099-thailand-anticipates-scorching-summer-with-temperatures-up-to-445°c/

Thailand is bracing for an intense summer this year, with the Thai Meteorological Department forecasting that temperatures could soar to a sweltering 44.5 degrees Celsius. The summer season, which is expected to commence towards the end of February and last until the end of May, is predicted to be unusually severe, with temperatures rising 1-1.5 degrees above the average. Additionally, rainfall is anticipated to be 30% less than normal, which could exacerbate the already challenging conditions. The summer of 2024 is set to begin later than usual, around the fourth week of February, delayed by approximately one to two weeks. During this period, the nation is poised to experience widespread heatwaves, with the highest temperatures predicted to range between 43.0 and 44.5 degrees Celsius, particularly from mid-March to early May. However, scattered thundershowers are expected to provide some relief from the relentless heat. Temperatures in upper Thailand are likely to average between 36.0 and 37.0 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the typical average of 35.4 degrees Celsius. This marks a significant increase from the previous year’s summer average of 35.8 degrees Celsius and an expected decrease in rainfall by 30%. Every summer, Thailand experiences seasonal storms, characterised by thunderstorms and strong winds, and occasionally, hail. These conditions can cause considerable damage to life, property, and agricultural productivity. Given the inadequate rainfall for various needs, including domestic and agricultural, especially in drought-prone areas outside the irrigation zones, the public is urged to use water sparingly and prepare for these conditions. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-26 - 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

Land Bridge: A Project for No one By Serichon The Land Bridge project, a flagship initiative under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has been touted as the catalyst for Thailand’s economic growth engine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318098-land-bridge-a-project-for-no-one/

The Land Bridge project, a flagship initiative under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has been touted as the catalyst for Thailand’s economic growth engine. However, despite the government’s fervent promotion, the project has failed to attract concrete interest both internationally and domestically. This piece delves into the geopolitical intricacies surrounding the Land Bridge project, examining the lack of alignment with major players, particularly China, and its implications on Thailand’s foreign policy. China’s Geopolitical Priorities and the Malacca Dilemma: China’s geopolitical strategy plays a pivotal role in understanding the fate of the Land Bridge project. The Malacca Dilemma, a situation where China heavily relies on the Strait of Malacca for its energy imports, has driven the nation to seek alternative routes. Surprisingly, the Land Bridge project has failed to capture China’s interest, as evidenced by their preference for investments in Myanmar. China’s substantial investments in Myanmar, such as the deep-sea port in Kyaukphyu, Rakhine State, and the Sino-Myanmar pipeline projects, highlight the country’s commitment to securing alternative routes and protecting its strategic interests. By Serichon Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 2024-01-26 - 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’s road remains bumpy File photo : Pita Limjaroenrat Pita Limjaroenrat’s vow to go to Government House is either a cryptic comment or an off-the-cuff remark that did not mean much. What is certain is that if he was alluding to the chief executive post, it can be a long and winding journey. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318097-pita’s-road-remains-bumpy/