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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. The first bump on the new road will be next week’s court ruling on whether Article 112 can be spoken of during an election campaign as imperfect and better off amended. While what the court says may not immediately affect Pita, future consequences can be highly volatile. This is why Move Forward has not celebrated too much and too early. Last Wednesday’s Constitutional Court verdict was clear-cut in saying that an election candidate’s illegal possession of shares is wrong, no matter how little and regardless of whether those shares concerns inheritance. Pita survived because iTV’s contractual right to operate TV business had been stopped by the rightful authorities. While there was big, documented evidence of the termination, there was no tangible evidence (such as licenses) of iTV operating other media businesses. File photo : Pita Limjaroenrat 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

Thai travel agents expect Chinese tourist surge during Lunar New Year by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) anticipates a surge in Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday, estimating daily arrivals of 20,000 to 25,000. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318094-thai-travel-agents-expect-chinese-tourist-surge-during-lunar-new-year/

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) anticipates a surge in Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday, estimating daily arrivals of 20,000 to 25,000. Atta President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, attributes this boost to enhanced charter and scheduled flights, alongside the visa-free scheme designed to spur Chinese demand. Chinese arrivals have shown a marked increase this year, averaging 15,000 to 19,000 visitors daily, a significant leap compared to the same period last year. The number is expected to spike to 25,000 per day during the Lunar New Year holiday next month, informed by strong tour bookings. The majority of Chinese tourists initially land in Bangkok, before venturing to nearby attractions such as Pattaya, with others considering a secondary destination like Chiang Mai or Phuket. China remains the top inbound market as of January 21, with 306,805 arrivals, outpacing Malaysia, which recorded 218,453 arrivals. “If the country can maintain the positive momentum until after the Lunar New Year, gaining 8 million Chinese tourists this year might be possible, assuming Thailand can earn tourism confidence from stringent safety measures,” Sisdivachr Sisdivachr stated. He also noted that safety concerns regarding Thailand have significantly subsided among Chinese tourists. by Alex Morgan 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

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins four-day visit to Thailand File photo : Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi//AFP State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China will commence his four-day official visit to Thailand today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s press release. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318093-china’s-foreign-minister-wang-yi-begins-four-day-visit-to-thailand/

State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China will commence his four-day official visit to Thailand today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s press release. He will pay an official visit to Thailand as a guest of the Foreign Affairs ministry from January 26 to 29. The primary objectives of his visit are to enhance cooperation between Thailand and China in areas such as trade, investment, security, culture, tourism, and to exchange views on regional and international issues of common interest. The Thai side will take this opportunity to reiterate its vision of Thai-Chinese relations, based on Thailand’s One China policy. Furthermore, they will discuss common interests and international principles adhered to by both countries, towards the establishment of a Thailand-China Community with a Shared Future for Enhanced Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability. Thailand and China are set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2025. File photo : Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi//AFP 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

Germany backs Thailand’s pursuit of becoming regional EV hub by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Chanat Katanyu Germany has pledged to increase its stake in the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Thailand, paving the way for the nation to emerge as a regional EV hub, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318091-germany-backs-thailand’s-pursuit-of-becoming-regional-ev-hub/

Germany has pledged to increase its stake in the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Thailand, paving the way for the nation to emerge as a regional EV hub, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This announcement was made during a press briefing on Thursday, following a discussion with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of Germany, who is on a three-day official visit to Thailand, concluding on Friday. PM Srettha highlighted that the meeting marked Steinmeier’s first visit to the country in 22 years and celebrated the 162 years of cordial relations between the two nations. Germany is currently Thailand’s most significant trading partner within the European Union (EU), while Thailand stands as Germany’s third-largest trading ally within ASEAN. Both nations have set objectives to elevate their ties to a strategic alliance. The Thai prime minister stated that Germany has shown readiness to back Thailand in its pursuit of renewable energy, aiming to boost electricity production from renewable sources by 50% by 2040. Furthermore, Germany has expressed its intent to broaden its investments in the Thai EV industry, aiding Thailand in its ambition to become a regional EV manufacturing hub. This commitment extends to supporting Thailand’s sustainable farming initiatives and contributing to the country’s efforts in combating the PM2.5 haze pollution. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Chanat Katanyu 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

Man steals running Thailand Post truck, caught by police by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A 31 year old man was apprehended in Kanchanaburi after stealing a Thailand Post delivery truck that was left running by the driver. Yesterday (January 25) at approximately 12.30pm, the man, identified only by his first name, Wiroj, seized the opportunity to hijack the vehicle in Ratchaburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318089-man-steals-running-thailand-post-truck-caught-by-police/

A 31 year old man was apprehended in Kanchanaburi after stealing a Thailand Post delivery truck that was left running by the driver. Yesterday (January 25) at approximately 12.30pm, the man, identified only by his first name, Wiroj, seized the opportunity to hijack the vehicle in Ratchaburi province. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred when the delivery driver stepped away from the idling truck to attend to a customer. The opportunistic thief, who had initially passed by on a bicycle, doubled back and drove off in the unattended truck. Surveillance footage from the area of Ban Pong district showed Wiroj cycling past the parked delivery truck. Moments later, he returned on foot, noticing the driver had left the engine running. In a swift move, he opened the door and took control of the vehicle, leaving the driver, who spotted the theft too late, helpless. The driver immediately reported the incident to the Ban Pong Police Station, prompting a coordinated effort among local law enforcement to locate the stolen vehicle. 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

Thai baht could depreciate further against US dollar, says K-Research by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock The Thai baht, already experiencing a downward trend, could further depreciate against the US dollar, potentially reaching 36 baht to a dollar, according to Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318086-thai-baht-could-depreciate-further-against-us-dollar-says-k-research/

The Thai baht, already experiencing a downward trend, could further depreciate against the US dollar, potentially reaching 36 baht to a dollar, according to Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research). This forecast is contingent upon robust US economic data, set to be released later this week, which could indicate a resilient US economy. Additionally, any delays in the Federal Reserve’s proposed trimming of interest rates could contribute to this scenario. K-Research has noted continued capital outflows due to Thailand’s weaker-than-expected economic results. The baht was trading between 35.76-78 against the US dollar on Thursday, a slight depreciation from Wednesday’s closing rate of 35.68, following the release of the US Manufacturing and Services Purchasing Managers’ Indices for January. Both indices recorded their highest levels in over half a year, causing the baht to tumble to a two-month low of 35.88 during Wednesday’s trading. Kanjana Chockpisansin, head of research at K-Research, suggested that these signs of resilience within the US manufacturing and service sectors could influence the Federal Reserve to maintain its high-interest rates for a longer period, given that inflation remains above the central bank’s target. She anticipates the earliest rate cuts to occur in the second quarter of this year. However, the Thai economy’s outlook remains precarious, lacking the fundamental factors required to stimulate growth. Kanjana revealed that as of January 24, the Thai stock market had seen fund outflows totalling 23.9 billion baht (US$668 million) year-to-date, with foreign investors also selling Thai bonds worth 5.9 billion baht (US$165 million). by Alex Morgan 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

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 26 January 2024 Germany has vowed to expand its investment in electric vehicles in Thailand following the visit of German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318085-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-26-january-2024/

Germany has vowed to expand its investment in electric vehicles in Thailand following the visit of German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Germany is Thailand's largest trade partner in the EU and Thailand is Germany's third-largest trade partner in Asean, prime minister Mr Thavisin said Germany is ready to support Thailand in the production of renewable energy with the aim to to increase electricity produced by renewables by 50% by 2040. The Department of Special Investigation is investigating an alleged case of police torture after a suspect Mr. Panya was falsely implicated in his wife's murder in Sa Kaeo province. Security footage revealed teenagers assaulted and killed her. The investigation aims to determine if police wrongly charged Mr. Panya. Around the region Myanmar Fighters from an ethnic minority armed group have seized control of a port town after more than two months of intense clashes with junta troops, The Arakan Army it “completely controlled” a town of 20,000 people close to a crucial deep-water port in the capital of western Rakhine state. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny partly cloudy, 28C Bangkok: Cloudy, 31C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 32C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy some showers 31C Hua Hin: Sunny partly cloudy 30C AQI yellow and Orange which is moderate to high. 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 2024-01-26 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

Second Government Coalition Dinner: Party Leaders Strengthen Bonds in a Warm Atmosphere Picture: Thai Rath The atmosphere was vibrant at the second government coalition dinner as Thailand's proud host, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, chose a quaint local restaurant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318082-second-government-coalition-dinner-party-leaders-strengthen-bonds-in-a-warm-atmosphere/

The atmosphere was vibrant at the second government coalition dinner as Thailand's proud host, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, chose a quaint local restaurant. Leading the coalition, he warmly welcomed party leader and coalition partner, Kanlanak Tanabun, emphasizing camaraderie. The menu featured a plethora of delicious Thai dishes. Picture: Thai Rath At 6:00 PM on January 25, 2024, news reporters gathered at the local restaurant in Samkok, Pathum Thani, capturing the moment when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with Kanlanak Tanabun and other key party members, enjoyed their second dinner meeting. Amid laughter, they discussed future plans and initiatives, showcasing unity within the coalition. Picture: Thai Rath Later, the group, including Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Chada Kraisornrat, explored the Chao Phraya River view. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed satisfaction with the weather and scenery, fostering positive dialogue. Picture: Thai Rath During the dinner, Srettha humorously remarked on choosing the restaurant named after him, while Thaveesin hinted at upcoming cultural exploration trips to Nakhon Ratchasima. The gathering showcased not only political discussions but also moments of shared laughter and warmth among coalition members. Top Picture: Thai Rath -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

Swiss Tourist Attacked by Buffalo Bear While Feeding in Chiang Dao A Swiss tourist volunteering for a local wildlife foundation in Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, was bitten by a buffalo bear while feeding it in its enclosure. The swift response of the rescue team and urgent medical attention were crucial in handling the situation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318081-swiss-tourist-attacked-by-buffalo-bear-while-feeding-in-chiang-dao/

A Swiss tourist volunteering for a local wildlife foundation in Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, was bitten by a buffalo bear while feeding it in its enclosure. The swift response of the rescue team and urgent medical attention were crucial in handling the situation. On January 25th, news broke of a foreign man, Mr. Stefan Claudio Specogna, aged 32 and a Swiss national, sustaining injuries to his right arm from a buffalo bear at his residence in Nong Pao village, Muang Ngai sub-district, Chiang Dao district, Chiang Mai. Mr. Specogna, a wildlife volunteer, was providing food to the bear when the incident occurred. Picture: Daily News Emergency responders from Phra That Puakam municipality and Muang Ngai sub-district rushed to the scene to find a large buffalo bear in the compound. The injured man's right arm was severely damaged from the elbow down. He was transported to Chiang Dao Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Preliminary inquiries revealed that the buffalo bear had been properly cared for by the local wildlife foundation in accordance with the law. The bear had originally been under the supervision of Doi Pha Daeng National Park in Chiang Dao since 1993, reported Daily News. Due to various constraints, the foundation took over its care later, and tragically, during a routine feeding, the volunteer's arm was bitten by the bear, prompting the swift intervention of the rescue team to extract the injured limb. Top Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

Chiang Mai University Introduces Electric Songthaew Pilot Project: Plans to Remodify 100 Red Taxis for Sustainable Transport By Kittisak Phalaharn Chiang Mai—On January 24th, 2024, Thai national media reported an introduction to a pilot project, a 100% electric songthaew or truck taxi, in the development of Chiang Mai University. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318080-chiang-mai-university-introduces-electric-songthaew-pilot-project-plans-to-remodify-100-red-taxis-for-sustainable-transport/

Chiang Mai—On January 24th, 2024, Thai national media reported an introduction to a pilot project, a 100% electric songthaew or truck taxi, in the development of Chiang Mai University. Asst. Prof. Anucha Promwungkwa, Ph.D., the Electric Songthaew Project Manager, stated to Thai media that after 8-months of research, it was finally deployed. Asst. Prof. Anucha aimed to study the prototype and further expand the project from piloting two electric songthaews to red taxis in Chiang Mai. Mr. Borisut Santiwattanaphan, a songthaew driver, told Thai media that after he tried using a modified electric songthaew, formerly a fuel vehicle, it was better than using oil energy in all aspects. The electric songthaew costs less in maintenance and energy. Borisut hoped that soon there would be more electric songthaews in Chiang Mai. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Tourist Speedboat Collides with Reef near Koh Kood, Trat, All 12 Tourists and 3 Crewmates Rescued Safely By Kittisak Phalaharn Trat—At 2:30 PM, on January 24th, 2024, the Trat Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center (CARDC) received an emergency report of a speedboat colliding with a reef, causing a shipwreck 16 miles away from the Laem Thian area, Koh Kood, Trat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318078-tourist-speedboat-collides-with-reef-near-koh-kood-trat-all-12-tourists-and-3-crewmates-rescued-safely/

Trat—At 2:30 PM, on January 24th, 2024, the Trat Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center (CARDC) received an emergency report of a speedboat colliding with a reef, causing a shipwreck 16 miles away from the Laem Thian area, Koh Kood, Trat. After 30 minutes, Trat CARDC lost contact with 12 tourists and 3 crewmates at the speedboat. Three Trat marine rescue speedboats were dispatched to coordinates 3532 as reported by the victims. However, the marine rescue teams could not find the victims or the speedboat in the reported area, according to the rescue team. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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 Man Arrested with Magic Mushroom in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat A British man was arrested with a magic mushroom in Patong. Magic mushrooms are listed as illegal category 5 drugs in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318076-british-man-arrested-with-magic-mushroom-in-patong/

By Goongnang Suksawat A British man was arrested with a magic mushroom in Patong. Magic mushrooms are listed as illegal category 5 drugs in Thailand. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (January 25th) they arrested the 33-year-old British man in front of a restaurant on the Phra Baramee Road in Patong. Seized from him was 1.10 grams of a magic mushroom. He was taken to the Patong Police Station to face charges of illegal possession of category 5 drugs (magic mushrooms). Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

International British Teacher Arrested for Luring Minors to Commit Indecent Acts in Pathum Thani By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 25th, 2024, Pol. Col. Jirawat Piampinseth, the Superintendent of Thanyaburi Police Station, publicly revealed the case of a British teacher who allegedly committed an indecent act to minors under the age of 13 at an international school in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318075-international-british-teacher-arrested-for-luring-minors-to-commit-indecent-acts-in-pathum-thani/

On January 25th, 2024, Pol. Col. Jirawat Piampinseth, the Superintendent of Thanyaburi Police Station, publicly revealed the case of a British teacher who allegedly committed an indecent act to minors under the age of 13 at an international school in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani. According to a report by the police, the British teacher, publicly identified only as Mr. David, 59, allegedly lured minors under the age of 13 and committed indecent acts during lunch breaks. It was reported that at least four children were victims, said the police. The story was revealed when one of the teachers in class heard students discuss David’s behaviors. The teacher then asked the students to explain what happened to them before reporting the story to the student’s guardians, according to the police. One of the parents’ students stated that they recently heard the news that their daughter was one of the victims for at least 7 to 8 months. The victim reportedly told the parents that during lunch break, David lured the victim to a teacher’s room to commit the crimes, the police reported. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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