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to continue: Thailand Live Friday 26 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1318074-thailand-live-friday-26-january-2024/

Three people to be charged with owning a lion without a permit The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department will initiate legal action against two Thais, a Sri Lankan and a Ukrainian for being in possession of and moving a lion without a permit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318064-three-people-to-be-charged-with-owning-a-lion-without-a-permit/

Two more ‘pet’ lions sighted in Pattaya Residents of a housing estate in Pattaya have been seeking help, after their foreign neighbour purchased two lions as pets, one of which gets loose and wanders around the neighbourhood. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318065-two-more-‘pet’-lions-sighted-in-pattaya/

My next destination is Government House : Pita Former Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat told the media, on his first day back in parliament after six-month absence today, that his next destination is Government House. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318067-my-next-destination-is-government-house-pita/

UPDATE: Thai Woman Unveiled as Real Owner of Lion Cub in Pattaya, Now Facing Legal Charges By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya — Officials and veterinarians from the Office of Conservation Area 2 (Sri Racha) visited the actual owner of a lion cub, which was spotted sitting in an open-top Bentley driven by a foreigner around Pattaya earlier this week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318012-update-thai-woman-unveiled-as-real-owner-of-lion-cub-in-pattaya-now-facing-legal-charges/

Pattaya — Officials and veterinarians from the Office of Conservation Area 2 (Sri Racha) visited the actual owner of a lion cub, which was spotted sitting in an open-top Bentley driven by a foreigner around Pattaya earlier this week. The visit took place at 6 PM on January 24th, following the viral video of the lion. According to officials, a Thai woman, identified only as Ms. Pupe, 38, came out to declare ownership of the lion. She showed the officers the legal ownership documents and let the veterinarians inspect the animal. After a 30-minute health examination, the lion was found to be in good health, and veterinarians also found a microchip on its right shoulder, required by Thai law. Mr. Kongkiat Temluan, Director of the Office of Conservation Area 2, clarified that lions fall under the category of controlled wild animals (Type A), and its possession is permissible only with a valid license. The microchip confirming the lion’s identity was found to be accurate and in line with the documents at the Ban Pong Administrative Office in Ratchaburi province, confirming its legal status. Nevertheless, Mr. Kongkiat stated that Ms. Pupe is not authorized to relocate the lion. He said she would have to notify the Sri Racha Administrative Office first to conduct an inspection at the location where the lion will be housed. Additionally, it is inappropriate to transport the lion, regardless of it being a cub or on a leash, in a convertible vehicle because the lion can still pose danger to people in the vicinity and requires controlled containment and transportation, Mr. Kongkiat added. Meanwhile, Ms. Pupe stated that she works in real estate. She said her foreign friend bought the lion for her as a gift as they shared an interest in exotic animals. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-25 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya’s traffic nightmare: Deputy mayor tackles commute delays by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In a bid to combat the chaos caused by the never-ending construction along Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai took matters into his own hands, leading a team on a mission to bring relief to frustrated commuters. Full syory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318009-pattaya’s-traffic-nightmare-deputy-mayor-tackles-commute-delays/

In a bid to combat the chaos caused by the never-ending construction along Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, Deputy Mayor Manot Nongyai took matters into his own hands, leading a team on a mission to bring relief to frustrated commuters. Accompanied by reps from the contracted company, Pattaya police, and Engineering Office staff, the Deputy Mayor rolled up his sleeves and descended upon the North Pattaya traffic lights intersection on January 23. The mission was to tackle the prevailing traffic congestion issue, unleashed by the ongoing 700-metre construction project. The solution is to adjust traffic signal timings to get the vehicular flow moving at a more acceptable pace. Moreover, the contracted company was swiftly ordered to install informative signs. These signs not only update the masses on the ongoing construction saga but also provide a glimmer of optimism with the promised completion date. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-25 - 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

Wild Elephant Fatally Attacks Monk in Kanchanaburi Forest Reserve KANCHANABURI, Jan 25 (TNA) – A monk was found dead in the protected national forest area after being attacked by a wild elephant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318007-wild-elephant-fatally-attacks-monk-in-kanchanaburi-forest-reserve/

KANCHANABURI, Jan 25 (TNA) – A monk was found dead in the protected national forest area after being attacked by a wild elephant. The incident occurred on Jan 23 when a village head in the Sri Sawat district received a report from villagers that the body of a monk on pilgrimage had been brutally attacked by a wild elephant in the national forest reserve, approximately 3 kilometers from the Chaloem Rattanakosin National Park boundary. The deceased, identified as Phra Maha Bancha, 50, was found with his body severely mangled, and his face, head, limbs, and torso showed signs of a brutal elephant attack. Authorities suspect that the monk encountered the wild elephant while in the forest and fell victim to the fatal attack. The officials have taken the monk's body to the forensic institute for an autopsy. Full story: TNA-MCOT 2024-01-25 - 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

Saksayam Chidchob: Will share concealment verdict halt political comeback king? File photo : Saksayam Chidchob While a court case ousted Saksayam Chidchob as transport minister in the previous government, his formidable political networking skills mean there’s a good chance he will return to power. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318006-saksayam-chidchob-will-share-concealment-verdict-halt-political-comeback-king/

While a court case ousted Saksayam Chidchob as transport minister in the previous government, his formidable political networking skills mean there’s a good chance he will return to power. On January 17, the Constitutional Court found him guilty of concealing his stake in a construction company that was awarded a contract with a state agency. This conflict of interest saw him barred from serving as transport minister for two years. However, insiders say Saksayam has shrugged off the verdict as just another pothole in his long and bumpy political road. Political survivor In 2007, Saksayam was slapped with a five-year political ban as an executive of the Thai Rak Thai Party. The ban covered all political positions, yet during the prohibition he was often spotted on the political scene. In 2009, for example, he took leadership of a team of advisors for the then-interior minister. After the ban expired in 2012, Saksayam switched his political allegiance and was named secretary-general of the Bhumjaithai Party. Two years later, Saksayam was all set to become a party-list MP following the 2014 general election. However, political protests saw the election annulled on grounds that voting in some constituencies could not be held on election day. So, Saksayam had to bide his time. TOP File photo : Saksayam Chidchob Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-25 - 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

Empowering Thai women in international marriages: TWNE’s Hua Hin event highlights widowhood challenges By Jonathan Fairfield For most women, the life from a wife to a widow is a journey that no one wants to make, often fraught with uncertainty and hardship. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318004-empowering-thai-women-in-international-marriages-twne’s-hua-hin-event-highlights-widowhood-challenges/

For most women, the life from a wife to a widow is a journey that no one wants to make, often fraught with uncertainty and hardship. But for those living in a foreign country, grappling with language barriers and lacking familial or social support, that transition can be even more difficult to navigate. Suppose you are a Thai woman residing in Germany with your German spouse, and he passes away suddenly and unexpectedly. In this challenging scenario, especially if you are not fluent in German, determining the right course of action and identifying who to contact can be daunting. If you were primarily reliant on your husband for financial support, the situation becomes even more pressing. The key question is: What steps should you take in such circumstances? By Jonathan Fairfield Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-25 - 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 man arrested for attempting to rape 74 year old distant relative by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Locals rescued a 74 year old Thai woman after her 42 year old distant relative attempted to rape her in the Satuek district in the Isaan province of Buriram. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318001-thai-man-arrested-for-attempting-to-rape-74-year-old-distant-relative/

Locals rescued a 74 year old Thai woman after her 42 year old distant relative attempted to rape her in the Satuek district in the Isaan province of Buriram. The 74 year old victim, Mongpramoon, filed a complaint with Satuek Police Station officers that her distant relative, Uthen Jampanuan, stole 400 baht and tried to rape her yesterday morning, January 24. Fortunately, her neighbours were able to save her from the attack. Uthen was taken to the police station for questioning the same day and confessed to the crime. Uthen said he drank alcohol with a friend from 3pm on January 23 and continued drinking until the next day. Uthen revealed that he watched pornography and had sexual desires while drinking but he divorced his wife six years ago and had no girlfriend. He decided to go to Mongpramoon’s house because he thought she had never been married or had sex and also lived alone. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-25 - 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 economic growth labelled underwhelming by government by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via Sarkari Pariksha The economic expansion of Thailand in the previous year and the anticipated growth in the current year have been labelled as underwhelming by the government, referencing a report from the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317999-thailand’s-economic-growth-labelled-underwhelming-by-government/

The economic expansion of Thailand in the previous year and the anticipated growth in the current year have been labelled as underwhelming by the government, referencing a report from the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). The assertion was made by Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesperson, through a Line chat group created for communication with reporters from the Government House. The FPO report, disclosed by Chai, indicated a meagre economic expansion of 1.8% in the previous year, with a projected growth of 2.8% for the current year. The Pheu Thai Party-led government, however, remains optimistic, with a pledge to stimulate the economy to achieve a targeted growth of 5% within the span of their four-year term. Despite recognizing the low growth figures, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also holds the Finance Minister role, initially cautioned that these figures were not yet official. The Finance Ministry, however, has since validated the 1.8% growth for the previous year. While PM Srettha chose not to engage in the debate on whether the economy is in crisis, he did assert that it’s in a poor state. He further added that the recent remarks by the Bank of Thailand governor, stating that the economy was not in crisis, were subjective. by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via Sarkari Pariksha Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-25 - 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

Jive at Dong Tan: Beach-turned-bazaar sparks excitement in Jomtien by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Dong Tan Beach has turned into a night bazaar, buzzing with commerce, stirring both excitement and disarray among local businesses in Jomtien. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317998-jive-at-dong-tan-beach-turned-bazaar-sparks-excitement-in-jomtien/

Dong Tan Beach has turned into a night bazaar, buzzing with commerce, stirring both excitement and disarray among local businesses in Jomtien. The once tranquil beach now hosts a nightly spectacle, drawing sellers and buyers alike, transforming this coastal haven into the vibrant Dong Tan Night Market. The market’s meteoric rise in popularity has, however, birthed a set of challenges. Designated parking spaces, originally meant for convenience, have now metamorphosed into ad-hoc stalls, offering a smorgasbord of foods and drinks. Attempts by local authorities to regulate these prohibited spaces have proven futile, resulting in vehicular chaos as cars vie for limited parking. Amidst the hustle and bustle, registered businesses find themselves grappling with disruptions. Some are forced to endure construction work obstructing their shops, rendering it impossible to peddle products and services. The unbridled freedom of mobile food vendors in Pattaya allows them to exploit opportunities without adhering to regulations, leaving tax-paying shops in the dust. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-25 - 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

MFP supports Pheu Thai’s two charter amendments referendums by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pheu Thai Party Archives The Move Forward Party (MFP) backs Pheu Thai‘s proposal for two referendums on charter amendments, promising to reshape Thailand‘s political landscape. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317996-mfp-supports-pheu-thai’s-two-charter-amendments-referendums/

The Move Forward Party (MFP) backs Pheu Thai‘s proposal for two referendums on charter amendments, promising to reshape Thailand‘s political landscape. Parit Wacharasindhu, an MFP list-MP and the party’s spokesperson, declared on Tuesday, January 23, the MFP’s full-throated endorsement of Pheu Thai’s deputy leader, Chusak Sirinil’s, proposition for just two referendums, stating that it’s a cost-effective and time-efficient approach. Not stopping there, the MFP aligns with Pheu Thai’s demand for an elected charter drafting assembly. However, amidst this newfound unity, a quirk in the alliance surfaces – the parties diverge on the assembly’s power to tweak the hallowed Chapters 1 and 2 of the charter, containing sacrosanct details about the Kingdom of Thailand and royal prerogatives, respectively. Parit emphasised the urgency of a united front to persuade senators and coalition partners to amend Section 256 of the constitution without the obligatory referendum hurdle. A stumbling block arises as some senators insist on a public vote before any proposed charter changes can reach the parliamentary floor. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pheu Thai Party Archives Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-25 - 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

AirAsia X expansion sparks unprecedented growth by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Asian Aviation AirAsia X soared to new heights, carrying a staggering 890,289 passengers in the fourth quarter of 2023, experiencing a 2.6-fold increase year-on-year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317995-airasia-x-expansion-sparks-unprecedented-growth/

AirAsia X soared to new heights, carrying a staggering 890,289 passengers in the fourth quarter of 2023, experiencing a 2.6-fold increase year-on-year. Passenger Load Factor (PLF) has risen to 82%, a remarkable three-percentage-point surge. The surge comes on the heels of an impressive 2.5-fold increase in seat capacity, making it a clear winner in the aviation race. During the quarter in review, AirAsia X Malaysia flexed its wings with 16 operational aircraft, a significant leap from the meagre six aircraft in the same period of 2022. This leapfrog in fleet size translated into increased flight frequencies and network expansions, catapulting the Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) capacity to 4,770 million, a whopping 2.8 times year-on-year. The Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) growth mirrored this feat, standing at a staggering close to three times year-on-year, reaching an impressive 3,839 million. Emboldened by its success, AirAsia X spread its wings further, launching a new route to Hong Kong with seven flights per week in December. The quarter witnessed increased flight frequencies to Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, and Bangkok, culminating in a total weekly flight frequency of 144 flights by year-end. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Asian Aviation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-25 - 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 bus passengers and soldiers unite to save ailing boy by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of กรมดุริยางค์ทหารบก (Facebook) A spontaneous act of kindness unfolded this morning when a mother and her son, who suffers from an autoimmune disorder, were travelling by bus to Ratchawithi Hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317994-bangkok-bus-passengers-and-soldiers-unite-to-save-ailing-boy/