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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. The son experienced a seizure on air-conditioned bus number 168 along Rama IX Road at 9.30am. The driver, Anirut Wanwang, and the bus conductor, Nopparat Thanapetchpiboon, along with other passengers, sprang into action to assist the ailing young man. As the bus approached the Victory Monument, heavy traffic stalled their progress. Realising the urgency, the conductor dashed off the bus to seek help from nearby soldiers. Two soldiers and a military official, Sub-Lieutenant Preecha Sombatwong, Sergeant Phanuphong Nuekkrathok, and military official Witthaya Chaisomboon, who happened to be passing by the monument on their motorcycle, quickly came to aid, reported KhaoSod. Sergeant Phanuphong, who assisted in carrying the patient, recounted that he heard shouts for help. Around ten soldiers, who were preparing for a transfer to the Army Band Department, joined in the effort. Knowing the proximity to Ratchawithi Hospital, they wasted no time in helping the young man. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of กรมดุริยางค์ทหารบก (Facebook) 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

Kamphaeng Phet prison sweep finds zero contraband, upholds security by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Kamphaeng Phet’s Central Prison conducted a surprise operation following the Department of Corrections’ policy to prevent the smuggling of contraband into the inmates’ quarters. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317993-kamphaeng-phet-prison-sweep-finds-zero-contraband-upholds-security/

Kamphaeng Phet’s Central Prison conducted a surprise operation following the Department of Corrections’ policy to prevent the smuggling of contraband into the inmates’ quarters. Chathip Rujonseree, the Governor of Kamphaeng Phet Province, today chaired the launch of this special inspection operation to safeguard against the illicit introduction of prohibited items into the prison cells. The operation was a coordinated effort involving Thitiphan Manujuntarat, the Warden of Kamphaeng Phet Central Prison, local police, the Provincial Internal Security Operations Command, the Territorial Defense Volunteers, the Office of Narcotics Control Board Region 6, and prison personnel. They undertook this special search to enforce the Department of Corrections’ mandate and to ensure that prohibited and unauthorised items were not being smuggled into the sleeping quarters. The search operation extended across both male and female sections of the prison. Remarkably, the thorough inspection revealed no contraband. Additionally, a random drug-testing exercise was carried out on some inmates to detect any drug contamination. The results were equally positive, as no traces of narcotics were found in the tests, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod 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

Thai police officer kills boyfriend of his friend’s daughter in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via PPTV HD A Sutthisan Police Station officer shot dead the boyfriend of his friend’s daughter outside the victim’s house in Huay Kwang district of Bangkok last night. The officer’s disapproval of the relationship was cited as the motive behind the tragic incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317992-thai-police-officer-kills-boyfriend-of-his-friend’s-daughter-in-bangkok/

A Sutthisan Police Station officer shot dead the boyfriend of his friend’s daughter outside the victim’s house in Huay Kwang district of Bangkok last night. The officer’s disapproval of the relationship was cited as the motive behind the tragic incident. The death of the 25 year old Thai man, Thitiwat Auayklang, was reported to Huay Kwang Police Station at 7pm, yesterday, January 24. Officers investigated the scene and discovered his body outside the house in Soi Ratchadaphisek 3. He was wearing a grey jacket and brown trousers and had a gunshot wound to the neck. The gunman, a police senior sergeant major from Sutthisan Police Station, was waiting to surrender to officers at the scene. The identity of the police officer was not revealed. Thitiwat’s mother identified the police officer as Pae. The mother told the media that the motive behind the shooting might be the disapproval of the relationship between her son and his girlfriend named Ann. The mother revealed that she lived with her husband and son for approximately two years in their residence before her son invited Ann to live in the household last month. by Petch Petpailin Photo via PPTV HD 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

Go on, do your 90 day report online, Pita cleared to return to Parliament - Tim Newton Today - Jan 25 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317989-go-on-do-your-90-day-report-online-pita-cleared-to-return-to-parliament-tim-newton-today-jan-25/

Thailand news - The Move Forward Party former leader and prime ministerial candidate, Pita Limjareonrat, has been cleared of the shareholding issue that has sidelined him since last July. But more issues ahead for the Move Forward Party. The Thai immigration department is urging foreigners to go online and use the online reporting website. https://web.facebook.com/ The outgoing immigration computers froze up yesterday at Suvarnabhumi Airport, causing LONG queues for yesterday morning's arriving passengers. Meanwhile the Thai government wants to make Thailand a regional 'hub' for aviation. And an update on the lion cub that was being driven around Pattaya streets on Tuesday afternoon in a white Bentley. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Tourism minister presents six proposals to boost ASEAN relations by Puntid Tantivang Photo courtesy of The Nation The Minister of Tourism and Sports received the Cabinet‘s approval for six proposals set to revolutionise ASEAN tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317988-tourism-minister-presents-six-proposals-to-boost-asean-relations/

The Minister of Tourism and Sports received the Cabinet‘s approval for six proposals set to revolutionise ASEAN tourism. The Cabinet’s green light paves the way for Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol to champion regional partnerships at the 27th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers in Vientiane, Laos. In an exclusive statement on January 23, Minister Sudawan disclosed the approved documents, each designed to propel ASEAN tourism to unprecedented heights. The first proposal, a resounding endorsement for the Laos meeting, emphasises Quality and Responsible Tourism: Sustaining ASEAN’s Future. The subsequent trio of documents crafts a roadmap for ASEAN’s engagement with global giants like China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Russia. The aim is to foster international collaboration, breathing life back into the tourism sectors of participating nations. by Puntid Tantivang Photo courtesy of The Nation 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

DSI officials prosecuted for alleged corruption by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World Former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin, alongside three confidants, launched a lawsuit against top officials of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317987-dsi-officials-prosecuted-for-alleged-corruption/

Former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin, alongside three confidants, launched a lawsuit against top officials of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). The former DSI director-general, the acting DSI director-general, and the director of the Human Trafficking Cases Division were accused of being involved in a corrupt scheme. Suchart, flanked by his associates, addressed the media with a bombshell revelation. According to him, the trio of officials allegedly implicated them in a dubious plot, demanding a staggering 3,000 baht kickback from each Thai worker engaged in strawberry picking in Finland between 2020 and 2023. Strikingly, the 49 year old expressed his dismay at the lack of any official summons for questioning, even though he served as the labour minister during the contentious period. Instead, the DSI swiftly dispatched its findings to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), leaving Suchart bewildered. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World 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

Young Foreign Man Found Hanged At Koh Samui by TNR Staff Rescuers taking the body of the dead Ukrainian man to the hospital for autopsy. Photo: Amarin TV THE BODY of a young Ukrainian man was found mysteriously hanged with his hands tied behind his back at a remote durian orchard on Koh Samui last evening, Amarin TV said this morning (Jan. 25). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317986-young-foreign-man-found-hanged-at-koh-samui/

THE BODY of a young Ukrainian man was found mysteriously hanged with his hands tied behind his back at a remote durian orchard on Koh Samui last evening, Amarin TV said this morning (Jan. 25). Pol. Col. Denduang Thongsrisuk, superintendent of Bo Phut police station, and his team together with forensic officers, a doctor from Koh Samui Hospital and rescuers, went up the steep Tha Sok mountain on four-wheel-drive vehicles to the spot at the durian orchard where the foreign tourist’s body was found hanging from a branch of a tree. He was wearing a pair of shorts and no shirt but a red T-shirt covered half his face. Cable ties had been used to tie his hands behind his back and a red chair had fallen beneath him. His decomposed body was taken to Koh Samui Hospital for autopsy and it was estimated that he had been dead for four to five days. by TNR Staff TOP: Rescuers taking the body of the dead Ukrainian man to the hospital for autopsy. Photo: Amarin TV Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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 GDP growth disappoints with a slow 1.8% rise in 2023 by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bloomberg GDP growth in 2023 slowed down to a disappointing 1.8%, according to an announcement by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317984-thailand’s-gdp-growth-disappoints-with-a-slow-18-rise-in-2023/

GDP growth in 2023 slowed down to a disappointing 1.8%, according to an announcement by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO). Director-general, Pornchai Thiraveja, attributed this to a combination of negative factors impacting the economy. Originally, the growth was forecast to rise to 2.7% in 2023, based on a projection made in October last year. The less-than-anticipated growth is due to a downturn in exports and the manufacturing sector. This is evidenced by a 4.7% year-on-year fall in the Manufacturing Production Index (MPI), with automotive products witnessing a 23-month contraction, electronics for 15 months and rubber products for nine months. With this downturn, the value of exports is expected to fall by 1.5%. This is a slightly greater drop than the earlier October estimate of 1.8%, resulting from a slowdown in major trading partners. The reduced MPI resulted in a mere 1.4% GDP expansion in the last quarter of the previous year, compared to 2.6% in the first quarter, 1.8% in the second quarter and 1.5% in the third. Pornchai stated that for economic growth in 2023 to reach the October estimate of 2.7%, GDP in the fourth quarter of 2023 would have to expand by 4 to 5%. However, he did not declare the Thai economy to be in a crisis, as there is no specific definition of such a state, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bloomberg 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

My Thai Boyfriend, new LGBTQA+ dating sim game inspired by Pattaya by Petch Petpailin Photo by Alright Peaches Studio via Steam Game developer Alright Peaches Studio launched a dating simulator game inspired by the LGBTQA+ community in Pattaya called My Thai Boyfriend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317983-my-thai-boyfriend-new-lgbtqa-dating-sim-game-inspired-by-pattaya/

Game developer Alright Peaches Studio launched a dating simulator game inspired by the LGBTQA+ community in Pattaya called My Thai Boyfriend. My Thai Boyfriend has been available on Steam since January 1. The game is a dating simulator, also known as a dating sim or visual novel, which allows players to interact and build relationships with characters in the video game. This dating sim game is set in the city of Pattaya in Thailand and the game focuses mainly on a love story in the LGBTQA+ community in the area. The studio said the game contains LGBTQ+ content, and love from different genders. “This game is mainly about pure love from a ladyboy to both male and female.” In the About This Game section, the developer stated that this is a galgame, a visual novel, and a funny game. “It is a story about the love choices of a Thai ladyboy. She falls in love with both a man and a woman, and it is so hard for him to choose. Meanwhile, his boyfriend also falls in love with him and his girlfriend. So, it is also very difficult for him to make a choice. by Petch Petpailin Photo by Alright Peaches Studio via Steam 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

Pita verdict a victory for rule of law in Thailand By Lynn Sasinpong On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court delivered its long-awaited verdict on Pita Limjaroenrat’s status as a Member of Parliament. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317982-pita-verdict-a-victory-for-rule-of-law-in-thailand/

On Wednesday, the Constitutional Court delivered its long-awaited verdict on Pita Limjaroenrat’s status as a Member of Parliament. The Court decided that Pita is not disqualified from being an MP due to his retention of shares in iTV, since the company was not broadcasting media nor generating revenue from media operations when he ran for office. This is because Thai law prohibits MPs from holding shares in the media business on the rationale that MPs should not influence the media for their political agenda. As the former leader of Move Forward Party, which won last year’s elections, and current chairperson of its advisory board, Pita remains influential in Thai politics and largely popular among Thailand’s electorate for his progressive proposals of reform. By extension, the Court’s decision on Pita’s fate is widespread. Here are some key takeaways, lessons learnt, and reflections on the verdict. By Lynn Sasinpong Full story: THAI ENQUIRER 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

4 Thai TikTokers attack woman after illegal business exposed by Petch Petpailin Petch Petpail Photo via Twitter/ Red Skull Police arrested four famous Thai TikTokers after they brutally attacked a Thai woman at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. Ful story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317981-4-thai-tiktokers-attack-woman-after-illegal-business-exposed/

Police arrested four famous Thai TikTokers after they brutally attacked a Thai woman at a condominium in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The attack was allegedly triggered by suspicions that the victim and her friend disclosed information about their illegal business on social media. The 18 year old victim, Autsamanee, also known as Gam, filed a complaint at Bang Sri Mueang Police Station reporting that she was viciously assaulted by four people in her condominium room on January 22. Gam said she suffered serious injuries, including a broken left arm, a brain injury and wounds to her body and face. The attackers shared the assault videos on Instagram as they attacked her. Her friend, 17 year old Narinthorn, or Foam, managed to save the video as evidence for the police before they were deleted. The four attackers were identified as 28 year old Nuttawut, 19 year old Kritsada, 19 year old Aiyada, and 16 year old Thotsuthee. Gam said that she and Foam had previously been friends with the attackers but they accused them of exposing Nattawut’s illegal business to the public. by Petch Petpailin Petch Petpail Photo via Twitter/ Red Skull 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 new green utility tariff boosts renewable energy use by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The unveiling of a Green Utility Tariff (GUT) in February is set to bring about a significant progression in renewable energy use within Thailand, bolstering local businesses and attracting foreign investment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317980-thailand’s-new-green-utility-tariff-boosts-renewable-energy-use/

The unveiling of a Green Utility Tariff (GUT) in February is set to bring about a significant progression in renewable energy use within Thailand, bolstering local businesses and attracting foreign investment. This move has been eagerly awaited by numerous companies considering expansion into Thailand, as they seek not only the necessary infrastructure but also a source of clean energy to support their carbon reduction strategies. As the specifics of the GUT are clarified, renewable energy suppliers will gain an understanding of the potential benefits to be gained from electricity sales. Simultaneously, users will be able to determine their expenses for accessing clean power. Clear information on the rates is seen as a crucial element for Thailand as it pursues its ambitions to lower carbon dioxide emissions while also stimulating investment and economic development. The GUT is a tariff applied to the pricing of electricity produced via renewable resources. It is divided into GUT 1 and GUT 2 by officials. GUT 1 pertains to rates for existing renewable power operators and applies to certain types of renewables. GUT 2, on the other hand, relates to rates for new clean power developers, allowing them to utilise various types of renewable energy, as explained by Samerjai Suksumek, Chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post 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 aims to be among top five Asian tech ecosystems by Alex Morgan Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Aspiring to rank among Asia’s top five tech ecosystems within the next decade, Thailand is currently focusing on the development of smart industries, particularly in tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, according to a statement by a corporate innovation accelerator. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317979-thailand-aims-to-be-among-top-five-asian-tech-ecosystems/

Aspiring to rank among Asia’s top five tech ecosystems within the next decade, Thailand is currently focusing on the development of smart industries, particularly in tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, according to a statement by a corporate innovation accelerator. Dr Kid Parchariyanon, CEO and co-founder of RISE, the accelerator, insisted that the adoption of artificial intelligence, along with nurturing a skilled digital workforce, will be key to achieving this potential. He highlighted several advantages Thailand has over its neighbours, including geopolitical factors linked to the US-China relationship, a substantial economy, and a robust capital market within ASEAN nations. Thailand’s economic resurgence has favoured strong sectors like tourism and healthcare, making the country an attractive destination for travel, living, and long-stay work, added Dr Kid. “Thailand’s reputation is well established in those sectors, but there are still many areas that need to be accelerated for further development, such as agriculture, in which Thailand has a lower yield per rai than Vietnam”. by Alex Morgan Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post 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