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Cabinet scraps 24-year-old practice of teachers serving as school guards File photo : A man attacks a female teacher in a school in Chiang Rai province. The Thai cabinet scrapped an old school practice today, which had been imposed since 1999. It requires at least one teacher to take turns to be posted at their schools as a night guard, to protect property from potential intruders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317835-cabinet-scraps-24-year-old-practice-of-teachers-serving-as-school-guards/

The Constitutional Court is set to rule on Wednesday (January 24) whether Pita Limjaroenrat, the initial front-runner to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister, violated the charter by contesting last year’s election while holding shares in a media company. Judgement day for Pita: A closer look at case that could change Thai politics Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317811-judgement-day-for-pita-a-closer-look-at-case-that-could-change-thai-politics/

Handcuffed Thai car thief escapes from police station in Chiang Rai by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ท้องถิ่นนิวส์ Officers are set to rearrest a Thai car thief two days after the suspect successfully escaped from Mueang Chiang Rai Police Station in northern Thailand despite being handcuffed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317813-handcuffed-thai-car-thief-escapes-from-police-station-in-chiang-rai/

Officers are set to rearrest a Thai car thief two days after the suspect successfully escaped from Mueang Chiang Rai Police Station in northern Thailand despite being handcuffed. The thief stole a black Mitsubishi from a Thai woman in the northern province of Chiang Rai on January 13. He even posted a video of himself and the stolen car on his TikTok account as if he were the rightful owner of the car. Mueang Chiang Rai Police Station officers initially identified the thief as a Burmese man named Jalor and managed to arrest him on Friday, January 19. Jalor was detained at the police station waiting for a court trial. Police later handcuffed Jalor and took him from his cell for questioning at about 6pm that day. However, the interrogation was interrupted by a complaining local. The interviewing officer asked a colleague to take Jalor to an interrogation room while he listened to the local’s complaint. After receiving the complaint, the officer went to the room to question Jalor only to find he had disappeared and the room was empty. Police checked the CCTV camera and discovered that Jalor had left the police station in handcuffs. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ท้องถิ่นนิวส์ Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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

Questions remain over viability of multi-billion-dollar land bridge project The idea of a land bridge connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has been in the pipeline for a few years. Former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob had pushed for the multi-billion-dollar project when serving in the Prayut Chan-o-cha government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317812-questions-remain-over-viability-of-multi-billion-dollar-land-bridge-project/

The idea of a land bridge connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has been in the pipeline for a few years. Former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob had pushed for the multi-billion-dollar project when serving in the Prayut Chan-o-cha government. The current Cabinet of Srettha Thavisin has given it added impetus, approving the project in principle in October. The project is currently undergoing feasibility studies, environmental and health impact assessments even as Srettha is already selling the project abroad to woo foreign investors. An ambitious project The land bridge proposal is effectively a land transport route that will connect the sea transport routes on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. It would comprise a six-lane motorway 90 kilometers long, a double-track railway, pipelines for transporting oil and natural gas. It would include two deep-sea ports, each capable of handling 20 million cargo containers (twenty-foot equivalent unit: TEUs) — one port would be in Ranong province on the Andaman Sea coast and the other in Chumphon province on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. International bidding is expected to be held next year and the bridge could open for services in 2030, according to the Transport Ministry’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP). Full story: [source name + source link] 2024-01-23 - 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

Judgement day for Pita: A closer look at case that could change Thai politics The Constitutional Court is set to rule on Wednesday (January 24) whether Pita Limjaroenrat, the initial front-runner to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister, violated the charter by contesting last year’s election while holding shares in a media company. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317811-judgement-day-for-pita-a-closer-look-at-case-that-could-change-thai-politics/

The Constitutional Court is set to rule on Wednesday (January 24) whether Pita Limjaroenrat, the initial front-runner to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister, violated the charter by contesting last year’s election while holding shares in a media company. The former leader of the reformist Move Forward Party is accused of holding 42,000 shares in iTV Plc when he registered to contest the May 2023 election. A guilty verdict would result in Pita being disqualified from office and losing his seat in Parliament. It could also prompt the Election Commission (EC), which brought the case, to sue Pita for violating the election law, which states that anyone contesting an election while knowingly unqualified to do so faces one to 10 years in prison, a fine of 20,000-200,000 baht, and 20 years with no electoral rights. An EC subcommittee earlier suggested that criminal action against Pita be dropped due to a lack of incriminating evidence, but the election commissioners have reportedly postponed their decision to see whether any such evidence is mentioned in Wednesday’s court verdict. If the court finds that iTV is not a media business, Pita will retain his MP seat. In that case, he is expected to return as leader of Move Forward and therefore of the parliamentary opposition. Both seats are currently held by Chaithawat Tulathon, who replaced Pita last September after being elected at a general meeting of the party. Pita had stepped down amid uncertainty over his MP status to pave the way for a new Move Forward chief to become the opposition leader. Chaithawat has vowed to step down for Pita to return as leader if he is cleared by the court. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-23 - 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

Chinese tourist’s bizarre antics shock Pattaya by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail A Chinese national attracted attention when he exhibited erratic behaviour on Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, resorting to self-harm by smashing his head with a rock, last Saturday, January 20. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317810-chinese-tourist’s-bizarre-antics-shock-pattaya/

A Chinese national attracted attention when he exhibited erratic behaviour on Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya, resorting to self-harm by smashing his head with a rock, last Saturday, January 20. The shocking scene unfolded in broad daylight, triggering immediate concern from alarmed onlookers. Quick-thinking passers-by wasted no time and alerted the authorities, sparking a rapid response from the police and rescue units. Their coordinated efforts aimed to provide urgent assistance and prevent the man from causing further harm to himself. Upon arrival, emergency rescue personnel administered preliminary first aid to 42 year old Chen Wei, who was discovered with head injuries and bleeding. Following the initial treatment, he was swiftly transported to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for further medical attention. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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

Kuwaiti woman killed in motorcycle accident in Kamala, Phuket by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News A Kuwaiti woman was killed yesterday morning in a motorcycle accident in Kamala, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317809-kuwaiti-woman-killed-in-motorcycle-accident-in-kamala-phuket/

A Kuwaiti woman was killed yesterday morning in a motorcycle accident in Kamala, Phuket. The incident was reported to Kamala Police by a passerby at around 3am. Two individuals who were riding the motorcycle were transported to Patong Hospital. A Honda PCX motorcycle was found in a drainage ditch, as well as a broken blue helmet. The motorcycle driver, a 41 year old Kuwaiti man, is being treated in hospital. The passenger, a 38 year old woman, succumbed to her injuries. The man told police he was riding his motorbike at around 12.30am when the accident occurred. At the site of the accident, the path curved downhill and the road barrier at the side was damaged. The road was lit but the curved parts were dim. The driver was believed to have crashed at a curve and was unfamiliar with the road, reported Phuket News. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Phuket News Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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

Tragic road accident in Trat leaves one dead and three volunteers injured by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Tragedy struck on the rain-soaked roads of Trat province, unveiling a heart-wrenching narrative of a fatal collision between a rescue vehicle and a woman’s car, highlighting the perilous challenges faced by volunteers in their quest to save lives. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317804-tragic-road-accident-in-trat-leaves-one-dead-and-three-volunteers-injured/

Tragedy struck on the rain-soaked roads of Trat province, unveiling a heart-wrenching narrative of a fatal collision between a rescue vehicle and a woman’s car, highlighting the perilous challenges faced by volunteers in their quest to save lives. A severe road accident occurred in Trat province, resulting in the fatality of a 36 year old woman, Wanpen Insaeng, and leaving three volunteer rescuers critically injured. The incident happened on Sukhumvit Road, near the Trat Municipality office. The rescue vehicle, en route to another accident scene, lost control due to heavy rain and slippery conditions, colliding with Wanpen’s car. The collision severely damaged both vehicles. Wanpen’s car, a Suzuki Ciaz with the registration number กค 9522 Trat, was found with significant front-end damage. The rescue vehicle, an Isuzu, was found in a roadside ditch with extensive damage. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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 health minister unveils emergency airlift project to save tourists by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation In a move set to revolutionise emergency medical services, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew declared the expansion of Thailand’s Sky Doctor project during an emergency airlift rehearsal in Phang Nga. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317803-thai-health-minister-unveils-emergency-airlift-project-to-save-tourists/

In a move set to revolutionise emergency medical services, Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew declared the expansion of Thailand’s Sky Doctor project during an emergency airlift rehearsal in Phang Nga. The rehearsal unfolded at Koh Yao Witthaya School, where the minister, accompanied by permanent secretary Opas Karnkawinpong, showcased their commitment to elevating the nation’s healthcare services to international standards. Addressing the captivated audience, Cholnan highlighted the pivotal role of the Sky Doctor project in safeguarding Phang Nga, a bustling tourist destination blessed with scenic islands. With a staggering 2.61 million visitors last year, generating a whopping 12 billion baht, the need for swift medical response is paramount. The health minister emphasised that The Sky Doctor project will not only save lives but also boost confidence among our invaluable foreign tourists. The Sky Doctor initiative involves deploying skilled medical teams via helicopters to reach remote areas, including islands like Koh Yao, ensuring prompt treatment and potentially rescuing lives. Cholnan announced plans to extend this life-saving service to all 13 public health areas nationwide, revolutionising emergency response across the country. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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

US-China tensions fuel e-commerce growth in Thailand by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock The mounting geopolitical tension between the US and China is precipitating an influx of new e-commerce entities into Thailand, a development set to escalate market rivalry and broaden the scope of the cross-border e-commerce industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317801-us-china-tensions-fuel-e-commerce-growth-in-thailand/

The mounting geopolitical tension between the US and China is precipitating an influx of new e-commerce entities into Thailand, a development set to escalate market rivalry and broaden the scope of the cross-border e-commerce industry. Thanawat Malabuppha, the CEO of Priceza and honorary president of the Thailand E-Commerce Association, asserts that the escalating US-China geopolitical strife has triggered an expansion of Chinese brands and manufacturing firms into Southeast Asia and other markets. This move is aimed at reducing their export reliance on America and circumventing the stiffening domestic competition. It is worth noting that a significant number of Southeast Asian e-commerce operators depend on product imports from China, South Korea, and several other nations. Thailand’s e-commerce market, worth 980 billion baht, equivalent to US$28 billion, ranks as Southeast Asia’s second-largest, only surpassed by Indonesia. These details were shared by Thanawat during the E-Commerce Insight 2024 and Thailand’s E-commerce Landscape 2024 event. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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 targets 7 billion baht tourism revenue surge for Ranong by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to boost Ranong province’s tourism revenue to 7 billion baht (US$196 million) in the current year, a substantial rise from 6.72 billion baht (US$188 million) in the preceding year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317799-tat-targets-7-billion-baht-tourism-revenue-surge-for-ranong/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) aims to boost Ranong province’s tourism revenue to 7 billion baht (US$196 million) in the current year, a substantial rise from 6.72 billion baht (US$188 million) in the preceding year. The strategy is to increase the share of international tourists to 15% of total visitors, a significant recovery from the previous year’s slump. Ranong, a second-tier city, attracted 1.45 million tourists last year, which included 51,432 international and 1.4 million Thai visitors, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool revealed. The target for tourist influx for the present year is set to at least match last year’s figures; however, the primary objective is to enhance the share of foreign visitors to 15% of the total, up from the previous 3.5%, to boost revenue, Thapanee said. “In 2023, Ranong was a province where the number of tourists exceeded the target by more than 100% or on par with 2019, which was the best year before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it was observed that the number of international tourists fell to 51,432 in 2023, from 282,322 in 2019, due to the reduction in incoming flights to Ranong from four-to-five flights per day to only 1-1.5 flights per day.” To rectify this, TAT plans to increase the number of flights and is coordinating with the Transport Ministry. Concurrently, the private sector in Ranong will present this proposal at the mobile cabinet meeting scheduled for today. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: [source name + source link] 2024-01-23 - 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

Seaplane terminal boosts tourism in Phuket by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced Thailand’s inaugural seaplane terminal, slated to grace Phuket International Airport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317796-seaplane-terminal-boosts-tourism-in-phuket/

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Airports of Thailand (AOT) announced Thailand’s inaugural seaplane terminal, slated to grace Phuket International Airport. AOT’s visionary project aims to meet the demand for coastal tourism, taking reference from the Maldives. The ambitious initiative involves a comprehensive study to bolster tourism links between Phuket and the Andaman islands and beaches while concurrently enhancing the airport’s capacity. With the study, encompassing project intricacies and an environmental impact assessment (EIA), scheduled for completion this year, the stage is set for an exciting transformation. Anticipation is building as bidding for the terminal’s construction is set to kick off early next year, promising a significant expansion of Thailand’s coastal tourism sector. AOT Chairman, Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth highlighted the nature of the initiative. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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

Muay Thai aims for Olympic recognition as part of Thailand’s soft power strategy by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Rajadamnern Stadium เวทีราชดำเนิน The deputy chairperson of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is championing the cause for the integral Thai martial art, Muay Thai, to be recognised as an Olympic sport. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317795-muay-thai-aims-for-olympic-recognition-as-part-of-thailand’s-soft-power-strategy/

The deputy chairperson of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is championing the cause for the integral Thai martial art, Muay Thai, to be recognised as an Olympic sport. Paetongtarn sees the inclusion of Muay Thai in the Olympics as part of a broader strategy to elevate the martial art as a key tool of Thailand’s soft power. “We will get the opportunity to cheer on Muay Thai boxers representing Thailand in the Olympics one day,” shared Paetongtarn on her Facebook page. Paetongtarn and her team are developing ways to make Muay Thai more accessible and appealing to international audiences. One of the proposed strategies is the introduction of a ranking system, akin to that of Taekwondo’s belt ranking system. In addition, they aim to professionalise the teaching of Muay Thai, increase the frequency of Muay Thai competitions at all competency levels, and enhance the global presence of Muay Thai camps. They also plan to boost the Muay Thai equipment industry, all as part of maximising the potential of this national sport. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Rajadamnern Stadium เวทีราชดำเนิน Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-23 - 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

90 reporting update for foreigners - Tim Newton Today - Jan 23 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317794-90-reporting-update-for-foreigners-tim-newton-today-jan-23/