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Prison officials say Thaksin eligible for parole Thaksin Shinawatra Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is eligible for parole which may see him freed potentially without having to spend a single night in jail despite the eight-year prison handed down on him for corruption and abuse of power, according to justice authorities. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317348-prison-officials-say-thaksin-eligible-for-parole/

BREAKING At least 23 killed in firework factory explosion in Suphan Buri At least 23 people have been killed and several others injured in an explosion at a firework factory in Suan Taeng sub-district of Suphan Buri province this afternoon. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317345-at-least-23-killed-in-firework-factory-explosion-in-suphan-buri/

JN.1 Covid-19 variant detected in Thailand: 40 cases and counting by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Fusion Medical Animation, Unsplash The Covid-19 variant JN.1* has been detected in Thailand, with 40 cases reported so far. Thai health officials are closely monitoring the situation as it is speculated to replace the XBB variant as the dominant strain. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317302-jn1-covid-19-variant-detected-in-thailand-40-cases-and-counting/

The Covid-19 variant JN.1* has been detected in Thailand, with 40 cases reported so far. Thai health officials are closely monitoring the situation as it is speculated to replace the XBB variant as the dominant strain. The JN.1 strain was first detected in Thailand in October last year and increased significantly in December last year. Yongyot Thammavut, Director of the Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, revealed that since early 2023, the XBB.1.16* hybrid strain had been the dominant strain in Thailand until September. However, it began to decline, and the XBB.1.9.2* variant started to replace it. Recent genome sequencing results of the Covid virus in the lab from November last year to January 15 this year, showed a decrease in the XBB.1.9.2* hybrid strain, while the proportion of JN.1* significantly increased. “From current data, JN.1* infections have been found in Health Areas 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13, with general respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and phlegm. No deaths from the JN.1* infection have been reported yet. Currently, there are 40 JN.1* infections in Thailand, and there are no two mutation types yet”. Yongyot also stated that the department and lab network have been monitoring the situation of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Thailand since early 2022. They found Omicron variants BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5 and other sub-varieties in the lineage. Currently, the Omicron variant is the main strain spreading in the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to prioritise monitoring ten Omicron sub-variants due to their increasing prevalence or advantage in the rate of increase compared to other strains and mutations concerning the advantage in disease causation, namely: Variants of Interest (VOI) – five strains: XBB.1.5*, XBB.1.16*, EG.5*, BA.2.86*, and JN.1*. Variants under monitoring (VUM) – five strains: DV.7*, XBB*, XBB.1.9.1*, XBB.1.9.2*, and XBB.2.3*. Sub-variants On December 18, last year, the WHO designated the JN.1* variant as a VOI. The JN.1* variant is a sub-variant of BA.2.86* that has a mutation on the spike different from BA.2.86, namely L455S (the amino acid at position 455 changes from Leucine to Serine), significantly increasing its ability to evade immunity. JN.1* has a growth advantage over XBB.1.9.2* up to 73%, reported Sanook. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Fusion Medical Animation, Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-17 - 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 domestic dispute ends in triple fatality in Khon Kaen by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A gruesome incident unfolded in a house in Khon Kaen province when a man shot his wife and mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself. The incident, which occurred at midnight today, left three people dead. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317295-tragic-domestic-dispute-ends-in-triple-fatality-in-khon-kaen/

A gruesome incident unfolded in a house in Khon Kaen province when a man shot his wife and mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself. The incident, which occurred at midnight today, left three people dead. The victims were identified as 52 year old Manee, 35 year old Chanutda, and 39 year old Kraipop. A 9mm gun and six bullet casings were found at the scene, providing evidence of the brutal act. Upon inspection, it was found that Manee had gunshot wounds to the left of her chest, leg, and back, while Chanutda was shot to the left of her chest and leg. Kraipop was shot to the left of his chest, suggesting that the bullet directly hit his heart. Before the shocking incident, Kraipop and Chanutda, the husband and wife, often had disagreements. Kraipop suspected Chanutda of having an affair, which was one of the main reasons for their frequent fights, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-17 - 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

Unexpected black stream on Karon Beach due to natural sedimentation by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Phuket Info Center The sandy shores of Karon Beach in Phuket were unexpectedly marred by a stream of black water making its way from the beach into the sea. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317293-unexpected-black-stream-on-karon-beach-due-to-natural-sedimentation/

The sandy shores of Karon Beach in Phuket were unexpectedly marred by a stream of black water making its way from the beach into the sea. This unusual sight generated a flurry of concern on social media as bird’s-eye view images of the beach began to circulate, alarming environmental enthusiasts and tourists alike. The man at the epicentre of it all, Karon Mayor Jadet Wicharasorn, was quick to address the issue. The stream, rather than being a sign of pollution, as many were quick to assume, was a result of natural sedimentation, according to the mayor. He explained that the black colouring was due to sediment extracted from a nearby pond during a period of high tide. Mayor Wicharasorn clarified that this unusual occurrence was linked to the Nong Han pond situated close to the beach. The high tide had reached the pond, and on its retreat, it had drawn out black sediment from the pond, carrying it through the sand and ultimately into the sea. The darkened water, he insisted, was not a sign of pollution but rather a natural phenomenon, reported The Phuket News. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Phuket Info Center Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-17 - 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

Electricity unit price to be Bt4.20-Bt4.25 from May to August if Gulf gas supply increases Household electricity consumers are being assured that their bills for May through August will not rise substantially and will be between 4.20-4.25 baht per unit, said Komkrit Tantravanich, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317291-electricity-unit-price-to-be-bt420-bt425-from-may-to-august-if-gulf-gas-supply-increases/

Household electricity consumers are being assured that their bills for May through August will not rise substantially and will be between 4.20-4.25 baht per unit, said Komkrit Tantravanich, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission. He said that this price range is estimated based on the amount of natural gas, from the Gulf of Thailand, being increased to 800 million cubic feet per day in April. The price of natural gas, or LNG, has fallen to $US10-$US11 US dollars/million BTU, but the estimated unit price of electricity does not include the subsidies being borne by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), said Komkrit. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-17 - 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 Joint Forces Raid Entertainment Venues in Anti-Drug Blitz By Tanakorn Panyadee Over 100 officers from the Provincial Police Region 2, Chonburi Provincial Police, and Pattaya Police, along with officials from the Office of Narcotics Control and Prevention Region 2, descended upon various entertainment venues in Pattaya early Wednesday morning, January 17th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317290-pattaya-joint-forces-raid-entertainment-venues-in-anti-drug-blitz/

Over 100 officers from the Provincial Police Region 2, Chonburi Provincial Police, and Pattaya Police, along with officials from the Office of Narcotics Control and Prevention Region 2, descended upon various entertainment venues in Pattaya early Wednesday morning, January 17th. The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 2, Pol. Col. Chatri Suksiri, aimed to combat and deter drug abuse within entertainment establishments. The raid targeted nightclubs and bars frequented by young people and tourists, who are particularly vulnerable to drug abuse, according to relevant officials. Officers carried out thorough searches and inspections, looking for evidence of illegal activities and substance abuse. The operation is part of a broader strategy to address the city’s drug problem and enhance public safety and confidence. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-17 - 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: Korean Tourist Reports 200,000 Baht Gold Necklace Stolen by Transwomen on Pattaya Beach By Tanakorn Panyadee A Korean tourist in Pattaya is calling for justice after he claimed to be robbed of a nearly 200,000 Baht gold necklace by transgender suspects. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317277-ladyboy-led-heist-korean-tourist-loses-200000-baht-gold-necklace-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=18624202

Korean Tourist Reports 200,000 Baht Gold Necklace Stolen by Transwomen on Pattaya Beach By Tanakorn Panyadee A Korean tourist in Pattaya is calling for justice after he claimed to be robbed of a nearly 200,000 Baht gold necklace by transgender suspects on January 11th, 2024. Seongmu Heo, 51, and his Thai friend, Ms. Surat Kongin, 43, took the incident to The Pattaya News on January 16th. They claimed that Mr. Seongmu was robbed by a group of three transgender women near Soi 5-6 on Pattaya Beach on January 11th. Ms. Surat stated to The Pattaya News that Mr. Seongmu traveled to Pattaya on January 1st, 2024. On January 11th, he had finished dinner on Soi 2 and decided to go for a walk at the beach around 8 PM. Then Mr. Seongmu described a group of three transgender women approaching him and asking if he wanted to accompany them for erotic services, which he declined. They subsequently attempted to hug him, to which Mr. Seongmu responded by pushing them away. The group then left; however, upon checking his neck later, Mr. Seongmu discovered that his 5-baht-weight gold necklace, worth over 190,000 baht, was missing. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-17 - 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 major negotiation tool to be AI at World Economic Forum by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to unleash Thailand’s secret weapon, artificial intelligence (AI), at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317288-thailand’s-major-negotiation-tool-to-be-ai-at-world-economic-forum/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to unleash Thailand’s secret weapon, artificial intelligence (AI), at the 54th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. This year, the WEF is not just a meeting, it’s a battleground for global leaders navigating a world torn apart by geopolitics and AI advancements. Thailand’s 12th year at the WEF is more critical than ever, with the 61 year old Thai prime minister seizing the opportunity to engage with international power players and lure investments into the Thai landscape. But what makes this WEF truly headline-worthy is the relentless march of AI, a game-changer in politics, economics, and our very way of life. As the WEF tackles the theme of Rebuilding Trust in a world that’s lost its unity, AI takes centre stage, disrupting norms and demanding attention. The four main themes – politics, economics, AI, and the environment – form the battleground where leaders strive for cooperation, stability, growth, and a blueprint for tackling the global climate crisis. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-17 - 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

20 injured in Phuket bus crash, Airport ID check upgrade - Tim Newton Today - Jan 17 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317287-20-injured-in-phuket-bus-crash-airport-id-check-upgrade-tim-newton-today-jan-17/

Thailand news - Another bus crash, this time in Phuket where 20 people were injured, including Chinese tourists, another crumb from the tourism ministry about a possible extension of visa exemptions... but just a mention and nothing official. Tourists get warnings about 'innapropriate' sun bathing in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the Thai Air Force called in to help with the air pollution and PM 2.5 problem. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

UPDATE: Thai government’s 500 billion baht Digital Wallet Scheme hangs in the balance by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World The eagerly anticipated meeting of the Digital Wallet Committee has been abruptly postponed. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the delay hinges on the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) awaited verdict. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317201-digital-wallet-committee-meeting-postponed/?do=findComment&comment=18624052

Thai government’s 500 billion baht Digital Wallet Scheme hangs in the balance by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Thai PBS World The eagerly anticipated meeting of the Digital Wallet Committee has been abruptly postponed. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai revealed that the delay hinges on the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s (NACC) awaited verdict. Council of State’s Secretary General, Pakorn Nilprapunt advocated for the committee to seek input not just from the Council of State but also from the NACC. Last week, the Council of State issued a stark warning, asserting that any move to secure a staggering 500 billion baht for the digital wallet initiative must adhere strictly to fiscal regulations . Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat assured the public that the committee remains committed to heeding the counsel of both the NACC and the Council of State, even as the clock ticks down to the scheduled May launch. Dismissing rumours of a downsized scheme at 300 billion baht, Julapun vehemently denied any such plans, reported Thai PBS World. Addressing concerns about the possibility of resorting to an executive decree if a loan bill proves unattainable, Julapun remained cryptic. He stated that it depended on the situation, asserting the government’s authority to issue an executive decree if needed. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-17 - 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

Sports car driver caught drifting at Sukhumvit Road intersection by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod In a daring public display of automotive bravado, a sports car driver was caught on CCTV performing multiple drifts at a busy traffic light intersection on Sukhumvit Road, in the Bang Saen district of Chon Buri. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317286-sports-car-driver-caught-drifting-at-sukhumvit-road-intersection/

In a daring public display of automotive bravado, a sports car driver was caught on CCTV performing multiple drifts at a busy traffic light intersection on Sukhumvit Road, in the Bang Saen district of Chon Buri. The reckless act occurred around 12.30am on January 8, inciting disapproval from locals. According to surveillance footage, the driver performed several laps of drifting in the middle of a major road near Wat Tanon’s entrance. Despite the road being less occupied during the night, locals deem the action inappropriate for a public road, let alone a red light intersection. A 44 year old resident, Aekchai, expressed his disapproval after viewing the clip. He explained that the behaviour was inconsiderate, especially as the area is a public road and a red light intersection. It’s not a place for car drifting or racing. He also warned potential copycats about the potential downside of these stunts. While it may seem fun at the moment, the consequences of an accident would be devastating and not worth the risk, reported KhaoSod. Aekchai further advised those considering such actions to think ahead for their fellow road users. He suggested that those interested in racing should do so in a designated racetrack instead. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-17 - 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

Sa Kaeo murder sparks debate over police transparency and leniency on teenage murderers by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 The murder of a Thai woman in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo sparked a debate about the lenient punishment handed out to teenage murderers and raised concerns about the transparency of the Thai police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317285-sa-kaeo-murder-sparks-debate-over-police-transparency-and-leniency-on-teenage-murderers/

The murder of a Thai woman in the eastern province of Sa Kaeo sparked a debate about the lenient punishment handed out to teenage murderers and raised concerns about the transparency of the Thai police. The dead body of a 47 year old Thai woman named Buaphan Thansu was found in a pond near an abandoned petrol station in the Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo on January 12. Her husband, 54 year old Panya Kongsaenkham, was arrested as the main suspect after he confessed to the murder. While Panya was in police custody awaiting further legal proceedings, a reporter from Channel 8, Natdanai Narath, released CCTV footage of the murder to the public. The footage absolved Panya of the murder and implicated five teenagers aged between 13 and 16, who physically assaulted Buaphan until she died. The five teenagers were arrested and admitted to the murder. One of the youths is the son of a deputy inspector general at Aranyaprathet Police Station, the police station handling Buaphan’s case. Another is the son of an officer at the Sa Kaeo Provincial Immigration Office. Panya was later released. He told the media that he confessed to the murder under pressure from locals in the area. He insisted that no one forced or threatened him to confess to the murder. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-17 - 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 government resists Israeli embassy’s call for hostage release in Gaza by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara (X) A call for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, initiated by the Israeli embassy, has met with opposition from the Thai government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317281-thai-government-resists-israeli-embassy’s-call-for-hostage-release-in-gaza/