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Unhinged Russian Man Breaks into the Phuket Governor’s Office and Tries to Steal a Motorbike By Goongnang Suksawat An erratic and unhinged Russian man broke into the Phuket Governor’s office at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Tha Kraeng Road in Talad Nuea, Phuket Town before later trying to steal a motorbike. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317374-unhinged-russian-man-breaks-into-the-phuket-governor’s-office-and-tries-to-steal-a-motorbike/

An erratic and unhinged Russian man broke into the Phuket Governor’s office at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Tha Kraeng Road in Talad Nuea, Phuket Town before later trying to steal a motorbike. The Phuket Provincial Police told the Phuket Express that on Wednesday (January 17th) that the glass door to the Phuket Governor’s (Mr. Sophon Suwannarat)’s office, which is on the 4th floor of the Phuket Provincial Hall building, was found broken. Blood was found on the floor in front of the room. Under the secretary’s desk nearby was found a hammer with a blood stain. The unidentified security guard told police at 2:00 A.M. in the early morning he found a shirtless foreigner hiding on the first floor. He tried to catch him but the foreign man escaped to an upper floor before the guard called the police. Police arrived at the building but were unable to find the foreign man. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-18 - 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 06188826-6612-4e82-a6a8-2534bdbc1d78.mp4

Storm warnings for southern provinces as Thailand braces for cold snap by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Vita Leonis, Unsplash The Meteorological Department warns of storms hitting eight southern provinces with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317373-storm-warnings-for-southern-provinces-as-thailand-braces-for-cold-snap/

The Meteorological Department warns of storms hitting eight southern provinces with sea waves exceeding 2 metres. Meanwhile, the upper part of the country continues to experience cold weather today. For the next 24 hours, the moderately high-pressure area covering the northeastern part and the South China Sea is weakening, while the westerly wind at the upper level covers the northern part. This situation results in cold weather in the morning in the northern, northeastern, central, eastern, and upper southern parts. The northeastern monsoon that covers the Gulf of Thailand and the southern part is weakening, but it still causes some parts of the lower southern part to have isolated thundershowers. In the lower Gulf of Thailand, the sea has waves of 1 to 2 metres high, and in areas where there are thundershowers, the waves are more than 2 metres high. The department advises ships in the lower Gulf of Thailand to avoid areas where there are thundershowers. Meanwhile, dust particles are accumulating in the lower northern and central including Bangkok and the vicinity, and eastern parts, due to the weakening of the wind that covers the area and poor air ventilation. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today to 6am tomorrow is as follows: In the northern part, the weather is cold in the morning, with the lowest temperature of 16 to 19 degrees Celsius and the highest temperature of 29 to 34 degrees Celsius. The mountainous areas are cold to very cold, with the lowest temperature of 6 to 12 degrees Celsius. The wind is from the southeast, with a speed of 10 to 15 kilometres per hour, reported KhaoSod. In the northeastern part, the weather is cold in the morning with the lowest temperature of 16 to 19 degrees Celsius and the highest temperature of 31 to 34 degrees Celsius. The mountainous areas are cold to chilly, with the lowest temperature of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. The wind is from the northeast, with a speed of 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Vita Leonis, Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-18 - 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

Public Health Ministry to use AI for depression diagnosis by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of posttoday The Public Health Ministry has announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its online platform to aid in the diagnosis of depression. Revealed yesterday by the permanent secretary for public health, Opas Karnkawinpong, this move is part of a broader effort to boost mental health care in the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317372-public-health-ministry-to-use-ai-for-depression-diagnosis/

The Public Health Ministry has announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its online platform to aid in the diagnosis of depression. Revealed yesterday by the permanent secretary for public health, Opas Karnkawinpong, this move is part of a broader effort to boost mental health care in the country. The AI system, named the Detection and Monitoring Intelligence Network for Depression (DMIND), is the outcome of a joint venture between the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University. Opas emphasised that the AI system was designed to assist psychiatrists and therapists in the initial screening process for depression. The system, which is linked to Mor Phrom’s Line Messenger account, is touted as being user-friendly yet effective. Users can communicate with a therapist through the chatbot function or pose personalised questions for depression screening using the Mental Health Checkup function, reported Bangkok Post. Moreover, the system has voice and facial expression detection capabilities, which facilitate the classification of users into four distinct colour codes. Users assigned a yellow code can anticipate a callback from a therapist within seven days, while those categorised under the red code will be contacted within a day. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of posttoday Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-18 - 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 - Thursday 18 January 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317371-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-18-january-2024/

https://soundcloud.com/webfact-radio5/asean-now-national-news-18-january-2024?si=25d7235e34fc4fc9817b833023698e69&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing Police are investigating whether a man, K. Panya, was coerced by a group of men into confessing to his wife's murder. It was later discovered that she died after being assaulted by a group of teenagers, including two who are the sons of police officers. Deputy police Chief’ Gen Surachate Hakparn acknowledged a video and witnesses' accounts, revealing that K. Panya was forcibly made to confess through physical assault and intimidation. The incident occurred in Sa Kaeo province last Friday. Bangkoks ,local authority says Construction of an elevated highway that collapsed last July at On Nut-Lat in Krabang is expected to resume in March, the collapse killed 2 people and damaged cars and surrounding property. Construction had been postponed indefinitely. Thailand's jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is due to qualify for release on parole next month due to his age and health, according to prison authorities. 74 year old billionaire was hospitalised with high blood pressure and chest tightness within hours of his dramatic return to Thailand last August following 15 years of self-imposed exile. Around the region: Taiwan's ministry of defense said it detected 18 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan and carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships yesterday, the first large-scale military activity after last weekend's Taiwanese election. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 32C Bangkok: Sunny 34C Pattaya: Sunny, 33C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 32C HuaHin: Sunny, 32C AQI Orange which is 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 2024-01-18 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

Full Details of Horrific Murder of Pattaya Bolt Driver Released By Tanakorn Panyadee The trio who were accused of murdering a Pattaya-based ride-sharing driver went through a crime reenactment on Tuesday, after confessing to the murder allegations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317370-full-details-of-horrific-murder-of-pattaya-bolt-driver-released/

The trio who were accused of murdering a Pattaya-based ride-sharing driver went through a crime reenactment on Tuesday, after confessing to the murder allegations. On Tuesday, January 16th, 23-year-old Mr. Thiraporn Somkham, his 51-year-old mother, Mrs. Elijah Abdulahi, and his 16-year-old girlfriend (name withheld) were accompanied by Nongprue and Huay Yai police to carry out a crime reenactment related to the murder of a Bolt driver, Mr. Thanathip Watthaisong, 31, whose body was found burned in a forest in Chonburi province last Friday. After confessing to the murder allegations, the trio were taken to three locations to proceed with the reenactment. The first location was a local road beside the Chak Nok Reservoir, where Mr. Thiraporn confessed to stabbing the victim to death after arguing with him over a ride fare. Thiraporn admitted that he refused to pay the fare entirely because he was broke, leading to a verbal argument with Thanathip and then Thiraporn said he lost his temper, stabbing Thanathip to death. His girlfriend, a 16-year-old minor, was also present but only watched the incident. Subsequently, Thiraporn and his girlfriend stole the victim’s car, and with the deceased’s body hidden in the back seat, they drove the vehicle to pick up Mrs. Elijah, his mother, who he had called for advice on the situation. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-18 - 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 for 40 million tourists and 3.5 trillion baht revenue by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Somchai Poomlard The goal of 40 million international tourists and an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht (US$ 98,348,390,000), as set by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, remains a tall order for this year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317369-thailand-aims-for-40-million-tourists-and-35-trillion-baht-revenue/

The goal of 40 million international tourists and an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht (US$ 98,348,390,000), as set by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, remains a tall order for this year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Still, the ministry has plans to attract longer stays and increased spending through a range of measures, including soft power products, safety measures, and various events. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Tourism and Sports Minister, stated that achieving the revenue target would necessitate 2.3 trillion baht (US$ 64,661,234,000) from 40 million international tourists and 1.2 trillion baht (US$ 33,722,280,000) from between 200 and 220 million domestic trips. The ministry’s focus will be on increasing the number of tourists as well as their expenditure and length of stay. This is planned to be achieved through events and festivals throughout the year, new tourism routes in second-tier provinces, and soft power products. Despite the current climate in the Chinese market, the ministry aims to attract at least 8 million tourists from China this year, thereby generating over 320 billion baht (US$ 8,992,608,000) in revenue. As of January 14, over 186,424 Chinese tourists had arrived in Thailand, making it the top inbound market. The minister also highlighted the ministry’s intentions to collaborate with relevant authorities to reassure international tourists of their safety in Thailand. Furthermore, tourism will be utilised as a tool to strengthen relationships between Southeast Asian countries. A meeting between regional tourism ministries is scheduled in Laos later this month, with discussions centred on enhancing transport connections by air, land, and waterways. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Somchai Poomlard Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-18 - 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 domestic boarding regulations tighten by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed new regulations for non-Thai passengers taking domestic flights in Thailand. Effective from January 16, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) tightened control on the boarding pass and ID checks. The CAAT laid down the law, demanding an exact match between the name on the boarding pass and the passenger’s government-issued ID. Whether it’s the traditional paper pass from the check-in counter, a sleek PDF on your mobile, or a snazzy e-boarding pass via the airline’s app – make no mistake, they’ve got their eyes on you. Screen-captured passes will not be accepted, unless when a passenger validation system or a boarding pass scanner is used at the airport. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-18 - 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 starts checking foreigners' passports on domestic flights Tighter rules to prevent visa overstays as tourism rebounds Tourists wait to check in for flights at the Bangkok area's Suvarnabhumi Airport. © Reuters KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writer BANGKOK -- Foreign nationals must show passports or other valid identification before flying domestically in Thailand, under a requirement that took effect Tuesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317368-thailand-starts-checking-foreigners-passports-on-domestic-flights/

Tighter rules to prevent visa overstays as tourism rebounds BANGKOK -- Foreign nationals must show passports or other valid identification before flying domestically in Thailand, under a requirement that took effect Tuesday. A foreign passenger must hold the original passport with the name matching that on the boarding pass in order to board a domestic flight, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand said. Those who lost their passports can board with a temporary passport, or with a non-Thai ID card or a driver's license issued by the Thai government. The tighter rules are intended to prevent unlawful overstays by foreign nationals. More foreigners are expected to visit Thailand in the coming years, but the number of people overstaying their visas has become a problem, especially at resort areas. Foreigners are required to show either a physical boarding pass obtained at an airline counter or at an automated check-in kiosk, or display an electronic boarding pass sent by the airline via email. Smartphone pictures of tickets are invalid. Thailand forecasts up to 35 million foreign tourist arrivals this year, or 90% of the level in 2019. Domestic flights drew roughly 280 million passengers, including Thai nationals, between January and November of 2023 as traffic rebounded to pre-COVID levels. Picture" Tourists wait to check in for flights at the Bangkok area's Suvarnabhumi Airport. © Reuters KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writer Spurce: NIKKEI Asia 2024-01-18 - 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

Accelerated development of Nakhon Pathom to Cha Am expressway By Jonathan Fairfield An expressway in Thailand. File photo Suriya Jeungroongruangkit, the Minister of Transport, has announced plans to expedite the construction of the Nakhon Pathom to Cha-am expressway, part of a larger initiative encompassing 72 transportation projects aimed at enhancing Thailand’s infrastructure network. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317367-accelerated-development-of-nakhon-pathom-to-cha-am-expressway/

Suriya Jeungroongruangkit, the Minister of Transport, has announced plans to expedite the construction of the Nakhon Pathom to Cha-am expressway, part of a larger initiative encompassing 72 transportation projects aimed at enhancing Thailand’s infrastructure network. In a recent committee meeting, Minister Jeungroongruangkit detailed the Ministry of Transport’s strategy to advance these projects, aligning with the government’s ‘Quick Win’ policy. This policy encompasses various transport domains, including land, rail, air, and waterways, aiming for comprehensive development across the board. A key focus of this initiative is the Nakhon Pathom-Cha-am motorway, also known as the M8. By Jonathan Fairfield An expressway in Thailand. File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-18 - 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

Cha Am Bikini Beach Run 2024 set for March 17 By Online Reporter Cha-am is gearing up for the return of the Cha Am Bikini Beach Run, scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, 2024. This year’s event will start and finished in front of the Long Beach Hotel on the beachfront. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317364-cha-am-bikini-beach-run-2024-set-for-march-17/

Cha-am is gearing up for the return of the Cha Am Bikini Beach Run, scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, 2024. This year’s event will start and finished in front of the Long Beach Hotel on the beachfront. Following its successful past editions, the 2024 race has added a new twist with the introduction of a 5K Bikini Run, adding to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of the event. Participants can look forward to a unique running experience that combines road and beach terrains, offering a challenging yet beautiful course. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-18 - 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

Thaksin’s Release On Parole Only Depends On Prison Chief By Thai Newsroom Reporters DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-CUM-CONVICT at large Thaksin Shinawatra will likely be released on parole as soon as next month only if the commander of Bangkok Remand Prison deems it appropriate, according to a senior government official. In a press conference at the Ministry of Justice headquarters, the Corrections Department’s deputy director-general Sitthi Sutheewong said Nasthee Thongplad, the prison’s commander, is legally obliged to decide whether Thaksin should be released on parole and then forward his decision to the department’s director-general Sahakarn Petnarin and Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong for acknowledgment. Neither is the agency’s chief or the justice minister legally obliged to approve or disapprove it since they are merely bound to acknowledge it, according to the deputy director-general. The Corrections Department has earlier issued a contentious regulation to allow the allegedly privileged-ridden convict to literally stay somewhere outside of the prison for more than a 120-day period earlier provided by law. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-01-18 - 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

Catastrophe in Suphan Buri as at least 22 die in huge fireworks explosion on Wednesday afternoon by News Desk National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol took charge of the response to the disaster on Wednesday. He promised a full investigation and legal action if any wrongdoing was found. The devastation of the tragedy even left responding firefighters shocked with fears that all workers at the fireworks factory may have lost their lives. Suphan Buri Horror: 22 lives lost in fireworks factory blast. Prime Minister orders probe into factory’s dark history. National safety concerns about fireworks escalate after the latest and most devastating explosion. Authorities in Thailand on Wednesday have been left stunned by a devastating explosion in Suphan Buri province in which at least 22 people lost their lives. All workers at the factory are thought to have perished in a massive explosion which wiped out the facility. Presently, the extent of the death toll is being established and the identities of those who perished are being published. In the meantime, the police chief has vowed to get to the bottom of the catastrophe. From Davos in Switzerland, a shocked and sombre Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also made a similar promise. The factory was the subject of another explosion in November 2022 in which three were injured and one killed. A disaster erupted in Suphan Buri on Wednesday afternoon. Tragedy struck when a firework manufacturing factory, situated in Village No. 3, Sala Khao Subdistrict, Mueang Suphan Buri District blew up. The facility where 30 people were reported to be working was completely destroyed in a catastrophic explosion. Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-01-18 - 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

Thaksin Meets Criteria For Parole, Can Take Up Political Role: Corrections Dept by TNR Staff De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra next to Police Hospital, above, and flying back to Thailand on Aug. 22, 2023. Photo: Naewna THE CORRECTIONS Department said today (Jan. 17) that de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-prisoner Thaksin Shinawatra meets the criteria for parole and once released may take up a political role, Naewna newspaper said. This was stated during a press conference at the Justice Ministry attended by Mr. Somboon Muangklam, adviser to Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, Mr. Guheng Yawhasan, secretary to the Justice Minister, along with Mr. Sitthi Sutheewong, administrative deputy director-general of the Corrections Department and Dr. Sompop Sangkutkaew, chief inspector-general of the Corrections Department. Somboon said procedures had been correctly followed in allowing Thaksin to undergo medical treatment outside the prison when he completed 30, 60 and over 120 days’ stay at Police Hospital. On Jan. 12 Mrs. Phongsawat Neelayothin, Justice Ministry’s permanent secretary, signed a document granting permission for him to continue staying outside the prison for medical treatment and yesterday Jan. 16, Justice Minister Thawee signed a document acknowledging his continued stay at this hospital in excess of 136 days. Full story: THA NEWSROOM 2024-01-18 - 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

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 18 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1317363-thailand-live-thursday-18-january-2024/

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/