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Trump passes major US election test with easy win in Iowa Donald Trump romped to a lightning-quick victory Monday in Iowa’s caucuses — the first vote in the US presidential race — cementing his status as the presumptive Republican standard-bearer to challenge President Joe Biden in November’s election. The former president has led polling for more than a year, but the contest was seen as the clearest insight yet into whether he can convert his advantage into a stunning White House return. Major US networks took just 30 minutes to project the winner, with Trump opening up an unprecedented 32-point lead over second-placed Ron DeSantis over the following hour or so. The Florida governor and Trump’s other main rival — former UN ambassador Nikki Haley — appeared to be locked in a tussle for the runner-up spot at around 20 and 19 percent respectively. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-16 - 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

Trump Notches A Commanding Win In The Iowa Caucuses As Haley And DeSantis Fight For Second Place By AP and published by Denver Post Republican presidential candidate former US president Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Photo: AP/Andrew Harnik and published by Denver Post Des Moines, Iowa – Donald Trump decisively won the Iowa caucuses on Monday (Jan. 15) with his closest rivals languishing far behind, a crucial victory that reinforces the former president’s grip on his party at the outset of the GOP’s 2024 nomination fight. It was not immediately clear who would emerge as the second-place finisher, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Caucus voters endured life-threatening cold and dangerous driving conditions to participate in meetings that unfolded in hundreds of schools, churches and community centres across the state. The results are just the first in what will be a months-long effort for Trump to secure the GOP nomination a third consecutive time. But the victory sends an unmistakable message to the Republican Party and crystallises the challenge facing his GOP opponents. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-01-16 - 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 to tackle declining birth rate as national issue by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of หมอชลน่านFcไม่มีดราม่า Cholnan Srikaew, the Public Health Minister, announced the government’s intent to prioritise the country’s dwindling birth rate as a national issue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317195-thailand-to-tackle-declining-birth-rate-as-national-issue/

Cholnan Srikaew, the Public Health Minister, announced the government’s intent to prioritise the country’s dwindling birth rate as a national issue. In a response to Senator Ampol Chindawattana’s query regarding the falling birth rate, Cholnan explained that the challenge isn’t straightforward to address due to shifting priorities and socioeconomic values. The government, however, recognised the urgency of the situation, given the substantial economic and social repercussions of an unchecked decline in the birth rate. Experts projected that under the current trend, the population of Thailand will reduce to approximately 33 million in around six decades. Cholnan elaborated that if this trend persists, Thailand would see a population break-up of around 18 million elder citizens, 14 million adults of working age, and a mere one million individuals aged between 0 and 14 in about 60 years. Rather than merely focusing on boosting the nation’s birth rate, the government intends to pay equal attention to the quality of human development and capital. The government’s proposals to encourage births and further invest in human capital development are currently under Cabinet review. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of หมอชลน่านFcไม่มีดราม่า Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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

Brutal murder of Pattaya ride-hail driver sparks 18-kilometre police chase by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via EuroNews A brutal murder in Pattaya led to a police chase spanning over 18 kilometres after a 31 year old Grab and Bolt driver, named Thanathip, was found dead from stab wounds before his body was burnt with four tyres in an apparent effort to cover the crime. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317194-brutal-murder-of-pattaya-ride-hail-driver-sparks-18-kilometre-police-chase/

A brutal murder in Pattaya led to a police chase spanning over 18 kilometres after a 31 year old Grab and Bolt driver, named Thanathip, was found dead from stab wounds before his body was burnt with four tyres in an apparent effort to cover the crime. The suspects, believed to be a 22 year old man named Wa and his 16 year old female accomplice, named Ice (pseudonym), fled to Phitsanulok but were eventually apprehended in an apartment complex. The shocking incident took place in the Huay Yai Police jurisdiction before the body was moved to the Nong Prue area, approximately 18 kilometres away. The victim, Thanathip, was lured to Wat Nong Yai in Na Klua, Banglamung, Chon Buri, under the pretence of a passenger pick-up. Upon arrival, it is claimed that a payment dispute ensued which led to Thanathip being fatally stabbed. The culprits identified as Wa, and Ice, reportedly loaded the body into Thanathip’s Toyota Yaris, bearing the license plate KH7103 Ubon Ratchathani. They attempted to cover their tracks by setting the body on fire with stolen motorcycle tyres in the Nong Prue area. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via EuroNews Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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 hotel sector sees pre-pandemic level investment surge by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s hotel sector is undergoing a resurgence in investment mirroring pre-pandemic levels, with the boost being propelled by an increase in hotel conversions and an uptick in bank lending, because of a hopeful tourism market. The information is according to C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultancy firm. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317192-thai-hotel-sector-sees-pre-pandemic-level-investment-surge/

Thailand’s hotel sector is undergoing a resurgence in investment mirroring pre-pandemic levels, with the boost being propelled by an increase in hotel conversions and an uptick in bank lending, because of a hopeful tourism market. The information is according to C9 Hotelworks, a hospitality consultancy firm. The firm’s managing director, Bill Barnett, reported an upbeat market and investment sentiment, thanking the increased lending by banks and the businesses’ renewed faith in the tourism sector’s profitability. “Throughout the latter half of 2023, Thai banks reportedly expanded their lending to the sector’s owners and developers. This, in turn, sparked a rise in hotel developments, both in the form of new projects and property conversions.” Barnett reveals that hotel owners are currently exploring the possibility of rebranding their properties, enhancing their services for a more premium feel, and heightening their revenue. Phuket, for example, has over 12,000 hotel rooms in the development pipeline, primarily backed by Thai investors. Nearly half of the projects in the province that were previously halted or postponed due to Covid-19 have resumed in the last six months, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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

Video: Is there any hope for Thai education? VIDEO: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317190-video-is-there-any-hope-for-thai-education/

The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) evaluates the knowledge and skills of 15-year-old students worldwide in reading, mathematics and science every three years. Each time the PISA results are announced, it becomes a hot issue, as the performance of Thai students declines. Thai PBS World spoke to experts in the field of education to find out whether there is a light at the end of the tunnel for our national education system. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-16 - 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

High-speed chase in Sisaket ends with seizure of 90,000 meth pills worth 600,000 baht by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod In a dramatic turn of events, a high-speed chase unfolded as law enforcement pursued and arrested a man and woman, seizing 90,000 methamphetamine pills near Khao Phra Wihan National Park. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317188-high-speed-chase-in-sisaket-ends-with-seizure-of-90000-meth-pills-worth-600000-baht/

In a dramatic turn of events, a high-speed chase unfolded as law enforcement pursued and arrested a man and woman, seizing 90,000 methamphetamine pills near Khao Phra Wihan National Park. Cronulla Sharks handed a dream run while Melbourne Storm and Parramatta Eels face horror schedule in 2024 as NRL draw is released, and other top stories from November 13, 2023. A high-speed chase led by law enforcement officers ended in the arrest of a 26 year old man and 19 year old woman, in a parking lot at the Khao Phra Wihan National Park, Sisaket province. The pursuit began after their Nissan Almera vehicle crashed through a checkpoint at high speed. The pair were found to have 90,000 methamphetamine pills, commonly known as Yaba, concealed within their vehicle. The chase was captured on CCTV at a checkpoint near Khao Phra Wihan National Park. The suspects, identified as Nittisat and Kanlayarat, attempted to evade capture by crashing through the checkpoint, causing substantial damage, before fleeing to the parking area of the park. However, their escape was thwarted by the authorities who pursued and eventually apprehended them. Upon inspection of their vehicle, officers discovered 90,000 methamphetamine pills stashed inside. The incident took place on the night of January 13 at around 10pm, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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

Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX set for January 28th The Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX is set for January 28th at the Hua Hin International School. Six local teams will participate in the six a side tournament which is for Under 13s. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317187-orchid-palm-homes-cup-ix-set-for-january-28th/

The Orchid Palm Homes Cup IX is set for January 28th at the Hua Hin International School. Six local teams will participate in the six a side tournament which is for Under 13s. The inaugural Orchid Palm Homes Cup took place in 2020. The competition is entering its fourth year and has become an eagerly anticipated biannual event in the local sporting calendar. The Orchid Palm Homes Cup VIII took place at Midfield Soccer last October. Eight teams participated in this Under 11 tournament which was won by PP United, from Pak Nam Pran. PP United will also be participating in the first Orchid Palm Homes Cup of 2024 and looking to make it three wins in a row. They will be joined by Nong Hoi, Wat Nalom, Hua Hin City, Pontagrit and the hosts Black Mountain. The Orchid Palm Homes Cup VIII was notable because PP United became the first team to ever win the competition twice. The previous seven editions of the tournament had produced seven different winners. Orchid Palm Homes owner Stephen Ayling is proud to be supporting a tournament which is now entering its sixth year, “Orchid Palm Homes is committed to supporting grass roots football in Hua Hin and I was really pleased to see so many teams at the last tournament, in total I think 100 players might have been there. In an era of smart phones, TVs and tablets it is great to see children enjoying sport outside and we are delighted that these events have stood the test of time.” Black Mountain head coach Gary Stevens sees this as a fantastic opportunity for children to demonstrate the skills they have been learning in training, “This is the first time an Orchid Palm Homes Cup has been held for the children born in 2011. I have been coaching some of these players for several years at the Black Mountain Academy and am excited to see them putting some of the skills we have been working on into practice in a match situation.” Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy www.huahinacademy.com

Thai woman exposes call centre scam gang, forcing sex services for freedom by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath A Thai woman filed a complaint against a Thai man who deceived her into working for a scam call centre in Cambodia and forced her into prostitution in exchange for her freedom. Her complaint led to the arrest of the deceptive Thai man and the rescue of two other victims. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317185-thai-woman-exposes-call-centre-scam-gang-forcing-sex-services-for-freedom/

A Thai woman filed a complaint against a Thai man who deceived her into working for a scam call centre in Cambodia and forced her into prostitution in exchange for her freedom. Her complaint led to the arrest of the deceptive Thai man and the rescue of two other victims. The 25 year old victim filed a complaint against the 36 year old Thai man Noppadon Dee-in, also known as Mai Gao Yod, on the official Facebook page of the Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) after she was released from the call centre scam gang in Cambodia. The woman revealed that Noppadon approached her on Facebook and offered her a job as an administrator for a gambling website based in Cambodia. She accepted the job offer and travelled to Cambodia with Noppadon. However, the woman was eventually detained and forced to work for a call centre scam gang, led by a Taiwanese man named Liang. The woman refused to work and demanded to return to Thailand. The fraud gang demanded 50,000 baht in exchange for her freedom which she was unable to pay. The gang then forced her to provide sex services at 2,000 baht each time. She said she was repeatedly raped 25 times in exchange for 50,000 baht to buy her freedom. Police conducted further investigation into Noppadon’s identity and discovered that he was one of the main gang members and had a close relationship with gang leader Liang. Noppadon targeted Thais who had lost their jobs, especially women, and lured them into working for the gang. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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

Korean YouTubers’ visa status in Thailand under scrutiny by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of meijithita (TikTok) Intrigue surrounds the visa status of popular Korean YouTubers, P’ Jung and Cullen, as a prominent lawyer’s query ignites discussions on their prolonged stay in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317183-korean-youtubers’-visa-status-in-thailand-under-scrutiny/

Intrigue surrounds the visa status of popular Korean YouTubers, P’ Jung and Cullen, as a prominent lawyer’s query ignites discussions on their prolonged stay in Thailand. Recent sightings at the Ministry of Labour add to the mystery. Following the query by prominent lawyer, Ronnarong Kaewpetch, regarding the visa status of two popular Korean YouTubers in Thailand, P’ Jung and Cullen from the channel 컬렌 Cullen HateBerry, speculations are rife. The lawyer’s what visa are you using? questioning sparked a drama-filled discussion among many, curious about how the Korean duo have managed to stay in Thailand for such a prolonged period, reported Sanook. Yesterday (January 15), pictures surfaced of P’ Jung and Cullen at the Ministry of Labour, leading many to speculate that they were addressing visa-related issues. Pisong and Cullen have been residing in Thailand for quite some time and have even conducted business in the country. Fans of the Cullen channel suggested that the pair are likely holding the correct visas, and certainly not tourist visas, as they both have Thai bank accounts and Thai driving licenses. Cullen previously owned a club in Khaosan while P’ Jung is a businessman. by Samantha Rose Photo courtesy of meijithita (TikTok) Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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

Donald Trump earned the widely-expected victory over former UN envoy Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis [Andrew Harnik/AP] Former United States President Donald Trump has won the Iowa caucuses, cementing his Republican frontrunner status as he bids to retake the White House in 2024. Trump earned the widely-expected victory over former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, taking him a step closer to securing a third consecutive nomination for the Republican Party, projections by multiple US media outlets showed on Monday. Full story: AL JAZEERA 2024-01-16

Royal Thai Navy honours Krom Luang Chumphon with tribute walk-run event by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Navy.mil The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) yesterday staged an event titled Walk-Run in Tribute to His Royal Highness Krom Luang 100 Years Apakorn Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317179-royal-thai-navy-honours-krom-luang-chumphon-with-tribute-walk-run-event/

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) yesterday staged an event titled Walk-Run in Tribute to His Royal Highness Krom Luang 100 Years Apakorn Day. The event was inaugurated by Admiral Adung Phan-iam, Commander of the RTN, along with His Royal Highness Chiyakorn Apakorn Sesavej Chairman of the Apakorn Foundation. The event took place at the Navy Command Headquarters, Wang Nanthana Nayan Park, in the Bang Kho Laem district of Bangkok. The Walk-Run in Tribute to His Royal Highness Krom Luang 100 Years Apakorn Day event was organised to honour His Royal Highness and propagate his royal virtues in his role as a benefactor for the country. The RTN bestowed the names Father of the Thai Navy and Doctor Chumphon upon him. Proceeds from the event will contribute towards the construction of the Doctor Chumphon Herbal and Thai Medicine Learning Centre, which will serve as a hub for learning and inheriting Thai wisdom in Thai traditional medicine. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Navy.mil Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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

Tao Ngoi’s tortoise statue: Thailand’s new hotspot for lottery enthusiasts by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via sakon nakhon The famed Tortoise Statue of Tao Ngoii has become a hot spot for lottery enthusiasts seeking lucky numbers after its landscape was revitalised. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317178-tao-ngoi’s-tortoise-statue-thailand’s-new-hotspot-for-lottery-enthusiasts/

The famed Tortoise Statue of Tao Ngoii has become a hot spot for lottery enthusiasts seeking lucky numbers after its landscape was revitalised. The changes, which took place at the end of 2023 in the Tao Ngoi public park, have turned the area into a flourishing tourist attraction. The park is home to two large Naga sculptures located near the Boon Bridge. Visitors can cross the Pung River from the Tortoise Plaza to reach the Sirimangkala Tao Ngoi Temple. The temple houses a sacred pagoda, the village’s spiritual symbol. The journey across the bridge offers a refreshing atmosphere, the scenic Pung River, and a sense of tranquillity. Adjacent to the Tortoise Statue, locals and tourists continually pay their respects. The authorities have prepared a tortoise worship set consisting of morning glory, red water, flowers, candles, and incense for visitors to offer their prayers. The majority of devotees ask for fortune and work-related success. Upon the fulfilment of their wishes, they offer tortoise statues of various sizes in gratitude. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via sakon nakhon Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-16 - 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

Phuket Serial Thief Arrested in Bangkok By Goongnang Suksawat A serial thief who allegedly stole from many places in Phuket, even including stealing from a Phuket prosecutor, was arrested in Bangkok just before the past weekend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317176-phuket-serial-thief-arrested-in-bangkok/

A serial thief who allegedly stole from many places in Phuket, even including stealing from a Phuket prosecutor, was arrested in Bangkok just before the past weekend. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) reported on Thursday (January 11th) that they arrested a suspect identified only as Mr. Praiwan in Wang Thong Lang, Bangkok. He is being accused of serial night theft. The arrest came after Praiwan stole from many houses and parked cars at housing estates in Phuket. He was arrested previously in 2023 but he was released after a court gave him bail. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-16 - 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