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Nakhon Ratchasima province faces a severe drought crisis, with medium-sized water reservoirs at worrying levels, holding less than half their capacity. A halt on off-season rice farming has been ordered and urgent discussions are underway to secure water reserves throughout this year’s dry season. The Nakhon Ratchasima Irrigation Project’s water allocation division today reported on the water situation in the province’s reservoirs. It was found that the four large reservoirs have less than 60% of their water remaining. Only the Lam Phra Phloeng reservoir in Pak Thong Chai district has 67.32% of its water remaining, which is expected to suffice for domestic use this year. However, the situation for farmers is of concern. The irrigation project has convened a meeting with water user groups. They have requested cooperation from farmers in the areas downstream of the reservoir to stop off-season rice farming, as the water quantity is not sufficient and must be reserved for use throughout this year’s dry season. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via AI Jazeera 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

Police Help Turkish Tourist Catch Young Thief on Jomtien Beach By Tanakorn Panyadee Pattaya police swiftly nabbed a young thief early Monday morning after he snatched a Turkish tourist’s phone on Jomtien Beach. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317157-police-help-turkish-tourist-catch-young-thief-on-jomtien-beach/

Pattaya police swiftly nabbed a young thief early Monday morning after he snatched a Turkish tourist’s phone on Jomtien Beach. Deputy Chief of Investigation Pol. Lt. Col. Thananon Atipansi announced the arrest of a 13-year-old boy, whose name was withheld due to his age, who snatched a Redmi phone worth roughly 4,500 baht from 58-year-old Turkish tourist Mr. Akis Kul in the early morning of January 15th, 2024. According to Lt. Col. Thananon, Pattaya police officer Tassanai Termphon (Pictured wearing white shirt and jeans) was patrolling Jomtien Beach on a tourist safety detail in plainclothes. Then, Tassanai heard Mr. Akis’s cries for help and spotted the young boy fleeing with the phone. With a quick pursuit, officer Tassanai apprehended the boy at the mouth of Soi 2 on Jomtien Beach Road, within only 50 meters of the crime scene and not far from the Dongtan Police station. The boy confessed to the theft, claiming he intended to keep the phone for himself. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Glove wars: Public Warehouse Organisation gears up for legal battle over undelivered goods by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Janaza Announcements The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) is currently embarking on a legal battle against its former director and six other officials for undelivered gloves. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317156-glove-wars-public-warehouse-organisation-gears-up-for-legal-battle-over-undelivered-goods/

The Public Warehouse Organisation (PWO) is currently embarking on a legal battle against its former director and six other officials for undelivered gloves. The lawsuit is centred around the return of a 2 billion baht deposit that was paid for a 112 billion baht rubber glove purchase during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was never delivered. Kriangsak Prateepvisut, the PWO director, revealed yesterday, January 15, that legal action has already been instigated against the seven officials. This follows a previous decision by the Comptroller General’s Department which held these officials accountable for the botched procurement of 500 million rubber gloves. The officials, who were implicated last month, extracted 2 billion baht from the PWO’s account as a deposit for the glove supplier. Among those in the crosshairs is former acting PWO director, Rungroj Puttiyaphiwat. Concurrently, criminal proceedings have been initiated. The suspects’ assets, including land, lavish cars and motorcycles, and high-end watches and bags, have been seized. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Janaza Announcements 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

19 year old Thai faces 5 charges for pimping out 13 year old boy by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Police arrested a 19 year old Thai man in Bangkok on Saturday night, on five charges of pimping out a 13 year old boy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317155-19-year-old-thai-faces-5-charges-for-pimping-out-13-year-old-boy/

Police arrested a 19 year old Thai man in Bangkok on Saturday night, on five charges of pimping out a 13 year old boy. Patrol and Special Operation Division officers received a tip-off on January 13 that the teenager, 19 year old Peeraphat Bootcham, was procuring boys aged under 15 years old to provide sex services. Peeraphat advertised the services online and would take the boys to clients’ homes or hotels to provide the service, charging the customer 2,000 baht each time. An officer posed as a customer and made an appointment with Peeraphat at a hotel on Soi Vibhawadee Rungsit 42 in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok on Saturday, January 13. Peeraphat was seen getting out of a taxi with a 13 year old boy and took 2,000 baht from the policeman in disguise. Following the clear evidence, the officer arrested Peeraphat at the hotel and took him to a police station for questioning. Peeraphat admitted to his action and revealed that he charged customers 2,000 baht each time. He kept 1,000 baht for himself and gave another 1,000 to the underage prostitutes. 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

Phuket to host Thailand Biennale 2025 boosting local economy by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Phuket Times. Phuket is set to host the Thailand Biennale 2025 festival next year, which is expected to inject fresh vitality into the island’s economy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317154-phuket-to-host-thailand-biennale-2025-boosting-local-economy/

Phuket is set to host the Thailand Biennale 2025 festival next year, which is expected to inject fresh vitality into the island’s economy. The announcement was made by the local authorities and it has sparked a wave of anticipation among the residents and businesses alike. SOUL OF SPORT: The Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships saw incredible success for Team GB women as Bryony Page won her second world title... ANDY HOOPER captures all the drama from the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, and other top stories from November 13, 2023. Sophon Suwannarat, the Governor of Phuket, confirmed that the decision was taken by Sermsak Phongpanich, the Minister of Culture, to have Phuket host the Thailand Biennale 2025 festival. The announcement came last Thursday and has since been widely celebrated by the island’s community. The governor, during a press conference at the Provincial Hall, was joined by Anchalee Vanich Thepbut, the President of the Phuket Art Association. The two officials echoed the sentiment that it would be an honour for the province to host the month-long festival. They highlighted the potential benefits the event could bring, such as stimulating tourism and creating local job opportunities. The Thailand Biennale is a biannual international contemporary art exhibition initiated by the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture, under the Ministry of Culture, Thailand. The 2025 event will mark the fourth edition of the festival, following successful events in Krabi (2018), Nakhon Ratchsima (2021), and Chiang Rai (2023). by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Phuket Times. 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

Hua Hin grapples with worsening air quality; Hospital issues health advisory By Online Reporter Like many locations in Thailand, Hua Hin has seen a significant rise in air pollution, as levels of PM 2.5, the fine particulate matter known for its adverse health effects, have reached concerning levels over the last 24 hours. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317153-hua-hin-grapples-with-worsening-air-quality-hospital-issues-health-advisory/

Like many locations in Thailand, Hua Hin has seen a significant rise in air pollution, as levels of PM 2.5, the fine particulate matter known for its adverse health effects, have reached concerning levels over the last 24 hours. On Monday, January 15, the air quality index recorded a PM 2.5 concentration of 42.3, surpassing the standard safe limit of 37.5. This increase in pollution levels is beginning to have tangible impacts on public health. In response to the deteriorating air quality, Hua Hin Hospital has issued a public health advisory via its Facebook page, urging residents to take immediate precautions. The hospital’s recommendations include wearing masks specifically designed to filter out fine dust particles, limiting outdoor activities, and being vigilant for symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and eye irritation. The advisory also emphasizes that individuals experiencing abnormal symptoms should seek medical attention promptly. Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 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 By Online Reporter

Two Vietnamese Charged With Stealing From Japanese Man by TNR Staff Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat shows the portable credit card reader found in the room of one of two Vietnamese suspects. Photo Matichon A MAN and a woman from Vietnam were arrested today (Jan. 15) on a charge of pickpocketing a Japanese man at Wat Phra Kaew together with two other accomplices who are still at large and using the stolen credit cards to buy almost 500,000 baht worth of goods, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317152-two-vietnamese-charged-with-stealing-from-japanese-man/

A MAN and a woman from Vietnam were arrested today (Jan. 15) on a charge of pickpocketing a Japanese man at Wat Phra Kaew together with two other accomplices who are still at large and using the stolen credit cards to buy almost 500,000 baht worth of goods, Matichon newspaper said. Deputy chief of the Royal Palace Police Station Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat said the two Vietnamese suspects, Mr. Vo Van Dung and Miss Le Thi Ngoc Linh, had together with the other two gang member pickpocketed Mr. Shuji Takato on Dec. 30, 2023. They made off with three credit cards, 150,000 yen in cash and a Japanese driver’s licence. They immediately used the stolen credit cards to purchase 459,670.42 baht worth of goods. Surveillance camera footage shows the four suspects had then taken a taxi to Soi Petchburi 17, walked to the adjacent Soi Petchburi 19, and tried again to steal from another person but were unsuccessful. by TNR Staff TOP: Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat shows the portable credit card reader found in the room of one of two Vietnamese suspects. Photo Matichon 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

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 16 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1317150-thailand-live-tuesday-16-january-2024/

Sunbathing at Sanam Luang draws mixed reactions A picture posted on social media of two foreigners sunbathing in Sanam Luang, in front of the Grand Palace, has drawn mixed reactions, with some Thai netizens suggesting that the pair may not have been aware of the site’s significance. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317093-concerns-after-two-foreign-women-sunbathe-in-chiang-mai-temple/?do=findComment&comment=18620474

Thai Restaurant operators are asking the Thai government to unlock alcohol sale hours and end periods of sales being restricted, especially from 2PM to 5PM in the afternoons. Thai Restaurant Operators Ask Government to Unlock Alcohol Sale Hours Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317128-thai-restaurant-operators-ask-government-to-unlock-alcohol-sale-hours/

Has the Pheu Thai-led government put military reform on the back burner? File photo : Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang//AP The coalition government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has come under fire from the opposition, which is accused it of lacking a strong commitment to pursue military reform following a slight hike in the defense budget for fiscal year 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317107-has-the-pheu-thai-led-government-put-military-reform-on-the-back-burner/

The coalition government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has come under fire from the opposition, which is accused it of lacking a strong commitment to pursue military reform following a slight hike in the defense budget for fiscal year 2024. Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang told Parliament during the three-day debate on the budget bill earlier this month that he had not given up on the mission to modernize and downsize the armed forces and pledged to achieve it by all means. “I’m not in this position to compromise with or please the military, but I need more time and an effective tactic to do so,” he said. The opposition Move Forward Party lashed out at the government’s defense budget, saying it was incapable of making any change in the military. “With such a budget arrangement, I wonder whether the armed forces would be able to reshape themselves,” the party’s MP, Akkarat Udomamnuay, said. Under the first civilian minister in a decade, the Defense Ministry proposed a budget of 198.3 billion baht for the military for fiscal 2024, up 2 per cent from 194.4 billion baht allocated by the military-backed government under General Prayut Chan-o-cha last year. File photo : Defense Minister Sutin Klungsang//AP Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-15 - 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

Prachuap Khiri Khan starts preemptive measures to control wildfires By Online Reporter File photo, just for illustrative purposes. Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has taken a step forward in its efforts to manage and control wildfires. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317105-prachuap-khiri-khan-starts-preemptive-measures-to-control-wildfires/

Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has taken a step forward in its efforts to manage and control wildfires. The province has officially designated a special wildfire control area that encompasses a total of 154 villages across eight districts. The move is primarily aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires near forest regions and enhancing community involvement in monitoring and prevention efforts. Mr. Nitthat Jantarat, the Director of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning in Prachuap Khiri Khan, shared details of the new initiative. According to Mr. Jantarat, the province is focusing on preemptive measures to avert actions that could potentially lead to wildfires. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in keeping a vigilant eye on potential fire hazards. By Online Reporter File photo, just for illustrative purposes. Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-15 - 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 motorcycle sidecar accident claims life of Thai child by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod A tragic accident occurred just a day after Children’s Day when five related children were driving a motorcycle sidecar home and crashed into an electricity pole. The oldest of the children, a ten year old girl, lost her life. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317103-tragic-motorcycle-sidecar-accident-claims-life-of-thai-child/

A tragic accident occurred just a day after Children’s Day when five related children were driving a motorcycle sidecar home and crashed into an electricity pole. The oldest of the children, a ten year old girl, lost her life. The unfortunate incident took place around 9.30pm yesterday, January 14, when Thai Buddhist Charity Foundation volunteers in Kabin Buri were notified of a motorcycle sidecar accident involving a collision with a streetlight pole. The incident resulted in one fatality and three injuries. The location of the mishap was on the road between Ban Wang Tha Chang and Ban Wang Kwang in Moo 10, Wang Tha Chang Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province. Upon receiving the distress call, the volunteers immediately rushed to the scene of the accident, reported KhaoSod. Upon arrival, heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as it was discovered that all five victims, two boys and three girls, were children. One of the fatalities was a ten year old girl from Wang Tha Chang Subdistrict, Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri Province. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Severe weather warning for 18 provinces in Thailand by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Earth.co The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning today for 18 provinces spanning the north and south of the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317100-severe-weather-warning-for-18-provinces-in-thailand/

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a severe weather warning today for 18 provinces spanning the north and south of the country. Heavy rains, strong winds, and hailstorms are expected, posing a potential danger to residents. The department advises people to avoid open areas and weakly constructed buildings. This weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts another western wind wave from Myanmar moving across the northern region and Upper Laos. This could result in thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail in some areas of the northern region. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious of thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, and to avoid staying in open areas, under large trees, billboards, and weakly constructed buildings. Farmers are also advised to prepare for potential damage to agricultural produce. High-pressure areas are currently covering the northeast and the South China Sea, resulting in cool weather in the morning in the north, northeast, central, east, and upper southern regions. Temperatures may drop slightly and residents are advised to take care of their health due to the continued cool weather in the morning during this period. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Earth.co Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-15 - 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

Taxing choices: Thai Excise Department ponders single rate or weighty decision for cigarettes by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Excise Department Director-General, announced that the department is deliberating over whether to implement a single tax rate or a weight-based tax for cigarettes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317098-taxing-choices-thai-excise-department-ponders-single-rate-or-weighty-decision-for-cigarettes/