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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 15 January 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317078-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-15-january-2024/

Prime Minister Thavisin is in Switzerland where he will seek foreign investment for the government's 1 trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject at the World Economic Forum in Davos, starting today. This marks the first time in 12 years that a Thai government leader has participated in the annual World Economic Forum. Civil society groups have expressed concern at plans to open rehabilitation centers for drug addiction in 52 army barracks across the country. the centers will initially assist over 4 thousand 4 hundred addicts via 60, 90 or 120-day treatment programs. However, military-style drug rehabilitation methods have raised concerns over abuse. The government is pursuing economic diplomacy initiatives, to negotiate free trade agreements. Thailand has successfully finalized 14 FTAs with 18 countries, and negotiations are currently underway with 11 more. Sri Lanka is the latest country, due to be officially signed up next month. Authorities have warned bangkok residents to prepare for rising levels pm2.5 particles in the air, forecasters say air Pollution will continue to worsen for the next few days. Meanwhile Bangkok residents are advised to work from home until Wednesday. Around The Region. North Korea yesterday tested a new solid-fuel hypersonic missile with intermediate range, The test occurred on the same day that a delegation led by the Foreign Minister headed to Russia. Meanwhile North Korea accused Seoul of escalating tensions in the region by conducting more military drills. Chiang Mai and the north: bright but cloudy, isolated showers 30C Bangkok: Sunny 34 Pattaya: Sunny, partly cloudy 33 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 32C Hua Hin: Sunny,light cloud 31 AQI Red which is 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 2024-01-15 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

Immigration Crackdown in Tak Province: 19 Foreign Nationals Arrested Trying to Enter the City Picture: Siam Rath In a tightly coordinated operation, 19 foreign nationals were apprehended while attempting to enter the city of Tak province in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317070-immigration-crackdown-in-tak-province-19-foreign-nationals-arrested-trying-to-enter-the-city/

Thai Authorities Prepare for Cobra Gold 2024 Near Pattaya with US Advisory Group, Space Training, and Soft Power Focus By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 14th, 2024, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, the spokesman for the Ministry of Defense for Political Affairs, warmly welcomed the Joint US Military Advisory Group and discussed preparation for Cobra Gold 2024 in Chonburi-Rayong Royal Thai Navy base and other military locations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317074-thai-authorities-prepare-for-cobra-gold-2024-near-pattaya-with-us-advisory-group-space-training-and-soft-power-focus/

On January 14th, 2024, Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, the spokesman for the Ministry of Defense for Political Affairs, warmly welcomed the Joint US Military Advisory Group and discussed preparation for Cobra Gold 2024 in Chonburi-Rayong Royal Thai Navy base and other military locations. The Cobra Gold is an annual multi-national Indo-Pacific military exercise held in Thailand and will take place from February 27th, 2024 onwards. The purpose of the training was to enhance the potential for disaster relief and regional natural disasters and to combat cyber warfare threats. Jirayu publicly revealed that the Cobra Gold 2024 would also incorporate space training to understand the impact of space phenomena on regional military operations more effectively. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Thai Action Thriller “Pattaya Heat” to Heat Up Cinemas On February 8th By Tanakorn Panyadee The Thai cinema scene is about to ignite with the imminent release of “Pattaya Heat,” an action thriller that unfolds against the backdrop of Pattaya’s iconic scenery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317073-thai-action-thriller-“pattaya-heat”-to-heat-up-cinemas-on-february-8th/

The Thai cinema scene is about to ignite with the imminent release of “Pattaya Heat,” an action thriller that unfolds against the backdrop of Pattaya’s iconic scenery. Co-produced by Wanderer Pictures and Hollywood (Thailand), “The Pattaya Heat: All Men Are Brothers” thrusts popular Thai actor Jirayu “Got” Tantrakul into the role of “Tot (ทศ),” a character embroiled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a menacing mafia gang. The film’s centerpiece revolves around a heart-pounding chase sequence, one of which unfolds on the bustling alleys of Pattaya Walking Street – Thailand’s most famous nightlife hub that is visited by millions of revelers annually. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Youth gang wreaks havoc in Buriram, Thailand: Teen seriously hurt by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of bangkokbiznews A gang of reckless youths caused havoc on the streets of Buriram, Thailand. A 13 year old boy was injured after the group pursued and attacked him amidst moving traffic. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317072-youth-gang-wreaks-havoc-in-buriram-thailand-teen-seriously-hurt/

A gang of reckless youths caused havoc on the streets of Buriram, Thailand. A 13 year old boy was injured after the group pursued and attacked him amidst moving traffic. The incident was followed by the gang posting a taunt on Facebook, ridiculing their victim. Following the incident last night, police are now urgently hunting down the culprits. Upon arrival at the scene, it was found that the injured boy had already been taken to Lahansai Hospital. Fragment pieces from a homemade bomb were found at the scene, indicating the severity of the incident. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident involved teenagers from the same village who had previous disputes. Upon encountering each other, they started a high-speed chase, throwing bombs and physically attacking each other until the 13 year old boy sustained a broken leg and numerous scrapes. The 16 year old victim’s friend reported that before the incident, they had left their friend’s house only to be pursued by two to three groups of teenagers. The groups started throwing bombs at them, which led to a retaliatory attack. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of bangkokbiznews 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

In a tightly coordinated operation, 19 foreign nationals were apprehended while attempting to enter the city of Tak province in Thailand. The investigation, led by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) under the command of Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Puridet, involved collaboration with various law enforcement agencies. The joint effort, led by Police Colonel Pikkhet Trimaek, prepared to seize assets under the jurisdiction of the 3rd Immigration Division, Region 1, Tak Immigration Bureau. The suspects, all Myanmar nationals, faced charges related to illegal entry into the Kingdom of Thailand, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath The crackdown unfolded on the stretch of road from kilometer 55 to 56 in Muang Khom sub-district, Chai Badan district, Lopburi province. The investigation revealed a network involved in smuggling foreign labor into the country. Officers from the 3rd Immigration Division, Region 1 (Lopburi), joined forces with their counterparts from the 5th Immigration Division, Region 1 (Phetchabun), and conducted on-site inspections. Picture: Siam Rath he officers intercepted the vehicle and identified the driver as Mr. Khamphir, the primary suspect. The 19 other suspects, all passengers in the van, were found to be undocumented Myanmar nationals. All suspects were promptly arrested and transferred to the Muang Khom Police Station for further legal proceedings. During preliminary questioning, the first suspect admitted to receiving payment to transport the group from the roadside near Nabost village in Wang Chao district, Tak province, to Samut Sakhon province. Picture: Siam Rath Each individual was allegedly charged 1,500 Baht for the journey. The remaining suspects confessed to illegally entering Thailand through natural routes, intending to seek employment in the country. The Immigration Bureau is now pursuing legal action against all the suspects in accordance with Thai law. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 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 your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Anti-Graft Agency Asked To Quizz Senior Officials Over Thaksin Case By Thai Newsroom Reporters Former Democrat MP Watchara Petthong talking to reporters at the National Anti-Corruption Commission office. Photo: Thai Rath THE NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION Commission has been petitioned to conduct an inquiry into questionable performance of certain high-level government officials which could allegedly tantamount to a practice of double standards in favour of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317069-anti-graft-agency-asked-to-quizz-senior-officials-over-thaksin-case/

THE NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION Commission has been petitioned to conduct an inquiry into questionable performance of certain high-level government officials which could allegedly tantamount to a practice of double standards in favour of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra. Former Democrat MP Watchara Petthong has submitted his petition to NACC secretary-general Niwatchai Kasemmongkol over the weekend calling for the anti-graft agency to directly interrogate Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, Corrections Department director-general Sahakarn Petnarin and Police Hospital’s chief executive official Thaweesilp Wechawitharn on grounds of having allegedly managed to grant excessive privileges to the “sickly” Thaksin which are allegedly unprovided for other convicts. However, the ex-MP suggested that other government officials of the Corrections Department and Police Hospital be treated as personal witnesses if they provide investigating subcommittees of the anti-graft agency with truthful, useful information pertaining to the contentious handling of Thaksin case. Watchara’s latest move against the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict apparently followed yesterday’s visit to Police Hospital by House Committee on Police Affairs chair/Democrat MP Chaichana Dejdecho. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Former Democrat MP Watchara Petthong talking to reporters at the National Anti-Corruption Commission office. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Nationwide informal debt mediation operations to start on Monday The Ministry of Interior, via the Provincial Administration Department, will begin nationwide informal debt mediations, as part of the “debt solving market place” program, at provincial halls and municipal offices on Monday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317067-nationwide-informal-debt-mediation-operations-to-start-on-monday/

The Ministry of Interior, via the Provincial Administration Department, will begin nationwide informal debt mediations, as part of the “debt solving market place” program, at provincial halls and municipal offices on Monday. Kittiratt Na-Ranong, chief advisor to the prime minister, will preside over the program launch ceremony, at the Nakhon Nonthaburi municipal office, tomorrow morning, said Government Spokesman Chai Wacharonke. According to the “debt solving market place” program, informal debtors and their lenders, who have registered to settle their debts since December 1st, will meet at the halls or offices to settle their debts, with representatives from the Government Savings Bank and the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Pico Finance and the Office of Attorney-General acting as mediators. 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

Israeli ambassador launches campaign to remind Thais about the hostages still being held in Gaza by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara on Monday assured the public that the plight of eight Thai hostages held by terror group Hamas in Gaza is not being forgotten. On Friday, the Israeli Ambassador to Thailand, Ms Orna Sagiv, was at hand as a 3 week Tuk Tuk publicity campaign was launched to remind the public about the remaining hostages still in captivity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317066-israeli-ambassador-launches-campaign-to-remind-thais-about-the-hostages-still-being-held-in-gaza/

Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara on Monday assured the public that the plight of eight Thai hostages held by terror group Hamas in Gaza is not being forgotten. On Friday, the Israeli Ambassador to Thailand, Ms Orna Sagiv, was at hand as a 3 week Tuk Tuk publicity campaign was launched to remind the public about the remaining hostages still in captivity. Israeli Ambassador launches Tuk Tuk campaign in Bangkok, urging the release of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The 100-vehicle initiative aims to keep the issue in public consciousness. Additionally, it emphasises the enduring bond between Israel and Thailand. Thailand’s Foreign Minister has assured the public of an ongoing effort to release Thai hostages still being held prisoner by terrorist group Hamas in Gaza. The comments by Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara came days before an Israeli-sponsored campaign launched on Friday in Bangkok. The Tuk Tuk messaging campaign aims to remind the public about the plight of the innocent people being held by the group. This week, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara assured the public Thailand remains resolute in its mission to secure the release of eight of its citizens held hostage in Gaza. by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner 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

Pot industry pushes back against draft law that would put an end to Thailand’s cannabis revolution by James Morris and Son Nguyen Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left), leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, the architect of the runaway cannabis revolution from June 2022. (right) Minister of Public Health Dr Cholnan Srikaew is the former Pheu Thai Party leader. At this time, he is tasked with regulating the situation by law. Both were party to talks in July/ August 2023, leading to the formation of the current coalition government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317065-pot-industry-pushes-back-against-draft-law-that-would-put-an-end-to-thailand’s-cannabis-revolution/

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left), leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, the architect of the runaway cannabis revolution from June 2022. (right) Minister of Public Health Dr Cholnan Srikaew is the former Pheu Thai Party leader. At this time, he is tasked with regulating the situation by law. Both were party to talks in July/ August 2023, leading to the formation of the current coalition government. Thailand’s Cannabis Clash: Industry rebels against Pheu Thai’s efforts to frame a new law on cannabis. What some see as an effort at preserving public health, others see as a draconian law threatening to put an end to the Pot revolution. Minister Cholnan appeared this week to do a U-Turn. It may lead to political tensions as Bhumjaithai’s legacy hangs in the balance. Tourism, health, and political interests collide as a new legal regime is thrashed out. The cannabis industry is pushing back at Pheu Thai’s efforts to again criminalise the drug for recreational purposes. This week, Minister of Public Health Dr Cholnan Srikaew was forced to clarify that a hardline draft bill signed by him was not final. The minister said it was a draft position prepared by his industry for the Prime Minister’s Office. However, the final law to be presented to parliament would, first of all, be agreed by the cabinet. The bill, which is to be treated as financial legislation, therefore has become one of political importance. In view of the contrast between the policies of the Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, the issue has the potential to become as politically divisive as it is within society. Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left), leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, the architect of the runaway cannabis revolution from June 2022. (right) Minister of Public Health Dr Cholnan Srikaew is the former Pheu Thai Party leader. At this time, he is tasked with regulating the situation by law. Both were party to talks in July/ August 2023, leading to the formation of the current coalition government. Facing pressure last week after showing his hand with his intention to curb the recreational use of marijuana, Minister of Public Health Dr Cholnan Srikaew clarified that what he had signed was a note to the Prime Minister’s Office outlining his ministry’s position on the issue. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner.com 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

Thai model Yoko’s mysterious death: Cyanide, a staged scene and unresolved doubts by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Yoko, a prominent Thai model, was found dead in her condominium following an argument at a party with her boyfriend. The incident took place on November 1 last year. The autopsy report showed the presence of cyanide in her body, which has led to doubts about the cause of her death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317064-thai-model-yoko’s-mysterious-death-cyanide-a-staged-scene-and-unresolved-doubts/

Thailand’s tourism authority to boost Chiang Mai visits with year-round campaigns by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Varuth Hirunyatheb The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317062-thailand’s-tourism-authority-to-boost-chiang-mai-visits-with-year-round-campaigns/

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is set to initiate year-round campaigns aimed at elevating tourism in Chiang Mai. The news was delivered by TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, who reported a surge in tourism in the region following the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions. From January to November of last year, Chiang Mai saw around 9.4 million tourists grace its attractions, marking a 24% increase in comparison to the same timeframe in 2022. Domestic tourists accounted for approximately 73% of this influx, with the remaining travellers hailing from international destinations. The leading countries of origin for these foreign visitors were China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. The tourism industry’s revenue also experienced a significant uptick, with a 47% increase recorded in the first three quarters of the previous year, amassing earnings of 75.11 billion baht (US$2,152,149,363). This upward trend in earnings is predicted to continue this year, largely attributed to the government’s decision to operate Chiang Mai International Airport on a 24-hour basis since last December, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Varuth Hirunyatheb 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

Thai Authorities Bust Multi-Million Baht Online Gambling Ring in Chiang Mai By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 13th, 2024, the Thai Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) raided an online gambling website center operating at a luxury private villa in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317061-thai-authorities-bust-multi-million-baht-online-gambling-ring-in-chiang-mai/

On January 13th, 2024, the Thai Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) raided an online gambling website center operating at a luxury private villa in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai. According to a report by the TCSD, an investigative squad tracked down an online gambling operation center located in Mae Rim renting a pool villa as an office. The villa had two rooms with online gambling employees allegedly working on two websites as administrators, with a total of 12 individuals, to respond to customers’ messages, reported TCSD. Furthermore, there were 16 computers, 33 computer monitors, 53 phones, 28 bank accounts, and other evidence confiscated with an estimated value of 1 million baht, reported TCSD. The two websites generated more than 100 million baht monthly, reported TCSD. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Thai Minister of Transport Announces Plans to Boost Flight Slots as Tourism Shows Signs of Resurgence By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 12th, 2024, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Thai Minister of Transport, publicly revealed after the CAAT OPEN HOUSE 2024 event that there is a strong tendency for a resurgence in the tourism industry, therefore, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) needs to increase the number of flights to meet the upcoming demand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317060-thai-minister-of-transport-announces-plans-to-boost-flight-slots-as-tourism-shows-signs-of-resurgence/

On January 12th, 2024, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Thai Minister of Transport, publicly revealed after the CAAT OPEN HOUSE 2024 event that there is a strong tendency for a resurgence in the tourism industry, therefore, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) needs to increase the number of flights to meet the upcoming demand. The plan to meet the demand for more flights includes Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket airports which are popular destinations for foreign tourists. As for the initial evaluation, CAAT could schedule flight slots up to 30% to 40% higher compared to the previous year to meet the rising demand, said the Minister of Transport. CAAT was ordered to manage flight schedules in rush hours and increase the number of flight slots as it would potentially cause positive impacts to an increasing number of passengers, remarked Suriya. “However, the Ministry of Transport evaluated that the current aviation situation continues to recover and soon will be back to normal, similar to before COVID-19 in 2019. It was evident that the demand to book flights, not only for Thai airlines but also international airlines, has increased in significance. The airlines could not meet the rising demand at the moment, but within the next few years, the aviation industry would expand as there would be more airplanes available for service,” said Suriya. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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