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Picture: Siam Rath In anticipation of National Children's Day 2024, the armed forces are preparing to offer children enriching experiences and fresh perspectives through a range of educational activities. Both the army and air force are gearing up to organize diverse events, aiming to create new avenues for learning among children, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath On January 12, 2024, the army presented an extensive collection of weapons and equipment at the Army Headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Road in readiness for the traditional National Children's Day celebration. General Charay Chintaw, the Army Commander, will personally open the event and interact with the children. Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath This year's highlight includes opening up spaces for children to visit the Army Museum and the Army Heritage Wall, showcasing the history and evolution of the army, including various weaponry such as armored vehicles like the BTR-3E1 from Ukraine, M1126 Stryker from the United States, and VN-1 from China. The event will feature various outdoor activities, educational sessions for students, live demonstrations, military dog shows, and large-scale regional activities across different army units nationwide. The Army Commander emphasized the importance of safety measures during the event. Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath While the army is organizing the Children's Day event, the air force is also actively participating. Central events are planned at the 601 Squadron, Air Force Museum, and National Air and Space Center, as well as various air bases across the country. The celebration includes air shows featuring different aircraft such as T-50, F-16, F-5, Alpha Jet, C-130, and Gripen, providing an entertaining and educational experience for children nationwide. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 2024-01-13 - 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

Thai student protest erupts over unsatisfactory school meals by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via The Bucknellian A student protest recently erupted in a school located in Mae La Noi, Mae Hong Son. The students rallied against the school’s director, barring entry into the school premises by locking all entrances. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316954-thai-student-protest-erupts-over-unsatisfactory-school-meals/

A student protest recently erupted in a school located in Mae La Noi, Mae Hong Son. The students rallied against the school’s director, barring entry into the school premises by locking all entrances. The protest was a response to the director’s decision to lodge a police complaint against a student who posted pictures of the school’s unsatisfactory midday meal consisting of plain rice, a single boiled egg, and a small packet of red-eye chilli dip at 8.30am on today. The previous day at 6pm, the school director lodged a complaint about the student who posted the image of the meagre meal at the local police station. The complaint was lodged with Inspector Panuphan Chanthachom, an investigator at Mae La Noi Police Station, under the Computer Crime Act. At 7pm that same day, students from the school collectively went to Mae La Noi Police Station to protest against the director. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via The Bucknellian Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-13 - 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

AIS and True reinforce identity checks for multiple SIM card owners by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Prune.co In response to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s directive, telecom giants AIS and True are set to tighten up measures to verify the identities of customers with multiple SIM cards. This move aims to prevent the temporary suspension of mobile numbers and protect user rights. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316953-ais-and-true-reinforce-identity-checks-for-multiple-sim-card-owners/

In response to the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission’s directive, telecom giants AIS and True are set to tighten up measures to verify the identities of customers with multiple SIM cards. This move aims to prevent the temporary suspension of mobile numbers and protect user rights. Varunthep Watcharaphon, Business Relations Chief at Advance Info Service PLC (AIS), stated that AIS is fully prepared to assist its customers in implementing identity verification measures. Starting from Tuesday, January 16, Advance Info Service (AIS) will send out SMS notifications to numbers subject to this identity confirmation process. These messages will be sent from the sender AIS with no attached link. To avoid temporary service suspension, customers are advised to confirm their identities within the stipulated time. They can do this at AIS shops, AIS Telesales, and nationwide dealers, or personally via two channels: dialling the 1612 National ID number (free of charge, following SMS steps) or through the myAIS app for prepaid system customers. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via Prune.co Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: MP investigates Thaksin’s alleged 2 million baht treatment at Police Hospital by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via The Economist A delegation from the Police Committee of the House of Representatives, led by its chairman Chaichana Dejdecho, an MP from Nakhon Si Thammarat and a Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, visited the Police Hospital to check on the health of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316922-thaksin-suffers-heart-valve-disease-and-rarely-has-visitors-chaichana/?do=findComment&comment=18615173

MP investigates Thaksin’s alleged 2 million baht treatment at Police Hospital by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO: via The Economist A delegation from the Police Committee of the House of Representatives, led by its chairman Chaichana Dejdecho, an MP from Nakhon Si Thammarat and a Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, visited the Police Hospital to check on the health of former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The delegation was guided by Police Lieutenant Colonel Samart Muangsiri, a doctor at the Police Hospital, and his team, who provided detailed explanations and responded to various inquiries. Chaichana, along with Tipa Paweenasathien an MP from Lampang and the spokesperson for the Far-reaching Party, visited the Bhumibol Adulyadej 88 Anniversary Building. This facility serves as a treatment residence for the 74 year old former PM. Chaichana requested permission to investigate the condition of Thaksin, which was later denied by the hospital, citing patient privacy rights. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-13 - 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

British and Russian Motorcyclists Collide in Pattaya By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya British and Russian tourists accidentally crashed their motorbikes into each other on Soi Khao Phra Tamnak 5 in Pattaya on Thursday, January 11th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316952-british-and-russian-motorcyclists-collide-in-pattaya/

British and Russian tourists accidentally crashed their motorbikes into each other on Soi Khao Phra Tamnak 5 in Pattaya on Thursday, January 11th. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation’s rescue team responded to the accident at an unspecified time last night. Upon arrival at the accident site, they found a red Honda PCX motorcycle with significant damage lying overturned on the side of the road. The rider, Mr. Thomas A., a British national, was semi-conscious and had sustained moderate injuries. Another injured individual, Ms. Pornnapa S., a 20-year-old Thai passenger, was lying nearby with facial and bodily injuries. Both were immediately administered first aid by the rescue teams and medical staff from Pattaya Hospital before being transported to the hospital. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-13 - 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 Saturday 13 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1316950-thailand-live-saturday-13-january-2024/

Thaksin suffers heart valve disease and rarely has visitors : Chaichana File photo : Former PM Thaksin ShinawatrFile photo: Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra returns to Bangkok last year in his private jet.a return to Bangkok last year by his private jet. Convicted ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra is suffering from heart valve disease and rarely has visitors, said Chaichana Detdecho, chairman of the House Police Affairs committee. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316922-thaksin-suffers-heart-valve-disease-and-rarely-has-visitors-chaichana/

On January 12th, 2024, Asst. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and the president of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, publicly revealed after the 1st meeting of the Sport Industry Subcommittee regarding an extension visa for foreigners studying Muay Thai to stay in Thailand from 60 to 90 days. Thai Government Extends Visa for Foreign Muay Thai Students to 90 Days Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316929-thai-government-extends-visa-for-foreign-muay-thai-students-to-90-days/

2 former ministers accused of demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland Former Labour Minister Suchart Chomklin is seeking justice after accusing the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) of damaging his reputation by calling out two former labour ministers for demanding bribes from Thai workers in Finland. ThaiRath reported that Thailand considers workers to be victims of human trafficking if employers detain, abuse or illegally exploit them. However, the law in Finland is different and more detailed. For example, workers who are kept in unsuitable accommodation or do not have enough food and facilities are considered victims of trafficking. Recently, the authorities in Finland rescued several Thai workers considered to be the victims of human trafficking. They were considered victims of trafficking because they revealed to the authorities that they had to pay bribes to return to Thailand when their work in Finland ended. After the rescue, the Finnish authorities reported the case to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry then referred the case to the DSI for further investigation into human trafficking and the extra fee. After further investigation into the case, the DSI found that each Thai worker travelled to Finland and worked there legally under Thai law but later became victims of human trafficking when they returned to Thailand. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via bangkokbiznews Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

Alleged Malaysian drug lord in Thai police custody Thai anti-narcotics officers have taken a Malaysian, alleged to be a major drug trafficker with connections in Thailand, Laos, China, Myanmar and Malaysia, into custody. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316903-alleged-malaysian-drug-lord-in-thai-police-custody/

Thai anti-narcotics officers have taken a Malaysian, alleged to be a major drug trafficker with connections in Thailand, Laos, China, Myanmar and Malaysia, into custody. The suspect, Ong Gim Wah, was handed over to Thai anti-narcotic officials yesterday, after being arrested in Laos and deported to Thailand, with the help of the Lao and Australian police forces and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong attributed the arrest and deportation to the Australian, US and Lao governments, Laos in particular, for responding to the Thai request for the extradition of the suspect to stand trial in Thailand. One million baht in reward money was offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and this was handed over to a representative of the Lao government yesterday. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-12 - 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-llywood lights, camera, baht! 2023 sees record of 6.6 billion baht roll in from film shoots in Thailand by Alex Morgan PHOTO: via Greenlight films A record-breaking 6.6 billion baht was generated by over 466 film shoots in Thailand in 2023, marking an impressive 40% increase in revenue from the previous year. This remarkable upturn was largely credited to the production of high-budget films, including a blockbuster with a budget of 3 billion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316902-thai-llywood-lights-camera-baht-2023-sees-record-of-66-billion-baht-roll-in-from-film-shoots-in-thailand/

A record-breaking 6.6 billion baht was generated by over 466 film shoots in Thailand in 2023, marking an impressive 40% increase in revenue from the previous year. This remarkable upturn was largely credited to the production of high-budget films, including a blockbuster with a budget of 3 billion baht. Jaturon Phakdeewanit, the head of the Tourism Department, noted the significant role of large-scale productions in driving up spending within the country’s local supply chain. Consequently, the department plans to continue its strategy of attracting major productions to the country. The department anticipates revenue from film locations to increase by at least 5% this year, amounting to 6.9 billion baht. According to Jaturon, this target is quite attainable considering the growing interest from filmmakers in the UK, Hong Kong, China, and Europe. In addition, the department plans to promote more film roadshows in these markets. Despite increased competition from other Southeast Asian countries for foreign film crews, Thailand remains a favoured destination. The country offers a variety of unique filming locations, from vibrant cities to serene temples and picturesque beaches. Moreover, it has professional crews, production teams, and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for filmmakers. by Alex Morgan PHOTO: via Greenlight films Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

Council of State makes digital wallet look even harder By Tulsathit Taptim The government’s legal advisers have issued a very polite warning about the massive borrowing plan which is necessary if the ruling Pheu Thai Party is to keep its controversial election promise. Problem is “being nice” can always be misinterpreted and that is exactly what happened over the past few days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316901-council-of-state-makes-digital-wallet-look-even-harder/

The government’s legal advisers have issued a very polite warning about the massive borrowing plan which is necessary if the ruling Pheu Thai Party is to keep its controversial election promise. Problem is “being nice” can always be misinterpreted and that is exactly what happened over the past few days. The Council of State’s opinion on the Bt500 billion borrowing bill was first considered a nod but then not quite so when the respectful wordings were carefully scrutinised. The advisory body actually warned that the government must strictly comply with the Fiscal Discipline Act, citing Section 53, which states that a loan bill can be issued only when there is a crisis or an urgent necessity, and Section 57, which states that the borrowing must be spent on a plan or project which is economically or socially worthwhile. More sections of the Fiscal Discipline are coming into play as more and more experts look into the Council of State’s words and complications of the digital wallet programme. Those sections basically demand absolute prudence regarding how the state deals with its own or borrowed money. In a matter of hours, government leaders have gone from “See? The borrowing bill has been approved” to “The Council of State’s job description is about giving opinions, not greenlights”. But Jatuporn Prompan, a former Pheu Thai street warrior who has become the party’s sworn enemy, insisted it was an unmistakably “No” said in the most covert way. By Tulsathit Taptim Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-12 - 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

Senior labour official denies DSI’s allegation of human trafficking Labour Permanent Secretary, Pairoj Chotikasathien Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien has categorically denied the Department of Special Investigation’s allegation that he was involved in the trafficking of thousands of Thai workers to Finland, to work as wild berry and strawberry pickers, and promised to cooperate with the DSI in its investigation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316900-senior-labour-official-denies-dsi’s-allegation-of-human-trafficking/

Labour Permanent Secretary, Pairoj Chotikasathien Labour Permanent Secretary Pairoj Chotikasathien has categorically denied the Department of Special Investigation’s allegation that he was involved in the trafficking of thousands of Thai workers to Finland, to work as wild berry and strawberry pickers, and promised to cooperate with the DSI in its investigation. The DSI has implicated two former Labour ministers and two senior officials in demanding 3,000 baht kickbacks from each of some 12,000 Thai workers going to work in Finland between 2020 and 2023. All four suspects have been charged with human trafficking and malfeasance in office. Pairoj said that he has instructed the Department of Employment to gather all relevant information about Thai workers who went to work in Finland during that period, whether on their own or through employment agencies, the names of their employers or job agencies, how much each of them spent and whether they had paid the 3,000 baht kickback and to whom. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-12 - 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 Airways soars back to Milan and Oslo after a four-year break by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Simple Flying Thai Airways (THAI) is ready to conquer the European skies, reviving services to Milan Malpensa Airport and Oslo Gardermoen Airport after a four-year hiatus. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316897-thai-airways-soars-back-to-milan-and-oslo-after-a-four-year-break/

Thai Airways (THAI) is ready to conquer the European skies, reviving services to Milan Malpensa Airport and Oslo Gardermoen Airport after a four-year hiatus. The Bangkok – Milan route will be graced by the sleek Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, flaunting 298 seats across two classes. Meanwhile, the Bangkok – Oslo journey will witness the grandeur of the Boeing 777-300ER, a majestic bird boasting 348 seats and a lavish mix of economy and business class. Embarking on this European escapade, the THAI timetable reveals a meticulous dance in the skies. TG904 will make midnight departures from Bangkok at 12.40am ICT, touching down in Milan at 7.35am CET. The return leg, TG941, will take off from Milan at 2.05pm, landing back in Bangkok at 5.55am the following day. Under the banner of TH954, THAI will whisk passengers away from Bangkok at 12.55am ICT, delivering them to Norway at 7.25am CET. The return flight, TG955 takes off from Oslo at 2.15pm CET, touching down in Bangkok at 6.15am IST the following morning. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Simple Flying Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-12 - 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

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre - 16/28 January 2024 BACC / 939 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 (BTS National stadium) Opening hours: from Tuesday - to Sunday - 10.AM to 8 pm GENERAL PRESENTATION Most of the drawings and watercolors were made specially to illustrate a book: "The tumult of words" published in April 2023 in French, with Jean-Pierre Ghio, writer; A literary and pictorial essay with short, laconic sentences, calling for existential questions relating to the environment, the avatars of our earth, conflicts, the mistakes of men and, paradoxically, the beauty and progressive disappearance of the living. These concerns call for reflection, in order to encourage the emergence of resolutions. Jean-Michel Ferry is an Architect and urban planner, writer. Architectural creations in the fields of disability, schooling, social housing, often in the context of competitions. He lives in Thailand where he also works at universities and is responsible for associations. He has published several books, novels and essays. He never parted with small travel diaries to regularly record his impressions of the men or landscapes that marked him.

American Ex-pat Dies after Hit and Run Accident in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat An American motorbike rider has been pronounced dead at the scene after a truck driver hit him and then fled the scene of the accident in the Mai Khao sub-district. The Tha Chatchai Police were notified of the accident at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday (January 11th) on the Thep Krasattri Road southbound lane near Soi Luan In. Police, rescue workers, and the Phuket Express arrived at the scene to find the damaged motorbike on a footpath. The body of a foreign rider was found nearby with severe head injuries. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-12 - 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