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Prime Minister Srettha has pledged to boost electric mass transit to address the persistent air pollution issue in Chiang Mai. He acknowledged an improvement in the situation since last April. However The impact of air pollution on tourism has been significant, with both local and foreign visitors avoiding the province due to perceived health risks. Bangkok's governor yesterday defended the city's fourth plan revision, required by law every five years. Saying City Hall is always open to constructive opinions, Critics argue the plan prioritizes development and density over improving residents' lives, questioning the need to expand 148 roads and highlighting a lack of focus on quality of life. Police apprehended a 29-year-old South Korean suspect connected to a drug trafficking network based in Thailand. The individual was caught with 3.6 grams of ketamine and tested positive for drugs. He confessed to being hired to transport the drugs to South Korea, The suspect faces charges for drug possession and visa overstay. A border patrol police officer was shot while driving in Narathiwat yesterday. The police officer died later in hospital..two other officers were also shot and wounded the previous day. Education authorities has begun an investigation into accusations that a teacher at a Technical College in ‘Roi Et’ gave exam students an F in a test and demanded 400 baht to change it, he then reduced the price to 200 baht, It’s claimed that the teacher gave As and Bs to students who paid in previous tests. Around The Region. Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister declared a state of emergency on Jan 11, suspending government and police officials, after 16 people were killed in rioting. A protest over a pay cut that officials blamed on an administrative glitch had descended into lawlessness. Television showed thousands of people in the streets of the capital Port Moresby, many of them carrying what appeared to be looted merchandise. Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 33C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 33 Pattaya: Sunny, partly cloudy 32 Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 32C HuaHin: Sunny,light cloud 32 AQI moderate to high 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 2024-01-12 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

At 9:30 AM, on January 11th, 2024, Srettha Thavisin, Thai Prime Minister, signed a Clean Air bill while visiting Chiang Mai to follow up on public transportation networks and air pollution problems. Previously, Srettha publicly revealed that the Clean Air bill was presented at the most recent cabinet meeting by both government and opposition sectors to alleviate air pollution in Thailand in a similar approach. The Clean Air bill had been reviewed by Thai citizens and relevant agencies before being inspected according to law by the Thai Council of State. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

American Expat Succumbs to Hit-and-Run Chaos Picture: Daily News In a harrowing incident that transpired during the night of January 11th, a high-speed pursuit took a dark turn, resulting in the untimely demise of Gregory George Ludwig, a 60-year-old American expatriate and former Director of Recreation at a lavish 5-star Phuket hotel Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316858-american-expat-succumbs-to-hit-and-run-chaos/

Safety Concerns Surge in Pattaya as Low-Hanging Signs Pose Threat to Tourists Picture: Siam Rath On January 11, 2024, news broke of an incident in which more than 10 foreign tourists were injured while walking in Pattaya due to a collision with a low-hanging warning sign. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316857-safety-concerns-surge-in-pattaya-as-low-hanging-signs-pose-threat-to-tourists/

Thai Government Debates Alcohol Advertising, Sales Hours By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 10th, 2024, Mr. Thaophiphob Limchitrakorn, Bangkok MP from the Move Forward Party, proposed reconsideration of a stricter Alcohol Control bill regarding advertising alcoholic products during a recent parliamentary meeting. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316862-thai-government-debates-alcohol-advertising-sales-hours/

On January 10th, 2024, Mr. Thaophiphob Limchitrakorn, Bangkok MP from the Move Forward Party, proposed reconsideration of a stricter Alcohol Control bill regarding advertising alcoholic products during a recent parliamentary meeting. There were three drafts of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act being debated including two drafts from the public sector and the draft of Mr. Thaophiphob Limchitrakorn, Bangkok MP from Move Forward Party. The first draft, titled article 32 on advertising and supported by various anti-alcohol groups, would strengthen current rules and amend the law to completely prohibit the use of logos resembling alcoholic beverage logos on soft drinks, water, and other beverages. This means that advertising for certain brands of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda and water, with logos resembling alcoholic beverages, would be considered a violation, said Thaophiphob. As an example, were this bill to pass, Chang or Singha, etc. couldn’t use the same logo used for alcohol products on non-alcohol products to advertise or sponsor at events. Thaophiphob suggested an alternative in the second draft, allowing advertising but within reason, aiming to address the concerns of ordinary individuals who should be allowed to post or advertise beer without facing imprisonment or a fine of 50,000 baht, just for posting a beer picture on social media. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Chonburi Man with Mental Illness Apprehended After Car Vandalism and Police Standoff By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Chonburi — Thai man exhibiting signs of mental illness was apprehended in Ban Bueng municipality on Wednesday after vandalizing cars and engaging in a tense standoff with police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316861-chonburi-man-with-mental-illness-apprehended-after-car-vandalism-and-police-standoff/

Chonburi — Thai man exhibiting signs of mental illness was apprehended in Ban Bueng municipality on Wednesday after vandalizing cars and engaging in a tense standoff with police. The incident, which began with the suspect (name withheld due to his psychiatric condition), smashing car windows near a school, prompted authorities to deploy a coordinated response involving Ban Bueng police and the Chonburi Special Operations Unit. The authorities arrived at the scene to find the suspect reportedly wielding a knife within his residence. Negotiations for his surrender stretched for several hours and were futile at the end. By Tanakorn Panyadee PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 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

Farmers Now Forbidden From Drying Rice On Roads By Thai Newsroom Reporters Rice spread out on the road to dry. Photo: Matichon RICE FARMERS ARE NO LONGER allowed to literally put their product to dry on the surface of rural roads anywhere or else they could be immediately arrested, a government official confirmed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316860-farmers-now-forbidden-from-drying-rice-on-roads/

RICE FARMERS ARE NO LONGER allowed to literally put their product to dry on the surface of rural roads anywhere or else they could be immediately arrested, a government official confirmed today (Jan.11). The Rural Roads Department has issued a regulation to terminate the common practice of literally strewing the newly-harvested rice on the surface of the road, albeit only those with more than one lane, to dry in the sun. Such a natural way of drying the rice is practised now and then by farmers in all regions of the country since the price of humidity-coated rice could be slashed by the buying merchants or millers to the chagrin of the farmers. Some may have literally occupied one lane of a two-lane rural road with their purposely strewn rice for a matter of days at a time whilst others may have laid tarps over their product at night. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Rice spread out on the road to dry. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Srettha Vows To Run Country Throughout Four-Year Term By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin said today (Jan.11) he unfalteringly intends to run the country throughout a four-year term of the executive branch rather than be possibly replaced by Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316859-srettha-vows-to-run-country-throughout-four-year-term/

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin said today (Jan.11) he unfalteringly intends to run the country throughout a four-year term of the executive branch rather than be possibly replaced by Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The Pheu Thai-backed prime minister said he will definitely not opt out either by resigning or dissolving the House of Representatives to call a general election since, he said, he has originally resolved to run the country throughout his four-year tenure as provided by law so, he said, welfare benefits of the people nationwide will definitely be better under his rule. Srettha was apparently downplaying speculation that Paetongtarn, daughter of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra, would probably take his place well ahead of the end of his elected premiership scheduled for 2027. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

In a harrowing incident that transpired during the night of January 11th, a high-speed pursuit took a dark turn, resulting in the untimely demise of Gregory George Ludwig, a 60-year-old American expatriate and former Director of Recreation at a lavish 5-star Phuket hotel. The collision unfolded at the crossroads of Thepkasattri Road, adjacent to the entrance of Soi Luang Intham, Moo 1, Tambon Mai Khao, Thalang District, reported Daily News. Preliminary investigations disclosed that Ludwig, riding e a golden Suzuki motorcycle bearing the Phuket license plate ขขผ 984, collided with a truck while navigating a turn. The force of impact sent him sprawling, leading to fatal head injuries. Emergency services, including Tha Chat Chai Police and Mai Khao Sub-district rescue teams, swiftly responded to the scene. Ludwig's lifeless body, amidst a grisly scene of spilled blood and a crushed head, triggered an urgent operation to secure the area and transport the remains to Thalang Hospital. Initial probes indicate "Early investigations suggest that Ludwig's recent decision to resign from his position and go back to his city residence was sadly curtailed by the disastrous incident."The driver of the truck swiftly vanished from the scene, instigating a thorough examination of CCTV recordings and nearby locales as investigators relentlessly chase after the mysterious perpetrator. Picture: Daily News -- ASEAN NOW 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 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

On January 11, 2024, news broke of an incident in which more than 10 foreign tourists were injured while walking in Pattaya due to a collision with a low-hanging warning sign. The incident took place at the pedestrian crossing near Malaay Curve, Chom Thien, Nongprue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. Concerned citizens reported the issue, prompting authorities to swiftly respond to the scene and provide assistance, reported Siam Rath. Picture: Siam Rath Among the injured was Ms. Patthanapa Maneemat, a 56-year-old restaurant owner located near the problematic sign. She recounted that two days ago, Japanese tourists collided with the low-hanging sign, which is only 160 centimeters high, while jogging. The impact resulted in severe head injuries for the tourists, with one requiring seven stitches. Notably, at least 10 other tourists have suffered similar head injuries in recent incidents involving collisions with the same low-hanging sign. The sign's height, suitable for individuals below 160 centimeters, poses a significant risk to taller pedestrians. Witnesses are urging relevant authorities to take immediate action, either by adjusting the sign's height or relocating it to prevent further accidents in the area. Top Picture: Siam Rath -- ASEAN NOW 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 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 Picture: Siam Rath Picture: Siam Rath

Questions asked about the Thai Chinese visa waiver scheme ahead of high profile visit to Beijing by Joseph O' Connor Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara is preparing to travel to Beijing in February. At length, he expects to sign the permanent visa waiver scheme announced last week between Thailand and China. However, questions arise about the ongoing Chinese submarine contract. At the same time, trade figures in 2023 showed Thailand running a massive trade deficit with Beijing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316856-questions-asked-about-the-thai-chinese-visa-waiver-scheme-ahead-of-high-profile-visit-to-beijing/

Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara is preparing to travel to Beijing in February. At length, he expects to sign the permanent visa waiver scheme announced last week between Thailand and China. However, questions arise about the ongoing Chinese submarine contract. At the same time, trade figures in 2023 showed Thailand running a massive trade deficit with Beijing. Thai-Chinese visa deal: High hopes and high stakes! Optimism soars as Thailand eyes 8 million tourists in 2024. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara prepares for talks in Beijing next month, there are hard questions. Is the permanent visa scheme linked to ongoing diplomatic engagement as well as the trade game between the countries which Thailand is losing? In the aftermath of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s big announcement last week of a permanent Chinese Thai visa waiver, the PM confirmed that Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nu-Kara would travel to Beijing in February to sign the deal. At the same time, a Chinese spokesman at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Beijing spoke of intense discussions on the matter. In particular, he said it was hoped it would be finalised ‘as soon as possible’. It has also emerged that the visa waiver plan came to the fore after Mr Srettha met with President Xi Jinping in October last year. Formerly, Thailand sought to cancel a S26T Yuan class submarine order for ฿13.5 billion and order instead, a frigate. It is not clear if the two matters are linked. Officially, in Bangkok at least, it would appear not. Undoubtedly, Thailand sees the move as a boost for its foreign tourism sector. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 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

House Committee Members Barred From Visiting Thaksin In Person By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra next to a sign showing the 14th floor of the Police Hospital where he has been staying since his return to Thailand in August last year. Photo: Thai Rath NO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE on Police Affairs are being allowed to visit de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra at Police Hospital as planned for Friday (Jan.12). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316855-house-committee-members-barred-from-visiting-thaksin-in-person/

NO MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE on Police Affairs are being allowed to visit de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra at Police Hospital as planned for Friday (Jan.12). Police Hospital spokesperson Sirikul Srisanga said today no members of the House panel, headed by Democrat MP Chaichana Dejdecho, are being allowed to visit the deposed prime minister in person since the hospital’s chief executive official Thaweesilp Wechawitharn has deemed it “very unsuitable” for them to do so, no matter if they may insist when they arrive at the hospital as scheduled tomorrow. Neither can the House committee members make a video call to the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large should he disagree in the first place, according to the hospital spokesperson. However, the visiting MPs will be received in a conference room of the hospital where they may make an inquiry about Thaksin’s case with doctors in charge whilst the patient’s privacy will strictly remain intact, she said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP photo: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra next to a sign showing the 14th floor of the Police Hospital where he has been staying since his return to Thailand in August last year. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 12 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1316854-thailand-live-friday-12-january-2024/

What does Thaksin have to do to get sister Yingluck home? File photo : Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra After former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to face prison following 15 years of self-exile and managed to spend the last four months in hospital, many people are wondering if his sister Yingluck is set to follow suit. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316813-what-does-thaksin-have-to-do-to-get-sister-yingluck-home/

The Corrections Department has granted permission for convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to continue to receive medical treatment at the Police General Hospital after the expiration of the 120-day limit. Corrections Dept allows Thaksin to remain at Police General Hospital Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316814-corrections-dept-allows-thaksin-to-remain-at-police-general-hospital/

Thai PM seeks weekly meetings with central bank governor Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has floated the idea of weekly meeting with Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, after both of them met at Government House yesterday to discuss the general economic situation, inflation, interest rates and the “digital wallet” scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316792-thai-pm-seeks-weekly-meetings-with-central-bank-governor/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has floated the idea of weekly meeting with Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, after both of them met at Government House yesterday to discuss the general economic situation, inflation, interest rates and the “digital wallet” scheme. Earlier this week, the prime minister expressed disagreementwith the central bank’s increase of the policy rate, claiming that the move is in contrast with the steady decline ininflation. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, unexpectedly, increased the policy rate to 2.50% in September last year and the rate was reconfirmed in November. The prime minister told the media that the meeting had helped both of them to increase understanding of each other’s roles,as he maintained that he did not intervene in the affairs of the central bank or issue any order to the governor. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-11 - 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 Governor Chadchart coordinates campaigns to combat PM2.5 with draft bill by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Matichon Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stipulated guidelines for preventing and solving the PM2.5 dust problem in the Thai capital, yesterday, January 10, at Bangkok City Hall, Din Daeng. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316786-bangkok-governor-chadchart-coordinates-campaigns-to-combat-pm25-with-draft-bill/

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stipulated guidelines for preventing and solving the PM2.5 dust problem in the Thai capital, yesterday, January 10, at Bangkok City Hall, Din Daeng. A campaign has been implemented to change engine oil and air filters according to the usage cycle accordingly to reduce dust caused by dark smoke and exhaust emissions from the combustion engine (diesel). Both PM10 and PM2.5 will be tackled under the project name, This Car Reduces Dust. According to a report from the Environment Agency, 41,488 cars have already participated in the project. Dust-free classrooms have also been set up for kindergarteners. A campaign to reduce biomass burning along with follow-up on situation predictions from related agencies has also been established. Governor Chadchart hoped that the PM2.5 situation would improve in the next four to five days. The city has coordinated with various television stations to disseminate the dust situation to the public accordingly. Proper guidelines for self-protection are still necessary and reports will be issued in gradual phases. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Matichon Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-11 - 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