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UPDATE: Thai health minister faces backlash over new cannabis control bill by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via Harvard health Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew’s recent approval of a fresh draft of the cannabis and hemp control bill sparked a wave of criticism from pro-legalisation activists in Thailand, who called the move a betrayal of his commitment to public consultation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316333-thai-health-minister-proposes-marijuana-bill-focusing-only-on-medical-use/?do=findComment&comment=18606056

Praise for heroic Grab rider who performed CPR on foreigner in Hua Hin By Online Reporter Image: Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasthan Rescue Unit In an act of courage and quick thinking, an unnamed Grab rider became an unexpected hero after performing life-saving CPR on an unconscious foreigner involved in a traffic accident in Hua Hin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316653-praise-for-heroic-grab-rider-who-performed-cpr-on-foreigner-in-hua-hin/

In an act of courage and quick thinking, an unnamed Grab rider became an unexpected hero after performing life-saving CPR on an unconscious foreigner involved in a traffic accident in Hua Hin. The incident occurred on January 9 at 10:12 AM close to the irrigation canal on Soi 70. The Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasthan Rescue Unit reported that a foreign male, riding a motorcycle, collided with a pickup truck and was found unconscious with no pulse. The Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasthan Rescue Unit, via their Facebook page, highlighted the swift response of the Grab rider. Upon encountering the accident scene, the rider, whose name remains unknown, immediately administered CPR to the victim, effectively keeping him alive until the arrival of the ambulance and rescue team. The Rescue Unit’s post expressed deep gratitude towards the Grab rider: “We commend the Grab rider for his prompt action at the accident scene. His willingness to assist and perform CPR on the injured person, who was unconscious and pulseless, undoubtedly played a crucial role in the rescue operation. His actions are truly admirable.” By Online Reporter Image: Sawang Hua Hin Dhammasthan Rescue Unit Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-01-10 - 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

Official Papers To Justify Thaksin’s Extended Stay Out Jail Due This Week By Thai Newsroom Reporters Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, left, and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra,right. Both Photos: Thai Rath JUSTICE MINISTER THAWEE Sodsong said today (Jan.9) the Corrections Department will shortly give him official papers to justify an extended stay of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra outside of a prison. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316652-official-papers-to-justify-thaksin’s-extended-stay-out-jail-due-this-week/

JUSTICE MINISTER THAWEE Sodsong said today (Jan.9) the Corrections Department will shortly give him official papers to justify an extended stay of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict Thaksin Shinawatra outside of a prison. The justice minister told reporters at Government House that Corrections Department director-general Sahakarn Petnarin will hand him some time this week the official documents pertaining to Thaksin’s stay at Police Hospital beyond a 120-day period earlier provided by law without schedule for his being discharged at any time. Thawee said the submission of such documents from the chief of the agency handling Thaksin’s case has been delayed due to his consultations with Police Hospital doctors. The chief of the Corrections Department which is attached to the Ministry of Justice is the only authority to approve the extended stay of the de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict outside of Bangkok Remand Prison for a certain period of time, according to the justice minister. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, left, and de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra,right. Both Photos: Thai Rath Full story: [source name + source link] 2024-01-10 - 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 Wednesday 10 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1316650-thailand-live-wednesday-10-january-2024/

Thailand’s escalating smog crisis: 48 provinces engulfed by unsafe air quality PHOTO: via Mote.io Heavy smog has engulfed 48 out of Thailand’s 77 provinces, rendering the air quality unsafe due to high levels of ultra-fine dust. As of this morning, Tuesday, January 9, 21 provinces reported red-level air pollution, a serious health threat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316595-thailand’s-escalating-smog-crisis-48-provinces-engulfed-by-unsafe-air-quality/

Thai online vendors required to file taxes from 2024 as new directive kicks in Online vendors are required to file taxes for the year 2024, with the Revenue Department mandating online platforms to disclose income data. This directive, effective from January 1 applies to all businesses, including e-Commerce, food and product delivery services like Shopee, Lazada, Grab, and TikTok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316626-thai-online-vendors-required-to-file-taxes-from-2024-as-new-directive-kicks-in/

Since convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to his motherland by a private jet on August 22nd of last year, the Thai public has only had brief glimpses of him. From that point onward, his wellbeing has become shrouded in mystery, not because he has been sent to serve a prison term, but because he vanished within the confines of the Police General Hospital since the day of his return. This has sparked a public outcry. How “peacemaker” Thaksin is stirring up Thai politics https://aseannow.com/topic/1316629-how-“peacemaker”-thaksin-is-stirring-up-thai-politics/

Senate panel to seek support for censure debate against government File photo : Senator Derekrid Janekrongtham Members of the Senate Committee on Political Development and Public Participation have started seeking support among their fellow senators for a general debate against the government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316574-senate-panel-to-seek-support-for-censure-debate-against-government/

File photo : Senator Derekrid Janekrongtham Members of the Senate Committee on Political Development and Public Participation have started seeking support among their fellow senators for a general debate against the government. Senator Derekrid Janekrongtham, vice chairman of the committee, claims that most committee members agreed with holding a censure debate under Section 153 of the Constitution, so senators can question the government and individual ministers about their performances and government’s policies. Derekrid said that there are seven major issues about which committee members would like to question the government, including the digital wallet scheme, the labour problem, state welfare management and the health of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-09 - 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

Monk Dies, 37 People Injured after Bus Crash in Northeastern Thailand By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Kamhom Rescue Team Sakon Nakhon – A monk has been pronounced dead at the scene while 37 other people have sustained injuries after a truck with a driver traveling the wrong direction collided with a bus in Sakon Nakhon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316571-monk-dies-37-people-injured-after-bus-crash-in-northeastern-thailand/

Sakon Nakhon – A monk has been pronounced dead at the scene while 37 other people have sustained injuries after a truck with a driver traveling the wrong direction collided with a bus in Sakon Nakhon. Emergency responders were notified of the accident on Monday (January 8th) on the Nittayo Sakhon Nakhon – Nakhon Phanom Road in Baan Noramai, Kusuman district. They arrived at the scene to find the damaged truck on the road. The truck driver, Mr. Seksan Lansaesatha, 47, was not injured. He admitted to law enforcement that he was driving the opposite way in the wrong lane before colliding with the bus which had the right of way and was traveling in the proper lane. By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Kamhom Rescue Team Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-01-09 - 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: Thai health minister faces backlash over new cannabis control bill by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via Harvard health Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew’s recent approval of a fresh draft of the cannabis and hemp control bill sparked a wave of criticism from pro-legalisation activists in Thailand, who called the move a betrayal of his commitment to public consultation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316333-thai-health-minister-proposes-marijuana-bill-focusing-only-on-medical-use/?do=findComment&comment=18606056

Thai health minister faces backlash over new cannabis control bill by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via Harvard health Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew’s recent approval of a fresh draft of the cannabis and hemp control bill sparked a wave of criticism from pro-legalisation activists in Thailand, who called the move a betrayal of his commitment to public consultation. Prasitchai Nunual, who serves as the secretary-general for Thailand’s Cannabis Future Network, shared his disappointment on Facebook, accusing the minister of breaking his pledge to open the draft to public discourse before submitting it to the Cabinet. Prasitchai stressed the importance of public involvement in policy drafting to guarantee fact-based, scientifically sound outcomes, rather than policies influenced by political agendas. “We haven’t yet seen the contents of the bill, but we suspect based on the minister’s media interview that several articles may lack factual grounding, he shared on social media.” Prasitchai also highlighted the government’s inconsistent approach to regulating cannabis, methamphetamine pills, and alcoholic beverages. Despite being legally recognised as a herb, the new draft stipulates that cannabis usage will necessitate a doctor’s prescription. In contrast, possession of up to five methamphetamine pills, a classified narcotic, is not deemed a criminal offence. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-09 - 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

Malaysian Man Arrested in Phuket Seven Years After Allegedly Breaking Bail for Ketamine Related Charges By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – A Malaysian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport. He has been allegedly breaking his bail conditions for seven years after he was arrested with Ketamine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316563-malaysian-man-arrested-in-phuket-seven-years-after-allegedly-breaking-bail-for-ketamine-related-charges/

Phuket – A Malaysian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport. He has been allegedly breaking his bail conditions for seven years after he was arrested with Ketamine. Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that on Monday (January 8th) that they had arrested the Malaysian man, 58, at the international arrival terminal of the Phuket Airport. He is being accused of illegal possession of Category 2 drugs (Ketamine). By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-01-09 - 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

Invisible thief’s vanishing act fails: Police unmask man who believed in his invisibility powers by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Police successfully arrested a Thai man claiming to possess invisible powers after he stole from a car parked near Tha Tian Pier in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316561-invisible-thief’s-vanishing-act-fails-police-unmask-man-who-believed-in-his-invisibility-powers/

Police successfully arrested a Thai man claiming to possess invisible powers after he stole from a car parked near Tha Tian Pier in Bangkok. The man believes he has an invisibility superpower that can evade CCTV detection. Fortunately for the police, his invisibility powers weren’t working that day. The owner of a white Mercedes Benz filed a complaint at Phrarachawang Police Station on December 23 after a thief broke into his car and stole his designer brand glasses, Chrome Hearts and Givenchy, as well as 9,000 baht in cash from the vehicle. Officers checked a CCTV camera at the scene and identified the thief as a 48 year old man named Kachain Sihamart. Police found and arrested Kachain yesterday, January 8, at a rented house in the Bangkok Noi district of Bangkok. Kachain confessed to the theft and admitted that he did not anticipate being arrested, as he always recites chants to invoke his invisible power before committing crimes. He added that the chanting supposedly guided him to the location of valuables and concealed him from the view of witnesses. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-09 - 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

Another bus crash injures six, Thai media go hard on air pollution - Tim Newton Today - Jan 9 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316559-another-bus-crash-injures-six-thai-media-go-hard-on-air-pollution-tim-newton-today-jan-9/

Thailand news - Another bus crash, injuring six, in Nakhon Si Thammarat, public health minister accused of not consulting public with new 'Weed Bill', opponents cite inconsistencies in the new Bill, Thai media go hard on reporting of unsafe levels of smoke, smog and dust, putting almost daily pressure on the Thai government. Tsunami buoy stops working off the Phuket coastline, department says there are adequate buoys still working. And a 'foreign' man videod relieving himself from the rear of a Phuket tuk tuk. Police trying to identify the person for further legal action. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

E-receipt scheme boosts Thai smartphone and computer sales in January by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Sales of smartphones and computer products have soared by 30-60% in the first week of January, a trend that IT product vendors attribute to the government’s e-receipt programme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316557-e-receipt-scheme-boosts-thai-smartphone-and-computer-sales-in-january/

Sales of smartphones and computer products have soared by 30-60% in the first week of January, a trend that IT product vendors attribute to the government’s e-receipt programme. This programme, approved by the Cabinet, provides tax rebates of up to 50,000 baht (US$1,435) for individuals not qualifying for the digital handout and is slated to run from January 1 to February 15. Dusit Sukhumvitaya, CEO of Jaymart Mobile, acknowledged a sales decline in December, attributed to a muted economy. However, he noted that demand rebounded in the final week of December, coinciding with promotional campaigns, and surged in January’s first week by 30-35% following the e-receipt scheme’s launch. This uptick reflects the delayed demand for specific smartphones, predominantly the Galaxy Ultra S23 model. Several new mobile phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Ultra S24 with artificial intelligence (AI) capability and a premium segment model by Xiaomi, are set to be launched this month. Dusit anticipates an improvement in smartphone sales in the first quarter, awaiting the digital wallet scheme’s launch and the new government budget spending in the subsequent quarters. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-09 - 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: Perth to Bangkok route to take off on March 31 by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Executive Traveller Thai Airways announced the resumption of daily flights between Perth and Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316556-thai-airways-perth-to-bangkok-route-to-take-off-on-march-31/

Thai Airways announced the resumption of daily flights between Perth and Bangkok. The route will be covered by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on a nonstop seven-hour journey. No longer shackled by layovers, this exclusive direct route between Bangkok and Perth has left rival airlines – including Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Malindo Air, Malaysia Airlines, and Air Asia – in the dust, forcing passengers to endure pitstops at their respective hubs. The Dreamliner is decked out with 22 flatbed seats in Thai’s Royal Silk business class. However, bear in mind that these are arranged in a slightly dated 2-2-2 configuration, shunning the allure of a 1-2-1 plan that grants the utmost privacy and direct aisle access for every discerning passenger. Following the lap of luxury in business class, a cavernous 234 economy seats await eager travellers. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Executive Traveller Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-09 - 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