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Thailand news - A special report from Steve Rosse who was on-the-apot in Thai Mueang township on Saturday when a stolen bus rolled into town, and burst into flames. Step-parents of a 2 year old arrested after the youngster found dead in a refrigerator. A Russian falls to his death from a condo in Pattaya, Bangkok Town Planning comes under fire from local resident advocates, Thai health minister signs new Cannabis Act banning recreational use and clarifying other laws for the future use of the herb. A venue in Pathum Thani will be closed after nearly 500 minors found partying there on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Mentally ill novice forced to quit monkhood after masturbating in bus and police station by Petch Petpailin Photo via Daily News Police yesterday forced a mentally ill Thai novice to leave the monkhood and continue treatment after he was caught masturbating on a bus and at a police station in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316372-mentally-ill-novice-forced-to-quit-monkhood-after-masturbating-in-bus-and-police-station/

Police yesterday forced a mentally ill Thai novice to leave the monkhood and continue treatment after he was caught masturbating on a bus and at a police station in the Isaan province of Udon Thani. A security guard at Udon Thani Bus Terminal 1 reported the indecent act by a 23 year old novice named Sakda to Mueang Udon Thani Police Station officers at 11am yesterday, January 7. The guard reported that passengers on the Udon Thani-Nakhon Ratchasima coach bus were frightened when the novice took off his robe and started masturbating in front of them. Police arrested Sakda and took him to the police station for questioning. The novice talked to the police in tears saying he felt desperate because no one loved him, adding that masturbation was his only pleasure in life. Officers searched Sakda’s backpack and found a bottle of medication to help with his mental illness, along with some food and water offered by residents. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Daily News Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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: 75-year-old woman raped and murdered by a man who killed before and only served two years in jail by James Morris and Son Nguyen Police officers in Sa Kaeo on Sunday quickly brought the suspected killer back to the scene. He confessed to the murder of a 75-year-old woman, identified as Ms Boonnam, near an abandoned car showroom but denied raping her. Gruesome Sa Kaeo murder raises alarm – Man freed early for previous killing, raped and murdered a 75-Year-old woman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316368-thai-man-arrested-for-rape-and-murder-of-75-year-old-woman/?do=findComment&comment=18603224

75-year-old woman raped and murdered by a man who killed before and only served two years in jail by James Morris and Son Nguyen Police officers in Sa Kaeo on Sunday quickly brought the suspected killer back to the scene. He confessed to the murder of a 75-year-old woman, identified as Ms Boonnam, near an abandoned car showroom but denied raping her. Gruesome Sa Kaeo murder raises alarm – Man freed early for previous killing, raped and murdered a 75-Year-old woman on Friday. The 45-year-old man was previously convicted of assault causing death. Prior to the killing, it was revealed he stayed in police facilities. Police in Sa Kaeo over the weekend arrested a 45-year-old man for the murder and rape of a 75-year-old woman. The horrific incident took place on Friday afternoon. Questions are being raised by locals about security after it was learned the man, an itinerant, was accommodated recently at police facilities. In addition to that, he was convicted previously of assault causing death. In that case, he only served two years of a four-year sentence before being released. Eastern Sa Kaeo province this week witnessed a horrific murder and suspected rape. On Saturday, the peaceful village of Ban Khlong Mi in Sa Kaeo Province was shattered by a shocking outrage. At length, a 75-year-old woman identified as Ms Boonnam met a tragic end. Full story: Thai Examiner 2024-01-08 - 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

Military Facilities Repurposed for Drug Rehabilitation by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Following a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Army Chief Gen Charoenchai Hinthao to discuss the severity of drug issues in communities, the government is launching a new approach to tackle the drug problem in the country by utilizing military facilities for the treatment and stabilization of drug addicts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316370-military-facilities-repurposed-for-drug-rehabilitation/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Following a meeting between Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Army Chief Gen Charoenchai Hinthao to discuss the severity of drug issues in communities, the government is launching a new approach to tackle the drug problem in the country by utilizing military facilities for the treatment and stabilization of drug addicts. The program aligns with the government’s policy to reduce the harm caused by illicit drugs. Military authorities have agreed to use their premises for treating drug addicts, with further details expected in two weeks. A recent workshop involving the Defence Ministry, the Public Health Ministry, the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), and local administrative organizations discussed a proposal for operating rehabilitation centers for patients suffering from mental disorders due to drug abuse. These centers will treat ’orange-coded’ patients before referring them to specialized drug rehabilitation institutes or mental health hospitals. The Public Health Ministry and the ONCB will formulate operational guidelines for these centers and consider new legislation to support their activities, including staff training and budgeting. Initially, four army hospitals in Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Kanchanaburi will serve as rehabilitation centers, each providing 40 beds. The project will then extend to five more army hospitals in Udon Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Lampang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, adding 50 beds. In the third phase, the program will expand to the remaining 27 military hospitals, totaling 110 beds. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-01-08 - 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 man arrested for rape and murder of 75 year old woman by Petch Petpailin Photo via 77 Kaoded Police arrested a local man yesterday for the brutal rape and murder of a 75 year old Thai woman in Sa Kaeo province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316368-thai-man-arrested-for-rape-and-murder-of-75-year-old-woman/

Police arrested a local man yesterday for the brutal rape and murder of a 75 year old Thai woman in Sa Kaeo province. The victim’s grandson, 27 year old Sittichai, discovered the dead body of his grandmother, 75 year old Boonnam Cherngkhao, in a sugar cane field near an abandoned car showroom in the Sa Kaeo province on January 6 and reported the death to Mueang Sakaeo Police Station. Sittichai told police that Boonnam earned her living by collecting and selling recycled waste. She left home at 9am to collect plastic bottles from a police booth on Highway number 33 and did not return home. Sittichai decided to look for her at about 2pm by walking along the road until he reached the abandoned car showroom. He spotted drops of blood and drag marks leading into the sugar cane field and followed them to find his grandmother’s lifeless body. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Spaniard arrested for stealing handbag at Patong nightclub by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Patong Police A Spaniard found himself in hot water as he was arrested on the night of January 6, in Patong for allegedly pilfering a handbag from a Mongolian woman at the Illuzion nightclub, a popular hotspot on Bangla Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316364-spaniard-arrested-for-stealing-handbag-at-patong-nightclub/

A Spaniard found himself in hot water as he was arrested on the night of January 6, in Patong for allegedly pilfering a handbag from a Mongolian woman at the Illuzion nightclub, a popular hotspot on Bangla Road. The incident unfolded when Patong Police Station officers were alerted to a theft complaint from a Mongolian woman. The crime was reported to have taken place at the Illuzion nightclub on Bangla Road. The exact time of the event, however, was not specified. The Illuzion nightclub is currently under heightened scrutiny as it is part of a pilot scheme which permits entertainment venues to stay open until the early hours of 4am. The club has also been utilised for various safety and security training exercises and inspections, an effort to highlight Patong’s readiness to tackle undesirable incidents. The stolen items from the woman’s bag included a purple iPhone, a key to her hotel room, and roughly 10,000 baht (US$288) in cash. The bag was reportedly left unattended on a sofa by the woman at the time of the theft, reported Phuket News. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Patong Police Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Fatal high-speed motorcycle crash in Bang Khen district by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod A fatal accident occurred in the Bang Khen district when a high-speed motorcyclist lost control and crashed into a steel barrier. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316362-fatal-high-speed-motorcycle-crash-in-bang-khen-district/

A fatal accident occurred in the Bang Khen district when a high-speed motorcyclist lost control and crashed into a steel barrier. The 28 year old motorcyclist, identified as Subhasin, an army officer, was found dead at the scene. The accident took place on Thepharak Road, heading towards the Big C intersection, in the early hours of the day. At the scene, under a pedestrian overpass near Thepharak Soi 20, Subhasin was found lying in a pool of blood. He was wearing a short-sleeved black shirt with a black jacket, and long green pants and had sustained multiple injuries. His skull was fractured, and his neck was broken. About a metre away from his body, an automatic firearm was found. His motorcycle, a blue and black Suzuki GSX-S 750, was found overturned in the grass nearby, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Elderly Thai duo’s homemade kaffir lime shampoo gains online attention (video) by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of kanthikanuch (Tiktok) Internet users are intrigued by a pair of elderly women who are handcrafting and selling their kaffir lime shampoo. The duo’s distinctive labelling of their product has caught the attention of netizens, suggesting a counterfeit if the sticker is aligned properly. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316357-elderly-thai-duo’s-homemade-kaffir-lime-shampoo-gains-online-attention-video/

Internet users are intrigued by a pair of elderly women who are handcrafting and selling their kaffir lime shampoo. The duo’s distinctive labelling of their product has caught the attention of netizens, suggesting a counterfeit if the sticker is aligned properly. On January 7, TikTok user @kanthikanuch shared a clip of the two old ladies making the herbal shampoo from scratch, including the meticulous process of sticking labels onto the bottles. The post read, “The queue is long until the end of the year. One day of production, two weeks to stick the stickers.” In the video, one of the old ladies is seen filling bottles with freshly made shampoo and then carefully applying the brand’s sticker onto each bottle. However, the highlight of the product is not the quality of the shampoo alone but the labels on the bottles. Each sticker applied by the old ladies is never aligned perfectly. They are either upside down, tilted to the left or right, or have additional pieces of the sticker adhering. The other old lady continues her work while resting and occasionally eating coconut jelly. This unique production process has amused internet users, who joke that any bottle with a perfectly aligned sticker must be a fake, reported Khao Sod. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of kanthikanuch (Tiktok) Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Pedestrian bridge collapses onto dump truck on Northbound Highway 32 Photo of Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of สำนักงานประชาสัมพันธ์จังหวัดอ่างทอง Facebook A pedestrian bridge in Ang Thong‘s Mueang district came crashing down onto a dump truck, causing a significant obstruction on the main northbound highway, Highway 32. The incident unfolded around 7am today when the dump truck, with its body unintentionally raised, collided with the footbridge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316356-pedestrian-bridge-collapses-onto-dump-truck-on-northbound-highway-32/

A pedestrian bridge in Ang Thong‘s Mueang district came crashing down onto a dump truck, causing a significant obstruction on the main northbound highway, Highway 32. The incident unfolded around 7am today when the dump truck, with its body unintentionally raised, collided with the footbridge. The Department of Highways reported that the truck was en route north on Highway 32, also referred to as the Asian Highway, in the tambon Chairi area when the accident occurred. The elevated body of the dump truck made contact with the pedestrian bridge, resulting in the bridge collapsing onto the vehicle and subsequently blocking the highway, reported Bangkok Post. The aftermath of the collision left the highway blocked in both directions, causing a significant disruption. Officials responded swiftly, deploying mobile cranes to clear the wreckage from the highway. Meanwhile, motorists were advised to use alternative routes to circumvent the blocked highway. Photo of Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of สำนักงานประชาสัมพันธ์จังหวัดอ่างทอง Facebook Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Thailand Sets Up Emergency Center for Impending Haze Crisis by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to address the critical issue of haze pollution, which is forecasted to intensify, especially in the northern region. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316355-thailand-sets-up-emergency-center-for-impending-haze-crisis/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to address the critical issue of haze pollution, which is forecasted to intensify, especially in the northern region. Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr Opas Karnkawinpong acknowledged the persistent challenge posed by PM2.5, ultra-fine dust particles considered harmful to health. While seasonal rains have currently mitigated the issue in Bangkok, patterns suggest a resurgence later in the year lasting until mid-March. The expected drier and hotter conditions may contribute to an increased risk of forest fires, exacerbating the air quality problems. The EOC’s objective is to collaborate with other agencies to keep a close watch on environmental conditions and health repercussions. Health risks range from respiratory and skin irritation in the short term to heightened chances of developing severe conditions like heart disease and cancer over time. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children, are advised to remain indoors, preferably in areas with air purifiers. Dr Opas emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of PM2.5 pollution, which are primarily linked to vehicle emissions and industrial activities. In line with these efforts, the Ministry is moving towards renewable energy solutions, including the installation of solar panels and the future deployment of electric vehicles as ambulances in state healthcare facilities, to combat the pollution crisis. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-01-08 - 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

German President to Visit Thailand This Month by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to lead a government delegation on a three-day visit to Thailand starting January 24, marking the first state visit by a German president to the country since Johannes Rau’s trip in 2002. Steinmeier, who has been in office since March 2017, will be joined by his wife, Elke Buedenbender. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316354-german-president-to-visit-thailand-this-month/

BANGKOK (NNT) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to lead a government delegation on a three-day visit to Thailand starting January 24, marking the first state visit by a German president to the country since Johannes Rau’s trip in 2002. Steinmeier, who has been in office since March 2017, will be joined by his wife, Elke Buedenbender. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Thailand and Germany. A key part of the agenda is a meeting with the Thai Premier at Government House on January 25, where the leaders will oversee the signing of agreements related to the rail system and scientific cooperation. A dinner at Government House, hosted by Srettha in honor of Steinmeier, his spouse, and the German delegation, is also planned. This will be followed by an audience with Their Majesties King and Queen at Dusit Palace. Srettha’s goal for this visit is to elevate Thailand-Germany relations to a strategic partnership, focusing on political collaboration, trade, investment, energy, security, and addressing climate change. Steinmeier’s schedule in Thailand includes a tour of the Mercedes-Benz factory in Samut Prakan province and a visit to Sirindhorn Dam’s floating solar farm, which is presented as the world’s largest hydro-floating solar hybrid project by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The Inclusive Sustainable Rice Landscape Project, Pha Taem National Park in the Northeast, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok are also on his itinerary. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-01-08 - 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

Stabbing to death in Phra Khanong convenience store shocks local community by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod A fatal stabbing occurred in a convenience store in the Phra Khanong area, following a heated argument between two homeless men. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316352-stabbing-to-death-in-phra-khanong-convenience-store-shocks-local-community/

A fatal stabbing occurred in a convenience store in the Phra Khanong area, following a heated argument between two homeless men. The incident, which took place at around 1am yesterday, was swiftly responded to by local police, accompanied by forensic doctors from Chulalongkorn Hospital and volunteers from the Pu Teak Tueng Foundation. Glazer family 'set to snub Sir Bobby Charlton's funeral with Man United's owners fearing abuse from fans could overshadow the service', and other top stories from November 13, 2023. The 60 year old deceased, Somchai, was found in the middle of the store, near the product shelves, dressed in a long-sleeved purple shirt and blue jeans. A green cloth was wrapped around his head, and a bag was slung over his shoulder. In his right hand, he held a casket cutter knife. A deep wound, inflicted by a fruit peeling knife, was visible on his neck, and blood had pooled around him, reported Khao Sod. Onlookers had detained the alleged 28 year old perpetrator, identified as Peeranat, preventing him from fleeing the scene. Police Officer Opal Nonthakhan, the investigator from Phra Khanong Police Station, reported that both the perpetrator and the victim were known to live under the Phra Khanong bridge. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of Khao Sod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-08 - 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

Thailand to abolish hefty import tariff on wine by Natalie Wang Tuk tuk in Bangkok, Thailand (pic: canva) Buying wines in Thailand is going to get much cheaper, as the country is set to introudce a sweeping tax reform including completely removing import tariffs in an effort to boost the country’s tourism. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316351-thailand-to-abolish-hefty-import-tariff-on-wine/

Buying wines in Thailand is going to get much cheaper, as the country is set to introudce a sweeping tax reform including completely removing import tariffs in an effort to boost the country’s tourism. The country’s cabinent has passed a landmark decision to reduce taxes for alcoholic beverages including wine, local liquor and spirits to promote tourism, a significant contributor to the Thai economy, the government has announced earlier this month. According to the government spokesperson, import tariffs on wines, which currently stands at 54% and 60% of declared value, will be abolished indefinitely. Additionally, the excise tax on wine will also be lowered from 10% to 5% of its price. These tax cuts are expected to significantly reduce the cost of imported wines in Thailand, a country that has traditionally imposed an average tax of about 250% on wine, including import tariffs, excise tax, municipal tax, and a 7% VAT. by Natalie Wang Tuk tuk in Bangkok, Thailand (pic: canva) Full story: VINO JOY NEWS 2024-01-08 - 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