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By Goongnang Suksawat A Russian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after he allegedly took away a minor under 18 years of age from their parents. Royal Phuket Immigration told the Phuket Express that on Friday night (January 5th) they arrested a 63-year-old Russian man at Phuket International Airport. He is being accused of taking away a minor aged more than 15-years-old but not more than 18-years-old from their parents or guardian even if consent was given. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

New Zealand Tourist Being Interviewed Following Death of Thai Girlfriend in Phuket By Tanakorn Panyadee A New Zealand tourist is under investigation following the death of his Thai girlfriend in Phuket on Saturday, January 6th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316337-new-zealand-tourist-being-interviewed-following-death-of-thai-girlfriend-in-phuket/

By Tanakorn Panyadee A New Zealand tourist is under investigation following the death of his Thai girlfriend in Phuket on Saturday, January 6th. According to reports, 40-year-old Mr. Hamish, was seen by witnesses verbally arguing with his 33-year-old Thai girlfriend, Ms. Chatchaya, near the rooftop swimming pool of their hotel in Patong on Saturday afternoon. The name of the hotel was withheld by police as part of the investigation. Witnesses said they then saw Mr. Hamish carrying Ms. Chatchaya from the rooftop before asking for hotel staff to call an ambulance. Both full names of the two have been withheld pending an ongoing investigation. It was unclear exactly what was wrong at that time with Chatchaya. Ms. Chatchaya was unconscious while being carried by Mr. Hamish who was from New Zealand. The hotel staff contacted the Kusontham Foundation, a local emergency medical service, who rushed Ms. Chatchaya to Patong Hospital. Sadly, she was pronounced dead around 2:00 PM, just 30 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 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

Snake Caught at Cafe Amazon in Pattaya By Tanakorn Panyadee A snake was caught at a Café Amazon outlet on Pattaya Third Road on Saturday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316336-snake-caught-at-cafe-amazon-in-pattaya/

A snake was caught at a Café Amazon outlet on Pattaya Third Road on Saturday evening. The cafe employee, Ms. Chonthicha Saenkhonyang, 19, spotted a large snake inside the Café Amazon premises located in North Pattaya around 5:30 PM on January 6th. The snake, later identified as a non-venomous but potentially aggressive copperhead racer, had found its way into a narrow space under the coffee counter, scaring staff members and customers. Ms. Chonthicha promptly evacuated the cafe and contacted the Pattaya Disaster Prevention Center. Officers upon arrival devised a strategy to safely extract the reptile, employing a snake hook and coaxing the creature out from its hiding spot. Although the snake initially attempted to evade capture, the officers eventually secured it successfully as seen on the video here. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PATTAYA 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

Almost 500 Minors Found Partying During Night Club Raid in Pathum Thani By Kittisak Phalaharn At 12:30 AM, on January 7th, 2024, Mr. Ronarong Thipsiri, the Inspector General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Khlong Luang police, and relevant agencies raided an entertainment venue called HEAVEN Rangsit on Soi Khlong Luang 25 in Pathum Thani. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316335-almost-500-minors-found-partying-during-night-club-raid-in-pathum-thani/

At 12:30 AM, on January 7th, 2024, Mr. Ronarong Thipsiri, the Inspector General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Khlong Luang police, and relevant agencies raided an entertainment venue called HEAVEN Rangsit on Soi Khlong Luang 25 in Pathum Thani. According to a report by the police, locals filed a complaint report that the entertainment venue allegedly secretly provided services without a valid license to minors under the age of 20, sold alcoholic beverages to minors under the age of 20, annoyed locals with loud music, and opened beyond prescribed legal hours. After the investigation, more than 50 police and relevant officers raided the HEAVEN Rangsit Club and discovered that the establishment had almost 1,000 visitors. It was reported that 489 minors were found and were students and youths using the services. The lowest age was found to be only 16-years-old and 41 people were found not carrying ID cards, said the police. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA 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

Russian Big Biker Apologizes to Pattaya Residents After Causing Loud Noises By Tanakorn Panyadee A Russian big biker apologized to Pattaya residents in the vicinity of the FlowerLand Pattaya on Wednesday, after he disturbed their peace by driving his loud big bike around the parking lot at night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316334-russian-big-biker-apologizes-to-pattaya-residents-after-causing-loud-noises/

By Tanakorn Panyadee A Russian big biker apologized to Pattaya residents in the vicinity of the FlowerLand Pattaya on Wednesday, after he disturbed their peace by driving his loud big bike around the parking lot at night. The issue came to light on January 3rd around 11:00 PM when local residents reported the disturbance to the local news reporters. Upon receiving the complaints, news reporters visited the scene to document the situation. They reported that they observed a foreigner driving around the FlowerLand’s parking space with his black big bike bearing a Bangkok license plate. Subsequently, the police were called to intervene, and preliminary inquiries revealed that the individual in question was a 32-year-old Russian national named Mr. Wayim (full name withheld by police). The police then took both Mr. Wayim and his big bike to the Nongprue Police Station for further investigation. Full story: THE PATTAYA 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

UPDATE: Controversy over Thaksin Still in a Hospital Versus a Thai Prison Continues By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 3rd, 2024, Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner, posted on Facebook regarding Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra’s case about receiving medical treatment at the Police General Hospital and alleged indiscriminate treatment for prisoners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316329-doctors-send-report-on-thaksin’s-illnesses-to-corrections-department/?do=findComment&comment=18602444

Controversy over Thaksin Still in a Hospital Versus a Thai Prison Continues By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 3rd, 2024, Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner, posted on Facebook regarding Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra’s case about receiving medical treatment at the Police General Hospital and alleged indiscriminate treatment for prisoners. The Thai Department of Corrections officials gave an official statement regarding the case on January 6th, elucidating that in cases involving treatment exceeding 120 days and still undergoing proceedings, these actions are under the standard Thai governance guidelines. The processes must be executed under laws, regulations, and work procedures with strict adherence, considering freedom rights as well as human rights principles said the Thai Department of Corrections. Thus, time is required to carefully consider comprehensive information for decision-making, preventing harm to the government while prioritizing the health condition of the patient. Regarding the release of prisoners for external medical treatment, the Thai Department of Corrections has proceeded per legal stipulations, according to them. Even though the prisoners receive treatment outside confinement, they must still abide by the rules and regulations of the Department of Corrections strictly, similar to other prisoners, said officials. Any actions taken must be authorized by the officials and are not exempt from any privileges. Therefore, the conduct of prisoners receiving treatment at external hospitals does not differ from being under confinement within the prison, claimed officials. Full story: THE PATTAYA 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

Thai Health Minister Proposes Marijuana Bill Focusing Only on Medical Use By Kittisak Phalaharn On January 6th, 2024, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, forwarded a Marijuana Bill for Cabinet consideration, emphasizing its focus on medicinal use only. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316333-thai-health-minister-proposes-marijuana-bill-focusing-only-on-medical-use/

On January 6th, 2024, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, forwarded a Marijuana Bill for Cabinet consideration, emphasizing its focus on medicinal use only. The implementation of measures was to prevent misuse, namely recreational purposes, through legal regulations. This bill aimed to establish clear guidelines and controls regarding the use of marijuana for medical and health-related purposes only while addressing potential concerns around its misuse. Dr. Cholnan highlighted the importance of supporting legislation for matters related to medicine and health, intending to ensure that new regulations complement existing laws. The goal was to harmonize the new laws with the current legal framework to avoid conflicts in the application and enforcement of regulations. The proposed law maintained a parallel structure with existing legislation on narcotics. Specifically, it defined marijuana extracts containing more than 0.2% THC by weight as a controlled substance, aligning with established legal definitions within drug regulations. Dr. Cholnan stressed the significance of medical expertise in assessing the appropriate use of marijuana. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA 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

Srettha Tipped To Run Country At Least Throughout This Year: NIDA Poll By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin is believed to be able to run the country throughout this year, regardless of following years to say the least, according to a NIDA Poll released today (Jan.7). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316332-srettha-tipped-to-run-country-at-least-throughout-this-year-nida-poll/

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin is believed to be able to run the country throughout this year, regardless of following years to say the least, according to a NIDA Poll released today (Jan.7). The NIDA Poll, conducted last month among a total of 1,310 people from all walks of life in all regions of the country, has found 39% of the respondents say Srettha will perform smoothly throughout this year whilst 20% say he will reshuffle his cabinet of ministers at any given time during this year. Nevertheless, 10% of the respondents say the prime minister will dissolve the House of Representatives and call a general election some time within this year whilst 8% say he will resign under pressure and be replaced by somebody else. The recent poll has found 7% of the respondents say Srettha will be replaced as head of a Pheu Thai-led coalition government by Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

2 Thai Sang Thai Executive Members Quit Over MPs’ Revolt By Thai Newsroom Reporters Thai Sang Thai leader Sudarat Keyurapan. Top photo: Thai Rath A COUPLE OF THAI SANG THAI executive members have resigned over the weekend to take responsibility for Friday’s quiet revolt staged by a trio of Thai Sang Thai MPs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316331-2-thai-sang-thai-executive-members-quit-over-mps’-revolt/

A COUPLE OF THAI SANG THAI executive members have resigned over the weekend to take responsibility for Friday’s quiet revolt staged by a trio of Thai Sang Thai MPs. Deputy Thai Sang Thai leader Anudit Nakorntap confirmed today (Jan.7) Thai Sang Thai MP Thakorn Tanthasit has called it quits as secretary-general of the opposition party following the surprise event in which the three Thai Sang Thai MPs cast yea votes for the Pheu Thai-led government’s 2024 budget bill despite the Move Forward-led opposition bloc’s joint resolution to cast nay votes against it. A meeting of the Thai Sang Thai executive board members is scheduled for Tuesday during which a new party secretary-general might probably be found in place of Thakorn, Anudit said. The “renegade” trio among a total of six Thai Sang Thai MPs are Supaporn Salabsri of Yasothorn, Rang Thurapon of Udorn Thani and Adisak Kaeomungkunasap of Udorn Thani. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Thai Sang Thai leader Sudarat Keyurapan. Top photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Dead Toddler’s Dad Fuming, Paid Couple 500 Baht A Day To Take Care Of His Son by TNR Staff The couple who claimed the toddler died after choking on sticky rice being questioned by police. Photo: Naewna THE real father of a two-year and two-month-old boy who a couple claiming to be his adoptive parents said choked to death while eating sticky rice and they then put his body in the refrigerator firmly stated that he did believe his son died from choking and that he sent 500 baht everyday to the couple to raise him, Naewna newspaper said this evening (Jan. 6). Mr. Nopparat (surname withheld), 29, Nong Nai’s real dad, said upon arriving to be questioned by police that he met the Mr. Hannarong Phraiphanom, or Bank, 31, and Ms. Marisa Thongiam, or Koi, 26, through a friend and gave his son to them to raise two months ago because he was working and did not have time to do so and it seemed they loved children. He also punctually sent them 500 baht everyday. The last time he met his son was towards the end of December and at that time there were no signs of Nong Nai being harmed. However he did not believe he choked to death while eating sticky rice because when the boy was with him he gave him this to eat everyday and he could eat everything. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Police Investigating Death Of Toddler Found Stuffed In Fridge by TNR Staff Forensic officers taking photos of the dead toddler, above, after police removed his body from the fridge, insert. Photo: Naewna NONTHABURI police questioned the adoptive mother of a two-year-old boy found dead after being wrapped in a blanket then put in a cloth bag and stuffed in a refrigerator with the grandmother having alerted them, Naewna newspaper and Amarin TV said this morning (Jan. 6). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316330-police-investigating-death-of-toddler-found-stuffed-in-fridge/

NONTHABURI police questioned the adoptive mother of a two-year-old boy found dead after being wrapped in a blanket then put in a cloth bag and stuffed in a refrigerator with the grandmother having alerted them, Naewna newspaper and Amarin TV said this morning (Jan. 6). The toddler, nicknamed Nong Nai, was found dead in a plugged fridge within a bedroom of a two-storey house on Rattanathibet road, Bang Rak Phatthana subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi province. Police said there were many bruises on his arms and legs and bite marks and he had been dead for around three days now. Aside from the dead boy, there are four residents in this house, the grandmother Mrs. Yupa, her husband, their son, only identified as Bank, and his wife, Ms. Marisa Thongiam, or Koi, 26, who is being questioned. by TNR Staff TOP: Forensic officers taking photos of the dead toddler, above, after police removed his body from the fridge, insert. Photo: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

Doctors send report on Thaksin’s illnesses to Corrections Department Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said that doctors at the Police General Hospital have sent a report on convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health to the director-general of the Corrections Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316329-doctors-send-report-on-thaksin’s-illnesses-to-corrections-department/

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said that doctors at the Police General Hospital have sent a report on convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health to the director-general of the Corrections Department. After receiving the report, he explained that the Corrections Department chief will call a meeting of doctors attached to the department to consider and confirm the report, before it is submitted to him. He said that the doctor’s full report about Thaksin’s illnesses is confidential and protected by law and, therefore, cannot be published, but some general information can be disclosed because this is a matter of public interest. Thaksin has been treated at the Police General Hospital since his arrival in Thailand on August 22nd and has been there beyond the 120-day limit for an imprisoned convict. If he is to be allowed to remain there, special permission from the director-general of the Corrections Department must be granted, based on the doctors’ assessment of his health. Full story: Thai PBS 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

Tourists to Finland must have minimum 50 Euro per day by Gregers Møller Finland has announced a hike in the minimum daily financial requirement for a Schengen visa, elevating it from €30 (1,137.33 Thai Baht) to €50 (1,895.55 Thai Baht). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316328-tourists-to-finland-must-have-minimum-50-euro-per-day/

Finland has announced a hike in the minimum daily financial requirement for a Schengen visa, elevating it from €30 (1,137.33 Thai Baht) to €50 (1,895.55 Thai Baht). This change, effective from January 1, 2024, is part of new regulations introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Finland, specifically impacting short-stay travellers. Among the explanations for the increase is that it will enhance immigration procedures, curb visa overstays, and prevent situations where tourists face financial constraints. It is also justified as a response to the recent rise in the cost of living in Finland. by Gregers Møller Full story: ScandAsia 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 8 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1316327-thailand-live-monday-8-january-2024/