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City Hall successfully wiped over 200 abandoned cars off the streets of Bangkok, leaving residents baffled. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) disclosed their battle against 1,399 derelict vehicles from 2019 to last year. However, the real jaw-dropper is the 203 abandoned cars that mysteriously disappeared after no owners claimed them. Bangkok Deputy Governor Chakkraphan Phiewngam took charge on January 2, overseeing the removal of dilapidated vehicles on Sukhothai Soi 1 in the Dusit district. Out of the 1,164 wrecks dealt with, 32 still await their fate, pending removal. City officials have slapped fines amounting to 60,500 baht on the owners of 33 abandoned vehicles, and an additional 36 vehicles have been auctioned off for a staggering 268,000 baht. Chakkraphan issued a stern warning. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-05 - 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

Corrections panel to consider rules for convicts to serve terms outside prison The Justice Ministry will call a meeting of the corrections committee on January 11th, to consider the rules for screening convicts who are qualified to serve their remaining terms outside a prison, according to a well-informed source in the Justice Ministry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316136-justice-minister-praises-thaksin-as-a-“peacemaker”/?do=findComment&comment=18596143

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 5 January 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1316127-thailand-live-friday-5-january-2024/

Government’s Stance on Cabinet Reshuffle and Role of Paetongtarn Shinawatra BANGKOK (NNT) - Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, commented on the recent speculations about a cabinet reshuffle involving Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Leader of the Pheu Thai Party. He dismissed these as expectations or attempts to create political issues, leading to confusion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316100-government’s-stance-on-cabinet-reshuffle-and-role-of-paetongtarn-shinawatra/

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand to face legal consequences because he is a peacemaker who wants to see reconciliation in Thailand, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claimed in parliament during the debate on the government’s budget bill on Wednesday. Justice minister praises Thaksin as a “peacemaker” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316136-justice-minister-praises-thaksin-as-a-“peacemaker”/

Justice minister praises Thaksin as a “peacemaker” Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand to face legal consequences because he is a peacemaker who wants to see reconciliation in Thailand, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claimed in parliament during the debate on the government’s budget bill on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316084-justice-minister-praises-thaksin-as-a-“peacemaker”/

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand to face legal consequences because he is a peacemaker who wants to see reconciliation in Thailand, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong claimed in parliament during the debate on the government’s budget bill on Wednesday. He defended the Corrections Department‘s issuance of a ministerial regulation to allow convicts to serve their terms outside prison, saying that a regulation on the same matter was issued three years ago, but the Corrections Department only acted on it last year. He insisted that the regulation was not designed to benefit Thaksin specifically, but all qualified convicts, adding that prison is not a place in which to kill or torture convicts and any inmate who is sick is entitled to be treated in hospitals outside the prison. Regarding the question over whether Thaksin is actually ill, Tawee said that, although he has not visited Thaksin at the Police General Hospital, doctors there have confirmed that the former prime minister is suffering from numerous illnesses. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-01-04 - 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

Students and activists set to storm Government House over Thaksin’s VIP treatment by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Financial Times Students and activists from the People’s Network for Thailand Reform (STR) are set to storm Government House next Friday, January 12, demanding answers over the controversial treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316081-students-and-activists-set-to-storm-government-house-over-thaksin’s-vip-treatment/

Students and activists from the People’s Network for Thailand Reform (STR) are set to storm Government House next Friday, January 12, demanding answers over the controversial treatment of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Thaksin, convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison, has spent nearly five months receiving special privileges outside the confines of incarceration, sparking suspicions of preferential treatment. STR leader Pichit Chaimongkol dropped the bombshell announcement yesterday, January 3, at the Chamai Maru Chet Bridge, triggering a wave of public outcry as the group mobilizes support through social media. The 74 year old former PM, who returned to Thailand in August last year after 15 years in self-imposed exile, was initially lodged in Bangkok Remand Prison. However, under the guise of health concerns, the Department of Corrections swiftly relocated him to the Police General Hospital on the same day, where he has been under extended stay post the legal 120-day treatment window ending on December 22. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Financial Times Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

Gold rush con: Isaan pawnshop duo sparks heist, rakes in 170m baht bonanza by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ MGR Online ภาคเหนือ Police arrested two Thai women, who worked at a pawnshop in the Isaan province of Nong Khai, for stealing gold accessories pawned by customers and hocked them again for more than 170 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316080-gold-rush-con-isaan-pawnshop-duo-sparks-heist-rakes-in-170m-baht-bonanza/

Police arrested two Thai women, who worked at a pawnshop in the Isaan province of Nong Khai, for stealing gold accessories pawned by customers and hocked them again for more than 170 million baht. A representative of the Easy Money pawnshop in Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, filed a complaint at Pak Kret Police Station in October of last year. The representative reported that two employees, a 30 year old woman named Jeerawan Krasae-in and a woman named Sarinthip Pandaliska, committed the fraudulent activities. According to the representative, the pawnshop discovered that the amount of gold accessories pawned by customers was less than the amount of money lent to customers. Moreover, the shop discovered some counterfeit gold accessories, despite the shop having a procedure in place to check them before taking them from customers. After further investigation, police found that Jeerawan and Sarinthip stole the gold accessories from the pawnshop. They then hired other people, giving them 1,000 to 2,000 baht, to pawn the stolen gold at the pawnshop and transfer the money into their bank accounts. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ MGR Online ภาคเหนือ Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

Government to follow up nearly 6,000 complaints about 4am closing times By Peter Roche A total of 5,785 noise-related complaints have been submitted by the Thai public since December 15, the start of a new rule allowing pubs, bars and entertainment venues in selected areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui to stay open until 4 am. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316073-government-to-follow-up-nearly-6000-complaints-about-4am-closing-times/

A total of 5,785 noise-related complaints have been submitted by the Thai public since December 15, the start of a new rule allowing pubs, bars and entertainment venues in selected areas of Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui to stay open until 4 am. The Cabinet has now directed the Interior Ministry to address these complaints. Progress on handling the complaints is expected to be reported to the PM’s Office every quarter. While hotels are permitted to provide services until 4 am in line with national regulations, entertainment venues with the same operating hours are required to adhere strictly to relevant laws, including the Entertainment Places Act and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. By Peter Roche Full story: PhuketGO 2024-01-04 - 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

Air hostess interrogated over 20 million baht cocaine parcel to Australia by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of FM91 A 30 year old air hostess yesterday was interrogated for over six hours following the discovery of her name on a parcel containing 7.5 kilogrammes of concealed cocaine intended for delivery to Australia. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316070-air-hostess-interrogated-over-20-million-baht-cocaine-parcel-to-australia/

A 30 year old air hostess yesterday was interrogated for over six hours following the discovery of her name on a parcel containing 7.5 kilogrammes of concealed cocaine intended for delivery to Australia. The narcotics were hidden in 15 1-metre-long cushions within the parcel, initially intended for a Thai female student residing in Australia. The student had previously posted on Facebook about receiving parcels from Thailand. The latest update occurred at 10pm yesterday (January 3), at Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi. The air hostess, Mew (real name withheld), and her family met with investigators to offer their testimonies as witnesses. Her name and phone number were found on the parcel of drugs. Police spent over six hours interrogating her before she immediately returned home. Initial police reports, informed by evidence officers, revealed that the white powder found was heroin, weighing 7.5 kilogrammes and valued at over 20 million baht (US$579,550) in Thailand. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of FM91 Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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 bust: Two Thai men arrested after 250,000 baht stolen from Thai consul’s home by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ToKo Bangkok police arrested two light-fingered Thai men for stealing assets worth more than 250,000 baht from the home of a Thai consul. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316069-bangkok-bust-two-thai-men-arrested-after-250000-baht-stolen-from-thai-consul’s-home/

Bangkok police arrested two light-fingered Thai men for stealing assets worth more than 250,000 baht from the home of a Thai consul. An 81 year old Thai man, Sirisak Waroonsukasri, filed a complaint with Bang Phlat Police Station on December 24 revealing that thieves broke into the home of his employer, located in Soi Sirindhorn 2 in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok. Sirisak’s boss, Chana Miancharoen, is the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles. Sirisak reported that the consul was not at home at the time. Seizing the opportunity, the thieves cut through the barbed wire and shattered the glass door to gain entry. Various items were stolen, including valuable amulets and cash in foreign currencies. The overall loss amounted to approximately 250,000 baht. Subsequently, the police reviewed CCTV footage along the road near the residence and identified two suspicious individuals on motorcycles leaving Soi Borommaratchachonnani 17. They trailed the suspects until successfully apprehending them at their rented residence in the Bangkok Noi district of Bangkok on January 3. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ToKo Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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 elderly in yellow aprons fight homelessness on Bangkok streets by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation The sight of elderly individuals in yellow aprons diligently cleaning pedestrian flyovers under the pelting sun may be disturbing to many. After all, most Thais have been raised to respect the elders and ensure they are well looked after. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316068-thai-elderly-in-yellow-aprons-fight-homelessness-on-bangkok-streets/

The sight of elderly individuals in yellow aprons diligently cleaning pedestrian flyovers under the pelting sun may be disturbing to many. After all, most Thais have been raised to respect the elders and ensure they are well looked after. With Jang Wan Kha, or Please Hire Us, boldly written on their aprons, these seasoned citizens are not forgotten souls left to fend for themselves. They are the proud beneficiaries of the Mirror Foundation’s groundbreaking job placement programme for the homeless. The foundation’s mission is to empower these resilient souls, ensuring they earn at least 500 baht per day. This income not only helps them afford daily sustenance but also sets aside a little for emergencies or medical needs. With the ultimate goal of moving them off the streets, the foundation dreams of providing them with a roof over their heads. Sitthipol Chuprajong, the driving force behind the Jang Wan Kha project, is rallying for support from government agencies and the private sector. Although the project doesn’t exclusively focus on the elderly, the majority of its participants are 60 or above. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-04 - 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

US Orthodontist Says She Was Electrocuted In "Freak Accident" In Thailand During her trip to Thailand, the woman was electrocuted by power lines, blacked out, and then was quickly rushed to the hospital. Edited by Bhavya Sukheja Ms Hodgson has over 25,600 Instagram followers. A US-based orthodontist and well-known influencer recently said that she is "so grateful to be here" after suffering an electric shock from downed power lines during her trip to Thailand last month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316066-us-orthodontist-says-she-was-electrocuted-in-freak-accident-in-thailand/

During her trip to Thailand, the woman was electrocuted by power lines, blacked out, and then was quickly rushed to the hospital. A US-based orthodontist and well-known influencer recently said that she is "so grateful to be here" after suffering an electric shock from downed power lines during her trip to Thailand last month. Taking to Instagram, Dr Cara Hodgson revealed she had spent the last ten days in the hospital. She wrote that during her trip to Thailand, she was electrocuted by power lines, blacked out, and then was quickly rushed to the hospital. "In the blink of an eye it could all be taken away. Lucky to be here, 2024. Life is so precious. One second you have it, and the next second it can be taken away from you just like that," the doctor wrote in her post. "I had a freak accident on my trip and was electrocuted by power lines and ended up blacking out and being rushed to the ER in Thailand. It's been the worst 10 days of my life - going in and out of hospitals fighting to regain my strength and fighting for my life. I am so lucky to be here today," she added. Ms Hodgson, who has over 25,600 Instagram followers, didn't give specifics on what exactly happened, or how she got electrocuted. But she emphasized how she's "lucky to be here today". "What a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love...just being alive, being able to breathe, eat, talk, move your body, is something grand and something to be celebrated," she wrote. Edited by Bhavya Sukheja Ms Hodgson has over 25,600 Instagram followers. Full story: NDTV 2024-01-04 - 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

More transport deaths, mystery US orthodontist 'electrocuted' in Thailand - Tim Newton Today - Jan 4 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316064-more-transport-deaths-mystery-us-orthodontist-electrocuted-in-thailand-tim-newton-today-jan-4/

Thailand news - Another van accident has killed one and injured 15 in Ayutthaya, and more bits falling off BTS trains in Bangkok as well on the Yellow Line. A British tourist has been charged with brandishing a gun in Kamala, Phuket, whilst a mysterious US orthodontist claims she was electrocuted during a visit to Bamboo Island in Krabi, Thailand. Chiang Mai is back to 58% of pre-Covid tourist numbers. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists. v

China no longer Thailand's largest source of tourists in 2023 By Hoang Phong Tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 7, 2023. Photo by Reuters Malaysia has surpassed China to become the biggest feeder market for Thailand tourism in 2023 with 4.56 million arrivals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316063-china-no-longer-thailands-largest-source-of-tourists-in-2023/

Malaysia has surpassed China to become the biggest feeder market for Thailand tourism in 2023 with 4.56 million arrivals. Chinese tourists came in second with 3.51 million, followed by South Koreans (1.65 million), Indians (1.62 million), and Russians (1.48 million), according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Travel between Malaysia and Thailand, two ASEAN members, is faciliated by visa exemption. millions Before the pandemic, Chinese tourists were the biggest market of Thailand's tourism industry. In 2019, over 11 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand, accounting for more than a quarter of its total foreign arrivals. By Hoang Phong TOP: Tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 7, 2023. Photo by Reuters Full story: VN EXPRESS 2024-01-04 - 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