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Mama mia! Noodle giant stirs up billion-baht expansion plan by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Thai President Foods Plc, famed for its beloved Mama instant noodles, is cooking up a major expansion plan worth over 1 billion baht. This bold move aims to ramp up production and expand plant facilities within the year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348107-mama-mia-noodle-giant-stirs-up-billion-baht-expansion-plan/

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post by Bob Scott Thai President Foods Plc, famed for its beloved Mama instant noodles, is cooking up a major expansion plan worth over 1 billion baht. This bold move aims to ramp up production and expand plant facilities within the year. General Manager Pun Paniangvait unveiled that a hefty 777 million baht will be channelled into domestic enhancements. This budget will power the acquisition of cutting-edge machinery, upgrades to existing equipment, facility enhancements, and the bolstering of research and development systems. The Rayong plant is set to welcome a brand-new machine, adding to the 29 already in operation across the country. This addition is expected to boost production capacity by a promising 3-4%, said Pun. “We anticipate that this new machine will significantly bolster our production capabilities.” Visionary in its approach, the company is planning yet another machine installation at Rayong by 2026, reinforcing its commitment to sustained growth. Casting its net overseas, Thai President Foods is injecting an additional US$10 million into its Cambodian subsidiary. This will facilitate the relocation of a Phnom Penh factory to a new site, slated to start operations by 2026, said Pun. “This new facility in Cambodia will be pivotal in supporting our future production capacity expansion.” Over in Hungary, the company’s board has green-lighted a capital increase to 900 million baht from 300 million baht previously. This financial surge is set to double production capacity this year, with 600 million baht earmarked for expanding the Hungarian factory. While the budget for new machinery remains under wraps, these strategic expansions highlight Thai President Foods’ unwavering commitment to enhancing its operations and solidifying its position on the global stage. With these dynamic developments, the future looks bright for the noodle titan. Picture of Pun Paniangvait courtesy of Bangkok Post In related news, late last year, Thai President Foods PLC expressed no opposition to the proposed minimum wage increase to 400 baht, according to Pun. He urged the Thai government to finalise the decision promptly, citing the recent volatility of the Thai baht. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-07

Bangkok's Big Leap: Climbs in Global Cities Index Ranking File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Bangkok has impressively climbed the 2024 Global Cities Index (GCI), moving up 11 places to secure 34th spot, marking the largest leap among the top 50 global cities. This leap forward is attributed to enhancements in Bangkok’s business activity, cultural scene, and information exchange capabilities, according to consulting firm Kearney. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348106-bangkoks-big-leap-climbs-in-global-cities-index-ranking/

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia Bangkok has impressively climbed the 2024 Global Cities Index (GCI), moving up 11 places to secure 34th spot, marking the largest leap among the top 50 global cities. This leap forward is attributed to enhancements in Bangkok’s business activity, cultural scene, and information exchange capabilities, according to consulting firm Kearney. Chanchai Tanatkatrakul, the head of Kearney Thailand, highlighted that Bangkok's business activity notably benefited from its improved sea freight ranking. "In an era when many cities faced shipping challenges, Bangkok's strategic position bolstered its resilience in this sector," he commented. Additionally, an increase in top global service firms has further strengthened its business environment, making Bangkok a burgeoning hub for international enterprise due to its ease of doing business and financial attractiveness. The GCI ranks cities by evaluating five key areas: business activity, human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement, utilising 31 different metrics. This year, the introduction of new criteria such as digital readiness and human mobility reflected the dynamic challenges cities face globally, contributing to overall increased scores across the board. Thailand has also enhanced its standings in the Global Services Location Index, moving up to ninth place, driven by financial competitiveness and a favourable business climate. This highlights Thailand's appeal as an offshore destination for business services, underscored Chanchai. Bangkok’s information exchange ranking improved with the introduction of a new internet speed metric, placing the city eighth globally in this area. The city also ranked higher due to the removal of outdated metrics like “access to TV news.” Meanwhile, the city’s vibrant cultural experiences, from culinary offerings to the arts, saw enhancements boosting its global cultural standing. As a nation, Thailand is witnessing a transformation through sustained investments in infrastructure, rapid digital transformation, and targeted governmental incentives, added Chanchai. The country is also benefiting from the China+One strategy, where firms look to diversify their operations regionally, catalysing growth within its manufacturing sector. This economic expansion is creating a fertile ground for foreign investment and business establishment. David Uhlenbrock, a partner at Kearney, noted that despite Bangkok’s rise from 45th place last year, challenges remain. The city trails behind regional giants like Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. To elevate its status further, Bangkok must focus on improving environmental stewardship and enhancing innovation capabilities. Singapore, overtaking Beijing, secured fifth place due to robust business activity, human capital, and near-perfect ease of entry scores. Meanwhile, Shanghai’s climb to eighth place was driven by new metrics in information exchange, reinforcing its status as a tech hub with rapid internet speed and substantial data centre presence. In conclusion, Bangkok’s rise in the GCI underscores its growing importance on the world stage. However, addressing environmental and social challenges is crucial for crafting a sustainable future, said Uhlenbrock, calling for a strategic focus on regeneration and collaborative governance, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-07

Visa Reforms Boost Thai Tourism, Chinese Visitors Surge 26% File photo courtesy: Kasikorn Research Center Thailand's tourism industry has remarkably rebounded, bolstered by easing visa regulations and targeted policies to attract Chinese travellers, marking a significant step towards recovering its pre-pandemic vibrancy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348104-visa-reforms-boost-thai-tourism-chinese-visitors-surge-26/

File photo courtesy: Kasikorn Research Center Thailand's tourism industry has remarkably rebounded, bolstered by easing visa regulations and targeted policies to attract Chinese travellers, marking a significant step towards recovering its pre-pandemic vibrancy. Last year, the country welcomed approximately 35.5 million tourists, a notable rise from 28.2 million in 2023. This surge, catalysed by visa waivers for Chinese visitors, significantly contributed to the economy, generating about 1.67 trillion Thai Baht (around £38 billion), reflecting a 34% increase in revenue compared to the previous year. While these figures didn't quite meet the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' target of 36.7 million tourists, they closely matched the Bank of Thailand's expectations of 36 million arrivals. This upswing is a promising indicator as Thailand inches closer to its 2019 peak when it hosted nearly 40 million tourists who injected around £48 billion into the nation’s coffers. The Thai government remains optimistic, projecting a record-breaking 40 million arrivals in the current year. Key strategies include relaxing visa regulations for various countries, extending stay durations, and leveraging cultural touchstone - such as the eagerly anticipated third season of "The White Lotus," which will highlight Thailand's luxury hotels. Furthermore, the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage adds Thailand to a shortlist of welcoming destinations for LGBTQ travellers, potentially attracting a diverse and inclusive audience. Recovering from its pandemic-induced slump, China has reclaimed its position as the leading source of tourists to Thailand. Last year, 6.7 million Chinese visitors made their way to the Land of Smiles, marking a 60% return to their pre-pandemic high of 11.1 million in 2019. Other significant visitor groups hailed from Malaysia and India, each contributing robustly to the tourism mix. Spearheaded by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, initiatives like the complimentary visa programme for Chinese and Indian tourists were crucial in driving the tourism spike. Moreover, visitors from Europe, India, and Russia have already surpassed pre-COVID levels, according to official data sources. Despite the impressive recovery, the World Bank cautions that while tourist numbers might surpass pre-pandemic figures by 2025, the spend per tourist remains less than before. This suggests potential areas for growth within the sector, where the focus could shift towards not only increasing the number of visitors but also enhancing their spending experiences. As Thailand embraces this revival, both the private and public sectors will need to collaborate closely to sustain this momentum, ensuring that the tourism industry continues to be a vital pillar of the Thai economy, reported South China Morning Post. -- 2025-01-07

Missing Woman 'Alice', Abducted 6 Days Ago, Sparks Concern Picture courtesy: Daily News A young woman nicknamed Alice (อลิซ) has been missing for six days after reportedly being forced out of her car by two men. The 26-year-old Alice, whose full name is Orisarak Srichatum (นางสาว อรีสราค์ ศรีชาทุม), was last in contact on 1 January, having initially disappeared on New Year’s Eve. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348099-missing-woman-alice-abducted-6-days-ago-sparks-concern/

Picture courtesy: Daily News A young woman nicknamed Alice (อลิซ) has been missing for six days after reportedly being forced out of her car by two men. The 26-year-old Alice, whose full name is Orisarak Srichatum (นางสาว อรีสราค์ ศรีชาทุม), was last in contact on 1 January, having initially disappeared on New Year’s Eve. According to a social media post by the "Bantering Tootie" Facebook page, Alice was driving when two men compelled her to stop and took her to a police station in Prachuap, after which she vanished. Her concerned friends have shared her details online, hoping to locate her swiftly. Alice is described as petite, fair-skinned, with reddish-brown hair and stands at 160 cm tall. The timeline of the incident suggests Alice last spoke to her friends around 9 PM on New Year’s Day before she missed work the following day. During a brief communication, she mentioned that two men had detained her. These were her only words to indicate her location, leaving friends anxious for her safety as she's known to suffer from depression. With no subsequent contact, her friends filed a missing person report at the Ladprao Police Station. However, officers require family involvement to proceed, yet nobody has managed to contact her relatives, reported Daily News. Alice's disappearance has stretched into its sixth day, with friends deeply worried about her wellbeing amid fears of harm. Anyone with information is urged to reach out to her friends Tamtarn at 086-414-6547 or Jiji at 089-550-0036. หากใครพบเจอ ติดต่อแจ้งเบาะแส 086-414-6547 น้ำตาล เพื่อน 089-550-0036 จีจี้ เพื่อน -- 2025-01-07 Facebook Tuddentertain

Thailand Post to Hike Fees Again as Costs Rise File photo Thailand Post, the nation's leading postal service provider, has announced its decision to implement a second increase in postage fees in less than two years. This change, which comes amid rising operational costs, is set to affect a wide array of postal services. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348094-thailand-post-to-hike-fees-again-as-costs-rise/

File photo Thailand Post, the nation's leading postal service provider, has announced its decision to implement a second increase in postage fees in less than two years. This change, which comes amid rising operational costs, is set to affect a wide array of postal services. Just last year, for the first time in nearly two decades, Thailand Post raised its service charges. Now, facing continued financial pressures, the organisation finds itself raising fees once more. These adjustments will impact a variety of services including envelope letters, packaged letters, registered envelope letters, printed goods, postcards, and parcels. Primarily driven by escalating fuel prices and increased wage demands, these fee hikes are part of Thailand Post's efforts to maintain financial sustainability while continuing to offer reliable service. The cost adjustments are carefully calibrated to reflect the changing economic landscape without compromising service quality. For customers regularly sending items within Thailand or internationally, these increases could mean a notable difference in expenses. For example, the cost of posting a standard letter within Thailand will see a modest rise, with charges for regular parcels seeing a more significant adjustment. To soften the blow of these new costs, Thailand Post is encouraging customers to consider its Eco Post service. This service offers a budget-friendly alternative to registered mail, providing similar tracking capabilities at a reduced price. Eco Post has been well-received by regular and business clients alike for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Converting these new rates into Thai Baht: where previously a simple parcel might have cost around 32 THB, customers may now expect to pay closer to 35 THB, depending on size and destination. International rates are subject to varying increases based on destination and weight, reflecting the additional costs of cross-border logistics. Despite these changes, Thailand Post remains dedicated to offering comprehensive postal solutions across the nation. The organisation continues to adapt to both local and global economic pressures, investing in technology and service improvements to streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction. This measure, though essential from an operational standpoint, is likely to draw mixed reactions from the public. Frequent postal users might need to adjust their budgeting strategies, while businesses that rely heavily on postal services may explore alternative delivery methods or partners. As Thailand Post navigates these challenges, it assures customers of its commitment to transparency and timely service delivery, emphasising that these adjustments are critical for maintaining the integrity and future of postal services in the country. The company is anticipated to release further details on the specific fee changes in the coming weeks, providing ample time for customers to prepare for these new rates, reported The Nation. -- 2025-01-07

Chinese Actor Vanishes Near Thai-Myanmar Border After Being Tricked Picture courtesy: Naewna A Chinese actor, Xingxing, has mysteriously vanished after being lured to Thailand under the guise of a film shoot, sparking concern and calls for intervention. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348075-chinese-actor-vanishes-near-thai-myanmar-border/

Ruble trouble: Russian tourist robbed and roughed up in Phuket By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์ A Russian man is seeking justice after a fellow countryman physically assaulted him and stole approximately US$5,000 (nearly 200,000 baht) from him at a hotel in Phuket. The theft reportedly had ties to the victim’s rival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348064-ruble-trouble-russian-tourist-robbed-and-roughed-up-in-phuket/

Drunk tourist clashes with Phuket bikers over massage ride By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 8 A drunken tourist attacked three Thai app-based motorcycle taxi riders in Phuket, allegedly because he wanted a lift to a massage parlour. However, the riders declined to serve him, citing that they were fully booked. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348055-drunk-tourist-clashes-with-phuket-bikers-over-massage-ride/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 7 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1348070-thailand-live-tuesday-7-january-2025/

DDPM Reports on Road Safety During 2024 New Year Festival Campaign The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has summarised the outcomes of its efforts to prevent and reduce road crashes during the 2024 New Year holiday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348037-ddpm-reports-on-road-safety-during-2024-new-year-festival-campaign/

Chinese Actor Vanishes Near Thai-Myanmar Border After Being Tricked Picture courtesy: Naewna A Chinese actor, Xingxing, has mysteriously vanished after being lured to Thailand under the guise of a film shoot, sparking concern and calls for intervention. The actor, whose real name is Wang Xing, was last heard from by his girlfriend in the border town of Mae Sot, Thailand, an area notorious for illegal activities including internet fraud and human trafficking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348075-chinese-actor-vanishes-near-thai-myanmar-border/

Picture courtesy: Naewna A Chinese actor, Xingxing, has mysteriously vanished after being lured to Thailand under the guise of a film shoot, sparking concern and calls for intervention. The actor, whose real name is Wang Xing, was last heard from by his girlfriend in the border town of Mae Sot, Thailand, an area notorious for illegal activities including internet fraud and human trafficking. The disturbing sequence began when Xingxing received what appeared to be a legitimate casting call via a group chat of actors. After successfully auditioning and coordinating details with a supposed production manager on WeChat, he made his way to Thailand, leaving Shanghai on the afternoon of January 3, reported Naewna newspaper Global Times. His journey took him from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to the town of Mae Sot, situated at the border with Myanmar, facilitated by a vehicle arranged by the purported coordinator. His girlfriend, known on Chinese social media as Jiajia, maintained contact with him until noon Beijing time on the same day (11 a.m. local time in Thailand). She was perplexed to discover through their communications that he was headed towards the Thai province of Tak. Concern turned to alarm when communication ceased altogether. In desperation, Jiajia sought assistance from the Shanghai Public Security Bureau and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand. The Chinese Consulate General in Chiang Mai confirmed receiving an appeal from Xingxing's family on January 3, shortly after his disappearance was noticed. Their involvement highlights the severity of the situation, as Mae Sot is perilously close to Myanmar's town of Myawaddy, a notorious hotspot for nefarious cross-border activities. A representative from the consulate assured that they are actively addressing the situation, offering guidance on handling procedures and maintaining ongoing communication with Xingxing's family. “We are committed to following up on the case in line with relevant regulations, to safeguard the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens under our jurisdiction,” stated the consular staff. Jiajia, having arrived in Thailand herself, is now taking further steps by seeking assistance directly from the Chinese embassy in Bangkok. Her resolve remains steadfast as she annals plans to engage Thai authorities in hopes of tracing Xingxing’s whereabouts. As the story unfolds, the incident underscores the vulnerability actors face from deceptive schemes in the digital age. Xingxing's disappearance is a chilling reminder of these perils, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and precaution within global artistic circles. This haunting mystery envelops not just those in the entertainment industry but concerns anyone susceptible to such fraudulent enticements, reported Thai Newsroom . -- 2025-01-06

Terrifying Moment! Parents and Children Inches from Death Under Elephant’s Belly In a nerve-wracking incident, parents taking children through an elephant's legs as part of a ritual for good fortune narrowly avoided tragedy when the elephant became agitated and unpredictable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348011-terrifying-moment-parents-and-children-inches-from-death-under-elephant’s-belly/

Picture courtesy: Daily News via Facebook " Pom Aum Mobile " In a nerve-wracking incident, parents taking children through an elephant's legs as part of a ritual for good fortune narrowly avoided tragedy when the elephant became agitated and unpredictable. The incident, captured by CCTV and later posted on Facebook by user "Pom Aummobile", aims to serve as a cautionary tale. The footage shows an elephant handler leading children under the elephant's belly – a cultural tradition believed to bring luck and safety. Picture courtesy: Daily News via Facebook " Pom Aum Mobile " However, the situation took a dangerous turn as the elephant unexpectedly panicked. The handler carrying the first child was viciously kicked, narrowly escaping being trampled. The Facebook post, dated 6th January, emphasised the need for awareness around such practices: "This is not to disrespect beliefs, but to show how a belief nearly cost lives. Watch this close-call moment where a child's life was at risk. The elephant kicked with such force, it was a terrifying split-second!" Following the video’s release, social media users overwhelmingly expressed concern over the dangers associated with this practice. Many noted the irresponsibility of subjecting children to such risks, pointing out that instead of bringing safety and fortune, the ritual could lead to disaster. Fortunately, the on-elephant handler managed to calm the animal just in time, preventing any fatalities. -- 2025-01-06

Police fatally shoot patient wielding axe at Surin Hospital by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Amarin TV A tragic incident unfolded at Surin Hospital where a 27 year old patient, recovering from surgery, was shot and killed by police after brandishing a weapon. Local police reported the unfortunate event took place within a patient ward on the hospital’s fourth floor. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348007-police-fatally-shoot-patient-wielding-axe-at-surin-hospital/

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV by Bright Choomanee A tragic incident unfolded at Surin Hospital where a 27 year old patient, recovering from surgery, was shot and killed by police after brandishing a weapon. Local police reported the unfortunate event took place within a patient ward on the hospital’s fourth floor. The patient, identified only as Apichai, had recently undergone an appendectomy. During his recovery, he inexplicably armed himself with a firefighter’s axe and began chasing medical staff and other patients, causing panic and chaos. Police were summoned to the scene, and two patrol officers arrived to manage the situation. Despite commands to disarm, Apichai advanced towards the officers with the axe, leading to the officers opening fire. Unfortunately, the young man later died from his injuries. Police chief Weerapan na Lampang of the Mueang Surin station has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. He assured that the inquiry would be conducted with impartiality and fairness to all involved, reported Bangkok Post. Additionally, a formal complaint has been registered, prompting a criminal investigation into the actions of the patrol officers on site. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-06

Thai Poll Predicts Ongoing Political Uncertainty in 2025 Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reads the policy statement at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Paetongtarn appeared Parliament for the first time to lay out how her government envisions to improve the country. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) A recent survey by Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals growing concerns amongst Thai citizens about the political and economic landscape in 2025. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348004-thai-poll-predicts-ongoing-political-uncertainty-in-2025/

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reads the policy statement at parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Paetongtarn appeared Parliament for the first time to lay out how her government envisions to improve the country. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) A recent survey by Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals growing concerns amongst Thai citizens about the political and economic landscape in 2025. Conducted amongst 1,310 individuals from various professions and educational backgrounds over three days in December, the poll paints a picture of a nation anticipating a turbulent year ahead. Politics appears to be a major point of concern, with over half of those surveyed—50.61%—expecting the political environment to remain unstable throughout the year. An even more concerning 39.92% predict that political conditions will become increasingly chaotic. Only a small percentage, 7.30%, are optimistic, believing that politics will become less volatile, while a mere 2.14% foresee a trouble-free political year. Despite these concerns, a majority of respondents believe that the current government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, will endure the year. Specifically, 51.22% are confident in the government's longevity. However, 21.60% expect a cabinet reshuffle, and 15.34% predict the possibility of parliamentary dissolution leading to new elections. On a more dramatic note, 15.04% suggest that internal coalition rifts could lead to governmental collapse. Additionally, some foresee the potential for mass protests or even a coup, with 5.88% and 3.05% predicting these outcomes, respectively. The economy is another major area of concern. The survey shows that 34.43% of respondents believe the economic situation will remain as bleak as the previous year, while 33.20% fear a further decline. Conversely, 21.99% hold a more positive outlook, hoping for economic improvement. When asked about their quality of life in 2025, only 20.46% of those surveyed expect improvements, while 34.43% believe it will remain unchanged. This poll reflects a mix of apprehension and cautious optimism as Thais brace themselves for an uncertain year. With economic and political challenges looming, many remain hopeful that the stability of the government will help navigate the complex issues ahead. However, the possibility of reshuffles and electoral changes highlights the precarious nature of Thai politics, making 2025 a year to watch closely for both citizens and international observers alike, reported Thai PBS. -- 2025-01-06

Spanish student dies after being attacked by elephant in Thailand Blanca Ojanguren García. Photo: Federación Hípica de Castilla y León/Facebook A Spanish student has died following an encounter with an elephant at a sanctuary in Thailand. Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, a 22-year-old who was studying Law and International Relations, tragically lost her life while participating in a bathing activity with an elephant at the Koh Yao sanctuary on Yao Yai Island. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348003-spanish-student-dies-after-being-attacked-by-elephant-in-thailand/

Blanca Ojanguren García. Photo: Federación Hípica de Castilla y León/Facebook A Spanish student has died following an encounter with an elephant at a sanctuary in Thailand. Blanca Ojanguren Garcia, a 22-year-old who was studying Law and International Relations, tragically lost her life while participating in a bathing activity with an elephant at the Koh Yao sanctuary on Yao Yai Island. The incident took place during what has become a popular tourist attraction in Thailand—elephant bathing. In a sudden turn, the elephant used its trunk to knock Garcia over, resulting in severe injuries. Efforts were made to rush her to a nearby hospital, but she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Both local Thai police and the sanctuary itself have confirmed the details of the accident, prompting the sanctuary's temporary closure. Initial reports erroneously mentioned that Garcia had been gored, but this was rectified by Spanish news agency EFE, clarifying the nature of what transpired. Present at the incident were around 18 individuals, including Garcia's boyfriend, yet no others were injured. Originally from Valladolid, Garcia was completing her studies through a six-month program in Taiwan, having studied at the University of Navarra. She was on track to finish her undergraduate degree this year. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been involved, with their consulate in Bangkok maintaining communication with Garcia's family. Her remains have been transported to a hospital in Phuket in preparation for repatriation procedures. In response to the incident, Valladolid Mayor Jesus Julio Carnero expressed his condolences to the family. Thailand is home to roughly 3,500 elephants, with about 2,800 involved in tourist activities, according to animal welfare organisation World Animal Protection. While elephants are generally gentle, they may react if they feel threatened or protective of their young. This incident underscores the need for continued discussions on ethical wildlife tourism and safety measures to prevent similar occurrences. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of wildlife behaviour and the importance of ensuring safety for both visitors and animals in tourist interactions, reported Daily Mail Online. -- 2025-01-06