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Thaksin Predicts Pheu Thai Govt To Last Full Term Amid Challenges Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a recent statement from Chiang Mai, Thaksin Shinawatra, an influential figure in Thai politics, confidently forecasted that the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, helmed by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, will persevere through its full four-year mandate until 2027. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347153-thaksin-predicts-pheu-thai-govt-to-last-full-term-amid-challenges/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath In a recent statement from Chiang Mai, Thaksin Shinawatra, an influential figure in Thai politics, confidently forecasted that the Pheu Thai-led coalition government, helmed by his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, will persevere through its full four-year mandate until 2027. Despite the potential for intracoalition disputes, Thaksin assured that these would be manageable, hinting at the party's resilience and adaptability among its members. Central to Thaksin's optimism is the ability of Pheu Thai, the coalition's dominant party, to mitigate tensions, particularly with Bhumjaithai, the second largest coalition partner led informally by Newin Chidchob. One major sticking point lies in the approach to amending the constitution. Pheu Thai favours a single-tier referendum while Bhumjaithai pushes for a double-tier system, showing a clear divide on procedural preferences. Nonetheless, Thaksin underscored that such differences would not endanger the alliance, dismissing speculation that Bhumjaithai would be expelled. Thaksin's stance appears to be one of cautious optimism, aiming to reassure both supporters and critics of the coalition's stability. In a hypothetical political crisis, Thaksin expressed confidence that Paetongtarn would maintain her role as Prime Minister without resorting to dissolving the House and prompting an early election. Her leadership, according to him, will stay firm throughout the legislative term, reflecting her father's strategic influence behind the scenes. This endurance is contextualised by Thaksin's personal history with Thai politics. Both he and his sister Yingluck Shinawatra were previously deposed from the premiership in 2006 and 2014 coups. Despite this historical backdrop, Thaksin expressed his belief that a military coup is unlikely to challenge his daughter's administration. Further countering his critics, Thaksin rejected claims of covertly controlling his daughter's government. In his characteristic manner, he encouraged those accusing him of undue influence to pursue legal avenues, if justifiable. For those tracking developments in Thailand's political landscape, Thaksin's assertions provide a glimpse into the delicate dynamics of the current coalition, valued for its estimated budget management skills worth over 6.3 trillion Baht. The coming months and years will test whether this coalition can indeed fulfil its term, balancing internal differences against the backdrop of Thailand’s broader political tensions, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2024-12-26

Gorilla Smuggling Plot Destined for Thailand Discovered at Istanbul Airport FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia In an unexpected turn of events, a Nakhon Pathom-based company in Thailand has come under investigation after a thwarted attempt to smuggle a baby gorilla was uncovered at Istanbul Airport. The young primate, destined for Bangkok, was intercepted by Turkish customs during a routine check, leading to an international probe that has stirred up significant concern. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347146-gorilla-smuggling-plot-destined-for-thailand-discovered-at-istanbul-airport/

FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia In an unexpected turn of events, a Nakhon Pathom-based company in Thailand has come under investigation after a thwarted attempt to smuggle a baby gorilla was uncovered at Istanbul Airport. The young primate, destined for Bangkok, was intercepted by Turkish customs during a routine check, leading to an international probe that has stirred up significant concern. The capture of the gorilla occurred during a stopover from Nigeria en route to Thailand via Turkey. Customs officers, conducting a risk analysis at Istanbul's busy airport on 22nd December, discovered the animal crammed in a wooden crate amidst a shipment purportedly containing 50 rabbits. The absence of proper CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) documentation further piqued their suspicions. Following this discovery, Thai authorities swiftly obtained a warrant to search TK Farm International Trading in Nakhon Pathom. The company, owned by Siriwat Suphakitkasem, is registered as an animal importer and breeder, with a known presence in Bangkok's bustling Chatuchak Market. The firm's owner, Mr Siriwat, claimed to have been contacted by David, an African national, requesting assistance to import the rabbits. For a fee of approximately 150,000 Thai Baht, Mr Siriwat’s company managed the customs and related paperwork. He asserted ignorance of the gorilla’s presence, insisting that he believed the shipment only contained the rabbits, which were duly processed. The present situation has raised suspicions about potential collusion involving airport staff in both Thailand and Nigeria, speculating that TK Farm may merely be a pawn in a larger wildlife trafficking network. The investigation is widening, as authorities seek to authenticate the legal status of other animals at TK Farm and unravel any deeper illicit connections. Gorillas, listed in Appendix I by CITES, are strictly prohibited for import into Thailand. Currently, only one gorilla, named Bua Noi, resides in the country. Imported prior to the enforcement of CITES regulations in 1992, Bua Noi has lived in captivity at a department store zoo in Bangkok for decades, amidst ongoing campaigns from animal rights advocates demanding her release. As Turkish veterinarians continue to care for the rescued gorilla, the complexities of this international smuggling attempt underscore the persistent threats faced by endangered species and amplify calls for stringent enforcement against wildlife trafficking. The unfolding investigation promises to shed light on what appears to be a well-organised, yet unlawful trade targeting one of nature’s most vulnerable inhabitants, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-26

Drunken Foreign Couple Causes Chaos at Pattaya Hotel, Woman Detained After Fleeing A foreign couple’s drunken antics caused a commotion at a beachfront hotel in Pattaya in the early hours of Christmas Day. The woman, heavily intoxicated, was eventually detained after resisting hotel staff and attempting to flee the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347120-drunken-foreign-couple-causes-chaos-at-pattaya-hotel-woman-detained-after-fleeing/

Foreign Rider Dies in Motorcycle Crash in Pattaya A motorcycle collision claimed the life of a foreign man and left two others injured in Pattaya on December 24. The collision occurred at approximately midday in Soi Arunothai, Central Pattaya, when two motorcycles collided head-on. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347103-foreign-rider-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-in-pattaya/

Chicken Rice Vendor Saves Italian Tourist with CPR A heartwarming act unfolded at a local chicken rice restaurant in Phuket, when a vendor saved the life of an Italian tourist who suddenly collapsed while dining. The quick-thinking restaurant owner, who had CPR training, performed life-saving measures that ensured the tourist’s survival. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347102-chicken-rice-vendor-saves-italian-tourist-with-cpr/

Council of State Declares Kittiratt Unqualified as BOT Board Chairman Picture courtesy: Naew Na In a recent development that has raised eyebrows across Thailand's financial and political sectors, the Council of State has ruled Kittiratt Na-Ranong unsuitable to serve as board chairman of the Bank of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347108-council-of-state-declares-kittiratt-unqualified-as-bot-board-chairman/

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 26 December 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1347125-thailand-live-thursday-26-december-2024/

President-elect Donald Trump speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. Rick Scuteri/AP President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will direct the Department of Justice to “vigorously pursue the death penalty” after President Joe Biden on Monday commuted the death sentences of 37 federal inmates to life in prison. “As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters. We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, echoing his long-standing advocacy for use of the death penalty, which was part of his tough-on-crime rhetoric during the 2024 campaign. After Biden’s commutation of most federal death row inmates – which Trump on Truth Social said “makes no sense” – there will be just three individuals in federal prison facing the death penalty when the president-elect takes office in January. Full story: CNN -- 2024-12-26

Escapee Drew Johnson was captured on Wednesday in an area near the South Mississippi Correctional Institution. Mississippi Department of Corrections (CNN) A convicted murderer who escaped from a Mississippi state prison on Christmas Eve was captured Wednesday, according to a Mississippi Department of Corrections post on Facebook. Drew Johnson was captured in an area near the prison, the post said. Sentenced to life in prison on Valentine’s Day in 2022, Johnson managed to escape from Mississippi’s newest state prison in Greene County nearly three years later on Christmas Eve, according to the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Authorities in Mississippi had described Johnson as “desperate” and “very very dangerous.” Full story: CNN -- 2024-12-26

By Tareq El Hilou, Eyad Kourdi, Ibrahim Dahman, Abeer Salman and Sana Noor Haq, CNN (CNN) A newborn baby froze to death in a tent encampment in Al-Mawasi, in southern Gaza, on Wednesday, highlighting the stark challenges to survival faced by Palestinian children displaced from their homes amid Israel’s ongoing assault on the strip. Sela Mahmoud Al-Fasih “froze to death from the extreme cold” in Al-Mawasi, Dr. Munir Al-Bursh, the director general of the Ministry of Health in Gaza, posted on X on Wednesday. In the past 48 hours, Al-Fasih and at least two other infants – a three-day-old and a one-month-old – have died from low temperatures and a lack of access to warm shelter, Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, the head of pediatrics and obstetrics at Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, told CNN. Full story: BBC -- 2024-12-26

Many Kyiv residents sheltered in metro stations// Reuters Sofia Ferreira Santos in London and Will Vernon in Kyiv BBC News Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia made a "conscious choice" by launching a major attack on his country's energy infrastructure on Christmas Day. Ukraine's air force said it had detected 184 missiles and drones, but many were shot down or missed their targets. It said there were casualties from the strikes but gave no figures. Moscow confirmed the attack and said its goal had been achieved. Full story: BBC -- 2024-12-26

Sofia Ferreira Santos & Konul Khalilova BBC News Dozens of people have died after a passenger plane crashed with 69 people on board in Kazakhstan, local officials say. Kazakh authorities said 38 people were killed in the crash, while the remainder survived. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 caught fire as it attempted to make an emergency landing near the Kazakh city of Aktau. The plane was en route to Grozny in Russia but it was diverted due to fog, the airline told the BBC. Footage shows the aircraft heading towards the ground at high speed with its landing gear down, before bursting into flames as it lands. Full story: BBC -- 2024-12-26

Council of State Declares Kittiratt Unqualified as BOT Board Chairman Picture courtesy: Naew Na In a recent development that has raised eyebrows across Thailand's financial and political sectors, the Council of State has ruled Kittiratt Na-Ranong unsuitable to serve as board chairman of the Bank of Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347108-council-of-state-declares-kittiratt-unqualified-as-bot-board-chairman/

Picture courtesy: Naew Na In a recent development that has raised eyebrows across Thailand's financial and political sectors, the Council of State has ruled Kittiratt Na-Ranong unqualified to serve as board chairman of the Bank of Thailand. The decision comes amidst concerns regarding his previous role as an advisor to former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a position deemed political, despite Kittiratt reportedly not receiving any remuneration. The announcement relayed by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has thrown the Ministry into a search for a new candidate to assume one of the nation’s pivotal financial oversight roles. Until a suitable replacement is found, Paramethi Wimonsiri, whose term as chairman concluded on 11 September, will continue to serve in an acting capacity. Kittiratt’s nomination, supported by a selection committee led by former Finance Secretary Sathit Limpongpan, initially positioned him as the preferred candidate. However, this sudden turn of events underscores the delicate balance between political association and institutional independence within the Thai government’s financial sectors. The disqualification has garnered a response from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who implied that the procedural integrity must be maintained, though refraining from delving into specifics. This reserved stance reflects the gravity with which the Thai leadership is treating the situation, understanding the critical implications for both policy stability and public confidence. The nomination drawn from Kittiratt’s extensive background was met with strong dissent from various academia and former employees within the Central Bank. Among the vocal critics were four previous governors, underscoring fears that his close ties with the Pheu Thai party could be perceived as compromising the Bank’s essential autonomy. They argue that the central bank’s independence is vital for unbiased monetary policy decisions, which would be at risk should politically affiliated figures assume control. This unstable situation not only places Kittiratt under a harsh public spotlight but also puts into focus the often intricate web of influence between Thailand’s political apparatus and financial institutions. With this decision, the Council of State has aimed to reiterate the importance of ensuring those in pivotal financial positions are beyond the shadow of political influence, safeguarding the nation’s economic integrity. In the wake of these developments, the Ministry of Finance faces mounting pressure to identify a chairman who can assure both competency and neutrality, reported Thai PBS. -- 2024-12-25

Foreign man assaults Pattaya transwoman over noise dispute by Petch Petpailin Photo via YouTube/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 A foreign man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman on Sunday, December 22, following an alleged dispute over a loud noise caused by the victim in an apartment in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347025-foreign-man-assaults-pattaya-transwoman-over-noise-dispute/

Photo via YouTube/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 by Petch Petpailin A foreign man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman on Sunday, December 22, following an alleged dispute over a loud noise caused by the victim in an apartment in Pattaya. A group of Thai transwomen alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the apartment on Pattaya Sai 3 Road, Banglamung district after one of their friends was assaulted. Police arrived at the scene accompanied by Sawang Borribun Dhammastan Pattaya Foundation rescuers. Upon arrival, officers found the group gathered around their injured friend, 30 year old Em, who sustained bruises during the altercation. She requested to be taken to the hospital for a medical examination. The foreign attacker was not present at the scene. According to Em, the attacker returned to his room following the assault. The victim’s friend, Bew, revealed that a group of Indian tourists hired them to work as party entertainers at the apartment. While waiting to receive their payment, the group became loud due to intoxication, which angered the foreign resident living nearby. The foreign man reportedly left his room and engaged in a heated argument with Em. Bew rerecorded the encounter as evidence of the assault, she stated. Photo via Channel 8 The video allegedly shows the foreigner approaching Em and instructing her to lower her voice before suddenly pushing her to the ground with force. Channel 8 reported that the apartment management did not permit rescuers to enter the premises to provide first aid to the injured transwoman, forcing her to walk outside to receive treatment. The management also downplayed the incident, claiming it was not serious as Em only sustained minor injuries. Photo via Channel 8 The foreign attacker refused to speak to the media and remained in his apartment following the incident. No legal charges have yet been reported against him. Under Section 295 of the Criminal Code, if convicted, the attacker could face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both for physically assaulting another person. In a related story, a Thai transwoman and a foreign man got into a physical altercation at a hotel in Phuket last month. The foreigner initially hired the transsexual to spend time with him at the hotel, thinking she was a woman. After discovering her true gender, the foreigner refused to provide the service and also refused to compensate her for wasting her time as she requested, leading to the altercation. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-24

Phuket’s traffic revolution: New roads to transform island travel by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Phuket News Phuket is gearing up for a major infrastructure facelift with a slew of secondary road developments aimed at easing traffic woes and boosting tourism. Officials unveiled the ambitious plan at a press conference chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat at Provincial Hall on Friday, December 20, showcasing a roadmap for smoother travel and economic growth. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347022-phuket’s-traffic-revolution-new-roads-to-transform-island-travel/

Photo courtesy of The Phuket News by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Phuket is gearing up for a major infrastructure facelift with a slew of secondary road developments aimed at easing traffic woes and boosting tourism. Officials unveiled the ambitious plan at a press conference chaired by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwanarat at Provincial Hall on Friday, December 20, showcasing a roadmap for smoother travel and economic growth. Jakkrapong Thamuntree, Director of Phuket’s Department of Rural Roads (DRR), revealed that 20 rural roads spanning 126 kilometres(km) have been earmarked for upgrades under the Phuket Provincial Development Plan. These projects promise better access to top tourist destinations, piers, and local landmarks. “The initiative will improve convenience, speed, and safety for travellers, elevate road safety standards, and reinforce Phuket’s reputation as a premier international tourist destination.” Key projects include: Rural Road 4018 (13.2km): Links to Nai Thon, Banana, and Layan Beaches. Rural Road 4055 (2.9km): Connects to Patong Beach and Bangla Walking Street. Rural Road 4038 (7.8km): Leads to Bang Wad Dam. Rural Road 3030 (10.6km): Enhances travel from the airport to Patong via Baan Kathu. Rural Road 4027 (2.5km): Access to Nai Yang National Park. Rural Road 4009 (2.7km): Rawai Beach to Laem Phromthep. Pier connection roads, like Rural Road 4005 (9.5km to Laem Sai Pier), are also prioritised. This year, 190.7 million baht has been allocated for 31 projects, with an additional 136 million planned for 2025, reported The Phuket News. Governor Sophon stressed that these developments are vital for Phuket’s long-term sustainability, saying they’ll “enhance infrastructure while driving economic growth.” Photo courtesy of The Phuket News In related news, a video clip sparking safety concerns has taken social media by storm, showing a lorry missing a wheel and with a bulging tyre, driving along Thep Kasattri Road, in Thalang, Phuket. Shared by a popular local social media page, the 27-second video amassed significant attention and stirred a variety of reactions online. In other news, in a proactive move to address complaints over potentially dangerous road conditions, Pattaya City Council member Wutthithorn Saengurai inspected an ongoing road project on Sukhumvit Road near the South Pattaya intersection on November 14. Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-12-24

NIDA Poll Reveals Public Fatigue in 2024 Picture: National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) Poll Center has released the results of its annual survey, titled “What Have You Been Tired of in 2024?” The survey, conducted from December 16 to 18, included 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above from diverse regions, educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels across Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347018-nida-poll-reveals-public-fatigue-in-2024/

Picture: National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) BANGKOK -The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) Poll Center has released the results of its annual survey, titled “What Have You Been Tired of in 2024?” The survey, conducted from December 16 to 18, included 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above from diverse regions, educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels across Thailand. When asked about their overall happiness, 39.92% of respondents reported feeling fairly happy, citing personal contentment, smooth work lives, and minimal obstacles. A smaller group, 18.17%, described themselves as very happy, attributing this to good health and a lack of major concerns. However, 32.52% said they were not very happy due to financial pressures from rising living costs and political uncertainties, while 9.39% stated they were not happy at all, blaming economic struggles, mounting debt, and everyday hardships. Economic challenges emerged as the dominant source of frustration for 52.14% of respondents, who cited declining income and reduced quality of life as key issues. Concerns over cybersecurity, such as scam call centers, data breaches, and online fraud, affected 28.09% of respondents. Political instability, both inside and outside Parliament, was a concern for 27.86%, while 21.60% expressed fatigue over the ongoing drug epidemic. High energy prices, environmental issues, health concerns, crime, and agricultural product prices were also cited as sources of stress by a smaller yet notable proportion of respondents. Despite these frustrations, 12.75% of respondents reported no feelings of fatigue, reflecting a sense of resilience among the public. However, societal conflicts, corruption, traffic congestion, judicial inequities, and global tensions added to the overall landscape of challenges identified in the survey (NNT). -- 2024-12-24

Thailand Plans to Cut Armed Forces, Senior Roles Halved in Overhaul FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand is set for a strategic military overhaul as the Defence Council sanctioned a comprehensive white paper outlining plans to significantly trim the armed forces and curtail defence spending. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347016-thailand-plans-to-cut-armed-forces-senior-roles-halved-in-overhaul/

FILE photo courtesy: Wikipedia Thailand is set for a strategic military overhaul as the Defence Council sanctioned a comprehensive white paper outlining plans to significantly trim the armed forces and curtail defence spending. This initiative, reviewed at the year's last meeting under Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, paves the way for substantial organisational restructuring aimed at bolstering efficiency and aligning with national strategies. Spearheading this reform is a strategic roadmap stretching from 2026 to 2037, intending to synchronise efforts across various military departments under a single cohesive vision. "Each agency progresses in its strategic planning, but unification under a national strategy is crucial for effective downsizing," Phumtham remarked, underscoring the commitment to a streamlined military apparatus. A pivotal component of this restructuring involves the amendment of the Defence Act, originally drafted under the guidance of former defence minister Sutin Klungsang. After receiving initial feedback, this legislative piece is poised for refinement before making its way back to the Defence Council, subsequently moving to the cabinet for approval and thereafter the House for proposal. To ensure seamless execution, the Deputy Defence Minister and Defence Permanent Secretary have been tasked with overseeing the enactment of these plans. In a broader context, the council also affirmed Thailand's neutral stance on global issues, reinforcing national interests as paramount. Discussions touched upon modernising voluntary enlistment processes and amplifying disaster rescue operations, aligning defence capabilities with contemporary needs. Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Thanathip Sawangsaeng highlighted that the white paper serves as a foundational framework designed to foster improved military preparedness and internal cohesion. It will guide units in shaping their operational strategies and cultivating a deeper understanding of their roles. Already, the reduction of military personnel has begun, with a targeted 5% downscaling scheduled for completion by 2027. A significant thrust of the plan is the introduction of early retirement programmes aimed at halving the number of generals in specialist roles and officers at operational levels by 2028. This reshuffle is expected to optimise human resources, ensure mission alignment, and adapt to current threat landscapes. In response to these changes, adjustments will be made to educational intake and conscription levels to better reflect contemporary military demands. Notably, there will be a shift towards hiring voluntary recruits for combat and support roles, effectively recalibrating the composition of force personnel whilst potentially offsetting reductions in traditional military figures. These transformative steps reflect Thailand's dedication to reinforcing defence efficiency and future-readiness, establishing a balanced and resilient military stance amidst evolving regional dynamics, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-12-24

Suspect's Family Offers Million-Baht Bribe for Heroin Dealer's Release Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Authorities have apprehended the mother-in-law and wife of a heroin dealer in Kanchanaburi after they attempted to bribe officials with a million baht to secure his release. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347015-suspects-family-offers-million-baht-bribe-for-heroin-dealers-release/