UPDATE:

 

Amid risk of epidemic, WHO urges Thai hospitals to step up monitoring during Chinese New Year

By The Nation

 

 

The new Coronavirus 2019 could be transmitted from human to human with the danger of the epidemic spreading to other areas, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned on Wednesday (January 15). 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143302-who-says-new-china-virus-could-spread-its-warning-all-hospitals/?do=findComment&comment=14957305

 

Nok Air expects to raise Bt2.2 billion from rights issue next month

By THE NATION

 

 

Nok Air aims to raise Bt2.2 billion through a rights share issue, the company’s shareholders decided on Tuesday (January 14).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143397-nok-air-expects-to-raise-bt22-billion-from-rights-issue-next-month/

 

Action needed now to save "filthy, dangerous, rip-off, vice ridden" Pattaya, says watchdog

 

File photo

 

Pattaya Watchdog have slammed the resort for doing nothing to improve its infrastructure and image. They said it may already be too late to save Pattaya but action is needed now. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143400-action-needed-now-to-save-filthy-dangerous-rip-off-vice-ridden-pattaya-says-watchdog/

 

Video: Airport thief who stole at Super Rich booth gives himself up

 

 

Police and authorities at Suvarnabhumi airport have announced the arrest of a thief who stole a wallet that fell from a tourist's bag in the queue to exchange money at the Super Rich booth by the airport link on Friday night.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143401-video-airport-thief-who-stole-at-super-rich-booth-gives-himself-up/

 

Devastation but the driver walked away from this! Thais want to know what amulet he had

 

Picture: Sanook

 

A picture posted online by a fireman in Kanchanaburi had netizens shaking their heads in disbelief. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143403-devastation-but-the-driver-walked-away-from-this-thais-want-to-know-what-amulet-he-had/

 

Student, 24, arrested for violent robberies, holding meat cleaver to 10-year-old girl's throat

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Paphawin Phonphakdee, 24, is questioned at Phuket Provincial Police Station yesterday (Jan 14). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET: A 24-year-old Phuket student has been arrested for robbing a 77-year-old man of a gold necklace and an amulet in an attack on Monday that saw the elderly man stabbed twice in the hand with a screwdriver.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143404-student-24-arrested-for-violent-robberies-holding-meat-cleaver-to-10-year-old-girls-throat/

 

Cabinet allows greater imports of potatoes, onions from Australia, New Zealand under trade pacts

By THE NATION

 

 

The Cabinet has approved regulations for the import of onions and potatoes as well as their seeds from Australia and New Zealand on a free-trade basis, Government Deputy Spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said on Tuesday (January 14).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143405-cabinet-allows-greater-imports-of-potatoes-onions-from-australia-new-zealand-under-trade-pacts/

 

Lopburi robber: Related to influential local, needed money for football gambling debt, say sources

 

Thai caption: Related to someone of influence

Picture: Sanook

 

Thai media Sanook said that their sources indicated that the callous robber that stole from a gold shop in Lopburi on Thursday night shooting three people dead is related to an influential local person. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143406-lopburi-robber-related-to-influential-local-needed-money-for-football-gambling-debt-say-sources/

 

Power outage to affect Nai Yang

By The Phuket News

 

The area at Nai Yang to be affected by the power outage tomorrow (Jan 16). Image: PEA

 

PHUKET: The Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has announced that the electricity supply will be temporarily shut off in parts of Sakoo tomorrow (Jan 16) as work is carried out on installing new high-voltage cables.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143408-power-outage-to-affect-nai-yang/

 

Suphanburi offers reward for tip-off on burning of sugarcane farms

By The Nation

 

File photo

 

The Suphanburi provincial authority is offering a reward of Bt100,000 to anyone who gives a tip-off about sugar cane fields being burned while other province administrations have also stepped up efforts to curb air pollution during the harvesting time.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143410-suphanburi-offers-reward-for-tip-off-on-burning-of-sugarcane-farms/

 

Future Forward pushes proposal to end ‘monopoly’ in spirits industry 

By The Nation

 

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit

 

Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit presented on Tuesday the first draft of the “Progressive Breweries and Distilleries Act” at a press conference, aimed at reducing the "monopoly" of a few big groups in the spirits industry.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143413-future-forward-pushes-proposal-to-end-‘monopoly’-in-spirits-industry/

 

Thai lottery winner went berserk on Ya Ba and gambling - wrecked his mum's house

 

Picture: PPTV

 

Thai TV reported on the case of a man in Sisaket in the north east of Thailand who won 6 million baht in the national lottery in May. 

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143414-thai-lottery-winner-went-berserk on-ya-ba-and-gambling-wrecked-his-mums-house/

 

Thai troops given the nod for cadet courses in Russia

By The Nation

 

 

The Cabinet has approved a plan to send Thai troops to study cadet courses in Russia after President Vladimir Putin considered Thailand a friendly country that can receive scholarships.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143415-thai-troops-given-the-nod-for-cadet-courses-in-russia/

 

Buddhism office ex-chief could not explain ownership of property worth over half a billion: NACC

 

 

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC)’s secretary-general, Worawit Sukboon, revealed on Wednesday (January 15) that Nopparat Benjawatananun was investigated by the NACC after he was a suspect in corruption cases during 2014 to 2015, when he was the office director.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143428-buddhism-office-ex-chief-could-not-explain-ownership-of-property-worth-over-half-a-billion-nacc/

 

Mekong River levels in Nong Khai continue to drop

By THE NATION

 

 

The level of the Mekong River in Nong Khai province has plummeted below the bank by 11.34 metres, according to the Hydrological Division of the province on Wednesday (January 15).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143429-mekong-river-levels-in-nong-khai-continue-to-drop/

 

UPDATE:

 

Briton,Thai nabbed for selling fake watches

By THE NATION

 

 

A British national, Mark Peter D. and a Thai, Wirat Buaraem, were arrested on Tuesday (January 14) for allegedly selling 52 counterfeit watches of luxury brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillipe and Cartier, said Pol Col Dulyapat Techapornchayasin, commander of Provincial Police Region 2 (Chonburi).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143361-british-expat-arrested-for-selling-counterfeit-watches-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=14958371

 

Thursday’s smog outlook for Bangkok worst so far 

By The Nation

 

 

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang has relayed a warning from the Pollution Control Department that the level of harmful PM2.5 dust particles in the city’s air will hit a seasonal peak during evening rush hour on Thursday (January 16).

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143443-thursday’s-smog-outlook-for-bangkok-worst-so-far/

 

Prime chance to see thrilling Kanchanaburi caves

By THE NATION

 

 

Two scenic caves in Kanchanaburi – one with colossal stalagmites – will be open to visitors from February 29 to May 4, but you need to register in advance by phone and be able to swim.

 

Full story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143445-prime-chance-to-see-thrilling-kanchanaburi-caves/

 

Thailand's tourist arrivals may grow less than 5% this year - industry body

By Satawasin Staporncharnchai

 

 

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand is expected to see a less than 5% increase in overall foreign tourist arrivals this year due to a global economic slowdown, intensifying competition and a strong currency baht <THB=TH>, a tourism body said on Wednesday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143465-thailands-tourist-arrivals-may-grow-less-than-5-this-year-industry-body/

 

Vietjet Air launches direct air route between HCM City and Pattaya

 

 

VIETNAM (VOV)- The low-cost carrier Vietjet Air have recently opened a direct air route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Pattaya in Thailand, with four return flights per week.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143468-vietjet-air-launches-direct-air-route-between-hcm-city-and-pattaya/

 

U.S., China set to sign massive purchases deal, easing trade war

By David Lawder

 

FILE PHOTO: Chinese and U.S. flags are set up for a meeting during a visit by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao at China's Ministry of Transport in Beijing, China April 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S.-China trade war is set to enter a new, quieter phase on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He sign an initial trade deal that aims to vastly increase Chinese purchases of U.S. manufactured products, agricultural goods, energy and services.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143469-us-china-set-to-sign-massive-purchases-deal-easing-trade-war/

 

Iran rejects idea of a new 'Trump deal' in nuclear row

By Parisa Hafezi

 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks during the cabinet meeting in Tehran, Iran, January 15, 2020. Official President website/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

 

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani dismissed on Wednesday a proposal for a new “Trump deal” aimed at resolving a nuclear row, saying it was a “strange” offer and criticising U.S. President Donald Trump for always breaking promises.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143472-iran-rejects-idea-of-a-new-trump-deal-in-nuclear-row/

 

Navy's submarine-purchase plan to go ahead

By The Nation

 

 

Royal Thai Navy's submarine purchase plan is on track following Cabinet's approval of its fiscal 2020 budget, said Commander in Chief Admiral Luechai Ruddit on Wednesday (Jan 15). 

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143473-navys-submarine-purchase-plan-to-go-ahead/

 

Bangkok cops get serious about polluters

By The Nation

 

 

Motorists whose vehicles exhaust is contributing to the PM2.5 dust pollution that has Bangkok wheezing can expect to get leaned on more heavily by the Royal Thai Police.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143474-bangkok-cops-get-serious-about-polluters/

 

Australian student expelled from North Korea says he was kidnapped from dorm

By Hyonhee Shin

 

FILE PHOTO: Australian student Alek Sigley, who was detained in North Korea, arrives at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, Japan July 4, 2019. REUTERS/Issei Kato

 

SEOUL (Reuters) - An Australian student who was briefly detained in North Korea last year over spy charges said he had been kidnapped by secret police and forced to make a false confession, according to an article written by him and seen by Reuters on Wednesday.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143475-australian-student-expelled-from-north-korea-says-he-was-kidnapped-from-dorm/

 

Stephen King criticised over 'painful' Oscars diversity comments

 

Author Stephen King has said 'quality' is the only thing that matters when it comes to Oscar nominees

 

Stephen King has come under fire after saying the issue of diversity should not be a factor for Oscar voters.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143476-stephen-king-criticised-over-painful-oscars-diversity-comments/

 

Slaves, nannies, and maids: Oscars value women of colour – in subservient roles

By Beatrice Loayza

 

Difficult for (white) conscience to ignore … Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in Harriet. Photograph: Glen Wilson/AP

 

For Oscar voters, what makes a great performance has disturbingly narrow criteria for non-white performers.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143477-slaves-nannies-and-maids-oscars-value-women-of-colour-–-in-subservient-roles/

 

Billie Eilish to sing the new James Bond theme

By Mark Savage

 

Billie Eilish was four years old when Daniel Craig first played James Bond in Casino Royale

 

Pop star Billie Eilish has recorded the title track for the new James Bond film, No Time To Die.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143479-billie-eilish-to-sing-the-new-james-bond-theme/

 

Chinese tourist nanny drowns in Phuket villa swimming pool as child looks on

By Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Tourist Police question Ms Wang's friends at Thalang Hospital. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

 

PHUKET:-- Police have yet to reveal what led to a Chinese nanny looking after a young girl in a rented villa swimming pool to drown while the girl remained floating in an inflatable ring just metres away.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143488-chinese-tourist-nanny-drowns-in-phuket-villa-swimming-pool-as-child-looks-on/

 

Phuket PWA receives B406.9mn for projects to solve water problems

By The Phuket News

 

Bang Neow Dam reservoir in Srisoonthorn pictured last week. Photo: Supplied

 

PHUKET:-- Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana today (Jan 15) announced that the Phuket Provincial Office has received a budget of B406.9 million to solve the island’s problems of running out of water supply.

 

Full Story: https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1143490-phuket-pwa-receives-b4069mn-for-projects-to-solve-water-problems/