BANGKOK – The World Bank has released a report in October, revising down its economic growth forecast for Thailand this year to 3.4%, reflecting a slower recovery compared to other countries in the ASEAN region.

 

World Bank Downgrades Thai Economic Growth Forecast

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308171-world-bank-downgrades-thai-economic-growth-forecast/

Midnight mayhem: Drunk passenger attack on Thai taxi driver leads to electrifying collision
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo: KhaoSod.

 

During the early hours of today, a drunk passenger attacked a taxi driver, leading to a collision with an electricity pole in Samut Prakan province. The incident occurred on Thepparat Road, Bang Kaew district, where the intoxicated passenger was found unconscious with blood seeping from his ear.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308145-midnight-mayhem-drunk-passenger-attack-on-thai-taxi-driver-leads-to-electrifying-collision/

Thailand Wrestles with the Ripple Effects of Cannabis Decriminalisation
By Adam Judd

 

 

As the fragrant tendrils of cannabis intertwine with the spicy scents of Thailand’s famed street markets, the nation finds itself entwined in a knotty debate over the recent decriminalisation of the much-maligned plant.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308180-thailand-wrestles-with-the-ripple-effects-of-cannabis-decriminalisation/

 

South African-Thai Woman Crowned Miss Thailand World 2023
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

PHOTO: Miss Thailand World

Thailand – Tharina Botes, a 26-year-old South African-Thai woman was crowned Miss Thailand World 2023.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308181-south-african-thai-woman-crowned-miss-thailand-world-2023/

 

Lottery Chaos: Couple With Winning Number Fails To Get 30 Million Baht
by TNR Staff

 

Mobile phone chat between the lottery buyer and seller. Photo: Sanook.com

 

A COUPLE filed a police report against an online lottery vendor after the number on five tickets they had ordered but did not received, 727202, turned out to be the first prize winner in Sunday’s draw, with the total payout being whooping 30 million baht, Sanook.com said today (Oct. 2).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308182-lottery-chaos-couple-with-winning-number-fails-to-get-30-million-baht/

 

Chiang Mai school cancels controversial 2000 baht fine for exam failures
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash.

 

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between a teacher and students in a Chiang Mai secondary school, which required students to pay a fine of 2,000 baht per credit if they failed or scored zero in exams, has been scrapped.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308183-chiang-mai-school-cancels-controversial-2000-baht-fine-for-exam-failures/

 

Royal Thai Police chief unveils merit-based appointment plans in bid for unity
by Samantha Rose

 

Photo taken from KhaoSod English.

 

The National Police Chief recently addressed the issues within the Royal Thai Police in an interview on Inside Thailand. Police chief Torasak Sukwimon revealed plans for a merit-based system for appointing and transferring police generals, aiming to foster unity within the force.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308184-royal-thai-police-chief-unveils-merit-based-appointment-plans-in-bid-for-unity/

 

"Big Joke" silent on "Big Surprise" scheduled for October 5

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Deputy National Police Chief Surachet Hakpal, popularly known as "Big Joke," made an unexpected move by refusing to grant an interview to the media.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308185-big-joke-silent-on-big-surprise-scheduled-for-october-5/

 

Miraculous Escape: Truck’s Detached Wheel Causes Havoc

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

On the evening of October 2nd, a chaotic scene unfolded on Route 314 between Chachoengsao and Bang Pakong, when a large wheel detached from a moving truck, wreaking havoc but miraculously resulting in no injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308186-miraculous-escape-truck’s-detached-wheel-causes-havoc/

 

Plodprasop Warns of Recurrent Floods Due to Failed Management Strategies

 

 

Plodprasop , a prominent figure in Thailand’s flood management scene, has issued a stern warning regarding the repeated occurrences of devastating floods, attributing these crises to failed management services.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308187-plodprasop-warns-of-recurrent-floods-due-to-failed-management-strategies/

 

Flu outbreak sweeps Thailand: OCP9 reminds ‘mask up’ to stay well
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Photo: KhaoSod.

 

Thailand is grappling with a severe flu outbreak, with tens of thousands of patients reported in the past two months. The Office for Disease Control and Prevention 9 in Nakhon Ratchasima (OCP9) urges everyone to intensify precautionary measures and to continue wearing masks.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308190-flu-outbreak-sweeps-thailand-ocp9-reminds-‘mask-up’-to-stay-well/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 3 October 2023
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308191-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-3-october-2023/

 

Flights from China to Thailand almost full amid visa waivers, Thai Airways says

The airline says it’s seen ‘significant growth in terms of Chinese traffic’ since visa rules for visitors from China were temporarily relaxed

Tourism-dependent Thailand is banking on Chinese visitors to lead a spending recovery as it tweaks policies and adds new airport infrastructure

 

A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER takes off from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The airline says it plans to increase its flights to five Chinese cities to 56, up from 49 a week, starting on December 1. Photo: Reuters

 

Flights from China to Thailand have been more than 90 per cent full, Thai Airways International Pcl says, after Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy temporarily relaxed visa rules for visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308200-flights-from-china-to-thailand-almost-full-amid-visa-waivers-thai-airways-says/

 

Lisa from BLACKPINK wows Paris with a ‘crazy’ cabaret act, controversy and sizzling moves
by Atima Homtientong

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod.

 

Lisa Manobal, better known as Lisa from BLACKPINK, concluded her headline performance at the renowned Parisian cabaret, Crazy Horse Paris, between September 28 and 30, leaving audiences awestruck with her sultry dance moves.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308207-lisa-from-blackpink-wows-paris-with-a-‘crazy’-cabaret-act-controversy-and-sizzling-moves/

 

Creative nurse channels inner monk to prevent patient’s escape in Thailand
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ป๊อแป๊ะ ดอกไม้สด

 

A Thai nurse at Aranya Prathet Hospital in Sa Kaeo donned a monk robe to prevent a psychiatric patient from escaping to make merit with a monk.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308208-creative-nurse-channels-inner-monk-to-prevent-patient’s-escape-in-thailand/

 

UPDATE:

 

Yom River banks breach in northern Thailand, leaves 500+ homes flooded

by Atima Homtientong

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post.

 

The Sukhothai province in Thailand experienced intense flooding when the banks of the Yom River broke on Monday, leading to over 500 households in the commercial district becoming inundated. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308088-rising-water-in-chao-phraya-increasing-flood-risk-in-ayutthaya-and-ang-thong-this-week/?do=findComment&comment=18392063

 

Thai PM Srettha urges military to trade arms for aid in 2024
by  Atima Homtientong

 

Picture courtesy of MRG Online

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin urged the military to postpone their plans to procure weapons for 2024 in a bid to divert funds towards aiding the nation’s needy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308210-thai-pm-srettha-urges-military-to-trade-arms-for-aid-in-2024/

 

Thai GDP revised, 2 dead bodies found in container : Tim Newton Today - Oct 3

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308211-thai-gdp-revised-2-dead-bodies-found-in-container-tim-newton-today-oct-3/

 

Aid Dispatched to Flood Victims

by Woraprat Lerpaisal

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - In response to the escalating flood crisis affecting multiple provinces, the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has activated a high-priority directive aimed at coordinating a comprehensive response effort.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308213-aid-dispatched-to-flood-victims/

 

Thailand Eyes Leadership in Growing Halal and Future Food Industries
by Woraprat Lerpaisal

 

In response to the surging global demand for Halal products and the dynamic landscape of future foods, Thailand is strategically positioning itself as a central figure in these rapidly evolving sectors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308214-thailand-eyes-leadership-in-growing-halal-and-future-food-industries/

 

September tourist arrivals in Phuket drop to 2023 low

By Peter Roche

 

PHOTO: Sunset at Phromthep Cape in Phuket

The month of September saw a massive drop off of tourism arrivals into Phuket, especially Chinese visitors. September, reliably the lowest month for tourism on the island, delivered a 242,780 visitors compared with 309,253 the month before.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308215-september-tourist-arrivals-in-phuket-drop-to-2023-low/

 

Heavy rain warning: Thailand braces for flash floods as 44 provinces drenched, eastern region bears brunt
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of Mike Behnken/flickr.

 

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a heavy rain warning and flash floods in 44 provinces. The eastern region is expected to be the hardest hit, with 80% of the area likely to face heavy downpours.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308216-heavy-rain-warning-thailand-braces-for-flash-floods-as-44-provinces-drenched-eastern-region-bears-brunt/

 

PM Srettha aims to lift Thailand to upper-income status in four-year soar
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo: by Srettha Thavisin, on Facebook

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced ambitious plans to elevate Thailand to an upper-income nation within the next four years.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308217-pm-srettha-aims-to-lift-thailand-to-upper-income-status-in-four-year-soar/

 

Maya Bay welcomes back tourists after two-month break

By Peter Roche

 

PHOTO: Facebook/อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดนพรัตน์ธารา-หมู่เกาะพีพี

Both Thai and foreign visitors are returning to Krabi’s Maya Bay after the popular tourism spot re-opened on Sunday, October 1. Maya Bay, located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, was closed for two months to allow the ecosystem to recover – now an annual two month break designated by the marine national park.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308218-maya-bay-welcomes-back-tourists-after-two-month-break/

 

Thyroid-stricken Thai police officer gifted renovated home by superior amidst financial struggle
by Atima Homtientong

 

Picture courtesy of Sanook.

 

A 53 year old Thai police officer Boonhiang, from the Samut Songkhram Police Station, who is currently suffering from an enlarged thyroid, was found living in a dilapidated home, leading his superior to help him find a new place to live and support him financially.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308221-thyroid-stricken-thai-police-officer-gifted-renovated-home-by-superior-amidst-financial-struggle/

 

Taxi turmoil: Thai woman cries foul as Bolt taxi charges 1,350 baht for 30 minute trip in Bangkok
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo by Mentozs Sys via Unsplash.

 

Another day in Big Mango, another story of a bad boy Bangkok taxi driver ripping off a customer, this time a Thai woman was ripped off by Bolt Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308225-taxi-turmoil-thai-woman-cries-foul-as-bolt-taxi-charges-1350-baht-for-30-minute-trip-in-bangkok/

 

Nationwide cuts on products and services to boost Thailand economy

by Ales Morgan

 

Photo: by Vecstock, on Freepik.

 

A nationwide price reduction on over 150,000 products and services, ranging up to an 87% discount, has been declared with immediate effect in Thailand until the end of December.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308226-nationwide-cuts-on-products-and-services-to-boost-thailand-economy/

 

Bangkok slum advocates unite: Demand for affordable housing echoes on World Habitat Day
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo: by Four Regions Slum Network, on Facebook.

 

Advocates from the Four Regions Slum Network approached Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, demanding immediate action to alleviate the city’s affordable housing crisis for its underprivileged citizens.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308228-bangkok-slum-advocates-unite-demand-for-affordable-housing-echoes-on-world-habitat-day/

 

Laid to rest: Thai authorities bury 4.5 million kg of illicit pork
by Atima Homtientong

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Department of Livestock Development, along with other key agencies, has begun the process of burying over 4.5 million kilogrammes of illicit pork, seized at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308229-laid-to-rest-thai-authorities-bury-45-million-kg-of-illicit-pork/

 

Cha-Am: Stranded False Killer Whale Rescued

 

 

PHETCHABURI, Oct 3 (TNA) – The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has come to the aid of a stranded false killer whale at a beach in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1308230-cha-am-stranded-false-killer-whale-rescued/