THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 14 December 2023

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Phuket tourism officials are planning a series of roadshows in the Middle East, in a bid to attract more visitors from the region. Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, says tourism promotion roadshows are heading to Saudi Arabia and Oman, following a surge in visitors from both countries.

 

Phuket officials target Middle East with tourism roadshows

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314246-phuket-officials-target-middle-east-with-tourism-roadshows/

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Thai economy navigating a maze of challenges

 

Keeping economic activities open while whittling down the number of COVID-19 cases will be a major task before the authorities in 2022. (Photo by Dan Freeman)

 

The government recently sent a letter to the Council of State, its legal advisor, seeking its opinion on the proposed 500-billion-baht borrowing plan to fund the digital wallet scheme.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314238-thai-economy-navigating-a-maze-of-challenges/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Possible charges loom for hospital following death of Taiwanese tourist

 

 

The Health Service Support Department will propose tomorrow, that Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew file charges against a private hospital for refusing emergency treatment to a seriously injured Taiwanese tourist, who died during transfer to another hospital.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314240-taiwan-seeking-answers-over-hit-and-run-death-in-bangkok/?do=findComment&comment=18550700

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Corrections Dept Told To Transfer Thaksin From Police Hospital To Army Barracks
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

 

THE CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT was today (Dec.13) suggested to transfer de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra from Police Hospital to army barracks.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314257-corrections-dept-told-to-transfer-thaksin-from-police-hospital-to-army-barracks/

 

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Gastronomic diversity shines: Thailand gains 2 new 2-star and 6 one-star restaurants in the 2024 Michelin Guide

 

 

Of the 35 Michelin-starred restaurants, Thailand has welcomed two new two-star and six additional one-star restaurants in the 2024 Michelin Guide Thailand edition, which consists of 447 food establishments: seven with two Michelin Stars, 28 with one Michelin star, 196 Bib Gourmand, and 216 Michelin Selected venues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314258-gastronomic-diversity-shines-thailand-gains-2-new-2-star-and-6-one-star-restaurants-in-the-2024-michelin-guide/

 

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PM Dampens Speculation About Democrats Joining Coalition
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Matichon

 

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin today (Dec.13) dampened speculation that the Democrats might possibly skip over from the Move Forward-led opposition bloc to the Pheu Thai-led coalition government sooner or later.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314259-pm-dampens-speculation-about-democrats-joining-coalition/

 

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Journalist Seriously Injured After Getting Blasted by Shotgun in Pattaya
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Pattaya-A shooting incident occurred in Pattaya yesterday morning, leaving a journalist seriously injured.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314261-journalist-seriously-injured-after-getting-blasted-by-shotgun-in-pattaya/

 

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Body Believed to Be a Foreigner Found Floating in the Sea off Karon, Phuket

By Goongnang Suksawat

 

PHOTO: Kusoldharm Foundation

 

Karon – A body which is believed to be that of a male foreigner was reportedly found floating in the sea off Karon.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314262-body-believed-to-be-a-foreigner-found-floating-in-the-sea-off-karon-phuket/

 

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Thai Police Seize Record 50 Million Amphetamine Pills in Kanchanaburi Drug Bust
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Kanchanaburi—At 3:30 PM, on December 12th, 2023, Thong Pha Phum police officers apprehended a couple smuggling amphetamine pills of over 50 million units through the Thong Pha Phum checkpoint in Kanchanaburi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314263-thai-police-seize-record-50-million-amphetamine-pills-in-kanchanaburi-drug-bust/

 

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Tourist Arrivals Soared Last Week Thanks To Jay Chou’s Concert
by TNR Staff

 

Mandopop star Jay Chou performing in Singapore last December. Photo: CNA

 

TOURIST arrivals increased significantly last week reaching 655,653 with there being a jump in holidaymakers from China who were drawn here by Taiwanese pop superstar Jay Chou’s concert, TV Channel 7 said today (Dec. 13).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314264-tourist-arrivals-soared-last-week-thanks-to-jay-chou’s-concert/

 

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Pattaya Gears Up for Grand Pattaya Countdown 2024 Celebration
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Pattaya — Pattaya city authorities arranged a readiness meeting in preparation for the upcoming “MONO29 Pattaya Countdown 2023” on December 13th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314265-pattaya-gears-up-for-grand-pattaya-countdown-2024-celebration/

 

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Fine Arts Dept wants speedy return of Thai artefacts from USA

 

 

The Thai government should expedite its efforts to retrieve Thai artefacts stolen from Si Thep historical park in Phetchabun province and currently held in the United States, said Phanombootra Chandrajoti, director general of the Fine Arts Department.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314266-fine-arts-dept-wants-speedy-return-of-thai-artefacts-from-usa/

 

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Healthcare revolution or expat confusion? Thai Minister unveils game-changing scheme
by Puntid Tantivangphaisa

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

In a move that promises to transform healthcare access for foreign nationals and the stateless, Thai Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew is set to launch a registration scheme on January 1 next year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314267-healthcare-revolution-or-expat-confusion-thai-minister-unveils-game-changing-scheme/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 14 December 2023

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314275-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-14-december-2023/

 

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Anutin Orders Strict New Year Road Safety Measures
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

In a bid to enhance road safety and mitigate accidents during the upcoming New Year celebrations, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) convened a national meeting of the Road Safety Policy Committee.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314270-anutin-orders-strict-new-year-road-safety-measures/

 

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Young transport worker dies in tragic roadside accident in Lampang
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic accident has taken a young private transport company worker’s life as he collided with an electricity pole on a roadside, his body flung into the dark forest, unseen by passersby. The incident occurred at 8.45pm yesterday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314276-young-transport-worker-dies-in-tragic-roadside-accident-in-lampang/

 

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Thai rice purity at risk due to popularity of foreign strains
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

Thai rice finds itself in a perilous position as the purity of its strains is at risk due to the rising popularity of foreign rice strains smuggled from neighbouring countries, warns the nation’s agriculture minister, Thammanat Prompow.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314277-thai-rice-purity-at-risk-due-to-popularity-of-foreign-strains/

 

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Illegal guns, not gun control laws, are the problem in Thailand
by Arun Saronchai
 

In addressing the issue of gun violence in Thailand, it’s essential to delve into the nuances and complexities of the problem.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314278-illegal-guns-not-gun-control-laws-are-the-problem-in-thailand/

 

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Thailand’s tourism authority plans strategy revamp to boost visitor spending
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting its sights on revamping its strategies to rejuvenate tourist spending, which has experienced a notable decline since the onset of the pandemic. Foreign tourists’ expenditure has dipped from an average of 50,000 baht to 42,000 baht (US$ 1,423 to 1,195).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314281-thailand’s-tourism-authority-plans-strategy-revamp-to-boost-visitor-spending/

 

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Thai woman manipulated by scammer into swindling her mother
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Channel 8

Police in the Isaan province of Ubon Ratchathani rescued a 21 year old Thai woman who was manipulated by a call centre scammer into swindling her mother out of 250,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314287-thai-woman-manipulated-by-scammer-into-swindling-her-mother/

 

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Minimum wage hikes unlikely to impact Thai goods pricing significantly
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Nutthawat Wicheanbut

The Commerce Ministry’s planning unit has weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding the impact of minimum wage increases on domestic goods and services, suggesting that such hikes are unlikely to significantly influence the pricing landscape.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314291-minimum-wage-hikes-unlikely-to-impact-thai-goods-pricing-significantly/

 

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Thai PM to advocate for national projects at ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit
by Mitch Connor

 

File photo. National News Bureau Thailand

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke announced that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will be representing Thailand at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Japan from today, December 14 until Monday, December 18.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314292-thai-pm-to-advocate-for-national-projects-at-asean-japan-commemorative-summit/

 

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“Please explain” - hospital that refused to treat foreigner, world's best cuisine - Tim Newton Today - Dec 14

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314294-“please-explain”-hospital-that-refused-to-treat-foreigner-worlds-best-cuisine-tim-newton-today-dec-14/

 

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Jodd Fairs Market Ordered to Close After Fire

 

 

BANGKOK, Dec 14 (TNA) – The Huai Khang district chief has ordered the closure of the Jodd Fairs market behind Central Plaza Rama 9 until renovations are completed to enhance safety.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314295-jodd-fairs-market-ordered-to-close-after-fire/

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Distressing discovery of abandoned fetus stuns Phuket neighbourhood
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Karon Police

In a quiet corner of Karon, Phuket, a distressing discovery was made yesterday. A five month old fetus was found abandoned on a vacant lot near Soi Green Drinking Water.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314296-distressing-discovery-of-abandoned-fetus-stuns-phuket-neighbourhood/

 

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NEPC plans to cap power tariff for Thai households at current rate
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

The National Energy Policy Council (NEPC), in its recent meeting, moved to limit the power tariff for households consuming not more than 300 units a month at the existing rate of 3.99 baht per unit, an insider familiar with the meeting discussions revealed.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314298-nepc-plans-to-cap-power-tariff-for-thai-households-at-current-rate/

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Thailand weather update: Cold north, stormy south and rain in 19 provinces
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

Today’s weather in Thailand sees a mix of cold in the north, stormy conditions in the south, and a forecast of rainfall across 19 provinces, including the capital city, Bangkok, and its surrounding regions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314299-thailand-weather-update-cold-north-stormy-south-and-rain-in-19-provinces/

 

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Thai Airways tests sustainable aviation fuel on Phuket-Bangkok flight
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Thai Airways International and PTT Oil and Retail Business PLC piloted a flight employing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Phuket to Bangkok yesterday, December 13.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314302-thai-airways-tests-sustainable-aviation-fuel-on-phuket-bangkok-flight/

 

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Detained Thai soldier re-arrested after escaping from hospital
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ Mono News - ข่าวโมโน

A Thai soldier, held in custody, successfully severed his ankle restraints and escaped from a hospital in the central province of Lop Buri before being recaptured later in the day.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314303-detained-thai-soldier-re-arrested-after-escaping-from-hospital/

 

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Phat Kaphrao ranked third best dish in the world by Taste Atlas
By Online Reporter 

 

 

The popular Thai dish Phat Kaphrao has been declared the third best dish in the world by Taste Atlas, a renowned online food website.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1314304-phat-kaphrao-ranked-third-best-dish-in-the-world-by-taste-atlas/