Move Forward MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn questioned Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s today over his claim that convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is not and has not been receiving special privileges and his request that critics do not to politicise the issue.

 

MP questions DPM Phumtham’s defence of Thaksin’s treatment

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315296-mp-questions-dpm-phumtham’s-defence-of-thaksin’s-treatment/

Nobody Can Visit Thaksin At Hospital If He Says No: Somsak
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, right.

 

NOBODY CAN VISIT the “sickly” de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra at Police Hospital if he refuses to be visited, according to Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315314-nobody-can-visit-thaksin-at-hospital-if-he-says-no-somsak/

 

UPDATE:

 

70 Tourists Rescued After Night Boat Founders Off Koh Tao
by TNR Staff

 

Tourists being rescued from Sandee Maneesap 111 night boat off Koh Tao after it took on water early this morning, Dec. 22, 2023. Photo: Matichon

 

A NIGHT BOAT travelling from Surat Thani to Koh Tao started taking on water after a pump broke down at dawn today (Dec. 22) with 70 tourists, both foreigners and Thais, safely rescued before it later sank, Matichon newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315298-passengers-and-crew-rescued-from-sinking-ferry-in-gulf-of-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18571310

Some progress but hurdles remain for upgrade of Hua Hin Airport
By Online Reporter 

 

Mr. Ratthaphon Charoenphon, Director of Hua Hin Airport Authority

Hua Hin’s long journey towards a fully functioning, modern airport has reached yet another juncture with the latest updates on its ongoing upgrades.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315315-some-progress-but-hurdles-remain-for-upgrade-of-hua-hin-airport/

Thai man loses his life when using YouTube to repair tractor
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Channel 3

A 21 year old Thai man lost his life while repairing a tractor using knowledge from YouTube. His older sister revealed that she asked her brother to learn a lot before driving or repairing a tractor.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315316-thai-man-loses-his-life-when-using-youtube-to-repair-tractor/

 

Thai man finds pickup vandalised causing 50000 baht damage
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

A local woke up to an unpleasant surprise when an unidentified individual had vandalised his parked pickup with paint stripper, causing damage estimated around 50,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315317-thai-man-finds-pickup-vandalised-causing-50000-baht-damage/

 

Thailand braces for Houthi attacks impact: export activities remain unaffected
by Alex Morgan 

 

Photo taken from Bangkok Post

With the recent Houthi attacks on pivotal shipping routes in the Red Sea, the Commerce Ministry of Thailand is strategising both immediate and long-term measures to mitigate the potential fallout.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315318-thailand-braces-for-houthi-attacks-impact-export-activities-remain-unaffected/

 

120 Million Baht Seized In Raid On Two Gambling Websites
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Photo: Matichon

 

TWO GAMBLING WEBSITES based in Bangkok have been raided, a combined sum of 120 million baht in cash impounded and 20 suspected gambling operators arrested, police said today (Dec.22).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315319-120-million-baht-seized-in-raid-on-two-gambling-websites/

Thai listed companies broke records by reeling in 6.21 trillion baht last year
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thai listed companies have orchestrated a financial coup, raking in an astronomical 6.21 trillion baht from their overseas ventures last year, smashing records and defying global economic odds.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315320-thai-listed-companies-broke-records-by-reeling-in-621-trillion-baht-last-year/

 

Thai AirAsia introduces direct flights to Shanghai
by Puntid Tantivangphaisa

 

Photo courtesy of TAT News

 

Thai AirAsia (FD) has officially announced its grand plan to kick off direct flights from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315321-thai-airasia-introduces-direct-flights-to-shanghai/

 

4,500 Tonnes Of Smuggled Pork, Other Meats Seized In Crackdown
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Officials seize smuggled pork, above, and checking a beef distributor’s shop for the source of his meat at Chiang Rai earlier this year. Photo: Naewna

 

OVER 4,500 TONNES OF PORK and other meats allegedly smuggled from abroad have been seized at cold storage warehouses in the provinces since the last few months, according to Agriculture & Cooperatives Minister Thammanat Prompao.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315322-4500-tonnes-of-smuggled-pork-other-meats-seized-in-crackdown/

 

Pattaya Beach Umbrella Operators Allowed to Operate Overnight During New Year
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Pattaya — Beach umbrella operators have been permitted by the Pattaya City to operate overnight on the New year’s Eve in order to facilitate tourists.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315326-pattaya-beach-umbrella-operators-allowed-to-operate-overnight-during-new-year/

 

Monk Killed While Crossing a Road in Chonburi
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Chonburi — A Buddhist monk was crashed into and killed while crossing a road in the district of Banglamung, Chonburi, on Friday morning, December 22nd.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315328-monk-killed-while-crossing-a-road-in-chonburi/

 

Officials intensify Zika virus awareness after 14 confirmed cases in Hua Hin
By Online Reporter

 

 

In response to 14 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Hua Hin, local authorities have initiated an extensive public awareness and sanitation campaign.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315329-officials-intensify-zika-virus-awareness-after-14-confirmed-cases-in-hua-hin/

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan issues advisory for motorists to monitor fuel dispensers amid shortchanging claims
By Online Reporter 

 

 

The Department of Commerce in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has issued an advisory for motorists to closely monitor fuel dispensers before refueling. This comes after allegations of consumers not receiving the full liter of fuel they paid for.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315330-prachuap-khiri-khan-issues-advisory-for-motorists-to-monitor-fuel-dispensers-amid-shortchanging-claims/

 

Thai Birth Rates Hit 71-Year Low, Government Vows to Address Societal Challenges
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On December 21st, 2023, Mr. Anukul Peedkaew, the Permanent Secretary of the Thai Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), published statistical data on the NationalThailand website on the rate of Thai children being born in the past year, showing the lowest rates in 71 years.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315331-thai-birth-rates-hit-71-year-low-government-vows-to-address-societal-challenges/

 

TTB Analytics Forecasts Historic Tourism Growth in Thailand for 2024
by Na-ark Rojanasuvan

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Economic forecast agency "TTB Analytics" predicts that in 2024, domestic tourism in Thailand will create history for the second consecutive year, with an estimated number of tourists reaching 292.1 million visits.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315332-ttb-analytics-forecasts-historic-tourism-growth-in-thailand-for-2024/

 

Immigration Bureau Provides Mobile Services on Khaosan Road
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

In line with the National Police's policy, Pol. Lt. Gen. Torasak Sukwimol, Commissioner of Immigration Bureau, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, Deputy Commissioner, directed the Immigration Bureau to conduct voluntary activities under the "Royal Volunteer Spirit Bestowed 904 Projects."

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315324-immigration-bureau-provides-mobile-services-on-khaosan-road/

 

Renowned Business Tycoon to Establish Unique Restaurant-Café on Decommissioned Boeing 747

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Prominent entrepreneur in Kanchanaburi is gearing up to launch a distinctive dining experience aboard a retired Boeing 747 in a new landmark development, spanning over 100 acres with a value exceeding 500 million. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315325-renowned-business-tycoon-to-establish-unique-restaurant-café-on-decommissioned-boeing-747/

 

Thailand Pushes ‘Land Bridge’ to Speed Trade

by VOA - Voice of America English News

 

Thailand is looking for investment to build a "land bridge" across its southern neck, which would cut cargo transit times. 

Thailand is looking for investment to build a “land bridge” across the narrow southern part of the country. The Southeast Asian nation hopes to provide a shorter path for cargo between the Pacific and Indian oceans without having to go through the Malacca Strait and Singapore.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315334-thailand-pushes-‘land-bridge’-to-speed-trade/

 

Alcohol Wholesalers Hit By Weak Holiday Season Sales
by TNR Staff 

 

Friends clicking glasses of beer.Photo: Unsplash/Giovanna Gomes/ and published-by-CNA

 

THREE alcohol wholesalers, two in Bangkok and one in Nakhon Ratchasima, said yesterday (Dec. 22) that the expected strong festive season sales has not materialised with purchases either only edging up slightly or downright plunging, Matichon newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315335-alcohol-wholesalers-hit-by-weak-holiday-season-sales/

 

Drug addicted Thai man turns himself in after walking naked in Isaan
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ เพิก ชุมแพ

A naked Thai man turned himself in at a police station yesterday and confessed to committing an obscene act after walking around naked in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen. The man was reportedly under the influence of drugs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315338-drug-addicted-thai-man-turns-himself-in-after-walking-naked-in-isaan/

 

Former Buddhist chief and executives charged with embezzling 30 million baht
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of Thailand Tourism Directory

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is set to charge a former head of the Natio

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315339-former-buddhist-chief-and-executives-charged-with-embezzling-30-million-baht/

 

Thai transport minister denies plans for petrol tax hike
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has clarified that the proposed excise tax increase on petrol in Greater Bangkok is merely a proposal, and there are no current plans for its implementation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315341-thai-transport-minister-denies-plans-for-petrol-tax-hike/

 

Gang stole 12 million baht worth of property from vacant houses
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

A gang of thieves, responsible for stealing property from vacant houses listed for sale, has been apprehended by the police.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315342-gang-stole-12-million-baht-worth-of-property-from-vacant-houses/

 

Phetchaburi resort drug party raided, over 60 teens detained
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

Thai police have raided a prominent resort in Phetchaburi, dismantling a drug party and detaining over 60 teenagers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315344-phetchaburi-resort-drug-party-raided-over-60-teens-detained/

Pattaya floating market: Loss of Chinese tourists amidst safety concerns
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of TNG holidays

In a bid to revive Pattaya‘s reputation, the operator of the iconic Pattaya Floating Market is sounding the alarm, urging authorities to dispel safety concerns that have plagued Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315345-pattaya-floating-market-loss-of-chinese-tourists-amidst-safety-concerns/

 

Thailand’s Southern Meteorological Centre issues severe weather warning
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Southern Meteorological Centre in Songkhla has issued its 10th warning, alerting eight provinces to the potential dangers of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and forest runoff.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315347-thailand’s-southern-meteorological-centre-issues-severe-weather-warning/

 

to continue:

 

Thailand Live Tuesday 26 December 2023
https://aseannow.com/topic/1315437-thailand-live-tuesday-26-december-2023/