THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 27 December 2023

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The royalist Thai Pakdee party and a network of pro-monarchy groups filed a lawsuit against Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and the director-general of the Corrections Department today with the Supreme Administrative Court.

 

Court asked to revoke edicts deemed to favour Thaksin

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315520-court-asked-to-revoke-edicts-deemed-to-favour-thaksin/

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UPDATE:

 

Power-Abusing Lawsuit Against Yingluck Lifted
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath

 

THE SUPREME COURT yesterday (Dec.26) lifted a power-abusing lawsuit filed against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra pertaining to a contentious transfer of the head of the National Security Council over a decade earlier.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315503-supreme-court-dismisses-yingluck-in-abuse-of-power-case/?do=findComment&comment=18578470

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Swedes in Thailand: Holiday Nightmare
by Sofie Rønnelund

 

Photo: Private

20-year-old Linnea Pakermo has been traveling around Thailand for two months with her friend. For Christmas, they would spent the holiday with her friend’s family, who came to Thailand to visit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315534-swedes-in-thailand-holiday-nightmare/

 

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Tham Luang Cave Officially Welcomes Foreign Tourists to Explore Deeper Chambers in Chiang Rai for 1,500 Baht
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Chiang Rai—At 1:30 PM, on December 25th, 2023, Mr. Chutidet Kamonchanut, the Director of the Office of Conservation Area Management No. 15, officially welcomed the first group of tourists for cave exploring at the deeper chambers at Tham Luang National Park, Mae Sai, Chiang Rai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315535-tham-luang-cave-officially-welcomes-foreign-tourists-to-explore-deeper-chambers-in-chiang-rai-for-1500-baht/

 

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Husband of borrower with breast cancer mowed down loan shark after he refused a pause in payments
by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

Photos from the scene of the fatal incident on December 15th. The husband of a borrower, in a fit of rage, used his pickup vehicle as a lethal weapon to murder a loan shark. It occurred on the day his wife learned she had breast cancer and was refused a payment pause.

In Nonthaburi on December 15th, Ms Siriya, a borrower, owed money to Mr Sumet, a notorious loan shark.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315536-husband-of-borrower-with-breast-cancer-mowed-down-loan-shark-after-he-refused-a-pause-in-payments/

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Delayed flights cause passenger surge and extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

A sudden influx of passengers, resulting from the landing of delayed flights, led to extended queues at Suvarnabhumi airport in the early hours of Monday, as reported by the Immigration Bureau.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315537-delayed-flights-cause-passenger-surge-and-extended-queues-at-suvarnabhumi-airport/

 

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Erawan Shrine: The bombing and astonishing comeback
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam

 

Towering over the vibrant Ratchaprasong Square, Erawan Shrine, haven to the Hindu god Brahma outshines seven other shrines dedicated to deities like Ganesha, Trimurti, Uma, Lakshmi, Chatumaharajika, Indra, and Narayana.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315540-erawan-shrine-the-bombing-and-astonishing-comeback/

 

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110,000-Plus Debtors Point Finger At Over 81,000 Loan Sharks
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

A graphic image of getting help by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

 

A TOTAL OF 110,000-PLUS people have so far claimed to owe a combined seven billion baht in illicit debt to 81,000-plus loan sharks in all provinces of the country, a senior government official said yesterday (Dec.26).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315541-110000-plus-debtors-point-finger-at-over-81000-loan-sharks/

 

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Buakaw Confirms Historic Bout Against Pacquiao in Bangkok on April 20th of 2024
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On December 26th, 2023, Thai national media reported that Buakaw Banchamek officially posted on his Facebook page a confirmation of a historical match against Manny Pacquiao

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315542-buakaw-confirms-historic-bout-against-pacquiao-in-bangkok-on-april-20th-of-2024/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Phuket Taxi Driver Apologises, Explains Viral Story of Forcing a Tourist Out of Taxi After Argument About Air Conditioning

By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – A taxi driver has clarified to the police and media the situation after a video clip of him pulling a foreign tourist out from his car at a gas station went viral on Thai social media.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315472-phuket-taxi-driver-drives-away-foreign-woman-over-air-conditioning-dispute/?do=findComment&comment=18578528

 

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UPDATE:

Yingluck ruling lays bare conservative hypocrisy
by Cod Satrusayang

 

The recent ruling by Thailand’s Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to drop the case against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is a significant development in Thai politics.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315503-supreme-court-dismisses-yingluck-in-abuse-of-power-case/?do=findComment&comment=18578792

 

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A year in the life of Thailand’s biggest wildlife rescue centre
By Online Reporter

 

All images: WFFT / Amy Jones

Based in nearby Phetchaburi, WFFT helped hundreds of wildlife in 2023.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315546-a-year-in-the-life-of-thailand’s-biggest-wildlife-rescue-centre/

 

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Top media influencer claims that Chinese men target Thai women for love in what she calls ‘son hunting’
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

General Surachate Hakparn or ‘Big Joke’ on Christmas Day at the Police Club in Bangkok. He met a social media influencer with over 1 million followers whose identity was only given as Ms Noey for now. She was accompanied by the founder of the Facebook Saimai page, Mr Ekkaphop Luangprasert. They briefed the deputy national police chief on the danger posed by the new phenomenon of Chinese men ‘son hunting ‘ in Thailand.

Social media star complains to the police about her relationship breakdown. After revealing her pregnancy to Mr Zhang, he abruptly returned to China upon learning the child’s gender, leaving Ms Noey in emotional turmoil. The matchmaker blamed her for having a daughter.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315547-top-media-influencer-claims-that-chinese-men-target-thai-women-for-love-in-what-she-calls-‘son-hunting’/

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Party entertainer seeks justice after unpaid fee and death threat
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23

 

A female party entertainer sought justice after a Thai man refused to pay 2,000 baht for her services and made a death threat against her. The man’s father stepped forward to pay the price.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315549-party-entertainer-seeks-justice-after-unpaid-fee-and-death-threat/

 

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Drunk driver claims 1 life and leaves another in critical condition
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ สมาคมกู้ภัยตักศิลา มหาสารคาม

 

A drunk Thai driver crashed an SUV into a motorcycle on a road in the Isaan province of Maha Sarakham, claiming the life of one victim and leaving another one in critical condition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315550-drunk-driver-claims-1-life-and-leaves-another-in-critical-condition/

 

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Bangkok safety centre being set up for secure New Year celebrations
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a safety centre to enhance security measures for the upcoming New Year festivities, strongly urging the public to adhere to the established safety protocols throughout the celebration period.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315551-bangkok-safety-centre-being-set-up-for-secure-new-year-celebrations/

 

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Thai man demands responsibility for explosion after fridge repair
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ Rattapol Yotinupamai

 

A Thai man demanded a home appliance manufacturer take responsibility for an explosion at his home after a technician came to repair a fridge.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315553-thai-man-demands-responsibility-for-explosion-after-fridge-repair/

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Thailand considers humanitarian centre for Myanmar refugees
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Julie Ricard (Unsplash)

 

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is considering the establishment of a humanitarian assistance centre along the Thai-Myanmar border. The proposed centre aims to aid Myanmar refugees fleeing the internal conflict between junta forces and rebel minority groups.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315554-thailand-considers-humanitarian-centre-for-myanmar-refugees/

 

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Ex-ship captain identified as head of major drug ring
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

 

A prominent former ship’s captain has been identified by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) as the operator of a substantial drug trafficking ring, from which 1.2 tonnes of ketamine and nearly one tonne of ya ice were confiscated earlier this month.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315555-ex-ship-captain-identified-as-head-of-major-drug-ring/

 

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TAT welcomes Neos Air’s maiden Milan-Brno-Phuket flight
The airline will operate one flight per week on the route until April 2024.

 

Bangkok, 27 December 2023 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marked the arrival of Neos Air’s maiden flight on the Milan-Brno-Phuket route with a Thai traditional welcome dance and personalised meet-and-greet presented by officials and figures to enrich passengers’ experience with a touch of local culture and renowned Thai hospitality.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315556-tat-welcomes-neos-air’s-maiden-milan-brno-phuket-flight/

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Srettha Thavisin confident to complete term, dismisses coalition expansion
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo via Twitter/ @Thavisin

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed intentions to complete his four-year term, reiterating the stability of the current coalition government. He dismissed any plans of incorporating the opposition Democrat Party into the government coalition at this time.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315558-srettha-thavisin-confident-to-complete-term-dismisses-coalition-expansion/

 

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PTT helps Thai government lower power tariffs using contract breach fine
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of Kelly Sikkema (Unsplash)

PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is slated to assist the government in lowering the power tariff in the early part of next year. This is to be achieved through the utilisation of 4.3 billion baht (US$124) from a fine imposed on its gas supplier for a breach of contract, according to an energy official.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315559-ptt-helps-thai-government-lower-power-tariffs-using-contract-breach-fine/

 

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South Korean man arrested for smuggling endangered tortoises in Bangkok
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช

Officers at the Wildlife Checkpoint at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok arrested a South Korean man on December 25, for attempting to smuggle seven radiated tortoises, an endangered species, out of Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315560-south-korean-man-arrested-for-smuggling-endangered-tortoises-in-bangkok/

 

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Tourism operators demand improved marine safety in Thailand
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of Simon Hurry (Unsplash)

 

Recurring incidents of marine accidents in Thailand’s popular tourist destinations have prompted tourism operators to call on government authorities for an improved marine safety with alert system and tighter regulation of unlicensed boats. This plea comes in the wake of multiple boat sinkings in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315561-tourism-operators-demand-improved-marine-safety-in-thailand/

 

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Security guards bash patrons, taxi kicks passenger out of car - Tim Newton Today - Dec 27

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315563-security-guards-bash-patrons-taxi-kicks-passenger-out-of-car-tim-newton-today-dec-27/

 

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Chinese tourists boost Thailand’s hotel sector with rapid recovery
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand is on a rapid recovery trajectory this month, a trend analysts predict will continue into the Chinese New Year on February 10. This resurgence is expected to provide a much-needed boost to local hotels during this peak season.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315566-chinese-tourists-boost-thailand’s-hotel-sector-with-rapid-recovery/

 

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Long-haul tourism to boost Thai tourism revenue in 2024
by Alex Morgan 

 

Photo courtesy of jcomp (Freepik)

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) anticipates that long-haul tourism will significantly bolster Thai tourism revenue in 2024, contributing seven percentage points more than pre-pandemic levels.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315567-long-haul-tourism-to-boost-thai-tourism-revenue-in-2024/

 

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3.48 trillion budget approved by Cabinet for next year
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

Prime Minister Srettha, in a post-Cabinet meeting press conference declared that the budget bill, meticulously scrutinised by the Office of Council of State, will be delivered for approval.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315568-348-trillion-budget-approved-by-cabinet-for-next-year/

 

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Phuket simplifies visa extensions with new online system
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of mana5280 (Unsplash)

Phuket, the vibrant tourist hub of Thailand, has taken a significant step forward in its immigration policy. The Immigration Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Itthiphon Itthisanronnachai, announced on yesterday that foreigners residing in Phuket under any of 12 different types of visas can now apply for visa extension through an online portal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315570-phuket-simplifies-visa-extensions-with-new-online-system/

 

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Warning over increase in Zika virus infections in Bangkok

 

 

A warning has been issued about increasing Zika virus infections in Bangkok, by Professor Dr. Yong Poovorawan, chief of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315573-warning-over-increase-in-zika-virus-infections-in-bangkok/