BANGKOK,  (TNA) – With the long holidays approaching, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has opened the Road Safety Operations Center for the 7-day New Year danger prevention period.

 

Anutin Opens Road Safety Center for New Year Accident Prevention

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315576-anutin-opens-road-safety-center-for-new-year-accident-prevention/

Pirapan to oversee Justice Ministry

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga to oversee the Justice Ministry, with the exception of the Department of Special Investigation, instead of Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, who will now oversee the Public Health Ministry.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315588-pirapan-to-oversee-justice-ministry/

 

Yingluck Patiently Awaits Homecoming In Thaksin’s Style
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath

 

FORMER PRIME MINISTER YINGLUCK Shinawatra has been patiently looking to follow suit of an unprecedented homecoming style of her brother/de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra, a partisan source confirmed yesterday (Dec.27).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315624-yingluck-patiently-awaits-homecoming-in-thaksin’s-style/

 

Danish man on trial for theft in Bangkok Airport
by Gregers Møller

 

Criminal in handcuffs. Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

A 47 year old Danish man was on 18 November 2023 apprehended in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on charges of stealing an expensive Celine handbag and five less expensive items in the bag. Total value 94.500 THB.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315625-danish-man-on-trial-for-theft-in-bangkok-airport/

 

UPDATE:

 

Thai Authorities Initiate New Year Road Safety Campaign to Reduce Road Accidents and DUI Risks
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

At 10:30 AM, on December 27th, 2023, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister, and relevant agencies held a conference on the initiative of prevention measures to reduce road accidents for the safety of drivers during the New Year holidays.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315576-anutin-opens-road-safety-center-for-new-year-accident-prevention/?do=findComment&comment=18580914

 

Kuwaiti Tourist Allegedly Attacked by Pattaya Man After Being Involved in Motorbike Accident
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya

Pattaya —A foreign motorcyclist, believed to be a Kuwaiti tourist, was allegedly punched by a Thai motorcyclist in Pattaya late Tuesday night following a minor motorbike collision.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315626-kuwaiti-tourist-allegedly-attacked-by-pattaya-man-after-being-involved-in-motorbike-accident/

 

Rampaging Knife Attack Leaves One Dead, Several Injured, and Vehicles Damaged in Lampang
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Lampang—At 8:00 PM, on December 26th, 2023, Ngao police officers received a knife crime report about a volunteer defense officer being stabbed to his death in Ngao, Lampang. The suspect harmed six other people during the escape and caused many vehicles to crash.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315627-rampaging-knife-attack-leaves-one-dead-several-injured-and-vehicles-damaged-in-lampang/

 

BMW crash into Nonthaburi market shops causes devastation and cat fatality
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo  courtesy of Khao Sod

A BMW car, driven by Achira, 28 years old, crashed into a row of shops at the Duang Kaew market on Tiwanon road in Nonthaburi‘s Pak Kret district, causing damage to about ten shops and resulting in the death of one cat. The incident occurred at 1 am on December 27.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315628-bmw-crash-into-nonthaburi-market-shops-causes-devastation-and-cat-fatality/

 

Airfares to plummet next year
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English

 

Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has announced a breath of fresh air for travellers— airfares are set to drop next year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315629-airfares-to-plummet-next-year/

 

Indian national arrested in Thai province for illegal high-interest loan operation
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of Khao Sod

 

As part of a crackdown on illegal loan activities, police authorities from the Debt-related Crime Prevention Centre and the Eighth Provincial Police Region (DCPC & PPR8) apprehended Yadav Durgesh, an Indian national aged 29, for operating an unlicensed money lending business.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315630-indian-national-arrested-in-thai-province-for-illegal-high-interest-loan-operation/

 

Thai Tourism Minister Hosts Influencers to Boost China-Thailand Tourism Relations
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On December 26th, 2023, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, officially welcomed Chinese national mass media and influencers to the Amazing Festive & Exclusive Trip in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315631-thai-tourism-minister-hosts-influencers-to-boost-china-thailand-tourism-relations/

 

Bangkok Secures First Spot in Global Amount of Tourists in 2023 and Most Visited City
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

In a recent report by World of Statistics, Bangkok has been crowned the world’s most visited city in 2023, welcoming a staggering 22.78 million visitors. Notably, Thailand boasts three cities in the top 20, with Phuket ranking 14th and Pattaya securing the 15th spot.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315632-bangkok-secures-first-spot-in-global-amount-of-tourists-in-2023-and-most-visited-city/

 

Pattaya Police Intensify Inspections Ahead of New Year Celebrations
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Pattaya —Pattaya police conducted a comprehensive inspection of entertainment venues across the city on Tuesday, December 26th, in a bid to ensure the safety and security of tourists and locals during the upcoming New Year festivities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315633-pattaya-police-intensify-inspections-ahead-of-new-year-celebrations/

Twenty-eight Chinese Nationals with Tourist Visas Arrested for Illegally Working at Thalang Construction Site
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Thalang –Twenty-eight Chinese nationals who entered the country with tourist visas were arrested after they were found illegally working at a construction site in Cherng Talay.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315636-twenty-eight-chinese-nationals-with-tourist-visas-arrested-for-illegally-working-at-thalang-construction-site/

 

Steady as she goes growth and economic stability driven by a growth in US exports is all good news
by Joseph O' Connor

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appeared visibly more relaxed and cabinet after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, which approved budgets for 2024 and 2025. There is good news on the export front, with a 4.9% rise in exports in November driven by a 17.5% surge in US output, while the country is on target to reach 28 million visitors in 2023.

Thailand’s economic outlook for 2024 and 2025 focuses on stability. Cabinet-approved budgets reflect prudent fiscal measures, projecting a deficit of ฿693 billion for 2023-2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315637-steady-as-she-goes-growth-and-economic-stability-driven-by-a-growth-in-us-exports-is-all-good-news/

Thai woman arrested for selling her masturbation videos online
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ตำรวจไซเบอร์ – บช.สอท.

 

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers arrested a Thai woman today, December 27, at her home in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum for selling her masturbation videos online.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315638-thai-woman-arrested-for-selling-her-masturbation-videos-online/

 

Northeast Thailand: Pickup truck driver charged for death of 13 year old schoolboy in road accident (video)
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of CH7 News

 

An accident occurred at a zebra crossing Tuesday, December 26, where a 13 year old schoolboy got hit by a speeding pickup truck while crossing the road on his way home.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315639-northeast-thailand-pickup-truck-driver-charged-for-death-of-13-year-old-schoolboy-in-road-accident-video/

 

Bangkok public bus driver blames tuk tuk driver for crash that killed 1 and injured 3
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Facebook/ Bangkokbusclub.com ชุมชนคนรักรถเมล์

 

A Thai public bus driver blamed a tuk tuk driver for an accident on Phetchaburi Road in Bangkok that killed one Thai man and injured three others last night, December 26.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315640-bangkok-public-bus-driver-blames-tuk-tuk-driver-for-crash-that-killed-1-and-injured-3/

 

Thai man saves 300,000 baht in six months by stocking 50-baht notes
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of Khao Sod

 

A 33 year old man named Thana Benjasak has made an inspiring impact on social media with his unique savings method.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315641-thai-man-saves-300000-baht-in-six-months-by-stocking-50-baht-notes/

 

Missing British artist Millie Young is 'believed to be trapped inside' sunken tour vessel that is now 180ft beneath the waves after capsizing off Thailand

• Millie Young disappeared on December 23 after the boat she was on capsized
• Rescuers have kept up searches for the missing artist originally from Brighton 

 

By JAMES REYNOLDS 

 

Rescue teams believe missing British artist Millie Young is trapped inside the vessel she was on when it capsized off the coast of Thailand last week.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315644-missing-british-artist-millie-young-is-believed-to-be-trapped-inside-sunken-tour-vessel-that-is-now-180ft-beneath-the-waves-after-capsizing-off-thailand/

 

Phuket officials to target ‘bad foreigners’ to enhance tourism
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of PR Phuket

 

The island of Phuket, a popular tourist hotspot, was the stage for a significant meeting yesterday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315645-phuket-officials-to-target-‘bad-foreigners’-to-enhance-tourism/

 

Bangkok’s Green Line extension routes to charge 15 baht flat fare
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of ThaimaaOpas (Unsplash)

Passengers travelling on the Green Line’s second extension routes in Bangkok will be charged a flat rate of 15 baht (US$0.44) per trip, starting from January 2, as per the announcement by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315646-bangkok’s-green-line-extension-routes-to-charge-15-baht-flat-fare/

 

Giant Kru Kai Kaew Statue Being Moved After Big Fine
by TNR Staff

 

 

THE management of Bazaar Hotel on Ratchadapisek road is now moving the controversial statue of Kru Kai Kaew, an emaciated, winged figure with golden fangs and scarlet talons, from the front to the rear of the compound after the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) set a deadline and slapped a big fine, Matichon newspaper said late last night (Dec. 27).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315647-giant-kru-kai-kaew-statue-being-moved-after-big-fine/

 

Thai ministry plans overseas telemedicine services for one million expats
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of tirachardz (Freepik)

Telemedicine services for approximately one million Thais residing overseas is the latest initiative from the Ministry of Public Health, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. This universal healthcare scheme aims to ensure all Thais have access to medical treatment, no matter their location.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315648-thai-ministry-plans-overseas-telemedicine-services-for-one-million-expats/

 

Motorway No 81 now operational, offering free passage until next Wednesday
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Nandhu Kumar (Unsplash)

The new segment of Motorway No 81, also known as M81, is now operational and offering free passage to motorists until next Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315650-motorway-no-81-now-operational-offering-free-passage-until-next-wednesday/

 

Online visa extensions… yes, no, maybe - Tim Newton Today - Dec 28

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315651-online-visa-extensions…-yes-no-maybe-tim-newton-today-dec-28/

 

Thailand and Malaysia join forces to boost economy
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of New Straits Times

Thailand and Malaysia have forged an alliance to supercharge development in the southern Thai region and the northern Malaysian peninsula.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315652-thailand-and-malaysia-join-forces-to-boost-economy/

 

Thai rescuer faces death threat for exposing hospital’s refusal to treat foreigner
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Channel 7

A Thai rescuer is facing death threats after he exposed to the local and international news agencies that a private hospital in Bangkok refused to treat a foreigner who later died because of the delay in treatment.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315660-thai-rescuer-faces-death-threat-for-exposing-hospital’s-refusal-to-treat-foreigner/

 

Hua Hin market traders warned about selling fake goods, failing to display prices
By Online Reporter

 

 

Ahead of the New Year festivities, Hua Hin’s municipal officials have rolled out a public relations campaign focused on the protection of intellectual property rights and the mandatory display of price tags at markets.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315662-hua-hin-market-traders-warned-about-selling-fake-goods-failing-to-display-prices/

 

Mass Exodus for New Year's Holiday Begins

 

 

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Dec 28 (TNA) – Traffic on the main highway to the northeastern region started to get heavy as mass exodus from Bangkok for New Year celebrations has begun.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315663-mass-exodus-for-new-years-holiday-begins/