THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 3 January 2024

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WITH FOUR days of New Year holidays having now passed, as many as 190 people have been killed in 1,570 accidents nationwide while 1,574 got injured and it was Kanchanaburi where the highest number of accidents occurred while Bangkok recorded the most fatalities, Naewna newspaper said yesterday (Jan. 2).

 

190 Killed In New Year Holiday Road Accidents So Far

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315909-in-total-2864-drunk-driving-cases-reported-in-3-days-of-thailands-new-year-7-days-road-safety-campaign/?do=findComment&comment=18591618

 

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Thais and Chinese to travel visa-free, starting March 1

 

File photo: Thai PM Srettha Thavisin

 

Starting from March 1, Thais and Chinese traveling to each country will no longer need a visa, as part of the latest agreement between both governments, said Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315924-thais-and-chinese-to-travel-visa-free-starting-march-1/

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Pattaya Motorbike Taxi Drivers Arrested for Attacking Foreigner Over Parking Spot

 

 

Two motorbike taxi drivers, commonly referred to as “Win,” in Pattaya, were arrested on Monday, January 1st, 2024, following a physical assault against a foreign tourist over a parking spot on Second Road.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315931-pattaya-motorbike-taxi-drivers-arrested-for-attacking-foreigner-over-parking-spot/

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Too Soon To Say Whether Paetongtarn Will Join The Cabinet: Phumtham
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Pictures: Thai PBS

 

 

PHEU THAI WHEELER-DEALER Phumtham Wechayachai commented today (Jan.2) it is too soon to say for the time being whether Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra might probably be named a new member of cabinet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315955-too-soon-to-say-whether-paetongtarn-will-join-the-cabinet-phumtham/

 

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Police Chief wants the age of criminal responsibility lowered to 12 after the Siam Paragon case debacle
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

General Torsak Sukwimol, the Thai National Police Commissioner, addressed reporters on Tuesday at Royal Thai Police headquarters. At length, although he made his call on the basis of a broader issue relating to serious criminal acts committed by those under 15, he made it clear this also encompassed challenges raised by the Siam Paragon Shopping Centre case and the massacre perpetrated on October 3rd by a 14 year old mentally ill boy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315956-police-chief-wants-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-lowered-to-12-after-the-siam-paragon-case-debacle/

 

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Thai government cuts local alcohol tax to zero to boost tourism and economy
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of เศรษฐา ทวีสิน - Srettha Thavisin (Facebook)

The Thai government has announced a tax reduction on local alcohol as part of a wider review of laws hindering domestic tourism and economic growth.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315958-thai-government-cuts-local-alcohol-tax-to-zero-to-boost-tourism-and-economy/

 

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Staffer from Krabi National Park Injured from Gunshot Wound After Fighting with Fellow Employee
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Mueang Krabi –A staffer from the Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park has sustained injuries from a gunshot wound after fighting with another staffer at the park.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315964-staffer-from-krabi-national-park-injured-from-gunshot-wound-after-fighting-with-fellow-employee/

 

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Phuket Reports Total of 26 Accidents in Four Days of New Year Seven Days Road Safety Campaign
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – Phuket has announced in total 26 road accidents with 27 injuries in four days (December 29th, 2023 – January 1st, 2024) of the New Year Seven Day Road Safety campaign (December 29th, 2023 to January 4th, 2024).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315965-phuket-reports-total-of-26-accidents-in-four-days-of-new-year-seven-days-road-safety-campaign/

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Thai Police Apprehend Wanted Criminal Involved in Attempted Police Shooting in Pattani
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Pattani—On January 1st, 2024, Thai central investigative officers captured a wanted criminal according to an arrest warrant from the Pattani Provincial Court at Pattani Hospital in Mueang, Pattani.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315966-thai-police-apprehend-wanted-criminal-involved-in-attempted-police-shooting-in-pattani/

 

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Chonburi Motorcyclist Killed in Collision with Pickup Truck
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya

Chonburi — A 26-year-old Thai man tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Chonburi-Ban Bueng Road on Monday, January 1st, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315967-chonburi-motorcyclist-killed-in-collision-with-pickup-truck/

 

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Thai woman and Lao man shot dead at Isaan petrol station
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ พร้อมพันธ์ กุลภาข่าวนครพนม

Police are searching for a ruthless gunman who shot dead a Thai woman and Lao man at a petrol station in the Isaan province of Nakhon Panom. Security cameras at the scene where the two victims worked were out of order.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315968-thai-woman-and-lao-man-shot-dead-at-isaan-petrol-station/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 3 January 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315969-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-3-january-2024/

 

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Traffic Jam Averted as Police Resolve Roadblock Caused by Buffaloes
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

In a twist of events involving two buffaloes obstructing a road, tensions were diffused by dedicated police officers. The incident unfolded in the Ramin Kamhaeng 118, Intersection 35 alley in Bang Chan. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315960-traffic-jam-averted-as-police-resolve-roadblock-caused-by-buffaloes/

 

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Labor official: As Thailand ages, more Lao migrant workers will be needed
Laos’ younger population could help fill the worker gap next door while its own economy sputters.
By RFA Lao
 

Lao citizens travel to Thailand for work, July 28, 2023. (RFA). Photo: RFA

Thailand’s aging population will bring more job possibilities for young migrant workers from Laos in the coming years, a senior Thai labor official said at a recent conference on migration in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315972-labor-official-as-thailand-ages-more-lao-migrant-workers-will-be-needed/

 

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Phuket Hits First Death in Fifth Day of New Year Seven Days Road Safety Campaign
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – Phuket has announced the first death with 29 injuries and 29 accidents in five days (December 29th, 2023 – January 2nd, 2024) of the New Year Seven Day Road Safety campaign (December 29th, 2023 to January 4th, 2024).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315976-phuket-hits-first-death-in-fifth-day-of-new-year-seven-days-road-safety-campaign/

 

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Social security fund faces bankruptcy in a decade if action is not taken due to the Kingdom’s acute ageing crisis
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

After the December 24th groundbreaking election of representatives to the Social Security Fund board, the Minister of Labour Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn expressed disappointment with the low turnout. Only 5% of workers took part. The new board members, however, have a pressing issue. How to cope with rising losses from the fund as the working population ages?

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315978-social-security-fund-faces-bankruptcy-in-a-decade-if-action-is-not-taken-due-to-the-kingdom’s-acute-ageing-crisis/

 

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Either way, senators predict Srettha to last 2024 in power but the Thaksin issue must be defused quickly
by Joseph O' Connor

 

Both Senator Wanchai Sonsiri (centre) and Senator Kittisak Rattanawaraha (left) offer two slightly differing perspectives on the political year ahead. Both suggest that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (right) will retain power, at least until the end of 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315980-either-way-senators-predict-srettha-to-last-2024-in-power-but-the-thaksin-issue-must-be-defused-quickly/

 

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EXAT officer under fire for offensive new year Facebook post
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) punished an officer for insulting drivers who use expressways for free during the new year holiday by calling them “dogs.”

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315985-exat-officer-under-fire-for-offensive-new-year-facebook-post/

 

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Horrifying domestic incident in Udon Thani village leaves woman with multiple wounds
by Nattapong Westwood

 

File photo for reference only. Source: Shutterstock

 

A horrifying domestic incident unfolded yesterday in the village of Ban Na Chum Saeng, Udon Thani province of Thailand. The victim 53 year old Nongyao, was assaulted by her husband, 55 year old Boonruang, resulting in nine wounds on her neck and three on the back of her head.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315986-horrifying-domestic-incident-in-udon-thani-village-leaves-woman-with-multiple-wounds/

 

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Fatal accident in Ayutthaya as tyre burst leads to van crash
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of Neawna

A tragic incident struck a passenger van when one of its tyres unexpectedly burst, leading to the vehicle colliding with a tree. This unfortunate event resulted in one fatality and several injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315987-fatal-accident-in-ayutthaya-as-tyre-burst-leads-to-van-crash/

 

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Tourist staff shot at Phi Phi islands, Thai/China visa-free scheme - Tim Newton Today - Jan 3

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315988-tourist-staff-shot-at-phi-phi-islands-thaichina-visa-free-scheme-tim-newton-today-jan-3/

 

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Bangkok City Pillar Shrine flooded with devotees with new year wishes
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

Believers swarmed the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine on the occasion of welcoming another new year, seeking celestial blessings for a triumphant start to 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315989-bangkok-city-pillar-shrine-flooded-with-devotees-with-new-year-wishes/

 

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Thailand’s new reserves to boost tiger population
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of A G (Unsplash)

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation set plans in motion to create new wildlife reserves in Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi. This move is part of a broader initiative to bolster the tiger population across the western forest complex.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315990-thailand’s-new-reserves-to-boost-tiger-population/

 

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Thai Tourism Minister Unveils 2023 Foreign Tourist Figures, Highlighting New Year’s Influx
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

National—On January 2nd, 2024, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports, publicly revealed statistics of foreign tourists visiting Thailand in 2023, with more than 28 million individuals, generating income of over 1.2 trillion baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315992-thai-tourism-minister-unveils-2023-foreign-tourist-figures-highlighting-new-year’s-influx/

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Yellow Line’s wheel deal: MRT mishap takes a detour, hits taxi, driver escapes unscathed near Bangkok
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Facebook/ Nonthawat Wisutthipat

After the MRT Pink Line mishap a week ago, another train accident was reported yesterday when the wheel of an MRT Yellow Line carriage fell off and hit a taxi on Thepharak Road in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. Fortunately, the driver escaped any injury.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315994-yellow-line’s-wheel-deal-mrt-mishap-takes-a-detour-hits-taxi-driver-escapes-unscathed-near-bangkok/

 

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Pattaya’s tourism tide: Aims to lure 27 million visitors, making waves under local authority’s watch
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Hanny Naibaho (Unsplash)

 

The coastal city of Pattaya, under the auspices of the local tourism authority, sets its sights on drawing an impressive 27 million visitors this year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315995-pattaya’s-tourism-tide-aims-to-lure-27-million-visitors-making-waves-under-local-authority’s-watch/

 

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Cabinet acknowledges proposal to raise marriageable age from 17 to 18

 

 

The cabinet has acknowledged a proposal, from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), to increase the marriageable age of Thai people from 17 to 18, to protect youth from being forced into marriage against their will.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1315999-cabinet-acknowledges-proposal-to-raise-marriageable-age-from-17-to-18/

 

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Golden blunder: Granny’s 2 million baht treasure trashed by unwitting grandkid
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A 60 year old woman lost over 2 million baht in gold after it was mistakenly thrown out with the rubbish by her unaware grandchild. The fortune was later discovered by a waste collector, who initially believed it to be counterfeit. The police were involved in the recovery of the gold, and it was returned to its rightful owner.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316001-golden-blunder-granny’s-2-million-baht-treasure-trashed-by-unwitting-grandkid/

 

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Foreigner steals from renowned Thai designer’s store, Vatanika seeks online help (video)
by Samantha Rose 

 

Picture courtesy of vatanika Instamgram

Well-known fashion designer, Vatanika Patamasingha Na Ayudhaya, affectionately known as Prae, recently took to her personal Instagram account to seek help identifying a foreign man who allegedly stole glasses from her clothing store VATANIKA in Chidlom.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316002-foreigner-steals-from-renowned-thai-designer’s-store-vatanika-seeks-online-help-video/

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British man arrested in Phuket over violent tuk tuk altercation
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of MGR Online

A violent altercation involving a gun and a tuk tuk in Phuket led to the arrest of an English national. The incident, which occurred on the evening of January 1, involved the suspect, identified as 38 year old Jamie, hitting his co-passenger with a hidden firearm. The argument escalated within the tuk tuk while en route to a café in Kamala.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316005-english-national-arrested-in-phuket-over-violent-tuk-tuk-altercation/