NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 5 January 2024

Opposition parties have criticized the government's plans to increase military spending to 198 billion baht in 2024, 3 billion baht higher than last year, A move Forward MP pointed out that increasing the size of the military ran contrary to the government's plans to reform, modernize and downsize the country's armed forces.  

Prime Minister Thavisin and several MPs have defended the  proposed Land Bridge megaproject, saying it will help with the country's economy and development. Adding: The trillion baht project will help the country be more competitive, 
And would help ease congestion on the Strait of Malacca,  60% of global oil supplies pass through the stretch of water, 

The chairman of the monorail train operator said the wheels of all Yellow Line trains will be replaced to ensure public safety, following an incident on Tuesday when a wheel fell from a train and hit a taxi.

He said..,  about 600 wheels on 30 Yellow Line trains have been checked so far..   
Thailand’s Consumer Council  has called for a complete inspection of the Yellow and Pink monorail Lines.

A committee on national soft power has announced changes to rules for censorship in Thai movie productions, saying strict rules limit creativity and are no longer relevant to today’s society.

Movies will see a new classification rating which will be used as an advisory for viewers, Thailand has often been criticized over its censorship regulations.

Around The Region

Indonesia’s vote watchdog yesterday ruled that President Joko Widodo’s son – the leading candidate’s running mate in the coming presidential election – had broken rules during his campaign, a breach that could leave him facing a reprimand,  but not disqualification.

He allegedly broke regulations when he handed out free milk to people at a public "car-free day" last month.

Chiang Mai and the north: sunny 31C

Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 34

Pattaya:  Sunny partly cloudy, 33

Phuket and the south:  Sunny partly cloudy, 32C

Hua Hin: Sunny,  light cloud 32 
AQI moderate 70

Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English,  Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com

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