A brawl between a group of British and South African tourists on Bangla Road, Patong, Phuket, was reported to local police yesterday morning.

 

British and South African tourists clash in street brawl on Bangla Road
by Top | Photo courtesy of Phuket News

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316326-british-and-south-african-tourists-clash-in-street-brawl-on-bangla-road/

 

Tourists to Finland must have minimum 50 Euro per day
by Gregers Møller

 

Finland has announced a hike in the minimum daily financial requirement for a Schengen visa, elevating it from €30 (1,137.33 Thai Baht) to €50 (1,895.55 Thai Baht).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316328-tourists-to-finland-must-have-minimum-50-euro-per-day/

 

Doctors send report on Thaksin’s illnesses to Corrections Department

 

 

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong said that doctors at the Police General Hospital have sent a report on convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s health to the director-general of the Corrections Department.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316329-doctors-send-report-on-thaksin’s-illnesses-to-corrections-department/

 

Police Investigating Death Of Toddler Found Stuffed In Fridge
by TNR Staff 

 

Forensic officers taking photos of the dead toddler, above, after police removed his body from the fridge, insert. Photo: Naewna

 

NONTHABURI police questioned the adoptive mother of a two-year-old boy found dead after being wrapped in a blanket then put in a cloth bag and stuffed in a refrigerator with the grandmother having alerted them, Naewna newspaper and Amarin TV said this morning (Jan. 6).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316330-police-investigating-death-of-toddler-found-stuffed-in-fridge/

 

2 Thai Sang Thai Executive Members Quit Over MPs’ Revolt
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Thai Sang Thai leader Sudarat Keyurapan. Top photo: Thai Rath

 

A COUPLE OF THAI SANG THAI executive members have resigned over the weekend to take responsibility for Friday’s quiet revolt staged by a trio of Thai Sang Thai MPs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316331-2-thai-sang-thai-executive-members-quit-over-mps’-revolt/

 

Srettha Tipped To Run Country At Least Throughout This Year: NIDA Poll
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath

 

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin is believed to be able to run the country throughout this year, regardless of following years to say the least, according to a NIDA Poll released today (Jan.7).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316332-srettha-tipped-to-run-country-at-least-throughout-this-year-nida-poll/

 

Thai Health Minister Proposes Marijuana Bill Focusing Only on Medical Use
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On January 6th, 2024, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, forwarded a Marijuana Bill for Cabinet consideration, emphasizing its focus on medicinal use only.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316333-thai-health-minister-proposes-marijuana-bill-focusing-only-on-medical-use/

 

UPDATE:

 

Controversy over Thaksin Still in a Hospital Versus a Thai Prison Continues
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On January 3rd, 2024, Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn, a former election commissioner, posted on Facebook regarding Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra’s case about receiving medical treatment at the Police General Hospital and alleged indiscriminate treatment for prisoners.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316329-doctors-send-report-on-thaksin’s-illnesses-to-corrections-department/?do=findComment&comment=18602444

 

Russian Big Biker Apologizes to Pattaya Residents After Causing Loud Noises
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

A Russian big biker apologized to Pattaya residents in the vicinity of the FlowerLand Pattaya on Wednesday, after he disturbed their peace by driving his loud big bike around the parking lot at night.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316334-russian-big-biker-apologizes-to-pattaya-residents-after-causing-loud-noises/

Almost 500 Minors Found Partying During Night Club Raid in Pathum Thani
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

At 12:30 AM, on January 7th, 2024, Mr. Ronarong Thipsiri, the Inspector General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA), Khlong Luang police, and relevant agencies raided an entertainment venue called HEAVEN Rangsit on Soi Khlong Luang 25 in Pathum Thani.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316335-almost-500-minors-found-partying-during-night-club-raid-in-pathum-thani/

 

Snake Caught at Cafe Amazon in Pattaya
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

A snake was caught at a Café Amazon outlet on Pattaya Third Road on Saturday evening.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316336-snake-caught-at-cafe-amazon-in-pattaya/

 

New Zealand Tourist Being Interviewed Following Death of Thai Girlfriend in Phuket
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

A New Zealand tourist is under investigation following the death of his Thai girlfriend in Phuket on Saturday, January 6th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316337-new-zealand-tourist-being-interviewed-following-death-of-thai-girlfriend-in-phuket/

 

Russian Man Arrested in Phuket After Allegedly Taking Away Minor from Parental Guardian
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

A Russian man was arrested at Phuket International Airport after he allegedly took away a minor under 18 years of age from their parents.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316338-russian-man-arrested-in-phuket-after-allegedly-taking-away-minor-from-parental-guardian/

Phuket Tour Bus Driver Dumps Tourists on Roadside, Leads Police on Wild Chase Ending in Crash – Video
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

A tour bus caught on fire in Phang Nga following a crash after a driver dumped tourists on a roadside in Phuket and drove away leading police for a chase of over 70 kilometers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316339-phuket-tour-bus-driver-dumps-tourists-on-roadside-leads-police-on-wild-chase-ending-in-crash-–-video/

 

Chinese Tourist Dies after Snorkeling in Phang Nga
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

A Chinese tourist from Phuket died after a snorkeling accident near an island in the Khura Buri district.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316340-chinese-tourist-dies-after-snorkeling-in-phang-nga/

 

Can Thailand detonate the baby boom it needs as retirement time bomb looms?

 

 

Thai retirees started outnumbering people entering the workforce for the first time last year, sparking concerns that the country faces a future of economic and social breakdown.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316341-can-thailand-detonate-the-baby-boom-it-needs-as-retirement-time-bomb-looms/

 

New tax era in Thailand begins as Revenue now shares data with 138 countries within the OECD
by Joseph O' Connor

 

On Friday, the Director-general of the Revenue Department revealed a surge in tax receipts from October and November 2023. They were driven by a recovery in foreign tourism. At the same time, she also pointed to Thailand’s integration with the OECD tax collection framework. The country will play its part in ending worldwide tax avoidance and evasion by international firms and foreign residents.

 

Thailand’s Tax Revolution – The Revenue Department of Thailand embraces a new era in tax enforcement, sharing data with 138 countries within the OECD framework. As the government sets an ambitious revenue target of ฿2.2767 trillion for fiscal year 2024, the move aims to combat tax avoidance and elevate economic recovery. Foreign firms, residents and tourists expected to foot more of the bill.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316342-new-tax-era-in-thailand-begins-as-revenue-now-shares-data-with-138-countries-within-the-oecd/

 

UPDATE:

 

Marijuana industry faces disaster as Health Minister unveils law to outlaw recreational pot use in Thailand
by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

Former leader of the Pheu Thai Party and Minister of Public Health Cholnan Srikaew has unveiled his new law on marijuana or cannabis. It is not good news for cannabis shops. It clearly aims to outlaw the recreational use of the drug and empowers the Royal Thai Police to prosecute offenders.

Thai Cannabis Crackdown: Health Minister’s new law targets recreational use and challenges Bhumjaithai’s legacy. Minister Cholnan unveils strict cannabis law, eliminating recreational use. The current liberal order faces risk as seizures in Ireland complicate the discussion and re-introduce Thailand’s international obligations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316333-thai-health-minister-proposes-marijuana-bill-focusing-only-on-medical-use/?do=findComment&comment=18602478

 

Online scams surge in Thailand warns Central Investigation Bureau
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

A surge in online scams, driven by the significant increase in internet-based activities, is anticipated to continue throughout this year, warned Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Jirabhop Bhuridej.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316343-online-scams-surge-in-thailand-warns-central-investigation-bureau/

 

Thai army chief refutes claims of cultural persecution in southern provinces
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Chief of the Fourth Army Region, Santi Sakuntanak, refuted accusations that the Thai army has been legally pursuing youths from the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat for merely donning traditional Malay attire at a fair celebrating Malay culture.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316344-thai-army-chief-refutes-claims-of-cultural-persecution-in-southern-provinces/

 

Thailand Gears Up for Exciting Astronomical Year 2024
by Krajangwit Johjit

 

    
BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand will be offered chances to witness a series of astronomical events in 2024, beginning with the Micro Full Moon on February 24, coinciding with Makha Bucha Day.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316345-thailand-gears-up-for-exciting-astronomical-year-2024/

 

Thai national parks report record revenues and visitors in 2023
by Top

 

Photo courtesy of อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก - Khao Sok National Park (Facebook)

The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation disclosed on January 4, the rankings of the top 10 highest-earning and most-visited national parks from the pool of 133 parks for the previous year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316346-thai-national-parks-report-record-revenues-and-visitors-in-2023/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 8 January 2024

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316347-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-8-january-2024/

 

Prawit Comes Back!? Political Activities Stir in Various Regions
 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

After a period of silence and tranquility, rumors have surrounded the People Power Party. Recently, General Prawit Wongsuwan, the party leader, organized the first People Power Party caravan, choosing to mobilize in Phetchabun with Sanit Prompat, the Deputy Party Leader and Minister of Public Health. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316349-prawit-comes-back-political-activities-stir-in-various-regions/

 

Tour bus accident in Thailand leads to severe injuries
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Photo courtesy of Khao Sod

A tour bus accident has led to multiple casualties and severe injuries among passengers. Rescue officials rushed to the scene, where they discovered six people seriously injured.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316350-tour-bus-accident-in-thailand-leads-to-severe-injuries/

 

Thailand to abolish hefty import tariff on wine

by Natalie Wang

 

Tuk tuk in Bangkok, Thailand (pic: canva)

 

Buying wines in Thailand is going to get much cheaper, as the country is set to introudce a sweeping tax reform including completely removing import tariffs in an effort to boost the country’s tourism.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316351-thailand-to-abolish-hefty-import-tariff-on-wine/

 

Stabbing to death in Phra Khanong convenience store shocks local community
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of Khao Sod

A fatal stabbing occurred in a convenience store in the Phra Khanong area, following a heated argument between two homeless men.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316352-stabbing-to-death-in-phra-khanong-convenience-store-shocks-local-community/

 

German President to Visit Thailand This Month
by Krajangwit Johjit

 

    
BANGKOK (NNT) - German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is set to lead a government delegation on a three-day visit to Thailand starting January 24, marking the first state visit by a German president to the country since Johannes Rau’s trip in 2002. Steinmeier, who has been in office since March 2017, will be joined by his wife, Elke Buedenbender.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316354-german-president-to-visit-thailand-this-month/

 

Thailand Sets Up Emergency Center for Impending Haze Crisis
by Krajangwit Johjit

 

    
BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Public Health has established an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to address the critical issue of haze pollution, which is forecasted to intensify, especially in the northern region.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316355-thailand-sets-up-emergency-center-for-impending-haze-crisis/

Pedestrian bridge collapses onto dump truck on Northbound Highway 32

Photo of Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of สำนักงานประชาสัมพันธ์จังหวัดอ่างทอง Facebook

 

A pedestrian bridge in Ang Thong‘s Mueang district came crashing down onto a dump truck, causing a significant obstruction on the main northbound highway, Highway 32. The incident unfolded around 7am today when the dump truck, with its body unintentionally raised, collided with the footbridge.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1316356-pedestrian-bridge-collapses-onto-dump-truck-on-northbound-highway-32/