NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 16 January 2024

25 000 land title deeds were distributed to farmers across the country yesterday fulfilling a promise by the government to convert non-tradeable farmland documents into special title deeds that can be exchanged. 

Farmers will use their newly acquired land for agricultural purposes, holding the deeds will also entitle farmers to qualify for loans and other benefits.

Bangkok residents continue to endure high levels of air pollution,
The city governor said pollution had been caused by over 1000 hotspots recorded in central Thailand during the first 10 days of January. People were being advised to work from home where possible and wear a face mask outside. 

The government is considering providing widespread humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations in Myanmar and hosting talks with the Myanmar leader and ethnic minority groups to find a solution to the crisis in the country.

Assistance may be provided  through the Five-Point Consensus plan that ASEAN negotiated. A new center was being developed at the border which would serve as an aid distribution point. 

A 41 year old man has been arrested with over 1,400 illegally registered mobile phone SIM cards, police believe were linked to online gambling operations.

The man said he obtained the sims online, 
The arrest followed a police investigation into the Facebook account which was selling mobile phone SIM cards.
The suspect was charged with obtaining and selling mobile telephone services that were registered in other people's names. 

Police apprehended a 41-year-old man in possession of more than 1,400 unlawfully registered mobile phone SIM cards, which authorities suspect are associated with online gambling.. The suspect claimed to have obtained the SIM cards online. police also investigated a Facebook account that offered SIM cards for sale. The accused faces charges of obtaining  and selling mobile telephone services registered to other people.

The state prosecutor will file a court case against a former deputy public health minister and 11 other individuals involved in a case of encroachment on Khao Yai National Park, 

The prosecutor said All 12 had admitted guilt and would face damages which were being assessed. 

Around The Region

Malaysia 
Seven local and international groups - comprising of 31 companies - have submitted concept proposals for the development of a Kuala Lumpur to Singapore High-Speed Rail project.

The project was initially proposed in 2013 but terminated by Malaysia which paid a hefty compensation to Singapore.

Chiang Mai and the north: isolated showers, clearing up  30C

Bangkok: Sunny 34

Pattaya:  Sunny,  34

Phuket and the south:

Sunny partly cloudy, isolated showers 32C                                                                           
Hua Hin: Sunny, light cloud  31
AQI Red which is unhealthy 

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