THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 18 January 2024

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BREAKING

At least 23 killed in firework factory explosion in Suphan Buri

At least 23 people have been killed and several others injured in an explosion at a firework factory in Suan Taeng sub-district of Suphan Buri province this afternoon.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317345-at-least-23-killed-in-firework-factory-explosion-in-suphan-buri/

 

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Prison officials say Thaksin eligible for parole

 

Thaksin Shinawatra

 

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is eligible for parole which may see him freed potentially without having to spend a single night in jail despite the eight-year prison handed down on him for corruption and abuse of power, according to justice authorities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317348-prison-officials-say-thaksin-eligible-for-parole/

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Cha Am Bikini Beach Run 2024 set for March 17
By Online Reporter

 

 

Cha-am is gearing up for the return of the Cha Am Bikini Beach Run, scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, 2024. This year’s event will start and finished in front of the Long Beach Hotel on the beachfront.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317364-cha-am-bikini-beach-run-2024-set-for-march-17/

 

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Accelerated development of Nakhon Pathom to Cha Am expressway
By Jonathan Fairfield

 

An expressway in Thailand. File photo

Suriya Jeungroongruangkit, the Minister of Transport, has announced plans to expedite the construction of the Nakhon Pathom to Cha-am expressway, part of a larger initiative encompassing 72 transportation projects aimed at enhancing Thailand’s infrastructure network.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317367-accelerated-development-of-nakhon-pathom-to-cha-am-expressway/

 

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Thailand starts checking foreigners' passports on domestic flights
Tighter rules to prevent visa overstays as tourism rebounds

 

Tourists wait to check in for flights at the Bangkok area's Suvarnabhumi Airport.   © Reuters
KOSUKE INOUE, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Foreign nationals must show passports or other valid identification before flying domestically in Thailand, under a requirement that took effect Tuesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317368-thailand-starts-checking-foreigners-passports-on-domestic-flights/

 

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Thailand aims for 40 million tourists and 3.5 trillion baht revenue
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Somchai Poomlard

The goal of 40 million international tourists and an ambitious revenue target of 3.5 trillion baht (US$ 98,348,390,000), as set by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, remains a tall order for this year, according to the Tourism and Sports Ministry.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317369-thailand-aims-for-40-million-tourists-and-35-trillion-baht-revenue/

 

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Full Details of Horrific Murder of Pattaya Bolt Driver Released
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

The trio who were accused of murdering a Pattaya-based ride-sharing driver went through a crime reenactment on Tuesday, after confessing to the murder allegations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317370-full-details-of-horrific-murder-of-pattaya-bolt-driver-released/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 18 January 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317371-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-18-january-2024/

 

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Public Health Ministry to use AI for depression diagnosis
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of posttoday

The Public Health Ministry has announced plans to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its online platform to aid in the diagnosis of depression. Revealed yesterday by the permanent secretary for public health, Opas Karnkawinpong, this move is part of a broader effort to boost mental health care in the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317372-public-health-ministry-to-use-ai-for-depression-diagnosis/

 

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Storm warnings for southern provinces as Thailand braces for cold snap
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of Vita Leonis, Unsplash

The Meteorological Department warns of storms hitting eight southern provinces with sea waves exceeding 2 metres.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317373-storm-warnings-for-southern-provinces-as-thailand-braces-for-cold-snap/

 

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Unhinged Russian Man Breaks into the Phuket Governor’s Office and Tries to Steal a Motorbike
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

An erratic and unhinged Russian man broke into the Phuket Governor’s office at the Phuket Provincial Hall on Tha Kraeng Road in Talad Nuea, Phuket Town before later trying to steal a motorbike.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317374-unhinged-russian-man-breaks-into-the-phuket-governor’s-office-and-tries-to-steal-a-motorbike/

 

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One Champion Boss to Give 350,000 Baht to Help Send Recently Deceased Iranian Boxer’s Body Home From Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

PHOTO: One Championship Thailand

Phuket, Thailand – The One Champion boss will give 350,000 Baht to help repatriate recently deceased Boxer Fariyar Aminipour’s body back home to his family.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317375-one-champion-boss-to-give-350000-baht-to-help-send-recently-deceased-iranian-boxer’s-body-home-from-phuket/

 

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Thaksin Should Be Released: Editorial
by Thai Enquirer

 

In the complex tapestry of Thai politics, the case of Thaksin Shinawatra stands out not just for its high drama but for its implications on the principles of justice and democracy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317376-thaksin-should-be-released-editorial/

 

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Thai authorities bust Chinese-funded counterfeit cosmetics ring causing hair loss
by Nattapong Westwood

 

PHOTO: via state.gov

A Chinese-funded warehouse was raided and counterfeit cosmetics and hair straightening products were seized.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317377-thai-authorities-bust-chinese-funded-counterfeit-cosmetics-ring-causing-hair-loss/

 

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Three Million Tourists Visited Samui Island in 2023
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Samui Island, Surat Thani – More than three million people visited Samui Island which generated more than 37 Billion Baht in revenue last year, said Samui tourism authorities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317378-three-million-tourists-visited-samui-island-in-2023/

 

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Tragic discovery of woman’s body in Pattaya condo
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A shocking discovery was made in a condominium in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Pattaya when an unpleasant odour led to the uncovering of a deceased woman’s body.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317379-tragic-discovery-of-woman’s-body-in-pattaya-condo/

 

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Fireworks explosion kills 23 north of Bangkok - Tim Newton Today - Jan 18
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317381-fireworks-explosion-kills-23-north-of-bangkok-tim-newton-today-jan-18/

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Juvenile violence sparks national police chief’s call for tougher laws
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

In a bid to curb the alarming rise in violent crimes committed by young offenders, National Police Chief Police General Torsak Sukvimol ordered a comprehensive review of all criminal cases involving youngsters over the past five years.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317386-juvenile-violence-sparks-national-police-chief’s-call-for-tougher-laws/

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House passes seven clean air bills in their first readings

 

 

Following their debate yesterday, the House of Representatives passed seven air cleanliness bills in their first readings, by 443 votes with one abstention.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317387-house-passes-seven-clean-air-bills-in-their-first-readings/

 

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Police officer involved in fatal road accident causing female doctor’s death gets 10-year sentence

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

The Court of Appeals increased the sentence of a police officer who fatally struck a doctor on a Bangkok zebra crossing.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317388-police-officer-involved-in-fatal-road-accident-causing-female-doctor’s-death-gets-10-year-sentence/

 

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Thailand targets 23.1 million MICE visitors by fiscal 2024
by Alex Morgan

 

PHOTO: via Fan Club Thailand

The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has set a target to attract a minimum of 23.1 million meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) visitors by fiscal 2024. Through this, they aim to generate a revenue of 136 billion baht, which equates to 75% of the income recorded in 2019.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317392-thailand-targets-231-million-mice-visitors-by-fiscal-2024/

 

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2 Polish women apologise for sunbathing in Chiang Mai temple
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via TigerNews TV

Chiang Mai Provincial Tourist Police tracked down two Polish women caught sunbathing on Sunday, January 14 at Chiang Man Temple in Chiang Mai province. The two foreigners apologised to locals for their inappropriate act.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317393-2-polish-women-apologise-for-sunbathing-in-chiang-mai-temple/

 

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Spread the word! More Brits in Thailand can now vote in the UK
by Thaiger

 

All Abroad! | Photo taken from the British Embassy Facebook page

 

British citizens living abroad are now eligible to register to vote in UK general elections, regardless of how long they’ve been living outside the UK. A new law has removed the previous 15-year time limit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317397-spread-the-word-more-brits-in-thailand-can-now-vote-in-the-uk/

 

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Thai herbs: Nature’s secret weapon against deadly PM2.5 dust
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

Whilst Bangkokians battle with the silent killer, the potent PM2.5 air pollution, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine unveils a game-changing solution to combat the notorious dust particles threatening the health of residents in the capital city.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317398-thai-herbs-nature’s-secret-weapon-against-deadly-pm25-dust/

 

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Fixing Thai education is not just a matter of money

 

 

When it comes to the budget for education, figures can be deceptive. Under the budget bill, which was debated in the House of Representatives last week, the Education Ministry has been allocated as much as 300 billion baht — one of the largest for the 2024 fiscal year. This has, however, once again revived the perennial question as to why, with such huge budget, the quality of Thai education still leaves much to be desired.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317412-fixing-thai-education-is-not-just-a-matter-of-money/

 

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PM Srettha Engages in High-Level Talks at 2024 WEF in Davos

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - During the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin discussed various cooperation between the Kingdom and the world’s private sector.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317413-pm-srettha-engages-in-high-level-talks-at-2024-wef-in-davos/

 

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Thai Women’s Breast Cancer Cases Increase by Over 17,000 Annually

 

 

 

BANGKOK, Jan 18 (TNA) –Thai women faces rising breast cancer threat with over 17,000 new cases annually, ranking first among cancers in women.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317414-thai-women’s-breast-cancer-cases-increase-by-over-17000-annually/

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300 passengers stuck at Zurich airport after Thai Airways delays BKK flight

 

FILE PHOTO

 

Around 300 Thai Airways passengers found themselves stuck at Zurich airport in Switzerland, after the carrier postponed their planned flight to Bangkok. Not once but twice.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317415-300-passengers-stuck-at-zurich-airport-after-thai-airways-delays-bkk-flight/

 

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Survivors tell of tragic losses in firecracker factory explosion

 

 

Two people, happy to have survived a massive blast at a firecracker factory in Suphan Buri province on Wednesday, say they are sad over the loss of many of their family members and relatives in the accident, which claimed 23 lives.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317345-at-least-23-killed-in-firework-factory-explosion-in-suphan-buri/?do=findComment&comment=18627596

 

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Call for overhaul of outdated firework factory licensing laws after Suphan Buri tragedy

 

 

Representatives of the Interior Ministry and Industrial Works Department will be invited for a discussion about amending the outdated law governing the licencing of firework factories, House Industrial Affairs Committee chairman Akkaradet Wongpitakrote said.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317345-at-least-23-killed-in-firework-factory-explosion-in-suphan-buri/?do=findComment&comment=18627601