THE PEOPLE ARE ROUGHLY equally divided over whether massive street protests against the “untouchable” de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra could possibly occur at any time, according to the latest NIDA Poll.

 

People Equally Divided Over Anti-Thaksin Protests Erupting: NIDA Poll
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

TOP: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra next to a sign showing the 14th floor of the Police Hospital where he has been staying since his return to Thailand in August last year. Photo: Thai Rath

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317655-people-equally-divided-over-anti-thaksin-protests-erupting-nida-poll/

Misunderstanding over actual size of lithium deposits found in Thailand

 

 

The Department of Primary Industries and Mines has explained that there appears to be a misunderstanding that two major lithium deposits in Phang-nga province have been found to contain 14.8 million tonnes of lithium, making Thailand the world’s third largest source of lithium, after Bolivia and Argentina.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317657-misunderstanding-over-actual-size-of-lithium-deposits-found-in-thailand/

 

Suspect Who Threatened Tourist Over Beer Purchase Refusal Arrested in Na Jomtien

By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya

 

Sattahip —Pattaya police arrested a Thai man who threatened a foreign tourist with a knife after the tourist refused to buy beer from him for 200 baht in Na Jomtien last Friday.

 

Full sttory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317658-suspect-who-threatened-tourist-over-beer-purchase-refusal-arrested-in-na-jomtien/

 

Thai Police Bust International Pickpocket and Credit Card Theft Gang in Bangkok
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Bangkok—At 9:00 AM, on January 20th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau captured a pickpocket and credit card theft gang stealing from foreign tourists at tourist attractions in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317659-thai-police-bust-international-pickpocket-and-credit-card-theft-gang-in-bangkok/

 

Russian Tourist Rescued After Jumping Into Pattaya Sea in Intoxicated State
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Pattaya — A Russian tourist in an intoxicated state sparked a late-night drama on Saturday as he jumped into the Pattaya sea from Bali Hai Pier and attempted to climb onto a yacht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317660-russian-tourist-rescued-after-jumping-into-pattaya-sea-in-intoxicated-state/

 

Chinese Tourist Fatally Falls from Speed Boat at the Similan Islands in Phang Nga
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

Phang Nga—At 1:45 PM, on January 20th, 2024, the Phang Nga Maritime Enforcement Command Center received a report of a Chinese tourist falling from a speed boat heading to the Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317661-chinese-tourist-fatally-falls-from-speed-boat-at-the-similan-islands-in-phang-nga/

 

Thai Cannabis Network Seeks Clarity on New Draft Bill: Concerns Over Many Parts of the Bill
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On January 19th, 2024, Mr. Prasitchai Nunual, the secretary-general of the network for Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis, spoke about Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, regarding the draft Cannabis and Hemp bill.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317662-thai-cannabis-network-seeks-clarity-on-new-draft-bill-concerns-over-many-parts-of-the-bill/

 

Elephant Rampage at Suphanburi Red Cross Fair: Three People Slightly Injured, One Critically Injured, After Teasing Incident

By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Suphanburi—On January 20th, 2024, Thai local media reported an irritated elephant attacking people at the Suphanburi Provincial Red Cross fair in Suphanburi, causing four injuries with one person in critical condition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317663-elephant-rampage-at-suphanburi-red-cross-fair-three-people-slightly-injured-one-critically-injured-after-teasing-incident/

 

29-year-old turned down position as an MP and resigned from Bhumjaithai Party in a striking move
by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

29 year old Chontida Asavahame (right), pictured with her mother, well known singer, recording artist and Samut Prakan politician, Nantida Kaewbuasai. Ms Nantida is, at this time, Chief Executive of the Provincial Administrative Organisation in Samut Prakan.

In a stunning act, 29-year-old actress and singer, Chontida Asavahame, rejects an MP seat and leaves the Bhumjaithai Party. The daughter of a powerful political dynasty, her decision is linked to Thailand’s dynastic politics, especially following the death of her influential father, Chonsawat Asavahame, last year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317664-29-year-old-turned-down-position-as-an-mp-and-resigned-from-bhumjaithai-party-in-a-striking-move/

57-year-old local political player mercilessly gunned down after a funeral in Nakhon Si Thammarat
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

57-year-old Suriyan Anuphak (left) was ruthlessly assassinated on Thursday night in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Senior police briefed the media on Friday, saying they were open-minded but confident of apprehending the local official’s killer.

Political power play or something more personal? In another chilling murder, a prominent local political figure, Mr Suriyan Anuphak, was ruthlessly gunned down in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317665-57-year-old-local-political-player-mercilessly-gunned-down-after-a-funeral-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

 

Riot Erupts Among 100 Detained Juveniles in Nakhon Ratchasima
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Nakhon Ratchasima—At 10:30 AM, on January 21st, 2024, the Nakhon Ratchasima Department of Juvenile Observation and Protection (DJOP), District 3, reported to Pho Klang police officers regarding a riot of more than 100 detained juveniles.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317666-riot-erupts-among-100-detained-juveniles-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

 

Talks On Reopening Gate To Preah Vihear Temple Urged
by TNR Staff

 

The locked gate to the direct access to Preah Vihear temple ruins. Photo: Naewna

 

SOME Sisaket MPs want Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to negotiate with Cambodian leader Hun Manet on reopening the gate to Preah Vihear temple ruins from Khao Phra Viharn National Park on the Thai side during his visit to the neighbouring country next month, Naewna newspaper said today (Jan. 20).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317667-talks-on-reopening-gate-to-preah-vihear-temple-urged/

 

US warns Thai navy over salvage operations of sunk HTMS Sukhothai
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) received a second warning from the Joint United States Military Advisory Group Thailand (Jusmagthai) over salvage operations on the US-built HTMS Sukhothai, which sank in the Gulf of Thailand back in 2022.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317668-us-warns-thai-navy-over-salvage-operations-of-sunk-htms-sukhothai/

 

New tiger discovery in Chumphon province’s forests sparks transboundary patrol theory
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

 

Three tigers, believed to traverse between Thailand and Myanmar, have been discovered in Chumphon province’s forests. The big cats were detected last Friday in the Tanao Sri Mountain Range, which forms the border between the two countries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317669-new-tiger-discovery-in-chumphon-province’s-forests-sparks-transboundary-patrol-theory/

 

Famed Isaan monk blesses 301 truck plates to bring prosperity in Surin
by Samantha Rose

 

Picture courtesy of Sanook

 

A 97 year old southern Isaan monk blessed 301 registration plates for pick-up trucks. The ceremony took place at Wat Phattanathammaram, also known as Wat Ban Dan Chong Chom, in Surin Province. The event aimed to bring luck and prosperity to the winning bidders.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317670-famed-isaan-monk-blesses-301-truck-plates-to-bring-prosperity-in-surin/

 

Full story: 

New zoning areas for water sports set for Hua Hin beach
By Online Reporter

 

File photo

Hua Hin’s Mayor, Mr. Nopporn Wutthikul, presided over a meeting with local water sports operators as part of plans to enhance tourist safety and regulate water sports activities on Hua Hin beach.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317671-new-zoning-areas-for-water-sports-set-for-hua-hin-beach/

 

IndiGo launches flights from Hyderabad to Bangkok late February
bi Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Mint

 

Indian airline IndiGo announced the launch of daily nonstop flights between Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) starting February 26.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317672-indigo-launches-flights-from-hyderabad-to-bangkok-late-february/

 

Safety controls on firework factories in Suphan Buri to be strengthened
 

 

Suphan Buri provincial authorities have been instructed by the governor to tighten up safety controls on the about 10 firework factories still operating in the province, to prevent a repetition of last week’s explosion, which killed 23 people.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317674-safety-controls-on-firework-factories-in-suphan-buri-to-be-strengthened/

 

Rescuers Save Lives of 2 Grandparents Stuck in BTS Elevator for Over 1 Hour

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Rescue workers rushed to the scene to help two people who were trapped inside a BTS elevator for more than an hour before being rescued. The incident took place at the National Stadium BTS station on Rama 1 Road.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317675-rescuers-save-lives-of-2-grandparents-stuck-in-bts-elevator-for-over-1-hour/

 

Suspect In Dismemberment Of Myanmar Man Has Fled The Country: Police
by TNR Staff

 

Police inspecting the crime scene with the freezer in which the murder victim’s dismembered body parts were found inset. Photo: Amarin TV

 

FIVE FRIENDS of a Myanmar man found his dismembered body parts in a freezer at a shophouse in Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district where they all had stayed temporarily as arranged by their Indian job agent this afternoon (Jan. 21) but police said the suspect has now fled the country, Amarin TV said this evening.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317677-suspect-in-dismemberment-of-myanmar-man-has-fled-the-country-police/

 

 

Underage Revelers Found in Unlicensed Nightclub

 

Pictrure: Thai Rath

 

Police from the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) raided the "Miw Prachachuen" nightclub, discovering 13 individuals under the age of 20.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317682-underage-revelers-found-in-unlicensed-nightclub/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 22 January 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317683-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-22-january-2024/

 

The Success of a Salesman
by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont

 

Back in October, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin argued that he does not merely want people to see him as a prime minister, but as a businessman. “I’m a salesman. I have to sell Thailand’s great products and build investors’ confidence. It’s my duty and mission as the No 1 salesman of the country,” he told a forum hosted by Krungthep Turakij. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317684-the-success-of-a-salesman/

Ekapop Luengprasert confronts Sai Thong Gang over harassment of Nonthaburi locals
by Samantha Rose

 

Picture courtesy of tnews

Ekapop Luengprasert, a political advisor and founder of the Survive Facebook page, visited the notorious Sai Thong Gang in Nonthaburi today, following reports of their persistent harassment of locals. Ekapop threatened that if the police fail to manage the situation, they should relocate to a crime-free area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317688-ekapop-luengprasert-confronts-sai-thong-gang-over-harassment-of-nonthaburi-locals/

 

Thailand’s Student Loan Fund tackles 100 billion baht in bad debts
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of studentloan

The Student Loan Fund (SLF) in Thailand has accumulated bad debts amounting to 100 billion baht (US$2,816,902,000). This is a significant increase from 2017 when the total non-performing loans stood at 60 billion baht. The SLF’s manager, Chainarong Katchapanan, attributes this surge to borrowers prioritising other repayments, such as credit card debt and mortgages, over their student loans.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317689-thailand’s-student-loan-fund-tackles-100-billion-baht-in-bad-debts/

Wang Nam Khieo tourism business calls for measures against wild gaur attacks
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of Prasit Tangprasert

Tourism business operators from Wang Nam Khieo district in Nakhon Ratchasima have put forward initiatives to tackle the escalating number of incidents involving wild gaurs. These large, wild bulls are causing havoc, attacking individuals, and wreaking destruction on crops.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317692-wang-nam-khieo-tourism-business-calls-for-measures-against-wild-gaur-attacks/

 

Best Bangkok night markets
by Ann Carter 

 

Stock photo via Trip Savvy

Checking out Bangkok’s night markets is one of the most exciting things to do in the city. Here, the capital of Thailand boasts some of the largest markets in the world, with the possibility of bargaining your heart out.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317693-best-bangkok-night-markets/

 

Thailand bracing for temperature drop due to cold blast from China
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of Eutah Mizushima, Unsplash.

A new blast of cold air is set to lower temperatures by four degrees Celsius, warns the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD). This weather shift, prompted by a strong high-pressure system from southern China and northern Vietnam, is anticipated to affect the northeastern and eastern parts of Thailand today.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317694-thailand-bracing-for-temperature-drop-due-to-cold-blast-from-china/

 

Aircraft departing from Thailand's Utapao Airport crashed in Afghanistan

The New Voice of Ukraine

 

A Russian Falcon 10 private jet

 

A Russian Falcon 10 private jet en route to Moscow crashed in northeastern Afghanistan on Jan. 20 with six people on board, Russian propaganda outlet RIA Novosti reported.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317696-aircraft-departing-from-thailands-utapao-airport-crashed-in-afghanistan/

 

UPDATE:

 

Chilling CCTV footage reveals suspects buying freezer with dismembered body in Bangkok
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod.

CCTV footage revealed a group of Indian suspects casually browsing in a shopping centre, selecting a freezer, before the discovery of a dismembered body. The gruesome find was made yesterday, January 21, in a row building on Soi Sakae Ngam 35/3, Sam Dam Subdistrict, Bang Khun Thian District, Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317677-suspect-in-dismemberment-of-myanmar-man-has-fled-the-country-police/?do=findComment&comment=18635395