The Constitutional Court is set to rule on Wednesday (January 24) whether Pita Limjaroenrat, the initial front-runner to become Thailand’s 30th prime minister, violated the charter by contesting last year’s election while holding shares in a media company.

 

Judgement day for Pita: A closer look at case that could change Thai politics

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317811-judgement-day-for-pita-a-closer-look-at-case-that-could-change-thai-politics/

 

Cabinet scraps 24-year-old practice of teachers serving as school guards

 

File photo : A man attacks a female teacher in a school in Chiang Rai province.

 

The Thai cabinet scrapped an old school practice today, which had been imposed since 1999. It requires at least one teacher to take turns to be posted at their schools as a night guard, to protect property from potential intruders.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317835-cabinet-scraps-24-year-old-practice-of-teachers-serving-as-school-guards/

 

Overstaying Israeli Man Arrested in Patong after Allegedly Trying to Rob a Woman at an Exchange Booth
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Patong – An overstaying Israeli man was arrested after he was allegedly trying to rob a potential victim at an exchange booth in Patong.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317878-overstaying-israeli-man-arrested-in-patong-after-allegedly-trying-to-rob-a-woman-at-an-exchange-booth/

 

Wreckage Of T-28 Light Attack Aircraft Retrieved From Mekong River
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Parts of a T-28 Trojan aircraft wreckage found in Nong Khai today, Jan. 23. 2024. Photos: Sanook.com

 

SOME PARTS OF THE wreckage of a US-built T-28 Trojan aircraft were inadvertently found by villagers and then retrieved by police from Mekong river in Nong Khai today (Jan.23).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317879-wreckage-of-t-28-light-attack-aircraft-retrieved-from-mekong-river/

 

Tourist riding in Convertible with Lion Cub under investigation

 

 

A Thai woman has been identified as the owner of a young lion, recently taken on a ride in a convertible in Pattaya.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317838-big-cat-cruising/

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan officials undergo anti-corruption training
By Online Reporter

 

 

Officials in Prachuap Khiri Khan, including some of Hua Hin Municipality have undergone training aimed at towards bolstering integrity and transparency within government operations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317884-prachuap-khiri-khan-officials-undergo-anti-corruption-training/

 

German president’s state visit to Thailand after 22 years sparks hope
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has embarked on a state visit to Thailand, commencing today, following an invitation extended by Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317887-german-president’s-state-visit-to-thailand-after-22-years-sparks-hope/

 

Indonesian National Arrested in Thailand for Forex Investment Scam and Overstaying

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

In a proactive move to combat crime, Thailand's National Police, led by Lt. Gen. Torasak Sukwimol, the Police Commissioner, and Lt. Gen. Surachet Hakpal, the Deputy Police Commissioner, executed measures to prevent and suppress illegal activities. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317888-indonesian-national-arrested-in-thailand-for-forex-investment-scam-and-overstaying/

 

Is changing the age of criminal responsibility in Thailand wise
By Lynn Sasinpong

 

In recent weeks, there was a chorus of voices throughout social media, and even by the police chief, calling for the government to lower the age of criminal responsibility in Thailand from 15 to 12 years old.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317889-is-changing-the-age-of-criminal-responsibility-in-thailand-wise/

 

Garbage Truck Tragedy: 2 Workers on Roof Fatally Struck, Unable to React in Time

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

The incident occurred on January 23, 2024, at around 3:10 PM on the motorway connecting Bang Yai and Kanchanaburi in Tambon Takramen, Amphoe Thamaka, Kanchanaburi Province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317890-garbage-truck-tragedy-2-workers-on-roof-fatally-struck-unable-to-react-in-time/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 24 January 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317892-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-24-january-2024/

 

Thai military and police ramp up counter-drone tech training
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Defence Technology Institute

The Royal Thai Armed Forces and Royal Thai Police are set to enhance their focus on counter-drone technology training as part of their yearly exercises and drills.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317893-thai-military-and-police-ramp-up-counter-drone-tech-training/

 

UPDATE:

 

JN.1 Omicron sub-variant linked to surge in Thai hospitalisations
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

The JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron Covid-19 variant has been implicated in a recent rise in hospitalisations and over 10 fatalities last week.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317848-surge-in-covid-19-infections-and-rising-death-toll-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18640617

Thailand’s media spending to see 4% growth driven by online and TV
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

Anticipating a 4% growth in media spending this year, mirroring the trend from 2023, the market is set to be driven by online, TV, and out-of-home media.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317897-thailand’s-media-spending-to-see-4-growth-driven-by-online-and-tv/

 

Probe into e-cigarette sales by officer’s wife sparks police ethics inquiry
by Nattapong Westwood

 

 PHOTO: via BMC blog network

 

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) police are investigating allegations that a police officer provided his wife with confiscated e-cigarettes to sell online for profit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317898-probe-into-e-cigarette-sales-by-officer’s-wife-sparks-police-ethics-inquiry/

 

Infant with critical heart defect rushed to Bangkok for life-saving surgery
by Nattapong Westwood

 

PHOTO: via Channel 7

A seven-month-old baby with a critical heart condition was successfully transferred to Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok for emergency life-saving surgery after showing signs of severe distress and requiring a ventilator.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317901-infant-with-critical-heart-defect-rushed-to-bangkok-for-life-saving-surgery/

 

8-year-old set to kite foil across the Gulf of Thailand this week!
By Online Reporter 

 

 

Thanawat “Shane” Promwaen, the remarkable 8-year-old kite & wing foiling prodigy from Thailand, is gearing up for a record-breaking journey across the Gulf of Thailand on Wednesday, 24 January.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317902-8-year-old-set-to-kite-foil-across-the-gulf-of-thailand-this-week/

Mobile Cabinet allocates 552 million baht for Andaman Coast development
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of Phuket Info Center (Facebook)

A total of 552 million baht (US$15 million) has been allocated by the mobile Cabinet towards the development of 18 new projects across six southern provinces on the Andaman Coast.

 

Full stoy: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317903-mobile-cabinet-allocates-552-million-baht-for-andaman-coast-development/

 

Authorities Order Demolition of Encroaching Resorts

 

 

PHETCHABUN, Jan 24 (TNA) – The Director-General of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has issued an order to demolish two resorts, encroaching on the Khao Kho National Park area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317904-authorities-order-demolition-of-encroaching-resorts/

 

Late night kitchen blaze claims three young lives in Phichit
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

Three young lives were tragically lost to a fierce house fire that erupted late last night in Phichit province, with two others sustaining serious injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317907-late-night-kitchen-blaze-claims-three-young-lives-in-phichit/

 

Pattaya ‘safari’ with Bentleys & Lions, Thai PM on southern spending spree - Tim Newton Today - Jan 24

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317908-pattaya-‘safari’-with-bentleys-lions-thai-pm-on-southern-spending-spree-tim-newton-today-jan-24/

Thailand probes private ownership of 153 lions after Pattaya Bentley incident (video)
Photo of Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of paga.gennari Tiktok

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation revealed that there are 153 lions in the possession of 24 Thai nationals, highlighting the controlled status of these wild animals and the legal requirement to declare ownership.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317838-big-cat-cruising/?do=findComment&comment=18640981

Heightened security around Constitutional Court on Pita’s judgement day

 

 

Police have been increasing security around the Constitutional Court since early this morning, as supporters of the Move Forward party and other political groups are expected to show up to offer moral support to the former party leader Pita Limjaroenrat.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317909-heightened-security-around-constitutional-court-on-pita’s-judgement-day/

 

Man posing as undercover cop with BB gun arrested in Chon Buri
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

Chaos erupted in the municipality of Ban Bueng, Chon Buri province, when a 40 year old man, under the influence of drugs, terrorised residents by brandishing a gun and claiming to be an undercover police officer.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317910-man-posing-as-undercover-cop-with-bb-gun-arrested-in-chon-buri/

 

Wealthy heiress found dead in Chanthaburi, police suspect foul play
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

The mysterious death of a wealthy heiress from a prominent family has shocked the community in Chanthaburi province. Today, early at 6.10am, local police led by Police Major General Phadungsak Raksasuk arrived at the residence, a house behind an old petrol station in Ma Kham district, to investigate the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of 77 year old Panithi Kosalanan in a swimming pool.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317912-wealthy-heiress-found-dead-in-chanthaburi-police-suspect-foul-play/

 

Belgian fugitive convicted for attempted murder arrested in Thailand
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of Immigration Bureau

A Belgian fugitive, previously convicted in Belgium for charges of attempted murder, has been apprehended in Patong, Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317914-belgian-fugitive-convicted-for-attempted-murder-arrested-in-thailand/

 

A million foreign arrivals expected for Chinese New Year in February – TAT
 

 

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has predicted that almost a million foreign tourists will visit the kingdom during the Chinese New Year festival, which runs from February 8th to 16th, generating an estimated 28 billion baht in revenues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317915-a-million-foreign-arrivals-expected-for-chinese-new-year-in-february-–-tat/

Pile of Concrete Bricks Collapses on Two Female Construction Workers in Sattahip
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

 

Sattahip — Two female migrant workers were seriously injured when a large pile of concrete bricks collapsed on them on Tuesday, January 23rd, in Sattahip.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317918-pile-of-concrete-bricks-collapses-on-two-female-construction-workers-in-sattahip/

Thai PM announces stimulus measures amidst economic crisis
by Alex Morgan Alex 

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiPost

Acknowledging Thailand’s struggling economy, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also serves as the Finance Minister, said today the government is set to introduce a series of stimulus measures to bolster growth.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317919-thai-pm-announces-stimulus-measures-amidst-economic-crisis/

 

Court clears Pita of iTV shares charges

 

 

The Constitutional Court has cleared the former leader of the Move Forward party, Pita Limjaroenrat, of the charge that he contested in last year’s election while holding shares in a media company.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1317926-court-clears-pita-of-itv-shares-charges/