THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 26 January 2024

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My next destination is Government House : Pita

 

Former Move Forward party leader Pita Limjaroenrat told the media, on his first day back in parliament after six-month absence today, that his next destination is Government House.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318067-my-next-destination-is-government-house-pita/

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Two more ‘pet’ lions sighted in Pattaya

 

 

Residents of a housing estate in Pattaya have been seeking help, after their foreign neighbour purchased two lions as pets, one of which gets loose and wanders around the neighbourhood.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318065-two-more-‘pet’-lions-sighted-in-pattaya/

 

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Three people to be charged with owning a lion without a permit

 

 

The National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department will initiate legal action against two Thais, a Sri Lankan and a Ukrainian for being in possession of and moving a lion without a permit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318064-three-people-to-be-charged-with-owning-a-lion-without-a-permit/

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International British Teacher Arrested for Luring Minors to Commit Indecent Acts in Pathum Thani

 

 

By Kittisak Phalaharn

On January 25th, 2024, Pol. Col. Jirawat Piampinseth, the Superintendent of Thanyaburi Police Station, publicly revealed the case of a British teacher who allegedly committed an indecent act to minors under the age of 13 at an international school in Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318075-international-british-teacher-arrested-for-luring-minors-to-commit-indecent-acts-in-pathum-thani/

 

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British Man Arrested with Magic Mushroom in Patong
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

A British man was arrested with a magic mushroom in Patong. Magic mushrooms are listed as illegal category 5 drugs in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318076-british-man-arrested-with-magic-mushroom-in-patong/

 

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Tourist Speedboat Collides with Reef near Koh Kood, Trat, All 12 Tourists and 3 Crewmates Rescued Safely
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Trat—At 2:30 PM, on January 24th, 2024, the Trat Coastal Aquaculture Research and Development Center (CARDC) received an emergency report of a speedboat colliding with a reef, causing a shipwreck 16 miles away from the Laem Thian area, Koh Kood, Trat.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318078-tourist-speedboat-collides-with-reef-near-koh-kood-trat-all-12-tourists-and-3-crewmates-rescued-safely/

 

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Chiang Mai University Introduces Electric Songthaew Pilot Project: Plans to Remodify 100 Red Taxis for Sustainable Transport
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Chiang Mai—On January 24th, 2024, Thai national media reported an introduction to a pilot project, a 100% electric songthaew or truck taxi, in the development of Chiang Mai University.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318080-chiang-mai-university-introduces-electric-songthaew-pilot-project-plans-to-remodify-100-red-taxis-for-sustainable-transport/

 

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Swiss Tourist Attacked by Buffalo Bear While Feeding in Chiang Dao

 

 

A Swiss tourist volunteering for a local wildlife foundation in Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, was bitten by a buffalo bear while feeding it in its enclosure. The swift response of the rescue team and urgent medical attention were crucial in handling the situation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318081-swiss-tourist-attacked-by-buffalo-bear-while-feeding-in-chiang-dao/

 

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Second Government Coalition Dinner: Party Leaders Strengthen Bonds in a Warm Atmosphere

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

The atmosphere was vibrant at the second government coalition dinner as Thailand's proud host, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, chose a quaint local restaurant.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318082-second-government-coalition-dinner-party-leaders-strengthen-bonds-in-a-warm-atmosphere/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 26 January 2024

 

Germany has vowed to expand its investment in electric vehicles in Thailand following the visit of German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318085-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-26-january-2024/ 

 

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Thai baht could depreciate further against US dollar, says K-Research
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

The Thai baht, already experiencing a downward trend, could further depreciate against the US dollar, potentially reaching 36 baht to a dollar, according to Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318086-thai-baht-could-depreciate-further-against-us-dollar-says-k-research/

 

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Man steals running Thailand Post truck, caught by police
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

A 31 year old man was apprehended in Kanchanaburi after stealing a Thailand Post delivery truck that was left running by the driver. Yesterday (January 25) at approximately 12.30pm, the man, identified only by his first name, Wiroj, seized the opportunity to hijack the vehicle in Ratchaburi province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318089-man-steals-running-thailand-post-truck-caught-by-police/

 

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Germany backs Thailand’s pursuit of becoming regional EV hub
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Chanat Katanyu

Germany has pledged to increase its stake in the electric vehicle (EV) sector in Thailand, paving the way for the nation to emerge as a regional EV hub, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318091-germany-backs-thailand’s-pursuit-of-becoming-regional-ev-hub/

 

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China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi begins four-day visit to Thailand
 

File photo : Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi//AFP

 

State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China will commence his four-day official visit to Thailand today, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’s press release.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318093-china’s-foreign-minister-wang-yi-begins-four-day-visit-to-thailand/

 

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Thai travel agents expect Chinese tourist surge during Lunar New Year
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) anticipates a surge in Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday, estimating daily arrivals of 20,000 to 25,000.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318094-thai-travel-agents-expect-chinese-tourist-surge-during-lunar-new-year/

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Pita’s road remains bumpy
 

File photo : Pita Limjaroenrat

Pita Limjaroenrat’s vow to go to Government House is either a cryptic comment or an off-the-cuff remark that did not mean much. What is certain is that if he was alluding to the chief executive post, it can be a long and winding journey.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318097-pita’s-road-remains-bumpy/

 

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Land Bridge: A Project for No one
By Serichon

 

The Land Bridge project, a flagship initiative under the leadership of Srettha Thavisin, has been touted as the catalyst for Thailand’s economic growth engine.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318098-land-bridge-a-project-for-no-one/

 

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Thailand anticipates scorching summer with temperatures up to 44.5°C

by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

 

Thailand is bracing for an intense summer this year, with the Thai Meteorological Department forecasting that temperatures could soar to a sweltering 44.5 degrees Celsius. The summer season, which is expected to commence towards the end of February and last until the end of May, is predicted to be unusually severe, with temperatures rising 1-1.5 degrees above the average.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318099-thailand-anticipates-scorching-summer-with-temperatures-up-to-445°c/

 

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High hopes for Thai tourism in 2024
 

A pet-friendly hotel is a prime example of the growing trend in lifestyle hotels, attracting numerous pet parents.

Industry leaders are expressing optimism for 2024 even though Thailand’s tourism industry has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels either in terms of foreign tourist arrivals or revenues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318101-high-hopes-for-thai-tourism-in-2024/

 

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British teacher arrested over sexual assault of minors, 90 day reporting options - Tim Newton Today - Jan 26

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318103-british-teacher-arrested-over-sexual-assault-of-minors-90-day-reporting-options-tim-newton-today-jan-26/

 

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Move Forward party unlikely to be dissolved by charter court – law professor

 

 

A law professor at Thammasat University says the Constitutional Court has three options for its ruling next Wednesday, in a case in which the Move Forward party is accused of intending to overthrow Thailand’s Constitutional Monarchy with its election pledge to abrogate Section 112 of the Criminal Code, more commonly known as the lèse majesté law.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318104-move-forward-party-unlikely-to-be-dissolved-by-charter-court-–-law-professor/

 

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Thailand braces for rainstorms, Bangkok faces minor impact
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

A significant weather warning has been issued today by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), cautioning of potent rainstorms expected to hit 12 provinces, including a minor impact on Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318105-thailand-braces-for-rainstorms-bangkok-faces-minor-impact/

 

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TAT unveils new ‘Monopoly: Bangkok Edition’ in Thailand series
Set to roll the dice later this year, the public have about a month to suggest their favourite places in the Thai capital to be featured while local businesses can propose to be considered for the game.

 

Bangkok, 26 January 2024 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce that Bangkok will be the third destination in Thailand to get its very own official Monopoly board game, the Monopoly: Bangkok Edition, following the success of the Phuket and Chiang Mai editions. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318106-tat-unveils-new-‘monopoly-bangkok-edition’-in-thailand-series/

 

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UPDATE:

 

2 suspects arrested for murder of millionaire give conflicting stories
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via KhaoSod and Channel 8

Police arrested a Thai man and woman for the murder of a 77 year old millionaire in the central province of Chantaburi. Each suspect blamed the other.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318048-thai-millionaire-allegedly-murdered-to-settle-30-million-baht-debt/?do=findComment&comment=18646266

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Indonesian pickpocket gang nabbed at Bangkok mall after stealing 310,000 baht
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

An Indonesian gang specialising in pickpocketing was apprehended at a well-known shopping centre in Bangkok and swiftly brought to justice by police following a report from a Japanese victim. The culprits were caught yesterday (January 25) at around 8am, shortly after their ill-fated heist.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318111-indonesian-pickpocket-gang-nabbed-at-bangkok-mall-after-stealing-310000-baht/

 

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UPDATE:

 

PM says coalition government is stable, no need for cabinet reshuffle
 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has confirmed that there will be no cabinet reshuffle anytime soon, because the coalition government is stable and has more than enough votes in the House.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318082-second-government-coalition-dinner-party-leaders-strengthen-bonds-in-a-warm-atmosphere/?do=findComment&comment=18646513

 

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School near Nakhon Phanom town has only one teacher
 

 

Primary schools in Thailand’s more remote areas having only one teacher responsible for the teaching of all subjects is not uncommon, but such a school only seven kilometres from the north-eastern provincial capital of Nakhon Phanom is not a good sign. It is stark evidence of the educational inequality in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318113-school-near-nakhon-phanom-town-has-only-one-teacher/

 

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Lithuanian man fined 12,000 baht for drifting BMW in Chon Buri
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ChiangMai TV

Chon Buri Provincial Court fined a Lithuanian man 12,000 baht for dangerous driving and getting behind the wheel without a licence after a video of him drifting his luxury BMW Z4 went viral on Thai social media earlier this month.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318114-lithuanian-man-fined-12000-baht-for-drifting-bmw-in-chon-buri/

 

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American tourist found with magic mushrooms at police checkpoint in Kamala
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of Phuket News

An American tourist has been arrested for the possession of magic mushrooms in Kamala, Patong, Phuket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318115-american-tourist-found-with-magic-mushrooms-at-police-checkpoint-in-kamala/

 

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White House’s Sullivan, China’s foreign minister to discuss ties, Taiwan in Bangkok

 

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan attends a session during the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 16, 2024. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

 

US-China ties and Taiwan will be topics raised at a meeting between the U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Bangkok, building on a commitment by the two countries’ leaders to deepen dialogue between the world’s two largest economies.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318121-white-house’s-sullivan-china’s-foreign-minister-to-discuss-ties-taiwan-in-bangkok/