A British citizen died on Saturday when he attempted to base jump from the 29th floor of a condominium in Pattaya but his parachute failed to deploy.

 

British man dies in failed parachute jump from Pattaya condo

https://aseannow.com/topic/1318280-british-man-dies-in-failed-parachute-jump-from-pattaya-condo/

 

Image Courtesy: Nathy’s sky Photography

Corrections Dept Denies Reshuffle Linked To Thaksin
by TNR Staff

 

Convicted de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, left, and Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul, right, with the Corrections Department logo at the centre. Photo: Thai Rath

 

AMID an allegation that the recent reshuffle of Corrections Department officials could be linked to convicted de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, this agency today (Jan. 28) denied this was the case pointing out the shakeup was aimed at boosting efficiency, Thai Rath newspaper.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318282-corrections-dept-denies-reshuffle-linked-to-thaksin/

 

Swiss man’s wife missing in Thailand after inheriting 13 million baht
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The search intensifies for a Swiss national’s Thai wife, who mysteriously disappeared after inheriting a fortune of over 13 million baht (US$364,861).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318283-swiss-man’s-wife-missing-in-thailand-after-inheriting-13-million-baht/

 

German Tourist Injured While Walking On Pattaya Footpath
by TNR Staff 

 

The German tourist being given first aid after injuring himself at a Pattaya footpath. Photo: Naewna

 

A GERMAN tourist injured his foot while walking down a Pattaya footpath at 12.30 a.m. this morning (Jan. 27) with Tourist Police and rescuers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan quickly helping him, Naewna newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318284-german-tourist-injured-while-walking-on-pattaya-footpath/

 

34.66% want the “digital wallet” scheme to be scrapped – NIDA Poll

 

 

34.66% of respondents to NIDA Poll suggest that the government should scrap the digital wallet scheme, to distribute 10,000 baht to most Thai nationals 16 or older, and 68.85% say that they would not hold it against the government if it is.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318285-3466-want-the-“digital-wallet”-scheme-to-be-scrapped-–-nida-poll/

 

Motorists asked to use public transport until Tuesday to ease air pollution

 

 

The Air Pollution Coordination and Resolution Centre is appealing for motorists to reduce the use of their private vehicles and switch to public transport until Tuesday, to limit the accumulation of PM2.5 dust in and around Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318286-motorists-asked-to-use-public-transport-until-tuesday-to-ease-air-pollution/

 

Police Warn Women Upskirting Now Increasing
by TNR Staff

 

A representative image of upskirting. Credit: Dw.com

 

CENTRAL Investigation Bureau (CIB) posted a warning on their webpage that upskirting is now increasing with perverts secretly snapping photos up women’s skirts to sell them to secret online groups, Naewna newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318287-police-warn-women-upskirting-now-increasing/

 

Threat Of Overtourism Returns As Thailand, China Sign Total Visa-Free Travel Deal
by TNR Staff 

 

Chinese Foreign Minister Mr. Wang Yi and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara at today’s (Jan. 28) signing of a total visa-free travel agreement.

 

THAILAND and China have signed an agreement for the citizens of the two countries to get totally visa-free access, as of March 1, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318288-threat-of-overtourism-returns-as-thailand-china-sign-total-visa-free-travel-deal/

 

270 million baht to be sought for promotion of this year’s Songkran festival

 

 

The Soft Power Strategy Committee is to request about 270 million baht from the government for the promotion of this year’s Songkran Festival, in an attempt to make it part of the country’s soft power. It is expected that the event will attract more foreign visitors to Thailand and generate about 35 billion baht revenue, according to Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, secretary of the committee.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318290-270-million-baht-to-be-sought-for-promotion-of-this-year’s-songkran-festival/

 

Bangkok bar owner arrested in Bang Na for illegal operations
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

In a swift operation against illegal nightlife activities, police arrested the owner of an unlicensed bar in the Bang Na district of Bangkok and detained four individuals for drug use.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318291-bangkok-bar-owner-arrested-in-bang-na-for-illegal-operations/

 

UPDATE: Parents of a Russian Man who Broke into the Phuket Gov’s Office Personally Apologize
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – The parents of a young Russian man who broke into the Phuket Governor’s office recently personally apologized to the Governor.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318292-update-parents-of-a-russian-man-who-broke-into-the-phuket-gov’s-office-personally-apologiz/

 

Big Joke says police and Thailand vindicated after German trip where sex abuser recanted his story
by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

Deputy National Police Chief General Surachate Hakparn met with German prosecutors this week on his trip to the European Union country. At length, the 55-year-old German accused Jens Kirch retracted the sensational claims made on a DW TV exposé broadcast on German TV. Previously, he said he paid ฿ 1 million in bribes to be able to leave Thailand after being charged with underage sex abuse in Pattaya.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318293-big-joke-says-police-and-thailand-vindicated-after-german-trip-where-sex-abuser-recanted-hi/

 

Tragedy Strikes at Ao Tubtim: Chinese Tourist Drowns on Koh Samet in Rayong
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Rayong—At 5:00 PM, on January 27th, 2024, Phe police officers received a report of a Chinese tourist drowning at Ao Tubtim, Koh Samet, Rayong.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318294-tragedy-strikes-at-ao-tubtim-chinese-tourist-drowns-on-koh-samet-in-rayong/

Thailand tops ASEAN for international tourist arrivals
by Samantha Rose

 

Picture courtesy of Hanny Naibaho, Unsplash

 

Thailand emerges as the top destination for international tourists in the ASEAN region, as revealed by Sudawan Wangsuphakitgosol, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, during the 27th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2024) in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318295-thailand-tops-asean-for-international-tourist-arrivals/

Mercedes engine fire causes frenzy in Udon Thani
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

A Mercedes engine burst into flames in downtown Udon Thani, causing a stir among locals and fitness enthusiasts in the area.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318296-mercedes-engine-fire-causes-frenzy-in-udon-thani/

 

Nine arrest warrants sought following death of Pathumwan vocational student

 

 

Bangkok’s Pathumwan district police are to seek warrants for the arrests of nine former students of a rival institution suspected of involvement in the murder of a student at the Pathumwan Institute of Technology in Pathumwan district on Friday night.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318297-nine-arrest-warrants-sought-following-death-of-pathumwan-vocational-student/

 

Military dogs which failed tests on auction at Military Dog Training Centre
 

 

Many dog lovers showed up this morning at the Military Dog Training Centre, in Pak Chong district of the north-eastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, to participate in the auction of 54 dogs which have failed the test to enter military service.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318298-military-dogs-which-failed-tests-on-auction-at-military-dog-training-centre/

 

Petitioner Srisuwan, Pro-Prayut Party Members Bailed Out In Bribe-Taking Case
by TNR Staff 

 

Mr. Srisuwan Janya, left, and Mr. Yoswarit Chuklom, or Jeng Dokjik, right. Photo: Matichon

 

BOTH prolific petitioner and two members of Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, largely viewed as de facto led by former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, were bailed out after being arrested in a bribe-taking sting operation, Matichon newspaper said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318299-petitioner-srisuwan-pro-prayut-party-members-bailed-out-in-bribe-taking-case/

 

French tourist drowns on Similan Islands in snorkelling accident
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

A 66 year old French tourist drowned while snorkelling near Koh 9 in Mu Koh Similan National Park yesterday afternoon.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318300-french-tourist-drowns-on-similan-islands-in-snorkelling-accident/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 29 January 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318304-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-29-january-2024/

 

Suphanburi crackdown nets 20 for illegal racing and noise complaints
byNattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

Suphanburi police have arrested over 20 motorcyclists following complaints from locals about frequent late-night disturbances.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318305-suphanburi-crackdown-nets-20-for-illegal-racing-and-noise-complaints/

 

Thai films to debut at Osaka Asian Film Festival in government initiative

by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of @ingshin21 (Instagram)

 

The Thai government has announced plans to showcase a series of Thai films at various international film festivals, commencing with six films at the Osaka Asian Film Festival in March.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318306-thai-films-to-debut-at-osaka-asian-film-festival-in-government-initiative/

 

Italian scientist receives Thai honour, boosting Thailand-Italy relations
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The Prince Mahidol Award 2023, a distinguished Thai honour in the medical field, has been conferred upon Prof Dr Napoleone Ferrara, an Italian medical scientist. The award’s presentation underscores the over 156 year old bond between Thailand and Italy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318307-italian-scientist-receives-thai-honour-boosting-thailand-italy-relations/

 

Update: British teacher arrested for sexual assault in Thailand
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of The Mirror UK

More details have emerged on the international school teacher in Thailand who sexually abused four young students aged seven to eight.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318308-update-british-teacher-arrested-for-sexual-assault-in-thailand/

 

Thai agencies promote youth political participation amid rising issues
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Chanat Katanyu

A rise in youth problems related to drugs, violence, mental health deterioration, and financial woes has spurred Thai government agencies to promote greater youth political participation and heed the voices of the young.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318309-thai-agencies-promote-youth-political-participation-amid-rising-issues/

 

Giant Python Blocks Road, Invades Naval Officer's House

 

Picture: Daily News

 

A huge python, measuring around 4 meters in length, obstructed the road, sparking significant alarm. The event unfolded within the confines of the naval officer's residential area in Moo 2, Sattahip District, Chonburi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318313-giant-python-blocks-road-invades-naval-officers-house/

 

Young woman brutally murdered in Si Sa Ket

 

 

In a chilling incident, a merciless assailant used a firearm to fatally shoot a 25-year-old woman in front of her residence in the town of Si Sa Ket. The victim, identified as Jiraphan Linson, was found lifeless on a Honda Wave parked outside, initially discovered dancing on a morlam stage before her tragic demise.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318314-young-woman-brutally-murdered-in-si-sa-ket/

 

Red sea conflicts could disrupt global trade, Thai economy at risk
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

The business world is on high alert as the ongoing conflicts in the Red Sea and the Israel-Hamas war pose potential risks to the global economy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318315-red-sea-conflicts-could-disrupt-global-trade-thai-economy-at-risk/

 

Delivery truck with parcels sinks in Chao Phraya River, goods lost
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A delivery truck plunged into the Chao Phraya River near Wat Klang Kred pier, carrying a full load of parcels destined for customers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318316-delivery-truck-with-parcels-sinks-in-chao-phraya-river-goods-lost/

 

Thai Airways: A Downward Spiral of Service, Accountability, and National Pride
by Tessa Charupatanapongse

 

Five years ago, in 2018, Thai Airways proudly ranked the 10th best airline in the world, according to Skytrax. Fast forward to today, the airline has fallen to 40th. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318317-thai-airways-a-downward-spiral-of-service-accountability-and-national-pride/