PHUKET, (TNA) — Phuket police investigators are questioning four Russian suspects involving in the kidnapping case of a Russian couple, demanding crypto currency worth some 30 million baht as ransom.

 

Phuket Police Investigate Russian Suspects in Kidnapping Case

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318642-phuket-police-investigate-russian-suspects-in-kidnapping-case/

Indian Man Found Dead Floating in Sea Near Pattaya Walking Street

 

 

A male tourist, believed to be of Indian nationality, was found floating dead off the coast of Pattaya’s Walking Street on Thursday morning, February 1st. The discovery was made around 10:30 AM near Soi 14, prompting a swift response from local authorities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318644-indian-man-found-dead-floating-in-sea-near-pattaya-walking-street/

Thailand deports dissident Russian rockers to Israel
Human rights advocates warned against sending Bi-2 to Russia where they could be persecuted for opposing Ukraine war.

 

 

Thailand has deported members of a dissident Russian-Belarusian rock band critical of Moscow’s war in Ukraine to Israel after they were detained for performing without a permit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318672-thailand-deports-dissident-russian-rockers-to-israel/

British couple’s near fatal motorbike crash in Thailand leads to a romantic hospital proposal
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Northern Echo

 

In a tale of love, resilience, and an unexpected proposal, a British couple from Durham, in the northeast of England, found themselves thrust into the spotlight after a near-fatal motorbike crash during what was supposed to be a dreamy 28-day Thai vacation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318673-british-couple’s-motorbike-crash-in-thailand-leads-to-a-romantic-hospital-proposal/

 

Suvarnabhumi Airport Prepares for Uptick in Chinese New Year Tourists, Anticipates Over 2.3 Million Travelers
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On February 1st, 2024, Thai national media reported that Mr. Kittipong Kittikachorn, the Suvarnabhumi Director of The Airports of Thailand (AoT), estimated an increasing number of tourists during the Chinese New Year Festival between 4 – 16 February 2024, would reach 2,366,940.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318674-suvarnabhumi-airport-prepares-for-uptick-in-chinese-new-year-tourists/

 

British Teacher Who Allegedly Molested a Minor arrested in Thailand

By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

 

Thailand –A British teacher who allegedly took away a minor from her guardians and molested her in Phuket many years ago was arrested in Chiang Mai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318671-british-teacher-who-allegedly-molested-a-minor-arrested-in-thailand/

 

Constitutional Court Already Turned Into ‘Superpower’ Agency: Academic
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Representative images of the Constitutional Court. Credit: Matichon

 

THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT has practically become a “superpower” agency which could put an end to policies and resolutions made by those in the legislative branch and hand them severe penalties, according to a noted academic.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318676-constitutional-court-already-turned-into-‘superpower’-agency-academic/

 

Thai parties unite to amend Referendum Act for easier constitution change
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

 

Thailand’s leading political parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward, are joining forces to amend the country’s Referendum Act.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318678-thai-parties-unite-to-amend-referendum-act-for-easier-constitution-change/

 

Thai Airways sues over passenger’s flight diversion criticism
by Nattapong Westwood

 

FILE PHOTO: A Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER plane takes off from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport February 23, 2015. REUTERS/Chaiwat Subprasom/File Photo/File Photo

Thai Airways has taken legal action against a passenger who criticised the airline’s decision to divert a Bangkok-Melbourne flight to Sydney due to adverse weather conditions. The airline asserts that the crew followed international safety and security standards and seeks to protect its reputation and that of its personnel.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318679-thai-airways-sues-over-passenger’s-flight-diversion-criticism/

 

Eerie shadow on Phetchabun road sparks ghostly buzz online
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

A chilling story has emerged from a seemingly innocuous post about a broken branch blocking a road in Phetchabun province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318682-eerie-shadow-on-phetchabun-road-sparks-ghostly-buzz-online/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 2 February 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318684-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-2-february-2024/

 

OPINION

 

Yes, It’s Time to Allow More Countries to Have a 90 Day Visa on Entry to Thailand
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Earlier this week TPN Media and some other Thai media reported a proposal that for once got a nearly universally positive response from our readers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318688-yes-it’s-time-to-allow-more-countries-to-have-a-90-day-visa-on-entry-to-thailand/

 

Thailand’s rice exports expected to drop 14.4% amid global competition
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

 

A projected drop of 14.4% in Thailand’s rice exports is anticipated for this year, due to a combination of reduced production and increased global competition, as reported by the Foreign Trade Department.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318689-thailand’s-rice-exports-expected-to-drop-144-amid-global-competition/

 

Health alert: Your favourite grilled pork buffet could be killing you
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) issued a dire warning to all Moo Kratha enthusiasts, exposing the perilous health risks lurking behind the seemingly innocent Thai barbeque-style grilled pork.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318690-health-alert-your-favourite-grilled-pork-buffet-could-be-killing-you/

 

Central Group grabs Ploenchit Road for record-breaking 16 million baht per square metre
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Expedia

 

The land price per square wah in the heart of Bangkok is set to smash records, with Central Group snatching up a plot on Ploenchit Road from the Sukosol family at 4 million baht per square wa (16 million baht per square metre).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318691-central-group-grabs-ploenchit-road-for-record-breaking-16-million-baht-per-square-metre/

 

Drunk officer leaves 12 year old boy in critical condition after hit-and-run (video)
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Facebook/ สาธิต เสาโกมุท

 

A reckless police officer under the influence of alcohol crashed his pickup into a motorcycle and dragged a 12 year old boy along the road in the Isaan province of Roi Et, leaving the victim hospitalised and in critical condition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318692-drunk-officer-leaves-12-year-old-boy-in-critical-condition-after-hit-and-run-video/

 

90 day visa waivers in Thailand on the agenda next week - Tim Newton Today - Feb 2

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318694-90-day-visa-waivers-in-thailand-on-the-agenda-next-week-tim-newton-today-feb-2/

 

From brooms to boom: Street sweeper sweeps up 12-million-baht lottery jackpot
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A street sweeper’s life transformed overnight when luck smiled upon her with a 12-million-baht government lottery win.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318695-from-brooms-to-boom-street-sweeper-sweeps-up-12-million-baht-lottery-jackpot/

 

Thailand warns students about ‘rub hew’ courier service amid drug trafficking concerns

by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Authorities in Nonthaburi, Thailand, intercepted a suspicious package containing 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine, concealed inside 15 seat cushions, on January 2. The package, which was addressed to the homeowner’s daughter studying in Australia, was discovered after the homeowner reported the package.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318696-thailand-warns-students-about-‘rub-hew’-courier-service-amid-drug-trafficking-concerns/

 

Hua Hin Mayor engages in talks to revitalize old train station area
By Online Reporter 

 

 

Hua Hin Mayor, Nopporn Wutthikul, along with key municipal officials, held a meeting on January 31, 2024, with Pornchai Nusit, the Chief of Hua Hin Railway Station, to discuss the refurbishment of the area surrounding the old Hua Hin Train Station.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318698-hua-hin-mayor-engages-in-talks-to-revitalize-old-train-station-area/

TripAdvisor ranks Pattaya as 7th Best of the Best Destinations in 2024
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via TripAdvisor

Popular online travel platform Tripadvisor ranked Pattaya in Thailand 7th in the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destination for 2024, suggesting the beach city is the perfect choice for great resorts, outdoor activities, cabaret and cultural tours.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318699-tripadvisor-ranks-pattaya-as-7th-best-of-the-best-destinations-in-2024/

 

Court verdict deals with crux of matter

 

 

If Move Forward was a rebellious teenager and its rivals were the parents, Wednesday’s ruling by the Constitutional Court was a “You are grounded” order, to say the least. No outsider can really tell who is right and who is wrong.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318710-court-verdict-deals-with-crux-of-matter/

 

Srettha to call Cambodian PM about air pollution from his country

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said yesterday that he will call his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, to discuss the transboundary airborne pollution being generated by the many hotspots in Cambodia.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318711-srettha-to-call-cambodian-pm-about-air-pollution-from-his-country/

 

Opposition parties dine together in a show of solidarity

 

 

The Democrats joined other opposition parties at a dinner hosted by the Move Forward party last night, in a show of solidarity, working together in and out of parliament to monitor the government’s performance.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318712-opposition-parties-dine-together-in-a-show-of-solidarity/

 

Over 137,000 Registrations under Govt’s Program to Tackle Informal Debts

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Interior has revealed that since the government opened registrations to address the informal debt issue in December 2023, approximately 137,000 individuals have registered to date, accounting for 9.4 billion baht of debt.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318713-over-137000-registrations-under-govt’s-program-to-tackle-informal-debts/

 

Embrace tranquility and tradition: Celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year at Wat Leng Noei Yi 2

 

 

If you are thinking about going somewhere during the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Chinese Buddhist temple, Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn (or Wat Leng Noei Yi 2) in Nonthaburi province, is highly recommended.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318714-embrace-tranquility-and-tradition-celebrate-chinese-lunar-new-year-at-wat-leng-noei-yi-2/

 

Court denies bail for six Pathumwan student murder suspects

 

 

The Bangkok South Criminal Court has rejected bail applications for six suspects charged with the murder of a Pathumwan Institute of Technology student, only identified as “Waravut”, fearing that they may either try to escape or attempt to interfere with witnesses.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318715-court-denies-bail-for-six-pathumwan-student-murder-suspects/

 

Benjakiti Park Welcomes 1,000 New Trees

 

 

The activity was led by Gamze Yüceland, the President of Takeda’s Growth and Emerging Markets Business Unit, where more than 60 participants were involved in tree planting, including volunteers from Takeda and representatives from Art for Cancer, a social enterprise promoting the quality of life for cancer patients in Thailand. The initiative underscores Takeda’s commitment to the planet for healthier lives, through public partnerships, and support to patients and their communities, working towards bringing better health and a brighter future to all.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318716-benjakiti-park-welcomes-1000-new-trees/

 

PM Instructs Officials to Act Against Rubber Smuggling

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered related agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Royal Thai Army, to urgently address the issue of para rubber smuggling. The directive follows a recent report of smuggling activities in Kanchanaburi province.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318717-pm-instructs-officials-to-act-against-rubber-smuggling/

 

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Marked in Bangkok

 

 

BANGKOK, Feb 2 (TNA) — January 27th is the annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day, designated by the United Nations to preserve the memory of the Holocaust, in honor of six million Jews, including one million children, and five million others who were systematically and brutally murdered by the Nazis during WWII.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1318731-international-holocaust-remembrance-day-marked-in-bangkok/