THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 7 February 2024

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The future of convicted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be granted parole soon, remains uncertain, because he has now been charged with violating royal defamation laws during an interview he gave in Seoul in 2015.

 

Thaksin’s future still in the balance

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319122-thaksin’s-future-still-in-the-balance/

 

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PM wants tourists sight-seeing or shopping, not stuck in airports

 

Photo : PM’s twitter

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has wanted all arriving air passengers from abroad to take no more than 30 minutes going through the immigration procedure and picking up their luggage.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319123-pm-wants-tourists-sight-seeing-or-shopping-not-stuck-in-airports/

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UPDATE:

 

Prosecutors, Police Have Waited In Vain To Quizz ‘Untouchable’ Thaksin
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. File photo: Thai Rath

 

PUBLIC PROSECUTORS AND POLICE have apparently waited in vain for a questioning of de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra at a Bangkok prison on lese majeste charges, a police source said today (Feb.6).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319122-thaksin’s-future-still-in-the-balance/?do=findComment&comment=18675128

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Bristol backpacker in bar brawl bloodbath: Brit stabbed in neck in Koh Pha Ngan

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Hotels.com Thailand

 

A horrifying incident unfolded at Bamboo Bar on Koh Pha Ngan, where a British backpacker from Bristol was attacked, leaving him gushing blood after being stabbed in the neck in a Thai bar brawl.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319158-bristol-backpacker-in-bar-brawl-bloodbath-brit-stabbed-in-neck-in-koh-pha-ngan/

 

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Thailand targets 35 million international tourists
by Alex Morgan 

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

 

The Tourism and Sports Ministry of Thailand is optimistic about its ability to attract 35 million international tourists this year. This confidence stems from the fact that in the first month of the year alone, the country recorded three million foreign visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319159-thailand-targets-35-million-international-tourists/

 

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Pattaya police crackdown on underage entry at local club
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Pattaya police cracked down on the city’s entertainment hotspots in an operation named Nightwatch, arriving at Area 39 on Pattaya Third Road at 1.30am on February 3.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319160-pattaya-police-crackdown-on-underage-entry-at-local-club/

 

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Rider From Netherlands Arrested For Reckless Driving, Disobeying Police in Patong
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

A rider from the Netherlands was arrested for reckless driving and disobeying police officers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319161-rider-from-netherlands-arrested-for-reckless-driving-disobeying-police/

 

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Chiang Mai tourism booms as Chinese New Year approaches
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Puntid

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

The northern city of Chiang Mai in Thailand is experiencing a tourism bonanza as hotel bookings surge to a staggering 90%, with Chinese New Year reservations already topping 60%.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319162-chiang-mai-tourism-booms-as-chinese-new-year-approaches/

 

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Na Jomtien Beach Residents Concerned About Fireworks, Beach Encroachment, Noise Pollution
By Adam Judd

 

 

Na Jomtien, Sattahip-In a story that many of our regular readers will remember has been a recurring problem, Na Jomtien residents have raised concerns to the Thai media, police, and local government officials about encroachment by various businesses onto the beach, noise pollution, fireworks, and homemade bars open until all hours of the night.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319163-na-jomtien-beach-residents-concerned-about-fireworks-beach-encroachment-noise-pollution/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 7 February 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319173-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-7-february-2024/

 

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Five Alleged Illegal Drug Users Arrested at Abandoned Hotel in Jomtien
By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya

Pattaya — On February 5th, 2024, Pattaya police conducted a raid on a deserted hotel in Soi Jomtien 1, leading to the arrest of five individuals suspected of drug-related activities and illegal electricity use.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319177-five-alleged-illegal-drug-users-arrested-at-abandoned-hotel-in-jomtien/

 

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Much Ado About Elephant Pants in Thailand
By Adam Judd

 

 

Over the past several days various Thai politicians and government officials have made headlines, at least on Thai language news, with consistent updates on what they call a pressing issue-Elephant pants.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319183-much-ado-about-elephant-pants-in-thailand/

 

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Suspect Arrested with 10,600 Meth Pills and 600 Grams of Crystal Meth in Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket –A suspect was arrested with 10,600 methamphetamine pills and 600 grams of crystal methamphetamine in Thalang.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319189-suspect-arrested-with-10600-meth-pills-and-600-grams-of-crystal-meth-in-phuket/

 

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Tourist Police Strengthen Presence in Pattaya, Celebrate Security Guard’s Completion of Training
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya —High-ranking tourist police officers led a patrol in Pattaya’s popular Walking Street area on Monday in a show of force and dedication to tourist safety.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319206-tourist-police-strengthen-presence-in-pattaya-celebrate-sec-guard’s-completion-of-training/

 

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Luxury Porsche worth 5 million baht goes up in flames after crashing in Phitsanulok
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A Porsche Panamera, estimated to be worth no less than 5 million baht, was found engulfed in flames after veering off the road and crashing into an electric pole at 1.40am this morning, in the Phlai Chumphon area of Phitsanulok. Police and rescue teams rushed to the accident scene only to find the driver missing.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319208-luxury-porsche-worth-5-million-baht-goes-up-in-flames-after-crashing-in-phitsanulok/

 

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Thai abbot allegedly rapes 7 year old girl, police ignore case
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via KomChadLuek

A Thai mother sought help from a social media influencer after her seven year old daughter was allegedly raped by a temple abbot in the central province of Ayutthaya. The mother added that the police ignored the complaint she filed nine months ago.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319210-thai-abbot-allegedly-rapes-7-year-old-girl-police-ignore-case/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Ex-PM Thaksin eyes special parole as prison sentence hits halfway mark
by Mitch Connor

 

 

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, is eligible for special parole as he approaches the halfway point of his prison sentence on February 18, according to an insider from the Department of Corrections (DoC). The source confirmed that Thaksin is included in a list of inmates who qualify for parole and special parole.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319122-thaksin’s-future-still-in-the-balance/?do=findComment&comment=18675715

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Corruption potential in the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Despite potential warnings from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the government has confirmed plans to proceed with the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319212-corruption-potential-in-the-10000-baht-digital-wallet-scheme/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Trunk trouble: Illegal elephant pants imports surge sparks probe
by Top Top

 

Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand

 

A surge of illegal imports of Thai elephant pants from China and neighbouring countries led to an official investigation on February 5. Phumtham Wechayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, directed the Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) to look into this matter.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319183-much-ado-about-elephant-pants-in-thailand/?do=findComment&comment=18675758

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Beach blues: Na Jomtien residents wave off unauthorised businesses
by Top Top

 

Picture courtesy of Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya.

Residents of Na Jomtien in Sattahip raised concerns over continuous disturbances and unauthorised commercial activities on the beach.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319163-na-jomtien-beach-residents-concerned-about-fireworks-beach-encroachment-noise-pollution/?do=findComment&comment=18675802

 

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Chinese New Year Spending Expected to Reach bt50 bln

 

 

BANGKOK, Feb 7 (TNA) – This year’s Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 10th, leaving time for celebrants to find auspicious home decorations to bring more luck, abundance and prosperity into the house for the upcoming festival.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319217-chinese-new-year-spending-expected-to-reach-bt50-bln/

 

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Air Canada-Thailand flight detours to Hong Kong as passenger falls ill
by Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of aviation source news.

 

An Air Canada flight destined for Bangkok was forced to make an emergency diversion to Hong Kong after a passenger fell ill onboard.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319218-air-canada-thailand-flight-detours-to-hong-kong-as-passenger-falls-ill/

 

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Interior Ministry Initiates Draft Gun Amnesty Regulations
by Naark Rojanasuvan

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Interior has assigned the Department of Provincial Administration to draft an emergency decree, which fundamentally allows for the return of firearms within a specified timeframe, with the owners of such firearms not facing any legal repercussions, following the directive from the Prime Minister. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319223-interior-ministry-initiates-draft-gun-amnesty-regulations/

 

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Reckless driver’s wrong-way sedan smash-up leaves one dead (video)
by Petch Petpailin 

 

 Photo via MGR Online

A reckless Thai driver killed a man and injured others when he drove his sedan against the traffic flow in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, colliding with a pickup truck.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319227-reckless-driver’s-wrong-way-sedan-smash-up-leaves-one-dead-video/

 

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Thailand to merge ID and disability cards for streamlined support
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), announced plans to merge identification (ID) and disability cards as part of an effort to streamline support for disabled individuals. The disability allowance includes those who are incarcerated.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319229-thailand-to-merge-id-and-disability-cards-for-streamlined-support/

 

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Cannabis & Hemp Control Bill heads to Cabinet, Thaksin's parole - Tim Newton Today - Feb 7
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319230-cannabis-hemp-control-bill-heads-to-cabinet-thaksins-parole-tim-newton-today-feb-7/

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Move Forward to press ahead with amending Article 112 – but within limits imposed by court
 

Move Forward Party’s Spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu speaking to Thepchai Yong in an interview for “Talking Politics” programme on Monday.

The Move Forward Party has not abandoned its endeavor to have the lese majeste law amended but its spokesman admitted that it will have to work within the bounds set by the Constitutional Court which last week ruled that it constituted an attempt to overthrow the constitutional monarchy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319231-move-forward-to-press-ahead-with-amending-article-112-–-but-within-limits-imposed-by-court/

 

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Coffins Placed at Concert to Prevent Brawl

 

 

KAMPHAENG PHET, Feb 7 (TNA) – Coffins were placed in front of a concert stage at an annual temple fair following consecutive nights of intense youth clashes resulting in multiple injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319232-coffins-placed-at-concert-to-prevent-brawl/

 

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Joint Thai-Cambodian working group to fight cross-border pollution

 

 

Thailand and Cambodia today recognised the importance of reducing cross-border airborne pollution by agreeing to establish a joint working group, including the setting up of a hotline for the sharing of information and alerts on the locations of fires.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319248-joint-thai-cambodian-working-group-to-fight-cross-border-pollution/

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‘Weaving Our Stories’ – Threading an artistic journey

 

 

“Weaving has its own soul,” as expressed by ‘Mae Mae’, or the aunties and grannies from a weaving community, became a profound source of inspiration. These words are shared by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya, a Thai-American multidisciplinary artist, through her latest project, ‘Weaving Our Stories’.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319249-‘weaving-our-stories’-–-threading-an-artistic-journey/