THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Thursday 8 February 2024

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Thailand’s Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew say the a revised version of the Cannabis & Hemp Control Bill is set to be presented at next week’s cabinet meeting. The proposed bill maintains the stance that “cannabis is strictly for medical purposes” and explicitly prohibits any recreational use.

 

Cannabis & Hemp Bill goes to Thai Cabinet next week

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319261-cannabis-hemp-bill-goes-to-thai-cabinet-next-week/

 

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Immigration Bureau Boosts Staff for New Year Rush

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Immigration Bureau is gearing up for an expected surge in visitors arriving in Thailand for the Chinese New Year, particularly from February 8 to 14, with daily arrivals anticipated to hit 80,000. The preparation follows an incident on January 24 at Suvarnabhumi Airport, where a technical glitch at the automatic biometrics immigration kiosks led to extended queues, as officers were required to manually check travel documents.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319251-immigration-bureau-boosts-staff-for-new-year-rush/

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Thaksin Won’t Be Held In Police Custody Upon Release On Parole: Lawyer
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Naewna

 

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict at large Thaksin Shinawatra will legally be free of police custody upon his being released on parole later this month, said a prominent lawyer today (Feb.7).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319335-thaksin-won’t-be-held-in-police-custody-upon-release-on-parole-lawyer/

 

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Thailand in Crisis: Population plummets by 500k in 4 Years

by Joseph O' Connor

 

Figures up to the end of 2023 showed Thailand’s population declined by 506,320 people in four years. The new data shows that the ageing crisis is here and is a key reason for declining growth rates in the Thai economy. It is still set to grow worse in coming decades.

 

Thailand in crisis as population declined by over 500k over the last four years according to the latest data

Thailand in Crisis: Population plummets by 500k in 4 Years. Economic growth stagnates as the ageing crisis looms. Social Security fund faces bankruptcy. Urgent government action and reappraisal is needed.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319336-thailand-in-crisis-population-plummets-by-500k-in-4-years/

 

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‘Pattaya Heat’ Action Thriller Debuts in Movie Theatres, Shot in Pattaya
By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: Major Group

Pattaya —The big budget highly anticipated Thai action thriller, “Pattaya Heat: All Men Are Brothers,” is set to ignite the silver screen as it makes its debut on Thursday, February 8th, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319337-‘pattaya-heat’-action-thriller-debuts-in-movie-theatres-shot-in-pattaya/

 

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Polish Man Arrested after Allegedly Stealing Over 10,000 Baht of Food and Drinks From a Supermarket in Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Rawai – A Polish man was arrested after he was caught allegedly stealing food and drinks costing 13,376 Baht at a supermarket in Rawai, Phuket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319338-polish-man-arrested-after-allegedly-stealing-over-10000-baht-of-food-and-drinks/

 

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Govt Wants People to Reduce Incense Burning for Chinese New Year to Stop Air Pollution
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On February 7th, 2024, Mr. Karom Phonphonklang, the Deputy Government Spokesperson, gave a statement for the Chinese New Year Celebration from February 8th to the 10, emphasizing monitoring the lighting of incense, candles, firecrackers, and burning of paper money.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319339-govt-wants-people-to-reduce-incense-burning-for-chinese-new-year-to-stop-air-pollution/

 

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Tourist Police and Agencies Ramp Up Preparations at Grand Palace for Incoming Tourists
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Bangkok—At 10:00 AM, on February 7th, 2024, Thai tourist police and relevant agencies performed an inspection at the Grand Palace, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, in preparation to facilitate incoming tourists.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319340-tourist-police-and-agencies-ramp-up-preparations-at-grand-palace-for-incoming-tourists/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thailand to Celebrate 21 Days of Songkran in April? Really?
By Adam Judd

 

 

Over the past few days announcements have come out that appear to have driven sheer terror in some Thai expats, with the Thai Government saying this year’s Songkran will be the biggest one ever.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319267-three-weeks-of-songkran-celebrations-begin-april-1st/?do=findComment&comment=18677668

 

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Mayor Debunks Online Claims of Wastewater Released into Sea, Confirms Seawater is Safe
By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: ข่าวคนชล

Pattaya —Pattaya City officials, led by Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, recently visited Wong Amat Beach this week to address online allegations of wastewater being released into the sea.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319341-mayor-debunks-online-claims-of-wastewater-released-into-sea-confirms-seawater-is-safe/

 

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Teenagers Terrorize Chonburi Neighborhood with Explosives
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Chonburi —Residents of Huay Yai in Chonburi are living in fear as a series of disturbing incidents involving unruly teenagers is gripping their community.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319342-teenagers-terrorize-chonburi-neighborhood-with-explosives/

 

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Illegal Foreign Tour Guide Arrested in Phuket Old Town
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – An illegal foreign tour guide was arrested in the Phuket Old Town.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319343-illegal-foreign-tour-guide-arrested-in-phuket-old-town/

 

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Elephant Tramples Owner to Death

 

 

NAKHON SAWAN, (TNA) – A mother elephant trampled the owner to death by the roadside in Nakhon Sawan province. Initial speculation suggests that the owner may have attempted to separate the mother and her calf, resulting in the mother elephant becoming agitated and harming the owner.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319345-elephant-tramples-owner-to-death/

 

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Police Warn Of Some Sneaky TikTok Scams
by TNR Staff

 

TikTok icon. Image by Amrothman from Pixabay

 

THE CENTRAL Investigation Bureau (CIB) police warned the public to beware of scammers who trick people on TikTok with many unsuspecting users having lost money, TV Channel 7 said today (Feb. 7).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319347-police-warn-of-some-sneaky-tiktok-scams/

 

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Customs Seizes Heroin Concealed in Postal Package Bound for Australia

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

On February 7, 2567, Mr. Phanthong Loikulnan, Customs Consultant for Development and Tax Management Spokesperson, revealed the Customs Department's crackdown on drug smuggling. This is in line with the government's policy to address drug issues continuously, aiming for the well-being of citizens.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319349-customs-seizes-heroin-concealed-in-postal-package-bound-for-australia/

 

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Calls for Traffic Light Installation at 'Wat Chai Intersection' Amid Weekly Accidents

 

 

An accident involving a sedan colliding with a fully loaded pickup truck occurred at the T-junction near Wat Klong Mongkol, Moo 1, Chakabok Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319351-calls-for-traffic-light-installation-at-wat-chai-intersection-amid-weekly-accidents/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 8 February 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319352-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-8-february-2024/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thai Minister of Public Health Unveils New Cannabis and Hemp Bill, Prioritizing Medical Use While Addressing Recreational Concerns
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

National—On February 6th, 2024, Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, the Thai Minister of Public Health, publicly stated that the new Cannabis and Hemp bill is ready to be presented at the Thai cabinet meeting next week.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319261-cannabis-hemp-bill-goes-to-thai-cabinet-next-week/?do=findComment&comment=18678023

 

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PM Srettha Accepts NACC Recommendations on 10,000-Baht Stipend

by Naark Rojanasuvan

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has acknowledged the suggestions of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) regarding the government’s policy to provide a 10,000-baht stipend through the digital wallet system. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319362-pm-srettha-accepts-nacc-recommendations-on-10000-baht-stipend/

 

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Thai Prime Minister Announces Study of Amnesty for Unregistered Firearm Owners Amid New Proposed Gun Control Measures
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

At 12:00 PM, on February 6th, 2024, Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the Thai Prime Minister, gave a statement after the Thai cabinet meeting on a study of an amnesty for unregistered firearm possessors to surrender to the Thai government in a to-be-determined timeframe without any fear of legal penalties.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319363-thai-prime-minister-announces-study-of-amnesty-for-unregistered-firearm-owners/

 

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Pattaya Motorcycle Accident Claims Rider’s Life
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya —A tragic motorcycle accident took place near the Pattaya Central Underpass on February 7th, 2024, at around 2:30 AM. The incident resulted in the loss of the life of Mr. Kantapong Chaemnoi, 30.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319365-pattaya-motorcycle-accident-claims-rider’s-life/

 

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Motorcyclist Run Over by Truck on Pattaya Highway
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Chonburi — A motorcyclist was tragically run over by an 18-wheel trailer truck on Highway 331 near Pattaya, Chonburi, Wednesday morning, February 7th, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319366-motorcyclist-run-over-by-truck-on-pattaya-highway/

 

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Unidentified Female Rider Dies After Motorbike Accident in Rawai
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Chalong – An unidentified female rider died after a motorbike accident in Rawai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319367-unidentified-female-rider-dies-after-motorbike-accident-in-rawai/

 

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Thai cop sparks debate for participating Miss Thailand 2024
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ แคท อาทิติยา

 

A well-known Thai policewoman sparked a debate on Thai social media after participating in the Miss Thailand 2024 beauty pageant. Netizens directed their inquiries towards the Royal Thai Police (RTP), asking about the potential impact of her crown-chasing adventure when on police duty.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319368-thai-cop-sparks-debate-for-participating-miss-thailand-2024/

 

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Ancient dinosaur fossils discovered in Khon Kaen
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

Dinosaur fossils, estimated to be between 100 million to 110 million years old, have been unearthed in the Nam Phong district of Khon Kaen.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319371-ancient-dinosaur-fossils-discovered-in-khon-kaen/

 

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Thai abortion rights advocates call for increased legal services access
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Abortion rights supporters in Thailand called for improved access to legal abortion services, issuing a petition to Thossaporn Sereerak, a Pheu Thai MP for Phrae and member of the House Committee on Public Health.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319372-thai-abortion-rights-advocates-call-for-increased-legal-services-access/

 

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Cyber woes: DOP’s PDPA breach prompts CIB intervention
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

A violation of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) led the Department of Older Persons (DOP) to complain to the Cyber Investigation Bureau (CIB) yesterday. The data breach, involving the DOP’s website, raised alarm bells regarding the possible misuse of personal information.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319373-cyber-woes-dop’s-pdpa-breach-prompts-cib-intervention/

 

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Khon Kaen buffet fines diner 9000 baht for uneaten food
by Samantha Rose 

 

Photo courtesy of Sanook

A buffet restaurant in Khon Kaen made headlines after a customer was faced with a hefty fine of 9,100 baht for leaving an excessive amount of uneaten food. However, the situation was amicably resolved, resulting in satisfaction on both sides.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319375-khon-kaen-buffet-fines-diner-9000-baht-for-uneaten-food/

 

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Flight fright: Panic-stricken passenger causes turbulence at Chiang Mai Airport
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Facebook/ Watcharapon Pethsurp

A foreign passenger reportedly experienced a panic attack while a plane was taking off from Chiang Mai International Airport last night and attempted to open the plane door, causing chaos and a delay at the airport. The situation was brought under control at around 11pm.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319376-flight-fright-panic-stricken-passenger-causes-turbulence-at-chiang-mai-airport/

 

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Cool weather until Tuesday in north, northeast, east and central region

 

 

People living in the north-eastern, northern, eastern and central regions, including Bangkok and its vicinity, will experience another round of cool weather from tomorrow until Tuesday, due to the arrival of a strong cold front from China over northern Thailand and the South China Sea, according to the Meteorological Department.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319404-cool-weather-until-tuesday-in-north-northeast-east-and-central-region/