The proposed legislation that would ban recreational cannabis use in Thailand has been delayed by the government to gather further public feedback, according to Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.

 

PHOTO: MGRONLINE

 

Thai Government Delays Proposed Recreational Cannabis Ban to Seek More Input

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319832-thai-government-delays-proposed-recreational-cannabis-ban-to-seek-more-input/

Thaksin to walk free from prison on Sunday

 

 

Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be released this Sunday, as he is on the latest list of 930 prisoners granted parole, according to Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong today.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319821-thaksin-to-walk-free-from-prison-on-sunday/

Cabinet Approves Extra Holiday for Songkran Festival

 

 

BANGKOK (TNA) – The Cabinet has passed a resolution approving Friday, April 12, 2024, as an additional public holiday, creating a continuous holiday period of five days for Songkran Festival.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319829-cabinet-approves-extra-holiday-for-songkran-festival/

 

Justice Minister Confirms Thaksin Has Been Granted Parole
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra with an image of his daughter and party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra inset. Photo: Matichon

 

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-CUM-CONVICT Thaksin Shinawatra has already been granted parole, confirmed Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong today (Feb.13).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319821-thaksin-to-walk-free-from-prison-on-sunday/?do=findComment&comment=18692464

PM Reaffirms Intention To Complete Full Term
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Photo: Thai Rath

 

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin reassured today (Feb.13) he has unfaltering intention to run the country throughout the Pheu Thai-led government’s four-year term during which, he said, the people’s welfare will be better.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319850-pm-reaffirms-intention-to-complete-full-term/

 

German tourist’s night out in Pattaya turns into nightmare
by Top

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

In the dim-lit streets of Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, chaos erupted as a German national found himself entangled in a brutal altercation with Go-Go bar thugs in the early hours of yesterday, leaving him nursing injuries to his left ear.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319851-german-tourist’s-night-out-in-pattaya-turns-into-nightmare/

 

British fraudster swaps UK for Thailand, leaves cops scratching heads

by Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Essex police

A British fraudster swapped one resort town in England for another in Thailand to escape being charged with issuing fake driving licences in the UK, leaving the authorities puzzled about his whereabouts for over three years.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319853-british-fraudster-swaps-uk-for-thailand-leaves-cops-scratching-heads/

 

Chon Buri’s Wonnapha Beach makeover sparks online debate
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

The renovation of Wonnapha Beach in Chon Buri province sparked significant debate among the online community.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319854-chon-buri’s-wonnapha-beach-makeover-sparks-online-debate/

 

Lightning strikes three farmers in eastern Thailand
by Top Top

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

Three farmers were struck by lightning while toiling on a farm in Huay Yai Phrom Community in Sri Racha district last Friday, February 9.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319855-lightning-strikes-three-farmers-in-sri-racha/

 

Thai stepfather denies abusing 4 year old boy despite visible injuries (video)
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via YouTube/ ข่าวช่องวัน

A Thai social media influencer solicited help from the police to rescue a four year old boy from his abusive stepfather, who denied allegations of abuse despite visible bite marks, bruises, and burns on the child’s body.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319856-thai-stepfather-denies-abusing-4-year-old-boy-despite-visible-injuries-video/

 

Phuket café’s lion cub sparks police and wildlife officers manhunt
by Mitch Connor

 

 

A lion cub, used as a tourist attraction at a café in Phuket, set off a manhunt by Thai police and wildlife officers. The cub was made available to the public for photographs at The Glass House Café and Space, located north of Phuket Town. This unusual situation ignited a wave of online controversy, primarily from individuals deeply concerned about the welfare of the young animal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319857-phuket-café’s-lion-cub-sparks-police-and-wildlife-officers-manhunt/

 

Customers dine and dash, leaving Chon Buri restaurateur in a stew (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Channel 7

A restaurant owner in Chon Buri province is seeking justice after 20 customers refused to pay a 15,000 baht bill for food and drink. The customers claimed the cuisine was poor despite enjoying the abode’s ambience for over four hours.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319858-customers-dine-and-dash-leaving-chon-buri-restaurateur-in-a-stew-video/

Flight disrupted by vibrating luggage reveals sex toy (video)

by Samantha Rose

 

Photo courtesy of Sanook

An embarrassing incident took place on a flight when a model faced the awkward, embarrassing situation of being asked to disembark due to her continuously vibrating luggage which turned out to come from a sex toy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319861-flight-disrupted-by-vibrating-luggage-reveals-sex-toy-video/

 

Pickup Truck Splits in Half Due to Overload

 

 

Viral images reveal a pickup truck carrying excessive load splitting in half at an intersection. The incident of overloading causing stir online.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319863-pickup-truck-splits-in-half-due-to-overload/

 

Thai police boost security for Valentine’s Day to protect minors
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

Valentine’s Day in Thailand will see heightened security measures at motels and nightlife venues, as announced by the Royal Thai Police (RTP). This action comes as a bid to protect minors from potential risks.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319867-thai-police-boost-security-for-valentine’s-day-to-protect-minors/

 

Most Thais plan online Valentine’s Day shopping, reveals Visa survey
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of Varuth Hirunyatheb

Almost four out of five people in Thailand are planning to buy Valentine’s Day gifts online, a recent survey by YouGov for payments company Visa reveals.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319868-most-thais-plan-online-valentine’s-day-shopping-reveals-visa-survey/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 14 February 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319869-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-14-february-2024/

 

Thailand braces for record-breaking summer heat in five provinces
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

 

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued a stark warning that this year’s summer season could bring even more intense heat than the previous year to five provinces, already topping the charts as the hottest in the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319870-thailand-braces-for-record-breaking-summer-heat-in-five-provinces/

 

Deputy PM Anutin Fosters Unity Through Shared Meals

 

 

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul underscored the significance of shared meals among political allies to bolster unity and uphold Thai identity.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319864-deputy-pm-anutin-fosters-unity-through-shared-meals/

 

Thunderstorm alert for Thai provinces with rising temps and rough seas
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a weather warning for thunderstorms across ten provinces, signalling a rise in temperatures for the upper parts of the country.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319871-thunderstorm-alert-for-thai-provinces-with-rising-temps-and-rough-seas/

 

Why release of Thaksin could be a tipping point for Thai politics

By Thai PBS World’s Political Desk

 

 

The expected release of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra next week is set to inject more heat into the simmering powerplay between conservative elites and the ex-PM, analysts say.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319874-why-release-of-thaksin-could-be-a-tipping-point-for-thai-politics/

 

Over 1,000 digital platform operators register with Thailand’s ETDA
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

Digital platform service (DPS) operators in Thailand are flocking to register with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) system, with over 1,000 already signed up. This comes in response to the DPS law implemented on August 21 last year, aimed at creating transparency and enhancing consumer protection in the digital space.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319875-over-1000-digital-platform-operators-register-with-thailand’s-etda/

 

Anticipated US interest rate cut to boost gold prices in May
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of Nutthawat Wichieanbut

Gold prices in the domestic market, which had earlier witnessed a surge to 34,550 baht (US$956) per baht-weight during the Lunar New Year, are anticipated to rise again in May. This forecast comes as traders expect the Federal Reserve to commence a cut in US interest rates, thereby potentially driving global prices to US$2,100 per ounce.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319876-anticipated-us-interest-rate-cut-to-boost-gold-prices-in-may/

 

Ed Sheeran concert uproar prompts Paetongtarn to deny VIP noise
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

File Photo: Wikimedia

 

Concertgoers at Ed Sheeran’s recent performance in Bangkok were met with an unexpected disturbance emanating from the VIP section, leading to a heated debate across social media platforms.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319879-ed-sheeran-concert-uproar-prompts-paetongtarn-to-deny-vip-noise/

 

Khon Kaen Buddhism director scammed of 1.19 million baht
by Samantha Rose

 

Photo courtesy of Sanook

 

The director of the Office of Buddhism in Khon Kaen has fallen victim to a scam, resulting in a loss of over 1.19 million baht (US$32,973), leaving a mere 87 satang (US$0.024) in their bank account.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319883-khon-kaen-buddhism-director-scammed-of-119-million-baht/

 

Thaksin free from Sunday, but journalists & protesters arrested - Tim Newton Today - Feb 14

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319884-thaksin-free-from-sunday-but-journalists-protesters-arrested-tim-newton-today-feb-14/

 

Slow economic growth, lack of foreign investment are major challenges

 

 

Thailand’s biggest economic challenge is that its economy has been growing at slower pace, about 3% per annum, than Malaysia and China, at about 5% annually, because it lacks the ability to attract foreign investors, according to Dr. Kobsak Pootrakool, executive vice president of the Bangkok Bank and a respected economist, in an exclusive interview with Thai PBS.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319885-slow-economic-growth-lack-of-foreign-investment-are-major-challenges/

PM reiterates Thai government’s intention to tackle debt problem

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has reiterated the government’s determination to resolve formal and informal debt problems within the 4-year term of his administration.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319886-pm-reiterates-thai-government’s-intention-to-tackle-debt-problem/

 

Bangkok administration lacks funding to build three mass transit lines

 

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided to scrap the construction of three mass transit projects, due to a shortage of money, and to transfer them to the Ministry of Transport for implementation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319889-bangkok-administration-lacks-funding-to-build-three-mass-transit-lines/

Myanmar businessman killed over black money deal in Bangkok
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A violent altercation in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area led to the death of a 53 year old Myanmar businessman in the early hours of this morning.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1319890-myanmar-businessman-killed-over-black-money-deal-in-bangkok/