THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Tuesday 20 February 2024

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Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin promised members of an anti-liquor network today that the Liquor Policy Committee will not extend liquor sales hours.

 

Liquor Policy Committee drops plan to extend liquor sale hours, for now

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320321-liquor-policy-committee-drops-plan-to-extend-liquor-

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Thailand’s fiery plight: 400+ hotspots spark concern

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Thailand is currently grappling with more than 400 hotspots, with the highest concentration in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Mae Hong Son, each reporting over 40 incidents. In comparison, neighbouring countries are also facing significant challenges, with Myanmar recording 3,065 hotspots, Cambodia 1,341, Laos 704, and Vietnam 414 as of February 18.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320336-thailand’s-fiery-plight-400-hotspots-spark-concern/

 

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Makha Bucha Arrives This Saturday with Nationwide Alcohol Sale Ban
By Aim Tanakorn

 

Makha Bucha, the second most important Buddhist day for Thai people, is only a few days away from today, February 19th, 2024. If you’re visiting Thailand during this time, here is what you need to know.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320346-makha-bucha-arrives-this-saturday-with-nationwide-alcohol-sale-ban/

 

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Thaksin Virtually Held Hostage With Lese Majeste Lawsuit: NIDA Academic
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra returning home from Police Hospital early yesterday morning, Feb. 18, 2024. Photo: AP/ Sakchai Lalit, published by Matichon

 

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is being virtually held hostage by the country’s powers that be with a lese majeste lawsuit against him so that he will never do anything unacceptable to them, according to a prominent academic.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320347-thaksin-virtually-held-hostage-with-lese-majeste-lawsuit-nida-academic/

 

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Wild elephant found dead in Hua Hin stream
By Online Reporter 

 

 

A dead elephant, which was discovered in a stream in Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin, is believed to have succumbed to severe injuries from a conflict.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320348-wild-elephant-found-dead-in-hua-hin-stream/

 

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50-Year Prison Sentence for Corruption: Official Embezzles 400k Baht from Prisoner Aid Shop

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

The NACC has issued a statement on a corruption case involving an official at Tak Province's Central Prison. Mr. S., managing the inmate welfare store, is accused of misusing funds. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320349-50-year-prison-sentence-for-corruption-official-embezzles-400k-baht-from-prisoner-aid-shop/

 

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Customers Complain of Bank App Deducting Money Every Minute by 33.28 Baht

 

 

"TTBThanachart Bank" has clarified after customers complained of the bank app deducting money every minute by 33.28 Baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320351-customers-complain-of-bank-app-deducting-money-every-minute-by-3328-baht/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 20 February 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320355-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-20-february-2024/

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NESDC adjusts Thailand’s GDP growth projections for 2023 and 2024

by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

An adjustment to the anticipated GDP growth for 2023 and 2024 has been made by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), dropping to 1.9% and 2.7% respectively.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320356-nesdc-adjusts-thailand’s-gdp-growth-projections-for-2023-and-2024/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thailand investigates extending alcohol sales hours for tourism boost
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of MGR Online

Public Health Minister, Cholnan Srikaew, announced the formation of a panel by the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee to investigate the proposed extension of alcohol sales hours in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320321-liquor-policy-committee-drops-plan-to-extend-liquor-sale-hours-for-now/?do=findComment&comment=18706980

 

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Disciplinary action looming for ex-Kaeng Krachan park chief over misconduct
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

The former head of Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi, Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, is facing potential disciplinary action following a misconduct investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320361-disciplinary-action-looming-for-ex-kaeng-krachan-park-chief-over-misconduct/

 

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Thailand braces for intense heat with temperatures soaring
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of พยากรณ์อากาศประเทศไทย Facebook

 

Thailand is bracing for a severe heatwave, with weather maps turning a deep red, verging on black, indicating extreme temperatures are on the way.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320365-thailand-braces-for-intense-heat-with-temperatures-soaring/

 

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Navy officer critically injured in Chon Buri road accident
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Photo courtesy of SiamRath

A navy officer was severely injured after his pickup truck crashed into a utility pole and flipped onto its roof on a road in Chon Buri province, trapping him inside the vehicle.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320367-navy-officer-critically-injured-in-chon-buri-road-accident/

 

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South Korea reaffirms commitment to Thailand amidst immigration controversy
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

South Korean ambassador to Thailand, Park Yong Min, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations amidst the recent controversy involving the alleged mistreatment of Thai travellers by South Korean immigration officials.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320368-south-korea-reaffirms-commitment-to-thailand-amidst-immigration-controversy/

 

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Thailand gears up for 4 expressway projects worth 120 billion baht
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of iStock

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to launch four expressway projects amounting to approximately 120 billion baht (US$3.3 billion). The projects, once approved and operational, are anticipated to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities across the nation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320369-thailand-gears-up-for-4-expressway-projects-worth-120-billion-baht/

 

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Ang Puang Thung Kham Cross Country Race returns for its second edition to support forest conservation
By Online Reporter

 

 

The second edition of the Ang Puang Thung Kham Cross Country Race will take place on March 3, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320370-ang-puang-thung-kham-cross-country-race-returns-for-its-second-edition/

 

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Live animal smuggler caught at Bangkok airport

 

 

A Mongolian man was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday, as he attempted to smuggle live protected animals out of the country, said Customs spokesperson Phantong Loykulnanta today.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320372-live-animal-smuggler-caught-at-bangkok-airport/

 

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Pollution turns Nonthaburi canal water pink
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

Reports revealed strange pink canal water in Nonthaburi on Valentine’s Day last week as scientists scrambled to uncover the truth behind the sudden rosy hue.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320373-pollution-turns-nonthaburi-canal-water-pink/

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Alcohol and airports, more changes to both in Thailand - Tim Newton Today - Feb 20

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320374-alcohol-and-airports-more-changes-to-both-in-thailand-tim-newton-today-feb-20/

 

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Thailand’s EGAT targets biomass, hydrogen to cut CO2 emissions
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of Liden Cogen Power Plant

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is endeavouring to combat climate change by adopting alternative fuels to replace coal in its power plants.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320376-thailand’s-egat-targets-biomass-hydrogen-to-cut-co2-emissions/

 

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World’s second-worst deep-fried delight a blessing?
by Samantha Rose

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

In the bustling Saturday night market of Phiman subdistrict, Satun’s Mueang district, a fried silkworm vendor stands proudly behind her sizzling cauldron of the world’s second-worst dish.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320377-world’s-second-worst-deep-fried-delight-a-blessing/

 

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Myanmar conflict may drive surge of workers to Thailand

by Alex Morgan 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The ongoing conflict in Myanmar is predicted to drive its citizens towards Thailand in search of work, according to the Employers’ Confederation of Thai Trade and Industry (EconThai).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320378-myanmar-conflict-may-drive-surge-of-workers-to-thailand/

 

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Update:

NASA and South Korea join forces to crack down on air pollution

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) and NASA have embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets of winter air pollution across Asia, including Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320382-nasa-and-south-korea-join-forces-to-crack-down-on-air-pollution/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Thaksin denies lese majeste law violation, secures 500,000 baht bail
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Instagram/ @ingshin21

 

After being released on parole for only a day, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra turned himself into authorities again, yesterday, February 19, in connection with a lese majeste case. He successfully secured bail of 500,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320347-thaksin-virtually-held-hostage-with-lese-majeste-lawsuit-nida-academic/?do=findComment&comment=18707489

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Stray tiger trapped in Kamphaeng Phet

 

 

A wild tiger, which raised safety concerns when it was recently seen straying into a rural community in Khlong Lan district of Kamphaeng Phet province, was caught in a trap last night, according to the Facebook page of the Thailand Tiger Project DNP.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320384-stray-tiger-trapped-in-kamphaeng-phet/

 

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Is new amnesty law the path to political reconciliation in Thailand?

 

 

Legal amnesty for people charged with political crimes has been a hot potato for the past decade in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320385-is-new-amnesty-law-the-path-to-political-reconciliation-in-thailand/

 

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PM urges MPC to call a special meeting to review policy rate

 

File photo : PM Srettha Thavisin/PM’s X

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has urged the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to call a special meeting to review its decision to maintain the policy rate at 2.5%, without waiting until its next scheduled meeting on April 10.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320394-pm-urges-mpc-to-call-a-special-meeting-to-review-policy-rate/

 

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Bt104 million approved to promote Maha Songkran World Water Festival

 

 

The Cabinet approved a budget of about Bt104 million from the Central Fund today, to promote the ”Maha Songkran World Water Festival” in Bangkok and across the country in April.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320395-bt104-million-approved-to-promote-maha-songkran-world-water-festival/

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Thailand’s Chaba Kaew to take on Football Ferns in New Zealand

 

 

The Thai national women’s football team is set to play a two match series against New Zealand’s Ford Football Ferns in April.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320396-thailand’s-chaba-kaew-to-take-on-football-ferns-in-new-zealand/

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Man arrested for otter trading in Chachoengsao

 

 

Police in Chachoengsao province have detained a 26-year-old man for having protected wildlife animals including otters and their carcasses.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320397-man-arrested-for-otter-trading-in-chachoengsao/