THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Wednesday 15 May 2024

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In a chilling incident yesterday, a tragic accident in Sukhsiri Village, East Pattaya has claimed the life of an Estonian toddler. Little Filipp Naumov, no more than three years old, was fatally wounded when he encountered an unfortunate accident involving a vehicle while crossing the road. Despite emergency services' swift response to administer life-saving attempts, the child tragically succumbed to a severe head injury.

 

Devastating Pattaya Road Accident Claims Life of Estonian Toddler

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327267-devastating-pattaya-road-accident-claims-life-of-estonian-toddler/

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

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Historic Sarasin Bridge Safe from Demolition, despite New Bridge Plans in Phuket

File photo for reference only. 

 

In a meeting yesterday, Yutthana Phitak, Chief of Phuket Highways Office, ensured Phuket's historic Sarasin Bridge won't face the wrecking ball, despite plans for a new bridge on the island. The announcement followed a surge of online gossip, causing concerns over the potential demolition of the 1951-built bridge.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327266-historic-sarasin-bridge-safe-from-demolition-despite-new-bridge-plans-in-phuket/

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Israeli Pensioner Robbed and Abandoned by Motorcycle Taxi in Sattahip

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

An 81-year-old Israeli tourist has reported that he was abandoned and robbed by a motorcycle taxi driver during a trip to Sattahip, Chonburi, Thailand. The incident occurred around 6:00 PM on May 13th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327281-israeli-pensioner-robbed-and-abandoned-by-motorcycle-taxi-in-thai-tourist-town/

 

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Former Minister Itthipol Free Amid Pattaya Condo Controversy

 

Pattaya City hadi mazumder. Picture courtesy unsplash via Thaiger

Itthipol Khunpluem, former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya City, has been acquitted in a high-profile luxury condo scandal due to the case reaching its statute of limitations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327282-former-minister-itthipol-free-amid-pattaya-condo-controversy/

 

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Deputy PM Phumtham Threatens Legal Action Over Rice Criticism

 

Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath 

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, has issued a stern warning to critics of his recent promotion of 10-year-old government-stored rice, insisting it’s safe to eat and threatening legal action against detractors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327283-deputy-pm-phumtham-threatens-legal-action-over-rice-criticism/

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Outrage in Thailand: Boy Claims to Be Buddha’s Son in Bizarre Scam

 

Picture courtesy: MGR

 

The Thai Central Investigation Bureau has received a formal complaint against an eight-year-old boy, dubbed "Nong Nice," who is at the centre of a scandalous claim of being the reincarnated son of Lord Buddha, possessing magical powers to "connect people’s minds".

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327286-outrage-in-thailand-boy-claims-to-be-buddha’s-son-in-bizarre-scam/

 

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Panic in Roi Et: Thai Woman Hospitalised After Festival Rocket Crash

 

video screenshot

 

In a shocking incident, a Thai woman was rushed to hospital following a close encounter with a rocket that landed on her lawn during a traditional festival in Roi Et, part of the Isaan region. Her son, known television host Thanasub Ounsuang, is now demanding answers and accountability.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327287-panic-in-roi-et-thai-woman-hospitalised-after-festival-rocket-crash/

 

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86 Year Old Thai Man Murders Friend Over 'Lack of Respect'

 

Picture courtesy: Bouncenation Thailand

 

In a tragic incident in Udon Thani, Thailand, an 86-year-old man has been arrested for fatally stabbing his friend following a heated disagreement over respect. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327289-86-year-old-thai-man-murders-friend-over-lack-of-respect/

 

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Tuk-Tuk Driver's Rip-Off Lands Him a Fine and License Suspension

 

Tuk-tuk for reference only. Picture credit: Wikipedia

 

In a recent crackdown on overcharging, a tuk-tuk driver has been fined 2,500 baht and had his driver’s license suspended for 90 days.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327290-tuk-tuk-drivers-rip-off-lands-him-a-fine-and-license-suspension/

 

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Thai Airways Offloads Boeing and Airbus Jets in Slimdown Effort

 

File photo: Thai Airways, Boeing 777-200, courtesy Wikipedia

 

BANGKOK-THAILAND: In a strategic move towards financial recovery, Thai Airways International (THAI) has successfully sold its entire fleet of 18 decommissioned aircraft. This fleet includes a mix of six Boeing 777-200s, six Boeing 777-300s, and six Airbus A380s.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327292-thai-airways-offloads-boeing-and-airbus-jets-in-slimdown-effort/

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 15 May 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327293-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-15-may-2024/

 

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Thai Vietjet Ends Direct Flights from Phuket to Chiang Rai

 

File photo: Thai Vietjet Air, HS-VKA, Airbus A320-214. Credit: Wikimedia

 

In a sudden move, Thai Vietjet has ceased its direct flights between the northern city of Chiang Rai and the popular Andaman coastal destination, Phuket. The budget airline has not provided any explanation for the abrupt cancellation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327295-thai-vietjet-ends-direct-flights-from-phuket-to-chiang-rai/

 

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Phetchaburi Unveils Ambitious Plan to Draw 10 Million Tourists Annually

 

File photo: Tham Khao Luang Cave. Courtesy: Wikimedia

 

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has rolled out an exciting plan aimed at welcoming over 10 million tourists to Phetchaburi Province each year. The initiative was unveiled against the picturesque backdrop of Phetchaburi on May 13, just ahead of the Cabinet meeting.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327296-phetchaburi-unveils-ambitious-plan-to-draw-10-million-tourists-annually/

 

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Thailand Unveils 10-Year Visa to Attract Top Global Talent

 

Picture for reference only. Courtesy of Gwengoat via iStock

 

In a bid to transform its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into a bustling industrial hub, Thailand’s government has introduced a groundbreaking 10-year visa aimed at attracting top-tier professionals and experts from around the world.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327302-thailand-unveils-10-year-visa-to-attract-top-global-talent/

 

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Thailand Drastically Cuts Satellite Auction Prices to Entice Bidders

 

Picture courtesy: Thaicom

 

In a move aimed at rejuvenating interest, Thailand’s National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has significantly slashed the prices for its upcoming satellite orbital slots auction.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327303-thailand-drastically-cuts-satellite-auction-prices-to-entice-bidders/

 

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Superrich Struggles as Savvy Tourists Opt for Travel Cards

 

Picture courtesy: Facebook Superrich

 

Renowned for its iconic orange brand, Superrich Currency Exchange (1995) Co is facing challenging times. Despite an influx of foreign visitors, transaction growth has flatlined in the first four months of this year, with the rise of travel cards signaling a shift in tourist preferences.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327305-superrich-struggles-as-savvy-tourists-opt-for-travel-cards/

 

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Truth at the Toll Booth: The Real Lives of Thailand's Motorway Collectors Unveiled

 

Picture courtesy: MGR

 

Recent online chatter turned the spotlight onto the everyday lives of motorway toll collectors in Thailand, sparking a wave of curiosity and some rather fanciful speculation. It all began with a simple question from a TikTok user named ummie..28 that quickly went viral:

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327306-truth-at-the-toll-booth-the-real-lives-of-thailands-motorway-collectors-unveiled/

 

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Mystery Surrounds Foreigner's Body Found in Phang Nga

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

In the peaceful province of Phang Nga, a gruesome discovery has shocked the local residents. On the morning of May 15, the lifeless body of an unidentified foreign man was found on a roadside near Ban Na Road in Takua Thung district. Following the grim discovery, Sub-District Chief Yutthanakorn Juanjenkit connected with officers from Khok Kloi Police station.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327328-mystery-surrounds-foreigners-body-found-in-phang-nga/

 

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Sweeping Crackdown on Drug Epidemic Rocking Khon Kaen

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

In a bid to turn the tide on the rapidly growing drug epidemic haunting the northeast city of Khon Kaen, Thai authorities have instigated a series of hard-hitting operations. The escalating drug problem in Khon Kaen, which holds the dreaded distinction of recording the nation's second highest rate of drug misuse, has the whole city on tenterhooks.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327329-sweeping-crackdown-on-drug-epidemic-rocking-khon-kaen/

 

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Paetongtarn Shinawatra Champions Transgender Rights for World Pride 2030

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Thailand's commitment to promoting inclusivity and acceptance has been given a valuable endorsement by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party. As the nation gears up to bid for World Pride 2030, the party has announced plans to support legislation recognising the rights of transgender individuals.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327335-paetongtarn-shinawatra-champions-transgender-rights-for-world-pride-2030/

 

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NBTC Official Escapes Corruption Charges; Legal Tussle Continues

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing

 

In a landmark ruling, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases has dismissed an allegation of duty dereliction against National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) official Pirongrong Ramasoota. Citing a lack of substantial evidence, the court acquitted Pirongrong, who was accused of biased execution of her duties by True Digital Group.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327336-nbtc-official-escapes-corruption-charges-legal-tussle-continues/

 

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Thai Energy Firm Gunkul Pauses £14M Cannabis Venture Amid Regulatory Uncertainty

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Gunkul Engineering, a prominent Thai energy business listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), has put a stop to its investments in the cannabis industry due to murky governmental regulations. The company, which plunged into the cannabis and hemp sectors through its subsidiary, GK Hemp Group, has spent nearly £10.9 million on its cannabis project and has now decided to pause any further spending.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327337-thai-energy-firm-gunkul-pauses-£14m-cannabis-venture-amid-regulatory-uncertainty/

 

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Lawyer Questions Activist's Death Cause: Autopsy Results Awaited

 

Photo courtesy of The Thaiger

 

Prominent Thai political activist Nethiporn, affectionately known as Bung Talu Wang, found herself the subject of a ponderous autopsy today, following an abrupt and hotly disputed demise last week. Results from this potent process, conducted at the Forensic Medicine Department of Thammasat University Hospital, are slated for release later today.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327252-detained-political-activist-nethiporn-suffers-cardiac-arrest-amid-hunger-strike/?do=findComment&comment=18917358

 

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Bangkok's Composting Initiative: A Triumph in Sustainability and Cost Saving

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

A commendable victory has been scored in the war against waste management in the sprawling cityscape of Bangkok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has leveraged a waste composting initiative to significantly lighten the city's waste disposal load, bolstering its commitment to sustainability while also delivering a significant reduction in disposal expenses.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327338-bangkoks-composting-initiative-a-triumph-in-sustainability-and-cost-saving/

 

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Day-Long Power Outage Expected North of Heroines Monument in Phuket

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google / hotels.com Australia

 

Phuket's Provincial Electricity Authority's Thalang branch (PEA Thalang) has announced an all-day power outage scheduled for tomorrow's date. The disruption arises due to planned enhancements to the high-voltage network around a Shell petrol station north of the Heroines Monument in Phuket. The power cut is set to commence at 9am and expected to end by 5pm, affecting residents and businesses within the vicinity.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327340-day-long-power-outage-expected-north-of-heroines-monument-in-phuket/

 

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Age-Old Tradition Shores Up: Venus Clam Harvesting Commences in Banglamung

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Banglamung district's charming beaches of Naklua and Krating Lai are currently abuzz with the historic practice of Venus clam harvesting. A riveting sight unfolds daily as locals, spanning diverse ages and genders, embark on their quest to harvest the prized Venus clams off the shore amidst the ebbing tide.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327342-age-old-tradition-shores-up-venus-clam-harvesting-commences-in-banglamung/

 

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Embattled Move Forward Party Given another Lifeline by Constitutional Court

 

Photo courtesy of Thai PBS

 

In an unprecedented turn of events, the Constitutional Court has bestowed a respite on the beleaguered Move Forward party. Today, they granted a third and final 15-day extension, lasting until 2nd June, for the party to prepare its defence against the Election Commission's call for the court to dissolve it.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327344-embattled-move-forward-party-given-another-lifeline-by-constitutional-court/

 

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"Back To School 2024" Campaign Receives Boost Following Positive Response

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Following overwhelming positive feedback from the public, the "Back To School 2024" campaign organised by the Ministry of Commerce, has sprung into action. With targeted efforts in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Bangkok, the campaign has sparked buying interest and significantly increased sales, resulting in a buzzing shopping atmosphere

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327346-back-to-school-2024-campaign-receives-boost-following-positive-response/

 

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Government Plans to Toughen Rules on Meth Possession

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Microsoft Bing

 

The Health Minister of Thailand, Somsak Thepsutin, is advocating for changes in regulations that would permit authorities to confiscate the property of those discovered with even a single methamphetamine pill. The suggestion will be discussed at a multi-agency meeting on Thursday.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327347-government-plans-to-toughen-rules-on-meth-possession/

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Culture Ministry Plans to Nominate "Khao Wang" for World Heritage Recognition

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

The Culture Ministry of Thailand is working towards getting Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, or Khao Wang as it's commonly known, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol revealed at a recent cabinet meeting that the Fine Arts Department is studying the possibility of listing the 165-year-old park on UNESCO's preliminary list.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327348-culture-ministry-plans-to-nominate-khao-wang-for-world-heritage-recognition/