THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 17 May 2024

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A senior Thai official yesterday raised the alarming possibility that Thailand may need to consider relocating its capital city Bangkok due to the threat posed by rising sea levels caused by climate change. The bustling metropolis of the capital already grapples with severe flooding during the rainy season each year.

 

Buckle up, Bangkok: Thai official floats capital relocation amid rising sea

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327409-buckle-up-bangkok-thai-official-floats-capital-relocation-amid-rising-sea/

 

Image by Wiroj Sidhisoradej on Freepik

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Ladyboy duo nabbed for stealing gold necklace from Indian tourist

Photo via Channel 7 and Facebook/ เรารักพัทยา

 

Police arrested two Thai ladyboy thieves for gold necklace theft in Pattaya after one of them was caught pretending to hug an Indian tourist and stealing his necklace worth about 60,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327416-ladyboy-duo-nabbed-for-stealing-gold-necklace-from-indian-tourist/

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Thaksin Attends Red Shirt Leader's Restaurant Launch in Bangkok

 

Picture courtesy: Thai PBS

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra surfaced in public today to celebrate the opening of a new restaurant branch by a former red shirt leader in Bangkok. This marks another notable appearance for Thaksin since his release on parole earlier this year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327455-thaksin-attends-red-shirt-leaders-restaurant-launch-in-bangkok/

 

[webfact]

Foreigners Detained for Illegal Daycare on Koh Pha Ngan 

 

Picture courtesy of the Tourist police

 

Police in Surat Thani have detained several foreigners suspected of operating an illegal daycare and wakeboarding service centre on Koh Pha Ngan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327456-foreigners-detained-for-illegal-daycare-on-koh-pha-ngan /

 

[webfact]

Thailand's Cannabis Industry Faces Uncertain Future Amid Government Review

 

Picture courtesy Pattaya Mail via Thaiger

 

Thailand’s cannabis industry faces uncertain future as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin calls for a crucial meeting to reassess the legal status of cannabis, potentially reverting it to a Category 5 narcotic.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327457-thailands-cannabis-industry-faces-uncertain-future-amid-government-review/

 

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Trans-tussle: Video captures fight between Pattaya and Phuket transwomen (video)
 

Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times ภูเก็ตไทม์

 

In a scene straight out of a Russ Meyer movie, a video recently went viral depicting a violent clash between a group of ladyboys in Soi Bangla, Phuket, and a squad of transwomen from Pattaya.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327459-trans-tussle-video-captures-fight-between-pattaya-and-phuket-transwomen-video/

 

[webfact]

Two Thais Confirmed Dead in October 7 Hamas Attack

 

Picture courtesy of The Times of Israel via X

 

In a grim update on the October 7 massacre by Hamas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the deaths of two Thai nationals, Sonthaya Oakkharasr and Sudthisak Rinthalak. Initially believed to have been taken hostage, the IDF announced that Hamas had killed the pair during their brutal attack and taken their bodies to Gaza.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327460-two-thais-confirmed-dead-in-october-7-hamas-attack/

 

[webfact]

Thai Navy Agrees to Install Chinese Engine in Its New Submarine
 

 

Today, Thailand finalised its decision to install a Chinese-made CHD620 engine in their Chinese-built Yuan-class S26T submarine, marking a significant turn from the original plan of using a German MTU396 engine. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327461-thai-navy-agrees-to-install-chinese-engine-in-its-new-submarine/

 

[webfact]

Prime Minister's Wife Joins Prestigious Politics Course

 

Dr. Pakpilai. Picture courtesy of Khaosod

 

In a surprising twist at the heart of Thai politics, the Prime Minister's wife has enrolled in a prestigious political course. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327462-prime-ministers-wife-joins-prestigious-politics-course/

 

[webfact]

PM Srettha's Vision: Six Advantages Propelling Thailand into Investment Prominence

 

Picture courtesy: The Nation

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took the stage at SUBCON Thailand 2024, making a compelling case for Thailand as a premier investment destination.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327463-pm-sretthas-vision-six-advantages-propelling-thailand-into-investment-prominence/

 

[webfact]

Crackdown on Loan Sharks Intensifies: Deadline Imminent
 

Representative Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

The government has issued a stern deadline for loan sharks to report to authorities by the end of the month, as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal money-lending operations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327465-crackdown-on-loan-sharks-intensifies-deadline-imminent/

 

[webfact]

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 17 May 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327466-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-17-may-2024/

 

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Elderly Som Tam Seller Arrested For Drug Dealing In Udon Thani

 

Photo via Facebook/ งานสืบสวน สภ.กุมภวาปี

 

An elderly woman was arrested in Udon Thani for switching from selling som tam to dealing drugs. The 63-year-old, previously known for her papaya salad, was caught with 54 methamphetamine tablets. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327470-elderly-som-tam-seller-arrested-for-drug-dealing-in-udon-thani/

 

[webfact]

Brother Beaten to Death Over Garden Dispute in Bangkok

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

A shocking case of sibling rivalry unfolded today after a garden dispute in Bangkok tragically escalated, leading to the older brother bludgeoning his younger sibling to death with a table leg.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327471-brother-beaten-to-death-over-garden-dispute-in-bangkok/

 

[webfact]

Three Thai Nationals Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Cambodia for Drug Trafficking

 

Picture courtesy: Kampuchea Thmey

Three Thai nationals have been sentenced to life imprisonment and fined 80 million Riel (approximately Bt723,000) by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for drug possession and trafficking. This judgment concluded a high-profile case involving a sizeable drug bust.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327475-three-thai-nationals-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-in-cambodia-for-drug-trafficking/

 

[webfact]

UPDATE:

 

Govt Confirms Death of Two Thai Hostages in Gaza

 

 

BANGKOK, May 17 (TNA) – The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the deaths of two Thai nationals who were being held hostage in Gaza.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327460-two-thais-confirmed-dead-in-october-7-hamas-attack/?do=findComment&comment=18921184

 

[webfact]

Bangkok’s electrifying plan to bury cables sparks into life
by Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Darren Lyons

 

Bangkok citizens may have scoffed last year when the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) declared its grand plan to bury 1,454 kilometres of electrical cables underground over the next decade.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327477-bangkok’s-electrifying-plan-to-bury-cables-sparks-into-life/

 

[webfact]

Royal Thai Air Force Pilot Dodges Festival Rocket in Close Call

 

Picture courtesy: Pilot Notebook Facebook Page

 

A Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) pilot narrowly avoided a disaster after an unexpected encounter with a festival rocket launched during a local celebration.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327480-royal-thai-air-force-pilot-dodges-festival-rocket-in-close-call/

 

[webfact]

Chiang Mai police invoke 10pm curfew after samurai gang rampage

by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ เชียงใหม่ CM108 ข่าวเชียงใหม่ จังหวัดเชียงใหม่

 

Chiang Mai Provincial Police officers imposed a 10pm curfew on locals under 18 years old following a deadly rampage by a criminal gang armed with samurai swords.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327494-chiang-mai-police-invoke-10pm-curfew-after-samurai-gang-rampage/

 

[snoop1130]

Navigating new depths: RTN seals deal for Chinese submarine

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) confirmed its decision to proceed with the purchase of a 13.5-billion-baht submarine from China, following successful negotiations earlier this week. This announcement came from an RTN source.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327504-navigating-new-depths-rtn-seals-deal-for-chinese-submarine/

 

[snoop1130]

Taxing times: Local governments urged to ‘build’ a better law

 

An aerial shot of grassy field near the road and the sea with trees at daytime / Image courtesy of wirestock on Freepik

 

Local governments must take a more active role in revising the land and building tax law, which has been in effect for five years, according to the Director-General of the Fiscal Policy Office, Pornchai Thiraveja.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327505-taxing-times-local-governments-urged-to-‘build’-a-better-law/

 

[snoop1130]

Exports of Thai mangoes have more than doubled in the first three months

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Thailand experienced a significant rise in exports in the first quarter of this year. Sales of fresh mangoes soared by a massive 130% to reach a total of around 1.6 billion baht, compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports of sticky rice also rose by 13% equaling around one billion baht.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327507-exports-of-thai-mangoes-have-more-than-doubled-in-the-first-three-months/

 

[snoop1130]

Despite high airfare costs, Thai Air Asia X reports a successful year

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Passengers should brace for continued high airfares as airlines deal with the challenges of a plane shortage, increased labor costs, and a limited supply of spare parts, all limiting their capacity to meet the increased demand in travel.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327508-despite-high-airfare-costs-thai-air-asia-x-reports-a-successful-year/

 

[snoop1130]

Hosting FIFA Congress Promotes Economic and Tourism Growth in Thailand, says MFA

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

The hosting of the FIFA Congress in Thailand from Monday to Friday is set to be a boon for the local economy and tourism sector, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event brings together top football executives worldwide, giving the country global exposure.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327510-hosting-fifa-congress-promotes-economic-and-tourism-growth-in-thailand-says-mfa/

 

[snoop1130]

Advocacy Groups in Thailand Urge Health Minister to Rethink Cannabis Criminalization

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

On May 16, 2024, Prasitchai Nunual, the head of the Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis network, along with several other representatives, requested Thai Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsuthin, to review the laws against cannabis use. They presented a letter to the Thai Ministry of Public Health, suggesting that they consider if cannabis should be classified as an illegal drug, or if a specific law to regulate its use should be enacted, as reported by Thai national media.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327457-thailands-cannabis-industry-faces-uncertain-future-amid-government-review/?do=findComment&comment=18922043

 

[snoop1130]

Two Lives Lost in Road Accidents on Phuket's Roads Yesterday Night

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Israeli child dies in Tuk-Tuk acccident

 

A five-year-old girl from Israel unfortunately lost her life in a tragic accident in Patong. The mishap occurred on Patong road at approximately 10:40 pm. The Israeli girl, Nbaa Bahnasi from Jerusalem, was on vacation in Phuket with her family. They were travelling in a tuk-tuk driven by 51-year-old Bunyang Kaewaksorn.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327515-two-lives-lost-in-road-accidents-on-phukets-roads-yesterday-night/

 

[snoop1130]

Beloved Brit found dead in Thailand hotel room

 

Photo courtesy of Simon Browny Brown GoFundMe page

 

A 47 year old machine operator from Pontypridd, South Wales was found dead in his hotel room in Thailand, leaving family and friends devastated.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327516-beloved-brit-found-dead-in-thailand-hotel-room/

 

[snoop1130]

Pattaya terrorised by two fires in the night, locals evacuated

 

Image courtesy of Daily News

 

Two major fires erupted in Pattaya in the early hours this morning, terrorising locals and tourists alike. The first fire erupted at a well-known shopping centre in Nong Prue district, and the second incident erupted at a high-rise condominium on South Pattaya Road.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327517-pattaya-terrorised-by-two-fires-in-the-night-locals-evacuated/

 

[snoop1130]

Electric Scooter Rentals Surface in Pattaya, Prompting Legal Issues

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Electric scooters that can be rented through an app are now popping up in popular tourist spots in Pattaya. This has raised questions from locals about their legality and potential problems they could cause.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327518-electric-scooter-rentals-surface-in-pattaya-prompting-legal-issues/

 

[george]

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