THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 20 May 2024

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To solidify its position as the aviation powerhouse of the Asia Pacific, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) unveiled a comprehensive three-stage strategy yesterday.

 

Thailand aims for 270 million passengers by 2037

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327590-thailand-aims-for-270-million-passengers-by-2037/

 

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Court Decision on PM Impeachment Expected This Thursday

 

Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, left, shaking hands with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner before the Italy's Emilia Romagna Formula One Grand Prix race at the Dino and Enzo Ferrari racetrack in Imola, Italy, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, Pool)

 

In a dramatic turn of events, the Constitutional Court is set to rule on a petition seeking the impeachment of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Prime Minister's Office Minister Pichit Chuenban this Thursday. The move follows accusations of constitutional violations and breaches of political ethics.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327651-court-decision-on-pm-impeachment-expected-this-thursday/

 

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British family leaves UK for Thailand for lower costs of living

 

 

A determined British mother has relocated her family to Thailand to escape the worsening cost of living crisis in Britain. Jessica Ward, originally from Congleton in Cheshire, took the bold step with her partner and young daughter, Cece, seeking a more affordable and stress-free life abroad.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327652-british-family-leaves-uk-for-thailand-for-lower-costs-of-living/

 

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French Tourist Injured at Koh Samui's Na Muang Waterfall

 

Picture courtesy: The Phuket Express

 

A French tourist has suffered a serious knee injury after slipping at Na Muang Waterfall 2 in Koh Samui, Thailand. The incident was reported to Koh Samui District Administrative Officials, prompting immediate deployment of tourist police, rescue teams, and local authorities.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327653-french-tourist-injured-at-koh-samuis-na-muang-waterfall/

 

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British Tourist Injured in Gang Attack on Bangla Road, Patong

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

Patong authorities are actively pursuing a group of men linked to a violent assault on Bangla Road, which resulted in injuries to a British tourist early yesterday morning. The altercation occurred in the vicinity of a 7-Eleven near Soi Sea Dragon around 4:40 am.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327654-british-tourist-injured-in-gang-attack-on-bangla-road-patong/

 

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Thailand Imposes Alcohol Ban for Visakha Bucha Day on May 22

 

File photo courtesy: The Phuket Express

 

Visakha Bucha Day, also called Vesak, will be celebrated on May 22 in Thailand, marking a significant public holiday. On this highly revered Buddhist day, Thai law mandates a ban on selling all types of alcoholic beverages in convenience stores and entertainment venues.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327655-thailand-imposes-alcohol-ban-for-visakha-bucha-day-on-may-22/

 

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Poll Reveals Majority of Thais Back Reclassifying Marijuana as Illegal

 

Pedestrian walk under sign Cannabis shop in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin said Wednesday, May 8, 2024 that he wants cannabis to be officially classified as a narcotic drug, a rollback from the complete decriminalization of the plant two years ago. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

A recent National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) poll reveals that most Thais support plans to reclassify marijuana as an illegal drug, though opinions on its benefits vary.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327656-poll-reveals-majority-of-thais-back-reclassifying-marijuana-as-illegal/

 

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Recycled SIM Card Number Sparks a Year-Long Ordeal

 

Picture courtesy: Bouncenationkenya

 

A woman in Korat experienced a year-long ordeal with strange phone calls after purchasing a SIM card from a shopping mall, leading her to ultimately cancel the number. The calls were traced back to a number written on a school desk.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327657-recycled-sim-card-number-sparks-a-year-long-ordeal/

 

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Highly Intoxicated Foreigner Arrested in Patong Public Disturbance

 

Source: Facebook

 

Late last week in Patong, local residents reported a disruptive foreigner causing a significant public disturbance, prompting an immediate police response. The incident took place in front of a restaurant along Taweewong Road, close to the well-known Dolphin Roundabout.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327658-highly-intoxicated-foreigner-arrested-in-patong-public-disturbance/

 

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Two Pattaya Teenager Groups Clash in Gunfight, Leaving One Man Injured
By Aim Tanakorn

 

Two groups of teenagers in Pattaya clashed early Sunday morning, resulting in a 19-year-old man getting shot in the leg.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327659-two-pattaya-teenager-groups-clash-in-gunfight-leaving-one-man-injured/

 

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Decapitated body found in sea off Cha-am beach

By Online Reporter

 

Cha-am fishing village. File photo

On May 17, 2024, local fishermen reported a heavily decaying, headless body floating in the sea near the Cha-Am Beach viewpoint, approximately one kilometer from the shore.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327660-decapitated-body-found-in-sea-off-cha-am-beach/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Pattaya Suspends Electric Scooter Rentals Amid Legal Concerns

 

Picture courtesy: The Pattaya News

 

An electric scooter rental company in Pattaya has been instructed by city officials and police to temporarily halt operations amid concerns about compliance with Thai traffic laws.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327518-electric-scooter-rentals-surface-in-pattaya-prompting-legal-issues/?do=findComment&comment=18926602

 

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Thailand Seeks 7.5 Billion Baht Boost from Film Productions

 

Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand

 

The Thai government has unveiled an ambitious plan to generate 7.5 billion baht this year by positioning Thailand as a leading destination for international film productions. This initiative was prominently promoted at the Cannes Film Festival in France, where the country’s achievements in attracting foreign film projects were showcased.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327664-thailand-seeks-75-billion-baht-boost-from-film-productions/

 

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Bangkok Among Top 10 Summer Destinations

 

 

Mastercard's latest "Travel Trends 2024: Breaking Boundaries" report has positioned Bangkok in the prestigious list of top 10 summer vacation destinations globally. This accolade is based on an extensive analysis of Mastercard transaction data from 74 markets, highlighting Bangkok's growing appeal to international travellers over the coming months.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327665-bangkok-among-top-10-summer-destinations/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 20 May 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327667-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-20-may-2024/

 

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Rice auction halted for safety tests to resume after a decade

 

Picture courtesy: piptdb

 

Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, has announced the resumption of the 10-year-old rice auction following successful private safety tests. Private lab results have shown no contamination, asserting that the rice is safe for consumption.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327669-rice-auction-halted-for-safety-tests-to-resume-after-a-decade/

 

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Thailand Aims to Become Leading Aviation Hub in Asia

 

File photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has rolled out a major initiative to transform the country into a regional aviation hub. By 2037, Thailand aims to accommodate 270 million air travellers per year and establish itself as a key hub for cargo.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327676-thailand-aims-to-become-leading-aviation-hub-in-asia/

 

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First-Ever 'Cops Combat' Martial Arts Contest Held in Thailand

 

File photo courtesy: peaceforasia

 

Thailand is set to host its first-ever mixed martial arts event exclusively for police officers on May 28 at the historic Rajadamnern Stadium.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327677-first-ever-cops-combat-martial-arts-contest-held-in-thailand/

 

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Police Officer Arrested for Involvement in Kidnapping

 

Picture courtesy Facebook: ไสว รุยันต์
 

A policewoman was arrested on 19 May for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping and ransom of an Indonesian man in Phatthalung province earlier this month. According to local authorities, the incident has raised concerns about corruption within the police force.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327678-police-officer-arrested-for-involvement-in-kidnapping/

 

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Over 31,000 apply for Thai Senate as 5-year term ends
by Bob Scott Bob

 

Picture courtesy: Wikimedia

 

Over 31,000 people have sought applications to become senators in the Thai Senate as the five-year term of 250 senators, installed by the defunct National Council for Peace and Order, concluded yesterday. The Election Commission (EC) anticipates approximately 100,000 applications for the 200 available senate positions.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327679-over-31000-apply-for-thai-senate-as-5-year-term-ends/

 

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Suvarnabhumi Airport: Arrive at Airport 3+ hours before international flight from BKK

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Suvarnabhumi Airport departure passport control area are installing new automatic channel for passport screening to replace the existing system.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327663-⚠️-suvarnabhumi-airport-arrive-at-airport-3-hours-before-international-flight-from-bkk/

 

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Brief bandit: thief strips down to underwear, swipes stash of briefs
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Image courtesy of Khaosod

 

An underwear thief, dressed only in his undies, drove to a house and stole a collection of underwear, later claiming it was the result of a dare. The incident took place on the morning of May 18 in Ban Pa Tueng Ngam, Pa O Don Chai sub-district, Mueng district, Chiang Rai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327681-brief-bandit-thief-strips-down-to-underwear-swipes-stash-of-briefs/

 

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Bangkok Official Arrested Over 9 Million Baht Bribery Scandal

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod
 

A senior Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) official has been arrested for allegedly accepting a 9 million baht bribe to alter road construction plans, seizing luxury cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the process.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327682-bangkok-official-arrested-over-9-million-baht-bribery-scandal/

 

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Pakistani and Thai wife arrested for murder of Indian in Songkhla
Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ หนังสือพิมพ์รายวัน.สยามประชา

 

Police arrested a Pakistani man and his Thai wife for the murder of an Indian man in the southern province of Songkhla. The motive is suspected to be a business conflict.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327684-pakistani-and-thai-wife-arrested-for-murder-of-indian-in-songkhla/

 

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1,882 new COVID-19 hospitalisations and 16 deaths in the last week
by Dr. Nikhil Prasad 

 

Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash

 

Thailand is experiencing a significant but underreported surge in COVID-19 cases, with both public and private hospitals feeling the strain as outpatient and inpatient admissions rise. This trend mirrors situations in other countries like Singapore, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and France, driven by new variants from the KP lineage (e.g., KP.1, KP.2, KP.3).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327690-1882-new-covid-19-hospitalisations-and-16-deaths-in-the-last-week/

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Man murders drinking friend with concrete block after argument
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Image courtesy of Khaosod

 

A tragic murder unfolded in Surin province when 67 year old man allegedly killed his 58 year old drinking companion by hitting him with a concrete block and then dragging his body with a motorcycle before dumping it in a canal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327700-man-murders-drinking-friend-with-concrete-block-after-argument/

 

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Thai ladyboy loses cash and phone after one-night stand
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Amarin TV and Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6

 

A Thai ladyboy lost 2,000 baht in cash and a mobile phone after a one-night stand with a Thai man at a resort in Pattaya.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327702-thai-ladyboy-loses-cash-and-phone-after-one-night-stand/

 

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Training Center for Anti-Trafficking Opened in Bangkok

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

The Thai government and Australia have teamed up to fight human trafficking, opening a new training center in Bangkok. The Counter Trafficking in Persons Center of Excellence (CTIP-COE) was officially inaugurated on May 17 by Thailand's Minister of Justice, Pol Colonel Tawee Sodsong, and Australia’s Ambassador to Thailand, Angela Macdonald.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327713-training-center-for-anti-trafficking-opened-in-bangkok/

 

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Prime Minister Considers Hosting Formula One Race in Bangkok

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has had meetings with executives from Formula One and visited the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari racetrack in Italy's Bologna. This visit was an explorative move to assess the potential of Bangkok hosting a Formula One race.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327714-prime-minister-considers-hosting-formula-one-race-in-bangkok/

 

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Thai industries launch initiatives to boost SMEs post-pandemic

 

Image courtesy of CGIAR

 

New initiatives by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) aim to bolster local entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still grappling with the effects of the pandemic. The FTI is focusing on critical sectors such as agribusiness and the auto parts industry to foster resilience and growth.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327717-thai-industries-launch-initiatives-to-boost-smes-post-pandemic/