THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 26 July 2024

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Thaksin Shinawatra. Picture courtesy: The Nation

 

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will celebrate his 75th birthday with a private but grand event at his Chan Song Lar mansion in Bangkok.

 

Thaksin's Birthday Celebration: A-List Guests, Alms Giving, and Luncheon

Picture: Thaksin Shinawatra. Picture courtesy: The Nation

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333857-thaksins-birthday-celebration-a-list-guests-alms-giving-and-luncheon/

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Pheu Thai’s Digital Wallet Plan Faces Criticism from Academic

 

Artwork courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Pheu Thai's ambitious plan to distribute 10,000-baht digital wallet payouts might not translate into sustained political popularity, as pointed out by political scientist Pornchai Theppanya.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333859-pheu-thai’s-digital-wallet-plan-faces-criticism-from-academic/

 

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Thailand to Probe Alleged Weapons Payments to Myanmar Junta

 

Image for representation only. Picture courtesy: Indian Express

 

Thailand's central bank and anti-laundering office are set to investigate claims that Thai commercial banks facilitated transactions for weapons purchases by Myanmar's junta, the Thai foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333860-bank-of-thailand-to-probe-alleged-weapons-payments-to-myanmar-junta/

 

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Move Forward submits three constitutional amendment bills

 

The opposition Move Forward party has submitted three draft bills to parliament today, seeking amendments to the Constitution.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333862-move-forward-submits-three-constitutional-amendment-bills/

 

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Pakistani Serial Thieves Arrested in Phuket for Short Change Artist Scams in Pattaya and Phuket
By Adam Judd

 

 

Phuket, Thailand – Two Pakistani nationals were apprehended in Kamala after a series of thefts involving a clever 1,000 baht banknote trick. The suspects targeted businesses across Phuket, Pattaya, and other provinces.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333863-pakistani-serial-thieves-arrested-in-phuket-for-short-change-artist-scams/

 

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Thai Immigration Officials Uncover ID Trading Scheme Through Chinese Billboard Ad at Huai Khwang Intersection

By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

On July 25th, 2024, Thai immigration officers and relevant agencies provided an update on a case involving a Chinese-language billboard at Huai Khwang Intersection in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333864-thai-immigration-officials-uncover-id-trading-scheme-through-chinese-billboard-ad/

 

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Young Pattaya Man Arrested for Attempted Robbery of Motorcycle Taxi Driver
By Aim Tanakorn

 

Pattaya — A young Thai man was arrested for attempted robbery against a motorcycle taxi driver in Pattaya yesterday, July 24th, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333865-young-pattaya-man-arrested-for-attempted-robbery-of-motorcycle-taxi-driver/

 

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Six Houses in Pattaya Burglarized in One Night
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya — Residents of two villages in Pattaya were left shaken after a burglar snuck into their communities and burglarized six homes in one night.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333866-six-houses-in-pattaya-burglarized-in-one-night/

 

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Cruise Liner From Singapore Arrives in Phuket with 3,700 Tourists
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

Phuket- A cruise liner from Singapore with 3,700 tourists arrived at the Phuket Deep Sea Port in Wichit.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333867-cruise-liner-from-singapore-arrives-in-phuket-with-3700-tourists/

 

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Blackchin Tilapia Invasion Threatens Southeast Asia's Ecosystems

 

Blackchin Tilapia. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Concerns are mounting within the Thai government as the blackchin tilapia, an invasive predator fish, could spread from Thailand to neighbouring countries, posing an ecological crisis. MPs warned that the tilapia invasion might soon become a transnational issue affecting Cambodia and Malaysia.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333868-blackchin-tilapia-invasion-threatens-southeast-asias-ecosystems/

 

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New runway at Suvarnabhumi Airport sparks emergency drill
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

Suvarnabhumi International Airport conducted a high-stakes emergency exercise under the codename SENOP-24 on Tuesday, July 23. This drill, aimed at preparing for the grand opening of the airport’s third runway set for mid-September, was designed to ensure every team is battle-ready for any potential crisis.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333869-new-runway-at-suvarnabhumi-airport-sparks-emergency-drill/

 

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Hong Kong policeman’s fatal fall from baht bus sparks safety outcry
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

Pattaya Tourist Police are offering comprehensive support to the widow of a Hong Kong policeman who tragically lost his life after falling off a baht bus on Pattaya Second Road on July 22. The shocking incident has catapulted road safety in Pattaya into the national spotlight.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333870-hong-kong-policeman’s-fatal-fall-from-baht-bus-sparks-safety-outcry/

 

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Ex-Police Officer Thwarted in Phatthalung Gold Shop Heist

 

Gold shop heist in Phatthalung. Picture courtesy: Thai CH8

 

A former police officer, dismissed from service, attempted to rob a gold shop in Phatthalung’s central market but was foiled by the sharp-eyed shop owner who noticed the gun was a fake and managed to subdue the suspect.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333871-ex-police-officer-thwarted-in-phatthalung-gold-shop-heist/

 

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Thai Cabinet Approves New Anti-Corruption Bill

 

Deputy Government Spokesperson Kanika Aunjit

 

The government's Cabinet has greenlit a new Anti-Corruption Bill aimed at ramping up efforts to combat corruption. This recent development marks a significant step in the ongoing endeavour to create a more transparent and accountable public system.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333873-thai-cabinet-approves-new-anti-corruption-bill/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 26 July 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333875-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-26-july-2024/

 

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Chalerm Declares Political War Against Thaksin

 

Chalerm Yubamrung. File phoro courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Former Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has publicly severed ties with Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party, signalling his potential move to join the Palang Pracharath Party. This rupture follows an altercation with Pheu Thai patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra and brewing tensions within the party.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333877-chalerm-declares-political-war-against-thaksin/

 

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Bikers Cause Chaos in Pattaya, Police Intervene

 

Screenshot courtesy: Ch7HD

 

Residents in Pattaya, Thailand, have been left sleepless due to a group of foreign bikers causing disturbances with their motorcycles. Early this morning, police closed an alley to arrest the rowdy gang and seize modified rental motorcycles.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333879-bikers-cause-chaos-in-pattaya-police-intervene/

 

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High hopes: Anutin’s green light for cannabis bill in Thailand
by Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed confidence yesterday that the cannabis control bill will be enacted within the tenure of the current coalition government. Meanwhile, a health advocacy group has pushed for a complete ban on recreational cannabis use.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333881-high-hopes-anutin’s-green-light-for-cannabis-bill-in-thailand/

 

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Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors
by Bob Scott

 

Thailand eases visa rules to attract long-term visitors

New visa regulations issued by Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have made it significantly easier to visit and stay in the country long-term. The number of countries eligible for visa-free entry has increased from 57 to 93, now including India and China.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333884-thailand-eases-visa-rules-to-attract-long-term-visitors/

 

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Polish man arrested for ganja LED grow lights theft in Chiang Mai
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ บิ๊กเกรียน

Chon Buri Provincial Immigration Office officers arrested a Polish man for the theft of LED lights from a ganja farm in the northern province of Chiang Mai as he was about to renew his visa.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333885-polish-man-arrested-for-ganja-led-grow-lights-theft-in-chiang-mai/

 

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SAT-1: Suvarnabhumi Airport lounge launch hits a delay
by of Sarishti Arora

 

Picture courtesy of Paweł L. from pexels.com

BANGKOK - The newly opened satellite terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, known as SAT-1, has seen limited activity in its lounges and day rooms due to a lack of international flights, according to Miracle Group, an operator of airport lounges and hotels.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333889-sat-1-suvarnabhumi-airport-lounge-launch-hits-a-delay/

 

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Cult blamed for deadly killing rampage in Surat Thani
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via DailyNews

Police reported that a strange cult allegedly led a Thai man to go on a killing rampage yesterday, taking the life of his niece and injuring her daughter at a palm plantation in the southern province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333891-cult-blamed-for-deadly-killing-rampage-in-surat-thani/

 

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Thai man with hoe wreaks havoc in Udon Thani temple
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

A Thai man wielding a hoe caused chaos at a temple in Udon Thani, damaging statues and claiming he was being followed. The village headman apprehended him and handed him over to the police for legal action.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333892-thai-man-with-hoe-wreaks-havoc-in-udon-thani-temple/

 

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Udon Thani: Toddler drowns, grandfather kills family dog in grief
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

A two year old boy drowned in a village pond in Udon Thani province, leading to the emotional and controversial killing of his dog by the child’s grandfather.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333893-udon-thani-toddler-drowns-grandfather-kills-family-dog-in-grief/

 

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Central Group, Thai banks initiate tourist QR payments
by Sarishti Arora

Picture courtesy of iMin Technology from pexels.com

The Central Group of companies, which includes Central Retail Corporation, Central Pattana, and Centara Hotels and Resorts, has joined forces with the Bank of Thailand and six leading commercial banks to launch a cross-border QR payment service for tourists.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333897-central-group-thai-banks-initiate-tourist-qr-payments/

 

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Yala durian farmers struggle with low prices after export rejection

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Durian farmers in Yala are facing severe financial hardship due to plummeting prices, with farm-gate prices ranging from 55 to 80 baht per kilogramme. Farmers are appealing for assistance to raise the prices to at least 100 baht per kilogramme.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333916-yala-durian-farmers-struggle-with-low-prices-after-export-rejection/

 

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Thai man steals masseuse’s phone after failing to rape her

 

Photo via DailyNews

 

Police arrested a Thai man yesterday in the southern province of Songkhla for attempting to rape a masseuse before changing his mind and stealing her mobile phone instead because she was on her period.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333917-thai-man-steals-masseuse’s-phone-after-failing-to-rape-her/

 

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Thai beauty queen sparks online drama over airline seat

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A misunderstanding involving Thai beauty queen Nampech Teeyapa and renowned YouTuber Spin9 has sparked significant online drama.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333918-thai-beauty-queen-sparks-online-drama-over-airline-seat/

 

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Olympics sabotage: French trains targeted in coordinated attack

 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images via BBC News

 

Hours before the much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, French rail company SNCF revealed that its high-speed network has been deliberately targeted by malicious acts intended to cripple the system.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333920-olympics-sabotage-french-trains-targeted-in-coordinated-attack/

 

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Panipak aims for final gold at Paris 2024 Olympics

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post official page

 

Thailand’s taekwondo sensation, Panipak “Tennis” Wongpattanakit, has her eyes firmly set on another gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. After her stunning victory in Tokyo three years ago, Tennis, now 26, is looking to replicate her success and cement her legacy in the sport.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1333922-panipak-aims-for-final-gold-at-paris-2024-olympics/