THAILAND LIVE Corruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings

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Composite image by ASEAN NOW

 

Thai visa agencies offer hassle-free DTV applications

Visa agencies in Thailand are stepping in to simplify the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) application process, helping applicants navigate the often complex bureaucracy of Thai embassies.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339777-thai-visa-agencies-offer-hassle-free-dtv-applications/

 

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Bus Owner Caught Trying to Hide Illegal Gas Cylinders After Deadly Fire

 

Picture from responder

 

Authorities have uncovered attempts by  the company responsible for the bus fire that killed 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani, to conceal illegal modifications to other buses in its fleet.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339780-bus-owner-caught-trying-to-hide-illegal-gas-cylinders-after-deadly-fire/

 

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Men with swords and bats storm Udon Thani children’s centre

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Two men wielding swords and baseball bats stormed a children’s development centre in Udon Thani, causing panic among teachers and children. CCTV footage captured the incident, which took place at 12.40pm yesterday, October 2, showing the men attacking each other.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339758-men-with-swords-and-bats-storm-udon-thani-children’s-centre/

 

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Thailand Ranks 28th Among the World's Best Countries

Picture courtesy: FREEPIK

 

Thailand has climbed to 28th place in the 2024 "Best Countries in the World" ranking by US News & World Report, marking a one-spot improvement from the previous year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339789-thailand-ranks-28th-among-the-worlds-best-countries/

 

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Bangkok Will Not Flood, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Assures

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has assured residents of Bangkok that fears of flooding are unfounded, emphasising that current rainwater levels are significantly lower compared to the devastating 2011 floods. On Wednesday, Ms. Paetongtarn reviewed the water situation at the Royal Irrigation Department in Nonthaburi.

 

Full story:  https://aseannow.com/topic/1339790-bangkok-will-not-flood-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-assures/

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Man Electrocuted While Attempting to Cross Landslip on Motorcycle in Chiang Mai

 

 

A man was electrocuted and killed while attempting to navigate his motorcycle through a landslip zone. The accident took place along the Mae Rim-Saluang road.

 

Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339791-man-electrocuted-while-attempting-to-cross-landslip-on-motorcycle-in-chiang-mai/

 

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Bus Companies Lament Over Suspension of School Field Trips

 

Screenshot - for reference only

 

Tour bus companies across the nation are facing challenging times following a government directive halting school field trips. This decision came after a devastating bus fire in Pathum Thani on Tuesday, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 20 students and three teachers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339793-bus-companies-lament-over-suspension-of-school-field-trips/

 

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Car Chase in Khao Talo Pattaya: Gunfire Erupts as Police Intervene in Love Triangle Dispute

 

 

A car chase erupted in the Khao Talo area of Pattaya, involving gunfire and damaged vehicles, before being brought under control by local police. The incident began when a confrontation over a woman spiralled into a violent pursuit through city streets.

 

Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339792-car-chase-in-khao-talo-pattaya-gunfire-erupts-as-police-intervene-in-love-triangle-dispute/

 

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Pattaya Police Raid Chinese Gang Involved in Illegal Loans & Online Gambling

 

 

In a major crackdown, police in Pattaya raided a pool villa compound, uncovering a Chinese gang involved in illegal money lending and online gambling operations.
 

Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339794-pattaya-police-raid-chinese-gang-involved-in-illegal-loans-online-gambling/

 

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Motorcycle Cuts in Front of 18-Wheeler, Ignites in Fiery Crash: Elderly Man Dies

 

 

A motorcycle collided with an 18-wheeler truck, resulting in a fiery fire ball that severely injured an elderly man, who later died from his injuries at Hospital.

 

Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339796-motorcycle-cuts-in-front-of-18-wheeler-ignites-in-fiery-crash-elderly-man-dies/

 

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Firecracker Spark Fire, Two Cars Damaged After Bang Neaw Shrine Procession in Phuket

 

 

A firecracker mishap resulted in a fire that damaged two vehicles following the Bang Neaw Shrine procession in Phuket. A child was seen placing firecrackers near the cars before the fire.

 

Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1339797-firecracker-spark-fire-two-cars-damaged-after-bang-neaw-shrine-procession-in-phuket/

 

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Former Boxer Holds Two Doctors Hostage Before Escaping

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

On October 3, a tense situation unfolded in Soi Inthamara 29, when a former Thai boxer took two doctors and a woman hostage in a residential home.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339799-former-boxer-holds-two-doctors-hostage-before-escaping/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 4 October 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339800-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-4-october-2024/

 

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Minister Pushes for Bangkok F1 Race Plan with 2024 Deadline

 

Composite image: ASEAN NOW

 

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong is pursuing an ambitious plan to host a Formula 1 (F1) street race in Bangkok. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339802-minister-pushes-for-bangkok-f1-race-plan-with-2024-deadline/

 

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Cabbie chaos: Thai app rider punches cop in Bangkok (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Channel 3

A Thai app-based taxi rider physically assaulted a police officer and damaged his car, claiming the cop was responsible for an earlier road accident in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339805-cabbie-chaos-thai-app-rider-punches-cop-in-bangkok-video/

 

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American Woman Flies 18 Hours to See Famous Hippo ‘Moo Deng’

 

Video screenshot

 

In a remarkable example of "soft power," an American woman flew nearly 18 hours to Thailand just to see the famous hippo, ‘Moo Deng’, and even bought themed outfits.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339807-american-woman-flies-18-hours-to-see-famous-hippo-‘moo-deng’/

 

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Thai-ing up the rain: Bangkok braces for a downpour of showers
by Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of Brandon Morgan, Unsplash

Thailand faces widespread rainfall today, with heavy showers expected in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. This weather pattern affects 38 provinces, excluding the northeastern region, which experiences cooler morning temperatures.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339808-thai-ing-up-the-rain-bangkok-braces-for-a-downpour-of-showers/

 

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Thai woman suffers broken legs in hit-and-run on zebra crossing - video

 

Photo via Facebook/ ปทุมธานี นิวส์ Pathum Thani News

 

A Thai woman is seeking justice after a hit-and-run on a zebra crossing in the central province of Pathum Thani on October 1 left her with two broken legs.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339841-thai-woman-suffers-broken-legs-in-hit-and-run-on-zebra-crossing-video/

 

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Corruption scandal hits the brakes: Thailand’s bus industry whistleblows dirty dealings

 

Photo by Chaowanon J via flickr

 

A shocking revelation has swept through the coach bus industry of Thailand as several anonymous companies have blown the whistle on rampant corruption within the Land Transport Department‘s vehicle inspection process. A sneaky bribe of 3,000 to 4,000 baht is all it takes to fast-track an inspection, making life suspiciously easy for some.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339842-corruption-scandal-hits-the-brakes-thailand’s-bus-industry-whistleblows-dirty-dealings/

 

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Insurance firms to compensate school bus blaze victims

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Insurance companies, in collaboration with the Office of the Insurance Commission (OIC), are set to provide compensation to the families of the deceased and injured following the school bus blaze tragedy. Each person affected is entitled to an initial compensation of 660,000 baht (US$19,940).

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339843-insurance-firms-to-compensate-school-bus-blaze-victims/

 

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Thailand Battles Monsoon Chaos: Floods Disrupt Travel and Aviation

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is currently contending with intense monsoon rains, leading to extensive flooding which has significantly impacted aviation operations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is implementing rapid response strategies to address these challenges, ensuring safe travel amidst the turbulence.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339845-thailand-battles-monsoon-chaos-floods-disrupt-travel-and-aviation/

 

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Updated Welfare Card Benefits for October Announced

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Finance Department has announced updated benefits for the welfare card program starting in October. Individuals who qualify can now get several types of allowances and benefits such as subsidies for transport, shopping allowances, and more substantial disability payments.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339846-updated-welfare-card-benefits-for-october-announced/

 

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Thailand Aims for 36.7M Tourists, Unveils Bold Campaign Plans

 

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is doubling down on efforts to re-establish itself as a premier global tourism hotspot. In a significant announcement made yesterday at the Dusit Thani Bangkok, the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) rolled out their strategy to attract more visitors.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339847-thailand-aims-for-367m-tourists-unveils-bold-campaign-plans/

 

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Bangkok Streets to Undergo Significant Improvements

 

File photo for reference only

 

Bangkok’s city streets are set for a major revamp, with City Governor Chadchart Sittipunt leading efforts to address enduring urban issues. On October 2, during a visit to Sukhumvit Soi 23 in Watthana district, Governor Chadchart, alongside Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon, shed light on these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for action.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339848-bangkok-streets-to-undergo-significant-improvements/

 

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Crystal clear bust: South Korean drug kingpin nabbed in Thailand

 

Photo courtesy of Thai News Agency

 

A dramatic international manhunt has ended with the arrest of a South Korean man accused of trafficking crystal methamphetamine from Thailand to South Korea.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339850-crystal-clear-bust-south-korean-drug-kingpin-nabbed-in-thailand/

 

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DSI fast-tracks fraud case against celebrity retailer Kornkanok

 

Picture courtesy of Wassayos Ngamkham

 

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong authorised the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to expedite the high-profile fraud case against celebrity online retailer Kornkanok “Mae Tuck” Suwannabut. The case has been designated a special case to ensure a swift resolution.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339851-dsi-fast-tracks-fraud-case-against-celebrity-retailer-kornkanok/

 

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Thai beauty queen tricked into paying 800,000 baht for victory

 

Photo via Matichon

 

A Thai beauty queen demanded justice after a beauty pageant manager deceived her into paying 800,000 baht to secure a crown.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339853-thai-beauty-queen-tricked-into-paying-800000-baht-for-victory/

 

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14-Year-Old Girl Recovers After School Bus Fire Tragedy

 

File photo for reference only

 

A 14-year-old girl, who was injured in a school bus fire incident on Tuesday, is gradually improving and has started physical therapy, according to the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339854-14-year-old-girl-recovers-after-school-bus-fire-tragedy/

 

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Chiang Mai Floods Again: Businesses Battle Rising Waters

 

File photo for reference only

 

Chiang Mai is grappling with its second severe flood in a week as waters rise once more, submerging large sections of the city. Despite being slightly lower than last week's deluge, the latest inundation has wreaked havoc on communities and businesses, notably around the famous Night Bazaar, where streets resemble canals. Waterlogged roads have forced authorities to deploy large trucks for tourist evacuations to the airport.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339855-chiang-mai-floods-again-businesses-battle-rising-waters/

 

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Chiang Mai Airport Unaffected By Flooding, Operations Normal

 

File photo for reference only

 

Chiang Mai Airport has confirmed that it is continuing normal operations despite significant flooding in the region, caused by the Ping River exceeding its crisis level. As of 11:00 AM on October 4th, the river level at Nawarat Bridge has reached 4.88 meters, well above the 3.70-meter warning point. While central Chiang Mai is experiencing widespread flooding, particularly near the riverbanks, the airport remains fully functional.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339856-chiang-mai-airport-unaffected-by-flooding-operations-normal/