Photo courtesy of Everything Bangkok

 

Thailand’s Destination Visa loophole that could cost you

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

The much-hyped Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is proving to be more of a bureaucratic headache than a dream ticket. While Bangkok Immigration (Division 1) has published criteria for extending the visa by six months, these guidelines aren’t binding on provincial offices, leaving holders navigating a minefield of uncertainty.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350218-thailand’s-destination-visa-loophole-that-could-cost-you/

Pattaya’s tourism takes a hit after Chinese abduction - video

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

Thailand’s tourism industry has been rocked by the recent abduction of Chinese actor Wang Xing, leaving popular hotspots like Pattaya eerily quiet. The star was allegedly lured to Thailand under false pretences before being trafficked across the border and held captive in Myawaddy, Myanmar.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350212-pattaya’s-tourism-takes-a-hit-afte

Police Boost Security for Tourists on Pattaya's Walking Street During CNY

 

File photo for reference only

 

During this year's Chinese New Year, tourists visiting Pattaya's famous Walking Street experienced more than vibrant neon lights and lively nightlife. Law enforcement was highly visible, with Pattaya Tourist Police, local police, and the US Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) teaming up for a major safety operation aimed at protecting visitors.m

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350225-police-boost-security-for-tourists-on-pattayas-walking-street-during-cny/

700 Stray Dogs Starving in Thai Landfill - Rabies Fears Rise

 

File photo for reference only

 

In a dire situation in Chachoengsao province, over 700 stray dogs are starving at a local landfill, raising fears of a potential rabies outbreak as temperatures rise. Residents are calling on the government to urgently address the growing crisis.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350222-700-stray-dogs-starving-in-thai-landfill-rabies-fears-rise/

Russian Tourist Killed, Two Injured in Pattaya Big Bike Crash
 

 

A collision on Jomtien Second Road in Pattaya has left one Russian tourist dead and two others seriously injured after a high-speed motorcycle collision late night.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350252-russian-tourist-killed-two-injured-in-pattaya-big-bike-crash/

 

Massive Fire Engulfs Plastic Warehouse in Samut Sakhon
 

 

A large fire broke out at a plastic and rubber warehouse in Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon, on the morning of January 29, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters battled all day to bring the blaze under control.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350253-massive-fire-engulfs-plastic-warehouse-in-samut-sakhon/

 

Woman, 38, Killed After Being Crushed by Container Truck at Red-Light Junction
 

 

An incident occurred at a red-light junction in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, on the evening of 28 January, when a 38-year-old woman was fatally crushed by an articulated container truck.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350255-woman-38-killed-after-being-crushed-by-container-truck-at-red-light-junction/

 

Anutin Awaits Orders for Power Shutdown to Myanmar Townships by PEA

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Amid rising regional tensions, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has stated that he is prepared to cease the supply of power to certain Myanmar townships, contingent on receiving directives from national security bodies.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350256-anutin-awaits-orders-for-power-shutdown-to-myanmar-townships-by-pea/

 

Young Woman Rescued After Attempting to End Life in Car in Surin
 

 

A 21-year-old woman was dramatically rescued from a suicide attempt in her car after being discovered by a food delivery rider.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350257-young-woman-rescued-after-attempting-to-end-life-in-car-in-surin/

 

Drunk Driver Crashes Pickup into Restaurant After Smashing Power Pole
 

 

A 51-year-old man, suspected to be heavily intoxicated after Chinese New Year celebrations, crashed his off-road pickup truck into a restaurant in Si Racha, Chonburi, after smashing through a power pole, causing extensive damage.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350258-drunk-driver-crashes-pickup-into-restaurant-after-smashing-power-pole/

 

AOT Chairman Resigns to Make Way for New Leadership
 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Pol. Gen. Wisanu Prasarttong-Osoth has officially resigned as Chairman of Airports of Thailand (AOT), citing a desire to allow new leadership to build upon the company’s recent achievements.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350259-aot-chairman-resigns-to-make-way-for-new-leadership/

 

Foundation Seeks 50,000 Signatures to Oppose Thai Casinos

 

Picture courtesy: Naewna

 

In a decisive push against the introduction of casinos in Thailand, the Stop Gambling Foundation, alongside 200 partner organisations, is rallying to gather 50,000 signatures.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350261-foundation-seeks-50000-signatures-to-oppose-thai-casinos/

Homeless Man Attacks Woman with Machete, Severing Her Fingers in Sattahip
 

 

A 50-year-old woman collecting recyclables in Chonburi was viciously attacked with a machete by a homeless man after throwing leftover food to a stray dog. The attack, which occurred around 13.00 on 29 January, left the woman with severed fingers and severe arm injuries.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350260-homeless-man-attacks-woman-with-machete-severing-her-fingers-in-sattahip/

 

Bystander Tries to Help Injured Motorcyclist but Pickup Truck Runs Over Victim, Killing Him
 

 

A crash in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man after a pickup truck ran over him while a bystander was trying to assist following an earlier motorcycle crash.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350263-bystander-tries-to-help-injured-motorcyclist-but-pickup-truck-runs-over-victim-killing-him/

 

Police Sergeant Found Dead in Resort Room with Suicide Note
 

 

An incident unfolded at a resort in Tha Chana District, Surat Thani, where a police sergeant was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities discovered a suicide note expressing despair over his struggles with chronic health conditions.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350262-police-sergeant-found-dead-in-resort-room-with-suicide-note/

 

Thaksin Vows to Fix Thai Economy Amid Claims of Mismanagement

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In a stirring address in Chiang Rai's Phan district, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pledged on Wednesday to dedicate the next three years to restoring Thailand's economy. Thaksin, who remains a figure of considerable influence, albeit operating from behind the scenes, criticised the current state of economic affairs, attributing the decline to past mismanagement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350265-thaksin-vows-to-fix-thai-economy-amid-claims-of-mismanagement/

 

Fire Engulfs Car Repair Shop in Bangkok’s Min Buri District

 

 

A fierce fire broke out in the early hours of the  morning of 29 January, at a car repair shop in Ram Intra Soi 117, Min Buri District, causing extensive damage to the property and several vehicles. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread further, but the repair shop was completely gutted.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350264-fire-engulfs-car-repair-shop-in-bangkok’s-min-buri-district/

 

Rescuers Discover Body of Man Killed by Elephant in Rubber Plantation
 

 

In an incident highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in rural Thailand, the body of a 40-year-old man, who had been missing for six days, was discovered in a rubber plantation. The deceased is believed to have been trampled by a wild elephant. 
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350268-rescuers-discover-body-of-man-killed-by-elephant-in-rubber-plantation/

 

Head-On Collision Kills Five in Ang Thong
 

 

A horrific head-on collision between two pickup trucks on Highway 309 in Pa Mok District has resulted in the deaths of five people, with three others left in critical condition. The crash occurred at approximately 14:30 on 29 January.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350269-head-on-collision-kills-five-in-ang-thong/

 

Gas Cylinder Explosion at Sattahip Temple Fair Injures Several, Damages Vehicles
 

 

A gas cylinder used for inflating balloons exploded at a temple fair in Sattahip, Chonburi, on the morning of January 29, injuring several people and damaging multiple vehicles. The incident occurred at Wat Sattahip, known for its annual celebrations honouring Luang Pu Yi, coinciding with the first night of Chinese New Year festivities.
 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350272-gas-cylinder-explosion-at-sattahip-temple-fair-injures-several-damages-vehicles/

 

Israeli Man Arrested in Pattaya for Using Counterfeit US Dollars
 

Picture courtesy of Khoasod.

 

A 56-year-old Israeli tourist has been arrested in Pattaya on 29 January, after attempting to exchange counterfeit US $50 bills at a currency exchange booth in the city.

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350273-israeli-man-arrested-in-pattaya-for-using-counterfeit-us-dollars/

 

Hamas Set to Release Five Thai Hostages in Upcoming Exchange, Israeli Official Says

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy: MGR online

 

In the latest development regarding the ongoing hostage crisis, an Israeli official confirmed Wednesday that Hamas is set to release five Thai nationals in a planned hostage exchange scheduled for Thursday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350277-hamas-set-to-release-five-thai-hostages-in-upcoming-exchange-israeli-official-says/

 

Drunk Foreign Driver Kills Bull in Chaiyaphum Crash
 

 

A foreign national, reportedly intoxicated after an argument with his Thai wife, crashed his pickup truck into a bull in Chaiyaphum province. The crash narrowly missed the former village headman, who was tending to the animal at the roadside.

 

Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1350285-drunk-foreign-driver-kills-bull-in-chaiyaphum-crash/

 

Armed Loan Sharks Charge Teacher 300 Baht Per Hour Late Fee

 

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

Police in Nan have apprehended members of a loan shark gang who brandished weapons to intimidate a teacher at their school over an unpaid debt. The gang demanded a fee of 300 baht per hour until the debt was settled, threatening not to kill but to injure the debtor, leaving victims in fear.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350294-armed-loan-sharks-charge-teacher-300-baht-per-hour-late-fee/

 

_{Indian-Thai man accuses delivery rider of spying, threatens to kill him}
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo by ศุภกร จันต๊ะสุข via Facebook group/ คนขับ Bolt drivers thailand มอเตอร์ไซค์ (เท่านั้น)

An Indian-born man, who also holds Thai citizenship, brutally attacked and threatened to kill an app-based Thai delivery rider at his home in Soi Hua Mak 8, in the Bang Kapi district of Bangkok, yesterday, January 29.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350297-indian-thai-man-accuses-delivery-rider-of-spying-threatens-to-kill-him/

Thai Authorities Nab 17 Foreigners in Island Immigration Raids

 

File photo for reference only

 

Authorities have intensified their efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration activities on some of Thailand's renowned tourist hotspots. A recent sweep on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao has led to the arrest of 17 foreigners and one Thai national, accused of breaching immigration laws and operating without necessary permits.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350316-thai-authorities-nab-17-foreigners-in-island-immigration-raids/

 

Bangkok seeks air pollution control status amid rising PM2.5 levels

By Bright Choomanee

 

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) plans to request the government’s declaration of Bangkok as an air pollution control area due to anticipated rises in PM2.5 levels over the coming week.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350320-bangkok-seeks-air-pollution-control-status-amid-rising-pm25-levels/

Publicity stunt: PM Paetongtarn launches monthly TV show

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to make her TV debut this Sunday, February 2, in the first episode of her brand-new talk show, Empowering Thais. The programme aims to promote her government’s achievements and future vision, giving the public a direct insight into national policies.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350321-publicity-stunt-pm-paetongtarn-launches-monthly-tv-show/

Thai police station up for grabs, bidders in for a brief stay

By Bob Scott

 

Picture of SP Klang Dong Police Station courtesy of Channel 7

 

A Thai police station is going under the hammer and social media is in a right lock-up over it. The Klang Dong Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima is up for grabs with a starting bid of just 18,800 baht and the online chatter has been criminally good.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350322-thai-police-station-up-for-grabs-bidders-in-for-a-brief-stay/

Thailand cracks down on fake visa holders: Pakistanis face blacklist

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Aviation A2Z

 

Thai police are tightening the screws on travellers using fake documents, with Pakistanis now facing blacklisting if caught.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350323-thailand-cracks-down-on-fake-visa-holders-pakistanis-face-blacklist/