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Ombudsman Probes Thaksin's Hospital Stay Amid Preferential Treatment Claims File photo for reference only Chief Ombudsman Somsak Suwansujarit has set a 30-day deadline for the Department of Corrections (DOC) and related agencies to justify their decision allowing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's six-month hospital stay, bypassing standard prison time. This investigation follows a petition from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which urges scrutiny over alleged preferential treatment. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358814-ombudsman-probes-thaksins-hospital-stay-amid-preferential-treatment-claims/

Twin Earthquakes Rattle Northern Thailand’s Pai District Picture of earthquake effects in Chiang Rai courtesy of The Nation Northern Thailand experienced a seismic jolt late last night with two earthquakes striking Mae Hong Son's picturesque Pai district, adding to a recent surge in regional seismic activity. The tremors, felt across Mae Hong Son and Chiang Mai provinces, have left residents on edge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358831-twin-earthquakes-rattle-northern-thailand’s-pai-district/

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 26 April 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1358822-thailand-live-saturday-26-april-2025/

Weak Baht Offers Pattaya Tourism Potential Boost Amid Low Season Photo courtesy of Thailand News As Pattaya braces for its typically quieter low season, a surprising opportunity has surfaced with the weakening of Thailand’s currency. The Thai baht dropped to 33.57 per US dollar on April 24, a decline from 33.39 just a day earlier, potentially turning the city into a more attractive destination for foreign tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358815-weak-baht-offers-pattaya-tourism-potential-boost-amid-low-season/

Thai Govt Pledges Continued Support for Equal Education Access Picture courtesy of nbt WORLD The Thai government has underscored its dedication to making education accessible for every student. According to the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), over 300,000 seats are still available for students enrolling in Mathayom 1 (Grade 7) and Mathayom 4 (Grade 10) for the forthcoming academic year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358766-thai govt-pledges-continued-support-for-equal-education-access/

Picture courtesy of nbt WORLD The Thai government has underscored its dedication to making education accessible for every student. According to the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), over 300,000 seats are still available for students enrolling in Mathayom 1 (Grade 7) and Mathayom 4 (Grade 10) for the forthcoming academic year. OBEC revealed that following the April entrance exams and subsequent enrollment processes, roughly 1.097 million students have secured placements in schools within its network. This includes allocations for 218,400 kindergarten students, 266,800 in Prathom 1 (Grade 1), 372,200 in Grade 7, and 240,324 in Grade 10. Despite these numbers, 217,200 seats in Grade 7 and 97,511 in Grade 10 remain unfilled across the nation, allowing more opportunities for late admissions. As of April 21, 18,700 students had applied for school openings—14,800 for Grade 7 and close to 3,900 for Grade 10. School placement results for Bangkok will be out this week, while national results and enrollment need to be finalised by the end of the week. Following the completion of this phase, Bangkok is projected to have about 6,500 vacant seats, which offers flexibility for additional applicants. Students who are yet to find a spot can seek placements through their respective OBEC area offices. The policy permits students aged 3 to 18, who missed out earlier, to enroll anytime during the semester once seats are verified as free. This reinforces the government's strategy to address educational gaps and reintegrate out-of-school children via its "OBEC Zero Dropout" initiative, part of the broader "Happy Learning" policy. These efforts focus on offering flexible options to accommodate every learner, ensuring inclusive and equitable education across the board. The government's proactive approach aims to curb school dropouts and foster an environment where quality education is accessible to all, aligning with the Ministry of Education’s objectives for widespread literacy and learning happiness. Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-04-25

Star Voyager Sets Sail for Thai Shores, Boosts Pattaya Tourism Picture courtesy of Thai Post Exciting times have arrived in Thailand as the luxury cruise scene receives a significant boost. In a historic first, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with StarDream Cruises to bring the Star Voyager to the shores of Pattaya. This milestone event heralds a new era for Thailand's ambitions to become a leading cruise destination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358743-star-voyager-sets-sail-for-thai-shores-boosts-pattaya-tourism/

UNICEF Launches Crusade Against Thailand's Child Obesity Crisis Picture courtesy of The Nation UNICEF Thailand has kicked off an urgent campaign, Kin Rai Dee, in response to a burgeoning child obesity crisis threatening to jeopardise the nation's health prospects. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358742-unicef-launches-crusade-against-thailands-child-obesity-crisis/

Russian Tour Guides in Hot Water Amid Phuket Police Sting Picture courtesy of The Phuket News Thailand's tourist gem, Phuket, witnessed a dramatic turn as Tourist Police cracked down on illegal tour operations, arresting two Russian nationals and fining two tour companies in a strategic move against unlicensed activities in the tourism sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358739-russian-tour-guides-in-hot-water-amid-phuket-police-sting/

Picture courtesy of Thai Post Exciting times have arrived in Thailand as the luxury cruise scene receives a significant boost. In a historic first, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has partnered with StarDream Cruises to bring the Star Voyager to the shores of Pattaya. This milestone event heralds a new era for Thailand's ambitions to become a leading cruise destination. The impressive Star Voyager kicked off its operations from Laem Chabang Port just this Tuesday, on April 22. The cruise ship sets off on a lavish route linking Laem Chabang with Koh Samui and Singapore before returning home. With a remarkable capacity of 1,940 passengers, Star Voyager is set to operate two voyages until May 12, carrying travellers eager to revel in Thailand's coastal splendour. Patthra-anong Na Chiangmai, TAT's Deputy Governor for Asia and South Pacific stated, “This collaboration with StarDream Cruises supports our mission to position Thailand as a world-class cruise destination and attract high-spending tourists.” The initiative aligns with Thailand’s strategy for the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, aiming to offer luxurious travel experiences. The maiden docking of Star Voyager was celebrated in grand style at Laem Chabang, where TAT orchestrated a warm welcome featuring traditional Thai performances and cultural displays. It set a vibrant tone for passengers as they embark on their nautical journey. Meanwhile, Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are proud to partner with TAT in growing cruise tourism in Thailand. This will not only drive economic benefits but also reinforce Thailand’s standing on the global cruise map.” Such enthusiasm reflects a promising future for Thailand’s cruise tourism industry. As a bonus, Pattaya stands to gain significantly from the increase in upscale travellers. The city, a quick hop from Laem Chabang Port, is set to see a surge in its luxury tourism sector, benefitting hotels, restaurants, and entertainment spots. Local enterprises from tour guides to transport services will likely thrive from the visitor influx. Last year, the kingdom saw 162 cruise arrivals, generating close to 1.89 billion baht in revenue. With key ports, including Patong Bay and Koh Samui, carving a path on the cruise circuit, Thailand is fast emerging as the hub for Southeast Asia’s cruise adventure. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-25

Picture courtesy of The Phuket News Thailand's tourist gem, Phuket, witnessed a dramatic turn as Tourist Police cracked down on illegal tour operations, arresting two Russian nationals and fining two tour companies in a strategic move against unlicensed activities in the tourism sector. The operation, executed on April 23, was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ekkachai Siri alongside multiple police units and the Southern Region 2 Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office. Their mission was clear: to uphold the Tourist Business and Guide Act by clamping down on foreigners illegally working in Thailand's tourism industry. Police reported catching two Russians in the act, serving as unlicensed tour guides — an infringement of Thai law that reserves such roles for Thai nationals only. One individual was caught at the Laem Tukkae public beach pier on Koh Siray, and the other at Baan Hin Rom Pier in Klong Khian, Phang Nga's Takua Thung district. The crackdown also saw two tour companies fined under Section 33 of the Tourist Business and Guide Act. Violations included failing to submit tour guide work orders for inspection and not providing licensed Thai guides, a legal requirement aimed at maintaining service quality and protecting local employment. These breaches were found during an unannounced inspection at Wat Khao Kok Kloy Waterfall in Phang Nga's Kok Kloy area, attracting both local and foreign visitors. Despite the operation's prominence, authorities have withheld the identities of those involved. This operation is part of a comprehensive drive to clean up the tourism sector amid rising visitor numbers in the post-pandemic travel upturn. Authorities are ramping up inspections and adopting a no-tolerance approach to illegal tour operations circumventing Thai licensing laws. As tourism remains a cornerstone of Thailand's economy, officials urge businesses to align with legal stipulations, cautioning foreign nationals that unlicensed guiding can result in severe repercussions. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-25

Picture courtesy of The Nation UNICEF Thailand has kicked off an urgent campaign, Kin Rai Dee, in response to a burgeoning child obesity crisis threatening to jeopardise the nation's health prospects. This initiative targets Generation Z and young parents by encouraging better dietary choices amidst a disturbing trend of rising obesity rates. Alarmingly, Thailand's childhood overweight and obesity rates have skyrocketed over the past quarter-century. Statistics reveal these rates have more than doubled, with 6-13% of children aged 6-14 and 14% of teenagers aged 15-18 now classified as overweight or obese. UNICEF warns that if no action is taken, over 60% of Thai children could face obesity by 2035. This surge poses severe health risks like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The campaign is timely, tackling diets dominated by convenience foods like instant noodles and sugary drinks. Kin Rai Dee seeks to flip this script by appealing to youth and guiding them towards nutritious eating habits. At the heart of this effort lies a captivating short film and an interactive online quiz designed to demystify healthy eating through engaging, personalised advice. Prominent figures such as Peck Palitchoke, Noodi Vanessa Race, and Paula Taylor join forces with UNICEF to attract attention and drive meaningful change. Running through September, Kin Rai Dee utilises social media platforms to cascade expert advice and fun challenges to make healthy eating an exciting venture. Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand, stresses the importance of recognising good nutrition's role in ensuring a healthier, prosperous Thailand. With the launch of Kin Rai Dee, UNICEF aims to entrench healthier eating habits into Thai culture, underscoring the pivotal role of today's dietary choices in shaping the nation's future. As the campaign unfolds, the focus remains sharp on the crucial need for dietary reform to combat Thailand's child obesity epidemic head-on. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-25

UPDATE: Biker Blunder: Reckless Ride Knocks Wife to Ground at Rail Barrier Photo via Facebook/ Peet Love A Bangkok biker brazenly defied a railway barrier, resulting in a shocking accident that floored his wife. The incident, caught on camera and shared by Facebook user Peet Love on April 22, showed the motorcyclist failing to heed a descending railway barrier. While he ducked to avoid the barrier, his unsuspecting wife was struck and left lying on the track. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358652-impatient-motorcyclist-rides-through-railway-barrier-wife-falls-off-injured/#findComment-19756098

UPDATE: Biker Blunder: Reckless Ride Knocks Wife to Ground at Rail Barrier Photo via Facebook/ Peet Love A Bangkok biker brazenly defied a railway barrier, resulting in a shocking accident that floored his wife. The incident, caught on camera and shared by Facebook user Peet Love on April 22, showed the motorcyclist failing to heed a descending railway barrier. While he ducked to avoid the barrier, his unsuspecting wife was struck and left lying on the track. The shocking footage depicts another motorcyclist sensibly waiting for an approaching train, while the reckless rider surged forward. The moment the barrier collided with his wife's head, she tumbled awkwardly, visibly dazed as she regained her footing. Rather than assist her immediately, her husband concentrated on gathering their dropped belongings from the road. Remarkably, a potential tragedy was averted as the train had yet to arrive when she fell. Speaking to the news programme Hone Krasae, the injured woman recounted her attempt to continue commuting to work post-accident. However, the seriousness of her injuries became apparent. She later sought medical help where nine stitches were administered to her chin wound, along with a diagnosis of internal bleeding, encouraging an overnight hospital stay. Reflecting on the ordeal, she resolved to abandon motorcycle commutes with her husband, opting for the safety of public transport instead. The incident may have serious legal repercussions for the husband. According to Channel 7, his reckless behaviour could invoke legal penalties under Section 62 of the Land Transport Act. This law enforces a maximum 10-year prison term or a fine up to 20,000 baht (around 20,000 THB), or both, for such infractions. Moreover, the couple could face additional financial liability for any damage inflicted on public property like the railway barrier during this hazardous escapade. The severity of the husband's actions underscores the critical importance of respecting traffic signals, notably in environments as perilous as railway crossings, to maintain public safety and avert such life-threatening incidents. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-25

Staggering 80% of Thai Army Conscripts Battling Drug Addiction File photo for reference only In a startling revelation, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong announced that up to 80% of men conscripted for compulsory military service in Thailand each year are grappling with drug addiction. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1358700-staggering-80-of-thai-army-conscripts-battling-drug-addiction/