The Thai government is ramping up initiatives to mitigate the effects of the El Nino weather anomaly, which has caused reduced rainfall and drought, impacting the country’s agricultural sector. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns, as the welfare of the population and the agricultural sector are top priorities.
Thailand’s new Digital Economy and Society Minister, Prasert Chanthararuangthong, announced that he will retract his predecessor’s threat to block Facebook access in the country due to its inability to control scam ads. Prasert acknowledges that scams are a significant problem but believes that blocking Facebook would negatively impact millions of businesses relying on the social network.
A manhunt is underway for suspected gunman Thananchai Manmak, 45, who allegedly killed a highway police officer and seriously injured another during a promotion discussion in Muang district, Nakhon Pathom province, on Wednesday evening. The police have deployed a team of Crime Suppression Division (CSD) officers led by deputy Pol Col Pornsak Laolujiralai, as well as officers from Provincial Police Region 7, to various locations in Nakhon Pathom and nearby provinces in their search for the suspect.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported a significant increase in monkeypox cases, with 80 cases identified in the city last month alone. This surge has been observed mostly in tourist areas and has affected individuals below the age of 18. In response to this situation, the BMA is taking various measures to provide treatment and prevention consultations at multiple clinics around the city.
On September 6, 2023, two suspected drug couriers were arrested in Chiang Rai’s Muang district after 2 million methamphetamine pills were found in their vehicle. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board Region 5 announced the details of the arrest on September 7, withholding the suspects’ surnames. The duo now faces charges of collusion in possession of illicit drugs with intent to sell, among other offenses.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has reported a sharp increase in monkeypox (mpox) cases, with 80 instances found in the city last month. The majority of these cases were located in tourist areas and even included some patients below 18 years of age. This marked rise in cases has prompted the BMA to take action to address the situation.
Recently, the National AntiCorruption Commission (NACC) revealed that a staggering 86% of nearly 1,500 police stations across the nation failed to pass integrity and transparency tests. Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasarnrajkit, NACC chairman, announced the annual integrity and transparency assessments (ITA) results for district offices and police stations alike.
Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Han Zhiqiang, has expressed his support for the new government’s policies regarding visa privileges for Chinese visitors. This move is expected to stimulate tourism and investment between the two countries. Mr. Han discussed the visa measures during an orientation for the 18th Mandarin for Government Officers Workshop, organized by the ThaiChinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) and the King Prajadhipok’s Institute. Pol Lt Gen Pitak Jarusombat, deputy president of the TCCRC, also attended the event.
The newly proposed freevisa travel privilege for Chinese visitors in Thailand, championed by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is set to launch on October 1st. The primary goal of this policy is to attract more Chinese tourists, who previously made up the majority of tourist arrivals in the country. However, despite the easing of Covid19 restrictions, the expected rebound in Chinese visitors has not been as strong as anticipated.
Jang Talat Phlu, a police informant operating under an alias, found himself in a dangerous situation as he was caught between corrupt police officers and a drug gang in Bangkok. In a desperate attempt to seek help, Jang turned to the Sai Mai Tong Rod Facebook page, which is known for providing assistance during the Covid19 lockdowns.