Move Forward Party prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat is disqualified from the premiership after a court gave him a suspended jail sentence for his role in a flash mob protest in Bangkok in 2019, according to a prominent law academic.

PATTAYA, Thailand – Deep-seated concerns grip residents and commuters along Pattaya Third Road, specifically at Soi Chalermprakiat 25, as ongoing road excavation lacks essential safety precautions. The absence of warning signs and adequate lighting has shrouded the area in darkness, exposing both drivers and pedestrians to significant risks. The construction’s disregard for safety standards has resulted in frequent accidents, creating a hazardous environment.

The persistently poorly lit construction site has become a focal point of concern, with locals emphasizing the prolonged existence of perilous conditions. The excavation work, conducted without meeting essential safety standards, has contributed to a high incidence of accidents.



Critics point out that the roadwork, conducted without adherence to safety standards, reflects poorly on city management. Public outcry has intensified, urging authorities to take immediate action to rectify the issue. Accusations of negligence directed at Pattaya city officials have gained traction, indicating an ongoing problem of lax safety measures.

A critical issue highlighted by residents is the restricted space for vehicles, causing congestion and bottlenecks. With only one usable lane, the opposite side of the road transforms into a makeshift parking space, further complicating traffic flow. The influx of vehicles entering and exiting the area reveals a severe flaw in the overall traffic management system.

Residents and concerned citizens demand swift action from Pattaya city administrators to address these safety concerns. They stress the urgency of implementing proper safety measures, including warning signs, ample lighting, and adherence to established construction safety standards. The hope is that these measures will alleviate risks and contribute to a safer environment for all road users. If the issues persist, the public insists on escalating the matter to ensure a resolution to this ongoing problem.

PATTAYA, Thailand – The Rapid Response Unit at Chonburi Provincial Police led a specialized task force in a proactive search operation along Pattaya Beach on February 2. The operation aimed to address concerns regarding the possession of weapons and maintain overall security in the area.

Over 20 police officers focused on inspecting groups of young individuals congregated on the beach. The primary goal was to identify and deter the possession of weapons, ensuring public safety and preventing potential violent incidents.



Officers adopted a randomized approach to search and investigation, with particular attention to concealed weapons. The operation included searches for firearms, knives, and illegal substances to mitigate the risk of violent confrontations among groups of young people.

Notably, no illegal items were discovered during the operation, affirming the effectiveness of the proactive measures taken by the police to uphold safety and order along Pattaya Beach.

PATTAYA, Thailand – An on-site inspection was conducted near Wongamat Beach, Soi Naklua 16, on February 5 in response to social media reports of wastewater discharge into the sea.

The inspection team included Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet, Banglamung District Chief Wikit Manarojkit, and officials from the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Pattaya police, tourist police, and the Sanitary Department, revealed that the water discoloration was not due to wastewater discharge from hotels or businesses, but rather from accumulated rainwater with suspended sediment.



The Sanitary Department promptly addressed the issue by cleaning clogged drainage and securing lids to prevent sand infiltration and wastewater leakage. Mayor Poramet explained Pattaya’s practice of combining clean and wastewater for joint discharge into 1.20-meter diameter fibre reinforced concrete drainage pipes along the beach. The combined water is directed to the plant (PS7) at the entrance of the Walking Street. Another wastewater treatment plant in the Nongyai area, with a capacity of approximately 65,000 cubic meters, plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality.

Poramet said that Pattaya is expediting the construction of an enhanced drainage system. Until its completion, preventive measures include regular sand flushing, tightening valve caps, and monitoring water pressure to prevent drainage lid openings. Officials are also considering upgrading aging water pump systems at various locations.

Mayor Poramet emphasized the legal obligations of business establishments, highlighting routine inspections by Pattaya City to ensure wastewater treatment compliance. He underscored that the current issue stemmed from heavy rainfall and reiterated the district’s commitment to resolving concerns related to water quality. He urged residents to trust in the city’s efforts to maintain environmental standards.

PATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngamphichet, in a collaborative effort with city officials, donated 30,000 Baht to the Thai Association of the Blind. The funds, amassed through a charity event and contributions from city employees, aim to rescue and rehabilitate two buffaloes from slaughterhouses.

This benevolent initiative, unveiled on February 5, is designed to provide the buffaloes to visually impaired individuals in Uthai Thani Province for breeding and livelihood purposes. Mayor Poramet personally contributed 3,000 Baht to the cause, complementing the 27,000 Baht raised by city employees.



Crucially, the project ensures that the rescued livestock will not be subjected to sale or slaughter but will be utilized exclusively for breeding. The subsequent sale of the offspring is poised to cultivate economic independence for visually impaired individuals across various provinces in Thailand. The Livestock Rescue project aligns seamlessly with Pattaya City’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods and employment opportunities for the visually impaired community.

Growing cannabis involves nurturing the Cannabis genus plants, which fall under the Cannabaceae family. This process can yield either the sought-after buds or leaves, depending on the grower’s objectives. Unlike hemp, which has different cultivation techniques, cannabis for regulated markets in the United States must adhere to strict guidelines, including being grown within the same state it’s sold due to federal restrictions on interstate sales.

Understanding the basics of cannabis cultivation is crucial, whether you’re a novice looking to start your growth or simply curious about the process. Cannabis plants, which can be classified into species like Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis, require specific conditions to thrive, including controlled lighting, temperature, and humidity. Let’s dive into the essentials of growing cannabis, ensuring you’re well-equipped with the knowledge to understand this fascinating process.

How to grow cannabis: Getting started

Embarking on the journey to cultivate your cannabis plants begins with two crucial decisions: the location of your cultivation and the selection of an appropriate growing medium.

Step 1: Decide where you’re going to grow your cannabis plant

Your first step involves choosing where to grow your cannabis. Here, you’re met with two primary options – indoors or outdoors.

Indoor growing allows you more control over the environment. You can adjust factors such as lighting, humidity, and temperature, achieving the ideal conditions for your plants. The downside? It’s more costly due to the need for equipment like lights and fans.

Step 2: Choose a cannabis growing medium

The next step is selecting the right medium for your plants. Each option offers unique benefits, so it’s paramount that you understand which medium aligns best with your setup and goals.

• Soil: The most traditional medium, the soil is rich in nutrients and ideal for beginners. It’s forgiving and contributes to the natural taste of your cannabis. Ensure you opt for high-quality, organic potting soil to provide your plants with a strong foundation.
• Hydroponics: This soil-less method involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution. Hydroponics can accelerate growth and yields but requires a bit more expertise and investment in equipment.
• Aeroponics: An advanced technique where roots hang in the air and are misted with nutrient solution. While offering high efficiency and yield, aeroponics demands significant setup and maintenance efforts.
• Coco Coir: Made from coconut husks, coco coir is an eco-friendly, soil-less medium that provides excellent water retention and aeration properties. It’s perfect for those looking to blend traditional and hydroponic techniques.

Cultivation requirements

Growth medium

When embarking on your cannabis cultivation journey, selecting the right growth medium is paramount. You’ve got options such as soil, hydroponics, or aeroponics. Each comes with its own set of benefits. Soil offers a natural buffer, hydroponics leads to faster growth, and aeroponics boasts superior aeration. Your choice impacts not just the growth but also the flavour of the final product.

Warmth

Cannabis thrives in warmth. You should maintain a temperature range between 20°C and 30°C during its growth phase. This warmth is crucial for optimal photosynthesis and healthy, vigorous growth. Too hot or too cold, and your plants won’t flourish as they should.

Light

Light is the powerhouse for your cannabis plants. Indoors, you’ll need to mimic the sun’s intensity with artificial lights. Aim for 18 to 24 hours of light during the vegetative stage and adjust to 12 hours to trigger flowering. The right light schedule maximizes growth and potency.

Water

Water wisely. Cannabis plants are thirsty but dislike waterlogged roots. Ensuring a balance is key. Overwatering suffocates the roots while underwatering stresses the plant. Adjust your watering schedule based on the growth medium and stage of growth.

Humidity

Maintaining correct humidity levels ensures your plants don’t attract pests or develop mould. Seedlings thrive at 70% humidity, which should reduce gradually to around 40% as flowering progresses. This adjustment mimics the natural decrease in humidity from spring through to autumn.

Nutrients

Your cannabis plants need a balanced diet of nutrients to flourish. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the major players. However, the precise nutrient mix changes across different growth stages. Start with a more nitrogen-heavy mix and shift to phosphorus and potassium as you enter the flowering stage.

Control of the atmosphere

Controlling your grow room’s atmosphere—carbon dioxide levels, ventilation, and odour—enhances growth and ensures a bountiful harvest. Adding CO2 can accelerate growth, while good ventilation keeps air fresh and temperatures stable. Remember, managing odour is also crucial for discreet cultivation.

Popularity and extent

The popularity of cannabis cultivation has skyrocketed, with enthusiasts and professionals alike endeavouring to grow the perfect plant. The extent of cultivation ranges from personal, small-scale grows to large, commercial operations. Regardless of scale, understanding and managing these key elements are crucial for successful cannabis cultivation.

Harvesting, drying and curing

When you’ve patiently tended your cannabis plants and they’ve blossomed, it’s time to enter the critical phase of harvesting, drying, and curing. This stage is as vital as the growing itself since it directly influences your final product’s potency, aroma, and flavour.

Harvesting begins when the trichomes, those tiny resinous glands on the buds, shift from clear to a milky white hue, signalling peak THC levels. This is your cue. You’ll want to snip the buds at the right moment to capture the essence of your hard work.

Post-harvest, drying is your next step. This isn’t simply about removing moisture but doing so in a controlled manner. Spread your harvest out in a clean, ventilated space. Here, patience is key. Rushing can lead to loss of aromatic terpenes, which are the compounds responsible for your cannabis’s unique scent. Aim for a slow dry; it might take up to a week for the stems to snap instead of bend, indicating the perfect moisture content has been reached.

The final touch, curing, is an art in itself. Once dry, place your buds in airtight containers, opening them once a day to let any trapped moisture escape and fresh air in. This process not only enhances your cannabis’s aromatic and flavour profiles but also its smoothness. Proper curing can transform good cannabis into great, leaving you with a truly top-shelf product.

Explore our article on the Cannabis Hemp Act: Thailand’s strategic move towards transformation, tailored for those seeking insights into this progressive legislation.

The story The art of cannabis cultivation: A beginner’s blueprint as seen on Thaiger News.

Pattaya police cracked down on the city’s entertainment hotspots in an operation named Nightwatch, arriving at Area 39 on Pattaya Third Road at 1.30am on February 3.

Amidst the sea of IDs, a 19 year old girl emerged, attempting to slyly slip past with a counterfeit identity. The venue management pointed fingers at the imposter, claiming she hoodwinked her way in. Lead investigator Police Major Colonel Aphinant Boonyarat wasted no time summoning the venue manager for questioning.

Facing the heat, the manager now bears the weight of three serious charges: operating sans permission, peddling booze after legal hours, and permitting the under-20 individuals to enter the premises, reported Pattaya Mail.

Pattaya’s law enforcers have sounded the alarm, cautioning all entertainment venue owners that unannounced raids are the new norm, and any infringements will lead to arrests.

In related news, authorities have raided the notorious teen hotspot, Heaven Rangsit, for operating without a permit and allowing almost 500 underage individuals to patronise the establishment. The bust occurred at around 12.30am on January 7.

Officials, including Ronnarong Tipsiri, Inspector General of the Department of Local Administration and Wilun Sitthiwong, Director of the Investigation and Legal Affairs of the Department of Local Administration, led a team of over 50 officers to the venue located in Klong Luang, Pathum Thani.

In other news, on December 25, a 21 year old victim of a brutal assault at a well-known nightclub in Chon Buri was dragged out of the bathroom and beaten, leaving him and a friend seriously injured. The incident was sparked by a misunderstanding that the young men were using drugs in the club’s bathroom.

The victim revealed that he was in severe abdominal pain at the time of the incident due to heavy drinking. He had asked a friend to accompany him to the bathroom for assistance. However, a misunderstanding led to accusations of drug use in the club’s restroom.

The story Pattaya police crackdown on underage entry at local club as seen on Thaiger News.

Imagine hitting the road with a new layer of reality enhancing your driving experience. Augmented reality (AR) is making this possible, transforming how you interact with your vehicle and the world around you. It’s not just about getting from A to B anymore; it’s about journeying smarter, safer, and with a touch of futuristic flair.

AR isn’t just about displaying information. It’s about creating a more connected and intelligent driving environment. Future advancements could interpret traffic conditions, suggest alternative routes in real time, and even enhance visibility during unfavorable weather conditions.

How AR can improve the driving experience

With augmented reality (AR) at the helm, your driving experience takes a leap into the future. Imagine having all the critical information you need, right on your windshield. This isn’t a distant reality; it’s happening now, revolutionizing how you interact with your vehicle and the road.

Enhanced Situational Awareness is at the core of AR’s benefits. Through innovative visual cues, such as bounding shapes, symbols, or highlighting, AR helps you detect objects and navigate routes more efficiently. This tech doesn’t just show directions; it ensures that vital data is directly in your line of sight, significantly reducing distractions and keeping your focus where it needs to be: on the road.

Moreover, AR plays a crucial role in Improving Driver Response Times. When every second counts, AR interfaces demonstrate their value by sharpening your reaction times. Whether it’s taking over control in critical moments or making split-second decisions, studies have shown that drivers equipped with AR tech are ahead of the game.

But AR isn’t just about safety; it’s also about Enhancing Your Driving Pleasure. With features that offer instant feedback on your driving, highlight areas for improvement, and even enable remote training sessions, AR makes learning and mastering driving skills a more engaging and personalized experience. It adapts to your individual needs, ensuring a learning curve that’s as enjoyable as it is effective.

Let’s talk about Engagement and Motivation. The interactive nature of AR transforms driving from a mundane task into an immersive experience. It motivates you to participate actively, turning lessons into an exciting adventure. The beauty of AR is in its ability to customize the driving experience to your unique preferences, ensuring that each journey is not only safe but also entertaining.

In the world of smart vehicles, AR stands as a transformative technology, promising a future where cars are not just transport mechanisms but intelligent companions that cater to your every need and preference. As this technology evolves, expect driving to become safer, more intuitive, and infinitely more enjoyable.

Future vision

In the fast-paced world of automotive technology, augmented reality (AR) is steering the industry towards an exciting future. Let’s delve into how this innovative technology is reshaping the way we think about driving and the dynamic value it adds to the automotive sector.

Automotive augmented reality market value

The value of AR in the automotive world is skyrocketing. By 2028, experts project the market will balloon from $4.51 billion in 2021 to a staggering $14.44 billion. This staggering growth highlights the increasing reliance on AR to enhance the driving experience, making this technology not just a luxury but a necessity in modern vehicles.

What raises the popularity of AR technology in the automotive sector?

Several factors fuel the surge in AR’s popularity within the automotive realm. The rise of connected cars and significant technological leaps forward are at the forefront. People crave a more enhanced driving experience, integrating AR functionality to meet this demand. Major automakers are investing heavily, with giants like Volkswagen, Ford, BMW, and Mercedes embedding AR features to elevate their offerings. This innovation directly responds to consumer desire for cutting-edge, interactive driving experiences.

• Increased adoption of connected cars
• Technological advancements
• Growing investor interest from leading automakers

Augmented reality in cars: use cases

With the rapid evolution of technology, augmented reality (AR) has carved out its niche in the automotive industry, transforming the driving experience in unimaginable ways.

By devices

Augmented reality head-up displays (HUD)

Imagine you’re behind the wheel, your eyes firmly on the road while critical data seamlessly integrates into your line of sight. That’s the power of Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays (HUD). These devices project vital information, such as speed, navigation cues, and fuel levels, directly onto the windshield. This fusion of digital and real-world visuals ensures you stay informed without ever diverting your gaze from the road ahead.

By Features

Parking assistance

Parking in tight spots no longer needs to be a daunting task. AR steps in to provide parking assistance by overlaying graphics onto your real-world view, offering precise guidelines to fit your vehicle perfectly into any space. This innovation not only enhances parking accuracy but also significantly reduces stress and the risk of minor collisions.

Road safety

Road safety takes a leap forward with AR’s capability to flag potential hazards directly within your field of vision. Whether it’s alerting you to the sudden appearance of a pedestrian or highlighting the distance to the car in front, AR contributes to a more informed and ultimately safer driving experience. It acts as an extra set of eyes, constantly scanning the road and surroundings to ensure your journey remains as secure as possible.

As AR technologies evolve, the possibilities for enhancing driver convenience, safety, and vehicle functionality continue to expand, promising a future where augmented reality and driving are inextricably linked.

Benefits of augmented reality in cars

• It Can Provide an Unobstructed View for Drivers
• It Can Help Make Deliveries Faster and Safer
• Augmented reality (AR) empowers truckers to navigate blind spots with ease. This tech ensures they can slot into narrow spaces and manage deliveries more smoothly.
•  It May Improve Situational Awareness

Augmented reality is clearly setting a new standard in the automotive industry. It’s reshaping how cars are designed, sold, and maintained, offering a blend of efficiency and innovation that was once deemed futuristic. As you’ve seen, the benefits range from enhanced design processes to improved safety on the roads. Yet, it’s important to navigate the challenges, particularly around driver distraction and technology dependence. Embracing AR in automobiles promises a more interactive and safer driving experience, but it requires careful consideration to fully harness its potential. As the technology evolves, so too will its application in driving, paving the way for an exciting future on the roads.

Also check, What more can augmented reality offer and its impact on consumer engagement. It will surely lead to greater insights on the topic.

The story Is driving with augmented reality the future or a flop as seen on Thaiger News.

Potential collaborations are underway as Advanced Info Service (AIS) engages in discussions with PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and a digital platform provider. The objective is to apply for a virtual bank licence from the Bank of Thailand, revealed AIS Chief Executive, Somchai Lertsutiwong. This partnership would be an addition to AIS’s current plan to secure a license with its existing partner, Krungthai Bank (KTB).

In the previous year, AIS and KTB made public their intention to collaborate on the creation of a virtual bank. However, as Somchai pointed out, the discussions regarding the partnership are still ongoing, with all parties awaiting final information from the central bank.

The Bank of Thailand’s announcement regarding application submission is pending approval from the Finance Ministry. Once the green light is given, the announcement can be officially published in the Royal Gazette, triggering the application process.

In Somchai’s view, each potential partner brings a unique strength to the table. KTB boasts a strong brand, a proven success record, and financial services expertise. AIS, on the other hand, offers digital technology prowess, nationwide network coverage, and customer service. He also highlighted OR’s firm retail network and consumer base, given its position as the oil and retail business arm of the PTT Group, reported Bangkok Post.

Once the central bank initiates the application process, AIS and its partners are prepared to submit a licence application, Somchai confirmed.

He identified a high demand for loans across the nation, particularly among retail borrowers and underserved sectors. Somchai previously stated that the synergy of a telecom operator and a bank forming a partnership would be an ideal model for capitalising on digital platforms. He noted that the collaboration would cater to the evolving business landscape through cost-effectiveness, innovation, and cross-industry operations, necessitating banking expertise, intelligent networking systems, and data analysis.

Data analytics

AIS dedicated considerable resources to data analytics and science, with over 100 staff members on its team, and is looking to recruit more personnel in these crucial fields to serve its operations and the virtual banking ecosystem, Somchai revealed. AIS has spent five years developing a digital credit rating model using data analytics systems.

The central bank outlined its latest guidelines for virtual bank licensing, emphasising the need for operators to utilise technology, data, and digital technology skills to provide innovative services via a digital channel. These services should cater to various groups.

The regulator emphasised that virtual banks should offer comprehensive services to all customer groups, with a focus on retail customers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and low-income earners and individuals without a steady income or inconsistent financial track records.

The same regulations governing commercial banks will apply to virtual banks, the regulator stated.

In related news, SCB X and KakaoBank, in a consortium, aimed to address income inequality in Thailand by applying for a virtual banking license from the Bank of Thailand.

The story AIS in talks with PTT OR for virtual bank licence application as seen on Thaiger News.

The AOT, eagerly awaiting the green light from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), is on the cusp of obtaining public airport certification for Udon Thani, Buriram, and Krabi airports.

According to Police General Wisnu Prasatthong-osot, the visionary chairman of the board, the AOT will begin the development of its airports as planned once the certifications have been received.

With an eye-watering investment of 10.36 billion baht, AOT is poised to transform these regional hubs into bustling aviation hotspots. The ambitious plan includes injecting 6.4 billion baht into Krabi Airport, boosting its capacity to accommodate 12 million passengers annually and handling 31 flights per hour.

Udon Thani Airport is not far behind in the race, with a 3.5 billion baht investment earmarked to support 6.5 million passengers yearly and manage 20 flights per hour. Meanwhile, Buriram Airport is set to receive a makeover with a 460 million baht infusion, ready to serve 2.8 million passengers annually and host 25 flights per hour, reported The Nation.

AOT President Kerati Kijmanawat anticipates a seamless transition after the airports’ transfer from the Department of Airports.

“AOT will be able to operate three airports in the third quarter this year.”

This strategic move not only lightens the government’s investment load but also positions AOT to enhance its aviation network and unleash compelling marketing campaigns in collaboration with neighbouring airports.

In related news, Phuket International Airport is bracing for an influx of around 49,000 visitors each day throughout the Lunar New Year festival, which started on Sunday and extends till February 16.

This figure was revealed by Monchai Tanod, the airport director, who also stated that the total number of arrivals during the 13 days is projected to reach a staggering 640,000. This tally includes an expected 430,000 international tourists.

The airport, managed by Airports of Thailand, is set to accommodate 3,915 flights, comprising 2,298 international and 1,617 domestic, during this period.

The story Thai airports set to soar with billion-baht boost as seen on Thaiger News.