AWOL

The Samui property market now mirrors Phuket’s 2022 peak, with newly launched villas reaching a 15-year high and land prices up 10%, according to property consultancy Colliers Thailand.

The severe flooding in southern Thailand is a short-term drag on economic activity, but eventually will support a rebound in retail and construction-related stocks once the recovery begins, say analysts.

Flooding persisted in nine southern provinces on Thursday, with water reported to be receding in three provinces, including hard-hit Songkhla.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was visited by his three children and their families at Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok on Thursday, in a rare close-contact session arranged as part of New Year celebrations.

HAT YAI – Flood rescue teams in Thailand readied drones to deliver aid on Thursday and helicopters dropped supplies to people marooned on rooftops as waters receded, raising hope for more ground evacuations.

The Court of Appeal has approved the extradition from Thailand of a prominent Vietnamese activist who was granted refugee status by the United Nations, in a case that is being watched by numerous international human rights groups.

The government has rejected accusations of mismanagement and delays in responding to severe flooding in southern Thailand, insisting that evacuation advisories were issued in advance and many residents chose not to leave.

HONG KONG – A huge fire ripped through several high-rise blocks in a Hong Kong residential estate on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people, with media reporting that more residents were trapped inside.