Thailand

Oppo and Realme said on Tuesday that they have stopped selling smartphones with the Fineasy lending app pre-installed in Thailand, following a public outcry about data privacy.

Registration for a new housing project for low-income individuals and new graduates in the country will begin on Jan 20, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit.

Protesters have vowed to rally at Government House to press Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an explanation if the Royal Thai Police (RTP) fails to hand medical records alluding to former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s detention at the Police General Hospital to the Medical Council of Thailand (MCT) by Wednesday’s deadline.

Authorities are working on a plan to prepare Thailand for nuclear power technology, though the enforcement of the new power development plan (PDP), which approves the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), is facing delays.

Hotels and airlines have started to see mass cancellations from Chinese tour groups during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, while new bookings from independent tourists are also slower due to concerns over safety in Thailand.

The cabinet on Monday approved in principle a bill paving the way for setting up entertainment complexes and allowing casinos to operate legally within them.

Mobile phone brands Oppo and Realme could be at risk of breaching the personal data protection law as they have retained many customers’ data without their consent and did not appoint data controllers in accordance with the law.

The  Court of Appeal has increased the severity of the prison sentence given to a police officer who bludgeoned to death the dog that was the unofficial mascot of Chiang Mai University.

Hong Kong security officials’ visit to Thailand can serve as a fresh warning to residents vulnerable to high-paying job scams, although it is unlikely to lead to the immediate return of those being lured to work in Southeast Asia, a lawmaker has said.

The digital economy minister has promised quick action to prevent a reoccurrence after a loan company app was found pre-installed on new Oppo and Realme phones.