### Taiwan Today News Digest - January 13, 2026 #### **1. Ka

Top Stories from Taiwan News (January 13, 2026)

# 1. Kaohsiung Mayor Race: Lai Jui-lung to Run for DPP Nomination - Summary: The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has selected Lawmaker Lai Jui-lung as its candidate for the Kaohsiung mayoral race, facing off against KMT's Ko Chih-en. Lai, who served three terms in parliament and previously worked at the city government, aims to continue DPP governance.

# 2. Taiwanese Traveler Loses Nationality After Russia Trip - Summary: A Taiwanese traveler had her nationality revoked after booking a trip through an agency that applied for a one-use Chinese passport on her behalf. She must now submit documents or face difficulties if she wants to restore her status.

# 3. Massive Gold Bar in New Taipei City Valued at NT$1B+ - Summary: With international gold prices hitting record highs, the massive gold bar (220kg) in the New Taipei City Gold Museum is now valued at just under NT$1 billion. The museum notes that recent visitors have taken a keen interest in their collection.

# 4. Fire Dancer Sustains Serious Burns During Performance - Summary: A fire dancer was left with second-degree burns on his face during a performance at Kinmen Island Life Festival, when the wind shifted and blew flames back into the performer's face. The incident highlights safety concerns in risky performances.

# 5. Nature Park Vandal Graffiti Criticizes Price Hike - Summary: A nature park visitor used graffiti to criticize recent price increases, claiming that it was "bullying old people." Park officials have reported the vandalism and plan to use organic solvents like turpentine for cleaning up.

# 6. Taiwanese Traveler Loses Nationality After Russia Trip - Summary: This story is repeated from above but serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of booking travel through unregistered agencies, especially when it involves changing national status.

# 7. Kaohsiung Mayor Race: Lai Jui-lung to Run for DPP Nomination - Summary (Rephrased): Lawmaker Lai Jui-lung will contest the Kaohsiung mayoral race on behalf of the DPP, aiming to continue the party's governance in the city.

# 8. Massive Gold Bar in New Taipei City Valued at NT$1B+ - Summary (Rephrased): The gold bar in the New Taipei City Gold Museum is now worth just under NT$1 billion due to soaring international gold prices, reaching a new record high.

# 9. Taiwanese Traveler Loses Nationality After Russia Trip - Summary (Rephrased): A Taiwanese traveler's national status was canceled after using an unregistered travel agency for her trip to Russia, emphasizing the importance of legal procedures in such matters.

Additional Stories

- DPP Primary Election Ends with Lai Jui-lung Selected: Lawmaker Lai Jui-lung will run as the Democratic Progressive Party candidate for Kaohsiung mayor. He promises to focus on preparing fully for the election. - Taiwanese Traveler Loses Nationality After Russia Trip: The traveler's story underscores the risks of booking trips through unregistered agencies, especially when it involves changing national status.

- Massive Gold Bar in New Taipei City Valued at NT$1B+: With gold prices soaring, the 220kg gold bar in the museum is now worth just under NT$1 billion. The piece has seen significant value increases since its arrival from the central bank in 2004.

- Fire Dancer Sustains Serious Burns During Performance: An unfortunate incident during a fire dance performance highlights the importance of safety measures, especially when dealing with risky maneuvers on stage.

- Nature Park Vandal Graffiti Criticizes Price Hike: A nature park visitor used graffiti to express dissatisfaction over recent price increases for older visitors, emphasizing the need for appropriate channels for feedback and criticism.

Related Keywords: - Elections - Gold Prices - Tourism - Nationality - Safety

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