george

BANGKOK: — Tricycle taxis near Bangkok's Big C and Central World shopping centers continue to flout parking regulations by illegally occupying bus stops. This creates significant difficulties for bus passengers who struggle to board and disembark. Despite occasional police crackdowns, the taxis brazenly return to the prohibited zones as soon as officers leave the area. The situation persists even with the implementation of the "Rajprasong Model," an AI-powered traffic violation system. This system uses cameras to detect illegally parked vehicles and issue fines. However, it appears to have had little effect in deterring the tricycle taxi drivers, highlighting a need for more effective enforcement. Frustrated bus commuters are calling for stricter measures to address the ongoing issue, which disrupts public transportation and creates inconvenience for passengers. Photo: Courtesy of The Standard -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-22 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email marketing[at]aseannow.com for more information Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

This is just politics playing out. NZ got pissed off and priced the visa fees to similar to what Thais pays for visa to NZ. When Thai govt found out the visa fee increase in NZ, and the two prime ministers quickly met and talked about free visas. Diplomacy at high level... 55555 https://aseannow.com/topic/1321663-new-zealand-and-thailand-discussing-visa-free-access/

WARNING: Be careful! BANGKOK: --There are scam electricity bills getting dropped in letterboxes. If you scan them and pay your money will end up in someone else's account. They should be purple not blue for starters, but to be sure you can just load the PEA app and pay the bill direct from there. Source: FB group Korat -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-20

We are experiencing downtime and extreme slow page loading this afternoon. Our datacenter was attacked earlier today, (our forum was not attacked, but another site on the same c-net was. We have rerouted traffic to another instance in the datacenter. It will be slow for a while while the system is building up it's caching again. The datacenter team is still working on the speed issue. We apologize for this inconvenience.

It’s the interview everyone is talking about. Don Lemon sits down with Elon Musk to discuss matters ranging from hate speech to DEI to the great replacement theory. This is just the first of many interviews to come on The Don Lemon Show. Don will welcome a variety of guests and newsmakers, with topics spanning everything from social issues and race to pop culture and current events. Did Sparks Fly? Dive into Don Lemon's Explosive Premiere on X (and YouTube)! Don Lemon electrifies the streaming world with the launch of "The Don Lemon Show"! This highly anticipated program, now live on X and YouTube, promises hard-hitting, unfiltered conversations with some of the world's biggest names. But the fireworks started even before the opening credits rolled! The show's first episode features a headline-grabbing interview with none other than Elon Musk, the controversial CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X itself. Buckle up for an in-depth exploration of Musk's audacious ideas and their impact on the future, but will it be a civil exchange or a fiery debate? Free Speech on Trial: A Must-Watch Moment Lemon, known for his probing intellect and unflinching questions, engages with the enigmatic Elon Musk in a dynamic discussion. Expect Lemon to delve into the world of SpaceX and its mission to Mars, explore Tesla's vision for sustainable transportation, and tackle the elephant in the room: free speech on X. With Musk's self-proclaimed "free speech absolutism", and Lemon's commitment to responsible journalism, sparks are sure to fly as they explore the complex issues of online censorship, hate speech, and the responsibility of platforms in shaping public discourse. Beyond the Buzz: A Show with Substance While the interview with Musk guarantees a captivating spectacle, "The Don Lemon Show" is more than just a one-time event. This platform aims to host a diverse range of voices, with newsmakers, cultural icons, and political figures gracing the stage in upcoming episodes. Don't Miss Out: Be Part of the Conversation Head over to X or YouTube and witness history unfold on "The Don Lemon Show." Experience the electrifying first interview with Elon Musk, and get ready for a season of thought-provoking conversations that promise to challenge your perspectives and keep you coming back for more! -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-18

Cast your vote for the winner of this months Deportation Darwin Awards

Not yet. We are awaiting the outcome of today's court proceedings in Phuket. We will update as soon information is available and translated.

Cambodian officials free 19 Thai citizens from scam call center #CallCenter #Scam #Cambodia

UPDATE: Parents of Kiwi Brothers Arrested in Thailand Speak as Video Shows Fight for Control of Cop's Pistol The parents of two young New Zealand men arrested in Thailand have made a desperate plea for help amidst a legal nightmare unfolding for their sons. Shocking video has emerged, depicting their sons in a violent struggle with Thai police, raising grave concerns about the brothers' treatment and accusations against them. The exact circumstances leading to the confrontation with police remain disputed. Initial reports indicate the men were stopped by Thai police for a traffic-related matter. A chaotic altercation followed, with allegations that the brothers physically assaulted officers. Disturbing footage shows one of the brothers wrestling on the ground with an officer, appearing to attempt to seize control of the officer's firearm. Additional officers intervene, and the men were eventually subdued and placed under arrest. The parents of the young men, clearly shaken and desperate for answers, have spoken publicly. They state that their sons, while spirited, have never been in trouble with the law before. The family is urgently working to secure experienced legal representation for their sons in Thailand, a country with a vastly different legal system than New Zealand. The parents express deep concern about their sons' well-being in Thai custody. They are also seeking clarity on the specific charges, which could have severe consequences under Thai law. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has confirmed their awareness of the incident. Consular officials are in contact with the family and are expected to work with Thai authorities to safeguard the rights and welfare of the two New Zealand citizens. MFAT's role typically includes facilitating communication between detainees and their families, locating qualified legal counsel, and monitoring conditions of detention. However, diplomatic powers in influencing the legal process of a sovereign nation are limited. Legal specialists caution that the brothers are likely to face an uphill legal battle in Thailand. The allegations of assaulting police officers, and particularly the concerning struggle over a firearm, carry potentially substantial penalties. Cultural and linguistic barriers, along with complexities of the Thai legal system, pose additional obstacles in mounting a successful defense. The brothers' lack of a criminal record could be a mitigating factor, but experts warn that the seriousness of the charges cannot be understated. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-15

UPDATE: Two New Zealand Tourists Banned from Thailand Following Assault on Phuket Police Officer PHUKET — Two tourists from New Zealand have been blacklisted from Thailand after a video surfaced depicting them allegedly assaulting a Phuket traffic police officer. The incident underscores the Thai government's commitment to upholding law and order, and the potential consequences for visitors who disregard local regulations and engage in violent behavior. According to police reports, the two individuals were initially stopped by the traffic police officer for a traffic violation. An altercation ensued, during which the tourists are accused of physically assaulting the officer. The incident was captured on video and subsequently circulated widely on social media platforms. The tourists were arrested and detained by local police. Charges relating to the assault have been filed. Further impacting their travel plans, Thai immigration authorities have issued a formal travel ban, effectively barring the individuals from re-entering Thailand in the future. The incident involving the New Zealand tourists has highlighted the importance of respectful behavior and adherence to the law while traveling in Thailand. Thai authorities maintain that acts of violence, particularly against government officials, will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences. Similar incidents in recent years have prompted calls for greater awareness campaigns aimed at foreign tourists. These campaigns seek to educate visitors about Thai laws, social customs, and the expected standards of conduct. Thailand is a top global destination, renowned for its hospitality and natural beauty. Incidents of this nature can negatively impact Thailand's reputation as a safe and welcoming travel destination. Government officials and tourism industry leaders are likely to consider measures to address these concerns and mitigate potential fallout. This incident serves as a stark reminder for all international tourists. Travelers have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with the laws and customs of the countries they visit. Respectful behavior and adherence to local regulations are essential to ensuring positive travel experiences for both visitors and residents. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-03-18

Video update:

Video update:

The NZ guys should have a hearing in court today at some point, according to unconfirmed press reports.

Update:

In a lot of recent articles it suggest that her her health issue could be mentally related. I guess they are talking about anxiety/depression here. Always a stigma to talk about mental illnesses. Poor her.

Here is the previous news topic about this possible increase of visa fees:

Here is a re-posting of the apparently only available video from the incident: (330k views)

UPDATES from various Thai media): “You guys white people who are supportive of this page, please raise your kids well, don't let them act like these problematic people below... raise them to be a normal one not colonizers or criminals” “it's time to have visa restriction for western countries... cultural water is hard to elimimiate, likewise white men's behaviors which need to be stopped including their superior complex rooted from their media such as shitty movie; hangover and their racism...” Collaborating to compete for assets, jointly resisting or obstructing law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, collectively assaulting law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties, collaborating in attempting to, offering, or agreeing to provide property or other benefits to law enforcement officers to incentivize, induce, refrain from, or engage in unauthorized actions within their duties, driving without a valid driver's license. Cr, morning news Blacklist after being incasinated... Two New Zealand tourists "assault and snatch gun" Phuket traffic police deny giving police testimony. Request court proceedings, prepare to detain tomorrow along with opposing bail proceedings, provincial visa withdrawal committee invites police to provide information tomorrow. Phuket: On March 17, 2024, Pol. Col. Ekarat Playaduang, Superintendent of Chalong Police Station, stated that both foreign suspects are still under police custody and will be remanded to court tomorrow (March 18, 2024). Additionally, the police will oppose bail according to legal procedures as both are foreigners with unstable addresses and may flee. Regarding the initial interrogation, both suspects continue to refuse to give testimony but will do so in court. Reporters stated that tomorrow (March 18, 2024), the screening committee will consider withdrawing visas for foreigners who have committed crimes against society, chaired by the provincial governor of Phuket. They will invite police from Chalong Police Station to provide information about the behavior of the aforementioned foreigners. Source: various Thai media 2024-03-18

Here is that story with the two New Zealand guys: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322598-two-new-zealand-men-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-brutal-assault-on-traffic-cop/

This topic continues here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322598-two-new-zealand-men-arrested-in-phuket-for-alleged-brutal-assault-on-traffic-cop/

VIDEO: Note the newscaster says "Farang again" and the word Farang is the video title.

Read, and please read the full story, before you vote in our Poll! Being an expat in Thailand you’ll go through plenty of phases – from excitement, to astonishment, to bewilderment, to (eventually) acceptance. It’s all an exciting journey, and will rarely go to plan. But that’s why so many of us love living in Thailand. There are some particular sub-sets of Thai expat we can spot a mile away. Far from type-casting a typical expat, we provide these sub-sets as a guide – there are plenty of other varieties of expats floating around Thailand. We should also mention that in 2020 there’s a much broader range of expats living in Thailand. Contrary to popular wisdom (aka. the internet chat rooms), the numbers of expats are growing every year and they are coming from just about everywhere, not just the UK, northern Europe, Australia and the US, as in the past. 1. The search of a wife Looking for love in the West daunting? Or had a few failed marriages? No problem. Head to Asia and find a wife there instead. Right?! Gentlemen still come to Thailand for the sole purpose of finding love and maybe a wife. In the age of the internet where you can conveniently do your ‘shopping’ on line, there are is a sub-set of men who will book a flight and hotel to ‘touch and feel’ before they buy. There seems to be some belief that Asian women are going to be more polite, obedient and submissive than the women in their own country. They’re about to get a shock. Others are looking to ‘trade in’ their older, western model for a younger, slimmer Asian version. And where are you going to find this source of Asian ladies? At an expat bar (or on the internet these days). And so the well-trodden path, litany of perilous adventures, and sad tales begins. We know how most of these relationships end. Of course there are many western men, and women, who do find a Thai partner and live long, happy lives. But they’re vastly out numbered by the stories of love-gone-wrong in the Land of Smiles. Don’t take it too seriously Read a couple of hundred stories on the internet before moving in with the Thai GF Have deep pockets NB. Guys, the bar girls don’t actually love you. 2. The businessman Many professional expats live, mostly in Bangkok, and work for big international companies on salaries that would make them rich in any country. They can afford to, and do, live the high life. Some are single but others bring their family along for the adventure. They rent a big house, have a live-in maid, a driver and live a great life indeed. But, living their life in an artificial bubble in their working years, they rarely transition into a more mundane retired life in ‘normal’ Thailand. 3. Retiring in Thailand The mantra used to be that you could move to Thailand and live off your pension (which would translate to lots and lots of baht), strolling along Phuket beaches, shopping in Bangkok or living a quiet life in Chiang Mai. The perfect retirement lifestyle. Other single, mostly, men would be lured by a carefree life of cheap beer, endless beaches and a equally endless supply of attractive young ladies in the many bars. A lot of this has changed in recent years as the Thai economy has gained strength, along with the Thai Baht, and some international currencies have deflated meaning that people hoping to live off their overseas pensions or savings are not getting the same bargain they once did. Especially living in tourist hubs like Bangkok, Phuket or Pattaya, the cost of living has been rising in recent years pricing them out of the retirement market for many. If you’re contemplating a retired life in Thailand spend some time on the internet and come and spend a few months in selected locations. Try before you buy and don’t start packing the crockery until you’ve done your homework, and your sums. 4. Teaching English The English teacher is found everywhere in the LOS (Land of Smiles) and is still a reasonably sure-fire way to extend your time living in Thailand. These teachers usually break down into four categories…. Some are career educators and love teaching English, others are backpackers trying to extend their stay and top up their travel pocket-money, there are some older guys who have spent their savings and will do anything to stay in Thailand. Finally, there’s the bored wives who want something useful and meaningful to fill their days whilst their husbands work for larger international companies in Thailand. There are numerous TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses around the country. The pay’s not great and you’ll be living a local lifestyle rather than in the lap of luxury. But many former teachers remember their time teaching English in Thailand fondly and say they’ll never forget the smiling Thai children. 5. The entrepreneurial spirit Savvy business people often come to Thailand for some better weather and the chance to make their fortune. The joke used to be that if you wanted to start a small business in Thailand, just invest in a big business and wait a few years. But many actually make a go of it and end up doing well. Like starting a business anywhere else in the world, do your homework and make sure you tick all the right boxes, including a business and marketing plan (in a foreign country). The flashy, brash real estate hacks that sell one property a year and spend the other 364 days sitting at the beach bar spending their commission, are a local cliché and a dime a dozen. Remember that the paperwork and administration requirements of a Thai company can be bewildering and you WILL need some good local advice before you open up shop. Take someone who’s already done it for a few years to dinner and ask lots of questions. 6. The bored wife Many of the categories mentioned so far have been mostly males. Life for a single foreign woman in Thailand can be a challenge. Kudos to those who cut through the cultural issues and make a go of it (and I know many). There’s also the wives and partners of the many, many men who get to work in Thailand and bring their families with them. The live-in maid, driver and shopping trips eventually get boring and they will often be looking for other things to do. In most cases their visas won’t allow them to legally work. So many do end up doing various charity and volunteer work (thought you should be very clear about what your visa will and won’t allow you to do). There are numerous expat groups around the country to provide information, social outings and community for the many mums or spouses who find themselves at a loose end whilst the husband works in the office. Jump on your computer and do some homework and you’ll discover a whole new world of other woman out there. Your next coffee or movie gal-pal is as far away as the internet. 7. The fresh-starter For whatever reason, Thailand seems to attract its fair share of misfits, vagrants and social outcasts that can’t seem to get their act together in their home country. So they come to Thailand where the cheap booze, beaches and travel brochures have lured them. Of course they find a very different culture and an entirely new list of reasons they can’t fit in and get their life established. Some are just running away from 1) bad marriages 2) the law 3) anything-they-don’t-want-to-confront. The long term prognosis for many of these misfits isn’t good. We end up reading about them as over-stayers, drink driving road deaths or victims of balcony falls. 8. Sexpats ‘Sexpats’ are notorious and much-maligned. They come to Thailand, lured by a slightly old-fashioned notions of the Kingdom as an easy place to find sex. And sometimes, in some locations the opportunities are still available, for a price. Sexpats usually hang around other expats who are less likely to frown on their indulgences. The three P’s – Patpong, Patong and Pattaya – sum up most of the popular sexpat locations. In most cases they’re here for a good time, not a long time, and will frequent the sleazier locations in Thailand pursuing their goals and, eventually, running out of money or getting bored. Or getting into trouble. Or contracting any number of available STDs. There’s also a subset of the sexpat that will find themselves on the very outer fringes of society – the pedophile. Thailand, and other south east asian countries, have provided solace for these people in the past but recent crackdowns are now detecting a lot of their activities and they are being increasingly rounded up, arrested and deported. As a pedophile you will get zero sympathy from Thai authorities and your time in a Thai prison will be very unpleasant and probably brief. 9. The serial complainer Nothing, absolutely nothing, will ever be as good in Thailand compared to where they come from. They will find fault in everything from the traffic to the food to the government to the medical system to the culture to the visa system to the corruption to the heat to the roads to the culture to the girls. Surprise. Thailand is a foreign country with a rich, frequently bewildering culture. The longer you spend here, the less it all makes sense. But that’s part of the glorious adventure of living in Thailand. Whilst many expats revel in the wonders and excesses of Thai life, some just wallow in their own self-righteousness. Many of these haters and complainers have never been to Thailand but are happy to share their wisdom, often, in chat rooms and social media. Blah, blah, blah. Worse, there are plenty of haters living amongst us who bore us sideways with their whinging and complaining. They can be directed to the nearest international airport where they are invited to escape the country they so despise and return to their homeland or just go somewhere else… anywhere really. 10. The digital nomads We see them tapping away on their keyboards at cafés and work spaces around the country. As long as they have wifi their business is open. They’re trading stocks and shares, selling property, gambling, posting stories, filing news reports, selling stuff on their Facebook pages – they’re working. If you can run your business outside of a traditional office, hey, why not do it sitting next to a beach or high up in a mountain overlooking Chiang Rai. The digital nomads fall between the cracks in the Thai Immigration system and often have to run the gauntlet of dodgy visas and visa runs although a recently introduced Smart Visa helps as few of them get a proper visa. There is an increasing range of co-working spaces opening around the country and almost every café in Thailand will now have wifi – whether it’s working or not is another matter. Then again you can always tether your phone to your laptop and use your smartphone’s wifi. 10a. The Keyboard Warriors We can’t leave this group out because there seems to be a large contingent of keyboard warriors out there who keep Thai website administrators busy. They respond to everything that’s posted and are keen to share their expert advice on the matter. On ALL matters. They are a virtual Library of Congress when it comes to dispensing their opinions and vast knowledge about all matters relating to life in Thailand, or anywhere really. Web administrators (The Thaiger included) are kept busy ‘hiding’ and deleting some of their extravagant claims, nonsense or thinly-veiled abuse at the writer of the story, the website generally or other commenters. There is one website in Thailand that does a roaring trade based on the clicks of expats that seem to have nothing better to do than whinge, complain, comment and click, click, click on a broad range of matters, particularly those concerning traffic accidents, ladyboys, visa overstayers and police matters. It’s a love-hate relationship: we hate their monotonous drivel but we love their traffic. By Tim Newton (formerly thethaiger.com) Note: Please login and vote in our poll above!!

Thanks a lot for your effort, Mike!