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Thai tax tangle: Expats warned of new rules on overseas income By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Expatica A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348917-thai-tax-tangle-expats-warned-of-new-rules-on-overseas-income/

Photo courtesy of Expatica By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A packed meeting of the Pattaya City Expat Club turned into a lively debate as members received crucial updates on Thailand’s controversial new tax policy regarding overseas income transfers. Hosted by Thomas Carden, director of American International Tax Advisers, and tax attorney Patcha Inkudanonda, the session offered clarity, and raised fresh concerns, about the Thai Revenue Department’s evolving guidelines. Patcha explained that not all expats are required to file Thai tax returns. Exemptions apply to those in Thailand for less than 180 days in 2024, individuals who haven’t transferred money from abroad, those who only moved income earned before December 31, 2023, and holders of the 10-year Long Term Residence (LTR) Visa. For others, the advice is clear: obtain a tax identification number and file a return by March 2025. “All foreign income must be declared but this doesn’t always mean a tax liability.” In a surprise revelation, it was disclosed that foreign credit card usage in Thailand, if converted to Thai baht, is now considered taxable income. Carden urged expats to carefully review double taxation treaties between Thailand and their home countries but noted these are not blanket exemptions. “Each treaty has unique terms, referencing them in tax submissions could help as a caveat.” Attendees raised questions about investment transfers, such as using overseas funds to buy a Thai condominium, but Carden admitted such matters remain unclear. He acknowledged the Revenue Department’s intent to widen the tax base, with small earners inadvertently caught in policies aimed at wealthy Thais, reported Pattaya Mail. Concerns about enforcement were addressed, with Patcha citing international agreements like the Global Forum on Transparency, enabling Thai officials to request banking information globally. Both experts urged expats to retain detailed records of foreign transactions to avoid audits and potential penalties. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Actor Ple Nakorn reports 6 million baht scam to cyber police By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Thai actor Nakorn Silachai reported to the cyber police that his relative lost 6 million baht to a call centre scam. It is suspected that the group may be the same as the one that conned another Thai actor, Charlotte Austin. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348916-actor-ple-nakorn-reports-6-million-baht-scam-to-cyber-police/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Thai actor Nakorn Silachai reported to the cyber police that his relative lost 6 million baht to a call centre scam. It is suspected that the group may be the same as the one that conned another Thai actor, Charlotte Austin. Yesterday, January 14, at 12.55pm, Nakorn, also known as Ple Nakorn, accompanied by Ekpob Luangprasert, founder of the Saimai Must Survive Facebook page, met with Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phueanphan, head of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau. They reported that close family members were victimised by a scam, losing a substantial amount of money. Ple Nakorn detailed that the victims were his 71 year old uncle and 64 year old aunt, the parents of his younger brother. The incident took place on January 11, when a call was received on his uncle’s phone. The caller, claiming to be a police officer, informed him that his name was linked to a money laundering case and requested to inspect his accounts. During the call, his aunt joined the conversation. The scammers instructed both to lock themselves in separate rooms, threatening them not to inform anyone else. A female police officer was purportedly involved in separate interrogations from noon to 8pm. They were then coerced into transferring money from all their accounts to the scammers for inspection, which amounted to 6 million baht (US$172,730) over 10 transactions (the uncle with 10 accounts and the aunt with one). Police scam They were assured that the money would be returned after verification. When their remaining balance was just 300,000 baht (US$8,635), the aunt became suspicious, and after discussing it with her uncle, they decided to disconnect the call and consult their son. They subsequently reported the matter to Rat Burana Police Station and filed an online report at 1441. Nakorn added that despite his uncle and aunt being aware of call centre scams, they fell prey due to the psychological manipulation during the call, feeling as though they were hypnotised. Fear of criminal involvement led them to comply with the scammer’s instructions. He emphasised that anyone, regardless of profession, could become a victim. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated that initial investigations confirmed the complaint was filed at Rat Burana Police Station, which coordinated with the 1441 centre. The cyber police will collaborate with relevant parties to find a resolution, reported KhaoSod. If the case involves multiple sectors, it will be transferred to the cyber police for further handling. Preliminary investigations suggest that the modus operandi of this call centre gang resembles that of the group which deceived Charlotte Austin, but it remains uncertain if it is the same group. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Charity event raises 4 million baht for Police General Hospital By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Thailand’s Police Association donated 4 million baht from its second annual charity walk-run event, Police Run 2024, to the Police General Hospital. This donation, presented yesterday, January 14 at the hospital, will fund medical equipment to support patients and visitors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348915-charity-event-raises-4-million-baht-for-police-general-hospital/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand’s Police Association donated 4 million baht from its second annual charity walk-run event, Police Run 2024, to the Police General Hospital. This donation, presented yesterday, January 14 at the hospital, will fund medical equipment to support patients and visitors. The event, organised by the Police Association and the Police General Hospital Foundation under Royal Patronage, took place last year on November 10. The funds will be allocated to various initiatives: 1.2 million baht will support the endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery centre, 1.8 million baht will aid the dentistry group, and 1 million baht will be used for medical education scholarships at the hospital. Police Lieutenant General Taweesilp Wetchavisit, Chief Medical Officer (Level 8), alongside Police Colonel Sirikul Srisanga, spokesperson for the Police General Hospital, represented the foundation in receiving the donation. Police Lieutenant General Taweesilp expressed gratitude to Police General Winai Thongsong, President of the Police Association, and the association’s board for their generous contribution. He emphasised that the donation would enhance the hospital’s capabilities, enabling it to provide comprehensive and modern medical services. This includes acquiring advanced medical equipment to improve the quality of care for patients, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Thai girl reunited with family after abduction by drug addict By Petch Petpailin Danaiporn | Photo via ThaiRath Thai police collaborated with armed forces in Myanmar to rescue a 10 year old Thai girl abducted by a drug-addicted Thai woman and taken to Myanmar via the border in Mae Sot district in the northern province of Tak. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348913-thai-girl-reunited-with-family-after-abduction-by-drug-addict/

Danaiporn | Photo via ThaiRath By Petch Petpailin Thai police collaborated with armed forces in Myanmar to rescue a 10 year old Thai girl abducted by a drug-addicted Thai woman and taken to Myanmar via the border in Mae Sot district in the northern province of Tak. A 40 year old Thai mother, Khamporn Onkate, filed a complaint at Mae Sot Police Station yesterday, January 14, after her 10 year old daughter, Thammaporn Onkate, went missing from their home on January 10 with a 36 year old woman named Danaiporn. According to Khamporn, Danaiporn was her neighbour. Members of the community were aware that she used drugs and had later developed a mental illness as a result of her substance abuse. Police later found Danaiporn’s scarf and bicycle on the banks of the Moei River, at the border between Thailand and Myanmar. However, there were no signs of either Danaiporn or the girl at the scene. Khamporn informed the police that Danaiporn previously asked her for 200 baht in cash but she refused. She believed that this refusal, coupled with Danaiporn’s disappointment and anger, may have led to Thammaporn’s abduction. Khamporn was also concerned that Danaiporn might take her daughter to the headquarters of call centre scam gangs in Myanmar. She feared her daughter could become a victim of child labour. Officers from Mae Sot Police Station sought the cooperation of armed forces and residents in Myanmar living along the border. The armed forces reported to the police that they had detained Danaiporn and the girl upon their arrival. Both of them were returned to Thailand. Upon their arrival in Thailand, the police escorted Danaiporn to the station for questioning, while the girl was reunited with her family. Danaiporn claimed that soldiers in Myanmar had detained her and punished her by beating her, although the girl was unharmed. She further claimed that she had only intended to take the girl on a trip to Myanmar. Police have charged Danaiporn with abducting a minor under the age of 15 from her parents or guardians. The offence carries a penalty of three to 15 years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from 6,000 to 30,000 baht. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Chiang Rai border drug trafficking clash leads to 4 deaths By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A skirmish erupted along the northern border, resulting in the deaths of four people involved in drug trafficking. The confrontation occurred late on Monday, January 13, leading to the seizure of 34 sacks of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), which weighed over 1 tonne. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348906-chiang-rai-border-drug-trafficking-clash-leads-to-4-deaths/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A skirmish erupted along the northern border, resulting in the deaths of four people involved in drug trafficking. The confrontation occurred late on Monday, January 13, leading to the seizure of 34 sacks of crystal methamphetamine (Ice), which weighed over 1 tonne. Major General Kidakorn Chantra, commander of the Pha Mueang Force, and Lieutenant Colonel Jakkrapong Sodsri, deputy commander of the Task Force Chaotak, inspected the clash site between soldiers from Company 1, Chaotak Task Force, and the drug couriers yesterday, January 14 at 11am. The confrontation took place in Ban Pang Mahan, village 8, Thoet Thai subdistrict, Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai province, approximately 600 metres from the border. The clash began around 10.15pm on January 13, as soldiers from Company 1, Chaotak Task Force, were monitoring the area to prevent drug-related offences. They identified a group of suspicious individuals carrying backpacks and attempted to intervene. However, the group responded by opening fire with unidentified weapons, resulting in a 20-minute exchange. The opposing group eventually retreated into the neighbouring country. Following the skirmish, two operational units were deployed to secure the area due to the nighttime conditions. At dawn, officers cleared the clash site and discovered approximately 34 backpacks, along with the bodies of four deceased individuals from the opposing group. Upon inspecting the bags, it was determined that they contained a total of about 1,155 kilogrammes of Ice, spread across 35 backpacks. It is believed the drugs were destined for a third country, using Thailand as a transit route. Major General Kidakorn suggested that the group comprised approximately 30 to 35 individuals who transported the drugs from a neighbouring border. Despite receiving a warning signal from the police, the group chose to engage in a firefight, resulting in casualties on their side. The remaining members presumably abandoned their heavy sacks and fled back to the neighbouring country. Major General Kidakorn further urged those involved in drug trafficking to reconsider whether the risk of smuggling drugs from neighbouring countries into Thailand is worth endangering their lives. He emphasised the broader impact on the community, particularly on the youth who may become addicted to these substances, and urged traffickers to weigh the consequences of their actions, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Khon Kaen school director arrested for drug dealing By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Khon Kaen arrested a school director for drug dealing after a sting operation caught him in the act of delivering drugs to an undercover officer. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348905-khon-kaen-school-director-arrested-for-drug-dealing/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod By Bright Choomanee Police in Khon Kaen arrested a school director for drug dealing after a sting operation caught him in the act of delivering drugs to an undercover officer. Yesterday, January 14, Police Colonel Theerathat Phongsuwan, of Nong Song Hong Police Station, reported the arrest of 40 year old Naphatdol, a school director in Nong Song Hong district, Khon Kaen province. He was apprehended with 369 methamphetamine tablets. This arrest followed the capture of 29 year old Thayakorn on January 11, who was found with 20 methamphetamine tablets in a field hut in Village 4, Don Dang subdistrict. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the drugs were supplied by Naphatson, who intended to use and sell them. To gather more evidence, police arranged a sting operation to purchase drugs from the school director. The meeting was set on a roadside connecting Nong Song Hong to Ban Phai district. At the arranged time, police found the school director standing by the road with 186 methamphetamine tablets packed in a blue plastic bag inside a food container, placed by a kilometre marker. Further investigation revealed that the school director had rented a room at a resort in Nong Song Hong subdistrict, Nong Song Hong district, Khon Kaen province. A search of the room uncovered an additional 183 methamphetamine tablets in a rectangular box located behind the room. The director was taken into custody, along with the drugs, for further questioning at Nong Song Hong Police Station. During the interrogation, the school director confessed that approximately a year ago, he had acted as a bail guarantor for a drug-related criminal, which led to him befriending the criminal’s acquaintance. This relationship eventually resulted in him obtaining methamphetamine for personal use and distribution to local networks. He claimed ignorance of the drug’s ownership or the supply chain, stating that transactions were conducted via phone instructions for pickups and deliveries, leaving him unaware of the sale prices or origination of the drugs, reported KhaoSod. Following the investigation, he was charged with possession and distribution of a category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) for commercial purposes without authorisation and with driving under the influence of a category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine), in violation of the law. He was subsequently remanded to the court for further proceedings. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Public health ministry urges vigilance amid rise in influenza cases By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod At the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, Dr Jurai Wongsawat and Dr Weerawat Manosutthi, a distinguished physician and government spokesperson, presented concerns over rising influenza cases this year and discussed the monitoring of hMPV and avian flu. They emphasised ways for families to maintain health and avoid illnesses. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348904-public-health-ministry-urges-vigilance-amid-rise-in-influenza-cases/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod By Puntid Tantivangphaisal At the Ministry of Public Health yesterday, Dr Jurai Wongsawat and Dr Weerawat Manosutthi, a distinguished physician and government spokesperson, presented concerns over rising influenza cases this year and discussed the monitoring of hMPV and avian flu. They emphasised ways for families to maintain health and avoid illnesses. Last year, several major diseases required continuous observation, including Covid-19, influenza, dengue fever, acute respiratory infections, vector-borne diseases, gastrointestinal infections, and foreign diseases. Covid-19 saw 769,200 cases in 2024, with the highest incidence among individuals aged 60 and above, followed by those aged 30 to 39, and 20 to 29. There were 222 fatalities, predominantly among those over 60, with the JN.1 variant being the most common. This year, a decline is expected, with 3,493 cases and no deaths reported so far. Influenza had 668,027 cases in 2024, a 1.39-fold increase from the previous year, primarily affecting young children and school-aged individuals. There were 51 deaths, mostly among those with chronic illnesses and seniors over 65. The outbreaks were prominent in schools, prisons, temples, training centres, and military camps. In 2025, cases are expected to rise, with 14,537 cases and no fatalities. Dengue fever cases decreased by 0.7-fold last year, with 105,250 cases and 114 deaths, mainly among school-aged children and working adults. Mosquito habitats In 2025, a further reduction to 76,000 to 77,000 cases and 70 to 80 deaths is predicted if mosquito breeding sites are controlled and the House Index is kept below 5%. The public is advised to eliminate mosquito habitats and avoid NSAID medication for suspected dengue cases. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections totalled 8,218 cases in 2024, mostly in children under two and increasingly in those over 65. Surveillance from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, showed RSV presence peaking between July and November, with RSV A in 2023 and RSV B in 2024. Streptococcus suis infection, or red ear disease, saw an average of 461 cases and 22 deaths annually over the past five years. In 2024, there were 956 cases and 59 deaths, with one death reported in Buriram this year. The deceased were mainly those over 65 with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, with 40% having an alcohol abuse history. Dr Jurai highlighted the need for vigilance regarding PM 2.5 dust particles this winter. Between October 1, 2024, and January 8, 2025, PM 2.5 levels exceeded the red level, or 75 microgrammes per cubic metre, in Bangkok, Samut Sakhon, Saraburi, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Phanom, Phitsanulok, Phetchaburi, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Nong Khai, Nakhon Pathom, and Pathum Thani. Doctor Weerawat discussed the Department of Disease Control (DDC)’s monitoring of diseases like human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a long-standing respiratory virus not linked to Covid-19, which sees increased cases in the rainy and winter seasons. Recent data from China indicates rising respiratory infections, particularly in northern provinces, with seasonal flu, rhinovirus, RSV, and hMPV detected. In Thailand, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, hMPV was found in 545 out of 15,299 samples, predominantly affecting children under five, those aged five to nine, and people over 60. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available, so prevention is advised. Avian flu, particularly H5N1, remains a concern globally, affecting both humans and animals. No human-to-human transmission has been observed. From December 20, 2024, to January 2, 2025, 261 cases were reported, with no new cases of avian influenza A (H5N1). The first death in 2025 was reported in Cambodia, where a 28 year old man from Kampong Cham died after handling and cooking sick chickens. Dr Weerawat also mentioned neglected tropical diseases prevalent in tropical countries, often overlooked due to their presence in developing nations, reported KhaoSod. In Thailand, these include dengue fever, malaria, elephantiasis, leprosy, tuberculosis, rabies, and various parasitic infections. To raise awareness and encourage collaboration, the World Health Assembly designated January 30 as World NTD Day. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Indian doctor accused of killing wife in Pattaya bathtub drowning By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Times of India A romantic getaway in Pattaya turned into a nightmarish scene from a horror movie as an Indian doctor based in the city of Lucknow stands accused of murdering his wife by sedating her and causing her to drown in a hotel bathtub. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348902-indian-doctor-accused-of-killing-wife-in-pattaya-bathtub-drowning/

Photo courtesy of The Times of India By Puntid Tantivangphaisal A romantic getaway in Pattaya turned into a nightmarish scene from a horror movie as an Indian doctor based in the city of Lucknow stands accused of murdering his wife by sedating her and causing her to drown in a hotel bathtub. The chilling allegations against the doctor, 38 year old Ashish Srivastava, were made by his father-in-law, Satyanarayan Sharma, in a letter to Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya. The victim, 32 year old Priyanka Sharma, was found dead in the bathtub of the couple’s hotel room in the early hours of January 8. “Ashish used his medical knowledge to administer sedatives to my daughter and conspired to drown her. He later told us she died by drowning but I am convinced he murdered her.” The couple, who had a love marriage (rather than an arranged marriage) in 2017, reportedly saw their relationship deteriorate after Priyanka gave birth to a baby boy in 2021. The deceased’s father claimed their marriage grew strained due to Ashish’s alleged illicit relationships and mental and physical harassment. “She even filed a police complaint earlier but we convinced her to give their relationship another chance.” Family members revealed that Ashish had taken Priyanka to Thailand under the pretext of cheering her up after her mother’s death in October. The trip, which was supposed to end yesterday, January 14, took a tragic turn, reported The Times of India. “Ashish and his family returned to India on January 10, leaving Priyanka’s body behind.” Additional DCP Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed the registration of a report under Section 103(1) for murder. “A thorough investigation is underway.” This case, shrouded in allegations of betrayal and murder, has left the family devastated and seeking justice for Priyanka’s untimely death. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

PM Paetongtarn to visit southern provinces amid recent bombings By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow despite recent bombings in the region, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348900-pm-paetongtarn-to-visit-southern-provinces-amid-recent-bombings/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow despite recent bombings in the region, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham, who is also with the defence ministry, yesterday, January 14, addressed two bomb incidents: one in Ano Ru subdistrict, Mueang district, Pattani, which injured six paramilitary rangers on Monday morning, January 13, and another in Sri Sakhon district, Narathiwat, which claimed the lives of two police officers. Phumtham mentioned that these incidents were discussed in a National Security Council meeting, noting that “whenever we reduce the enforcement of emergency laws, incidents occur, seemingly aligned with the agenda of certain groups.” He expressed the need to reassess the situation, instructing the council to review within a month whether the measures implemented have led to improvements or setbacks. The deputy PM stated that PM Paetongtarn planned a visit to the southern border provinces tomorrow and confirmed he would accompany her. He stressed that security measures are the responsibility of relevant agencies, which must ensure everything is handled appropriately. This visit will be the 38 year old Thai premier’s first to the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. During this trip, PM Paetongtarn plans to attend a meeting to expedite and monitor development projects in these regions, including constructing a parallel bridge over the Kolok River in Sungai Kolok district and the Hat Yai-Sungai Kolok double-track railway project. This announcement follows the death of an award-winning police officer and his son, who were killed when a road bomb hit their pickup truck yesterday morning, January 14. The officer, 56 year old Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwit Chuaythewarit, and his son, 35 year old Police Senior Sergeant Major Dome Chuaythewarit died in the explosion in Sri Banphot subdistrict, Sri Sakhon district, at 9.50am. Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit was the principal of Tua Ngo Border Patrol Police School in Sri Banphot subdistrict, serving approximately 120 pupils who are not native Thai speakers. A Muslim native of Phatthalung province, he was one of 13 teachers at the school. Suwit received the Princess Maha Chakri Award 10 years ago for his outstanding contribution to education and the development of his students’ lives. His school emphasises teaching morality and sufficiency to local students, reported Bangkok Post. Having attended another border patrol police school in his home province during childhood, Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit was inspired to become a teacher at a border patrol police school. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Thailand to welcome foreign couples for surrogacy under new law By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is amending surrogacy legislation to align with the equal marriage law and to welcome overseas couples for surrogate births in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348899-thailand-to-welcome-foreign-couples-for-surrogacy-under-new-law/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is amending surrogacy legislation to align with the equal marriage law and to welcome overseas couples for surrogate births in Thailand. Director General of the Department of Health Service Support, Dr Panuwat Panket, shared updates yesterday, January 14, regarding the amendments to the Protection for Children Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies Act. These revisions are being made to synchronise with the equal marriage and surrogacy laws. The revised draft is currently under review by the Minister of Public Health and will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration. Significant updates include replacing “husband” and “wife” with “spouses” as outlined in the Marriage Equality Act, thereby granting same-sex couples access to surrogacy. Concerns about child custody and guardianship responsibilities, particularly in cases of separation, will require detailed examination. Once these amendments are enacted, foreign couples will be permitted to pursue surrogacy in Thailand, including the possibility of bringing foreign surrogates into the country. The current law only allows surrogacy for foreigners married to Thais. The revised legislation will also enable the export of embryos, sperm, or eggs to the foreign couple’s home country, based on criteria set by a special committee under the Surrogacy Act. In response to inquiries about human trafficking and illegal surrogacy, Dr Panuwat mentioned that the amended bill aims to enhance transparency in surrogacy processes, ensuring greater accountability and reducing underground activities. The doctor emphasised that the revised law will restrict surrogacy to relatives of the intended parents. Commercial surrogacy remains prohibited, and advertising for surrogates in a commercial context is banned. Stricter penalties, including longer prison sentences and higher fines, will be imposed for offences involving human trafficking or illegal surrogacy businesses. Offences committed outside Thailand will be treated as if they occurred within the country. Dr Panuwat indicated that recent studies reveal a rising interest in surrogacy, particularly among single women desiring biological children without undergoing pregnancy, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Second phase of 10,000 baht handout for elderly starts January 27 By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced that the second phase of the government’s 10,000 baht cash handout will start on January 27, two days earlier than initially planned. This phase will target approximately 3.5 to 4 million elderly citizens aged 60 and above, who will receive the funds through the government’s PromptPay app. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348898-second-phase-of-10000-baht-handout-for-elderly-starts-january-27/

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announced that the second phase of the government’s 10,000 baht cash handout will start on January 27, two days earlier than initially planned. This phase will target approximately 3.5 to 4 million elderly citizens aged 60 and above, who will receive the funds through the government’s PromptPay app. The economic stimulus programme was originally designed to cover all Thai citizens aged 16 and above, with an estimated budget of 500 billion baht. However, due to concerns about excessive spending, eligibility criteria based on income were introduced. Eligible participants must have an annual income not exceeding 840,000 baht and combined bank savings of no more than 500,000 baht. These criteria have reduced the number of eligible recipients to 50 million, with the government anticipating that about 90%, or 45 million, will register. Initially, the plan was a one-time distribution nationwide but was altered to concentrate on vulnerable groups in the first phase. This included state welfare cardholders and individuals with disabilities, amounting to 14.5 million people. Individuals who registered through the government’s Tang Rath app but have not yet received funds will be included in the third phase, expected to be distributed as digital money in April, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

Cambodian wanted for contract killing of Cambodian-French MP By Petch Petpailin The Thai gunman, Ekkaluck. | Photo via PPTV HD Thai police issued an arrest warrant for a Cambodian man in connection with the contract killing of a former Cambodian-French opposition Member of Parliament in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348897-cambodian-wanted-for-contract-killing-of-cambodian-french-mp/

The Thai gunman, Ekkaluck. | Photo via PPTV HD By Petch Petpailin Thai police issued an arrest warrant for a Cambodian man in connection with the contract killing of a former Cambodian-French opposition Member of Parliament in Bangkok. Police arrested the Thai gunman, Ekkaluck “Em” Parenoi, in Cambodia’s Prey Veng province on January 8 and brought him back to Thailand for questioning. Ekkaluck admitted to being hired to kill the former MP, 73 year old Lim Kimya. Recently, Thai police officers arrested 47 year old Chakit Buaplee in the central province of Chanthaburi for driving Ekkaluck from Thailand to Cambodia. He claimed that he did not know what Ekkaluck had done when he agreed to take him to the border area of the two countries. Ekkaluck refused to disclose the identity of the person who hired him, referring to this individual only as his “benefactor.” According to Ekkaluck, he was promised 60,000 baht for the job, with 30,000 baht paid to him in advance. Sam Rainsy, a former leader of the Cambodian opposition party, later took to social media to accuse former army general and current President of the Senate, Hun Sen, of masterminding Lim’s murder. Rainsy also implicated the Cambodian man in Thailand, whom Ekkaluck referred to as his supporter. Police investigations into Ekkaluck’s mobile phone revealed conversations with the Cambodian man, Ly Ratanakraksmey, who also has a Thai alias, Somwang Bamrungkij. Ly operates a business dealing with the importation of labour in Thailand and Malaysia. He reportedly has close connections with Thai officials, including those in the police force and the Ministry of Labour. Efforts by PPTV HD to contact Ly for an interview were unsuccessful, as all his communication channels were inactive. Officers from Chana Songkhram Police Station gathered sufficient evidence to implicate Ly in Lim’s assassination. Subsequently, an arrest warrant was issued against him for violating several laws, including: Section 84 of the Criminal Law: causing another person to commit an offence through employment, compulsion, threat, hire, favour, or instigation. The punishment is equivalent to that of the person who committed the crime. If convicted, Ly faces the death penalty, as would Ekkaluck according to Section 289 of the Criminal Law: murder committed with premeditation. Section 376 of the Criminal Law: firing a gun in a public place without reasonable cause. Penalties include imprisonment for up to 10 days, a fine of up to 5,000 baht, or both. Section 8 of the Act on Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms: carrying a firearm in a public place without proper permission or necessity. Penalties include imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both. Police are also pursuing another suspect in the assassination, Kimsrin Pich, who remains at large. According to reports from Matichon, Kimsrin is the younger brother of Sros Pich, a politician aligned with the Cambodian government, and also works as a pro-government news reporter. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-15

China-Tour Cancellations Shake Thailand's Tourism for New Year File photo for reference only Hotels and airlines across Thailand are grappling with a surge of cancellations from Chinese tour groups, just as the country prepared to welcome an influx of tourists for the Chinese New Year holiday in late January. The drop in bookings follows heightened safety concerns, underscored by recent incidents involving job scams in Southeast Asia. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348821-china-tour-cancellations-shake-thailands-tourism-for-new-year/