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A special law to protect victims of technology crimes and expedite their recovery of losses will be introduced by the government, Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong announced yesterday. The new legislation aims to address the surge in technology-related crimes and was agreed upon during a recent committee meeting focused on suppressing and preventing these offences. The committee explored various issues, including the lengthy wait victims endure to reclaim their money despite government officials already freezing the funds. They also discussed the possibility of extending jail terms for buying or selling private data from one to five years, the prevention of illegal money transfers via digital assets, and improving the exchange of information between agencies. Prasert noted that a subcommittee on legal affairs has been tasked with examining the legal specifics and drafting a bill to address these concerns, which is to be presented to the Cabinet within 30 days. “Suppressing mule bank accounts and mule SIM cards has seen significant progress. But tackling the culprits and the masterminds in Thailand and overseas isn’t satisfactory. We’ve found some legal obstacles hinder tracing money and returning it to the victims. We need a special law to address this.” The DES Ministry also updated the public on the authorities’ efforts to curb online crime. From July 1 to 31, the number of arrests related to online crime reached 2,306, marking a 7.57% reduction compared to the average of the first three months of this year. Arrests linked to online gambling totalled 980, reflecting a 7.89% decrease from the average of the initial three months. Arrests connected to mule accounts and mule SIM cards stood at 208, showing a 13.33% reduction compared to the first quarter’s average. In July alone, 16,279 illegal websites were shut down, a sevenfold increase from July of last year, which saw 2,294 closures. Additionally, 6,519 gambling websites were closed in July this year, compared to only 97 in the previous year. By July 31, 920,694 suspected mule accounts and 71,122 SIM cards used to make over 100 calls per day were suspended. Out of those suspended, only 418 owners had verified their identities, reported Bangkok Post. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Sora Shimazaki from pexels.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Myanmar worker feared drowned in Samut Songkhram river Picture courtesy of Tourism authority of Thailand official website A young Myanmar worker disappeared while swimming with friends near the central pillar of the Somdej Phra Sri Suriyen Bridge in Samut Songkhram. Despite rescue efforts, strong currents forced a pause in the search, which will resume today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335395-myanmar-worker-feared-drowned-in-samut-songkhram-river/

A young Myanmar worker disappeared while swimming with friends near the central pillar of the Somdej Phra Sri Suriyen Bridge in Samut Songkhram. Despite rescue efforts, strong currents forced a pause in the search, which will resume today. The 24 year old Myanmar worker, Hen Min Ko Ko, was enjoying a swim with three friends to cool off when he suddenly vanished beneath the water. The incident occurred around 9.30pm yesterday, August 12, near Wat Nang Wang pier in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram. Deputy Inspector Phasaworn Limpaiboon and a rescue team from the Sanprachin Foundation were promptly alerted and rushed to the scene. The location, a construction site along the Maeklong River, posed significant challenges for the rescue team. Friends of Hen Min Ko Ko pointed out the exact spot where he had gone under, approximately 80 metres from the shore. The Maeklong River, with a depth of about 12 metres, is known for its cold and swift currents, which complicated the search efforts. Rescue divers from various foundations, including Ratchanunuson Foundation and Prachanukul Foundation from Ratchaburi, joined the search, bringing the total number of rescuers to over ten. Despite their best efforts, the strong and increasing currents, due to the changing tide, made the search extremely difficult and ultimately led to the operation being called off at 1.10am. The team plans to resume the search this morning, hoping for calmer waters. Myanmar translator Yatem-oh recounted the events leading up to the incident. Hen Min Ko Ko and his friends had been jumping into the river from the bridge’s central pillar to beat the heat. Tragically, Hen Min Ko Ko became exhausted and sank before his friends’ eyes. They immediately called for help from those on the shore, prompting an urgent response from the rescue teams. One of his friends revealed Hen Min Ko Ko was swimming with them and suddenly disappeared. “We tried to find him, but the water was too strong.” The Maeklong River, known for its rapid currents, posed a significant danger to the rescue mission. The authorities had to carefully navigate the risks of the fast-flowing water, which hindered their ability to locate Hen Min Ko Ko. The rescue teams are hopeful that the calmer conditions in the morning will aid in their efforts to find the missing young man, reported Khaosod. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Tourism authority of Thailand official website Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man caught for Bangkok rape after 3 week-manhunt - video Photo via PPTV HD Police arrested a Thai man who evaded capture for three weeks after raping a 59 year old woman at an apartment in the Srinakarin neighbourhood of Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335394-thai-man-caught-for-bangkok-rape-after-3-week-manhunt-video/

Police arrested a Thai man who evaded capture for three weeks after raping a 59 year old woman at an apartment in the Srinakarin neighbourhood of Bangkok. The suspect, 38 year old Surapong, also known as Bang Pakchong, escaped arrest after sexually assaulting the victim on July 23. Surapong reportedly sneaked into the victim’s apartment and placed a pillow over her face. Surapong demanded that the victim reveal where she kept her valuables and she complied with his order. However, Surapong was not interested in the assets. He threatened the victim with a knife and ordered her to remove her clothes. Surapong then applied coconut oil to her body and sexually assaulted her for over two hours. He also told the victim that he liked her and watched her for a long time. By Petch Petpailin Photo via PPTV HD Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Technician crushed to death while repairing lift at Bangkok airport Photo via Matichon A technician, believed to be a Thai national, tragically lost his life today while repairing a lift at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335393-technician-crushed-to-death-while-repairing-lift-at-bangkok-airport/

A technician, believed to be a Thai national, tragically lost his life today while repairing a lift at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. The technician’s death was reported today, August 13, by several Thai news agencies. It was stated that he was conducting repairs at the bottom of the lift within a domestic passenger terminal of Suvarnabhumi Airport when the lift car descended and crushed him. Images shared by the media showed the victim’s body at the bottom of the elevator. The lift was cordoned off with yellow boards to prevent others from entering the scene until police could investigate the cause of the incident. Airport officials are planning to contact the deceased’s family to inform them of the tragic news. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Prime Minister's Secretary General Attends Court Hearing on Behalf of PM File photo for reference only The Secretary General, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, is slated to represent the Prime Minister at a Constitutional Court hearing tomorrow. The issue at hand is whether the Prime Minister inappropriately appointed a former lawyer, previously jailed for contempt of court regarding an alleged bribe attempt, to his cabinet. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335388-prime-ministers-secretary-general-attends-court-hearing-on-behalf-of-pm/

The Secretary General, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej, is slated to represent the Prime Minister at a Constitutional Court hearing tomorrow. The issue at hand is whether the Prime Minister inappropriately appointed a former lawyer, previously jailed for contempt of court regarding an alleged bribe attempt, to his cabinet. This decision could potentially unseat Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Prime Minister stated that the reason Dr. Prommin will attend in his place is down to his demanding agenda. When questioned about his commitments for the next day, he admitted his memory was hazy but reiterated his schedule was loaded. The trigger of these legal proceedings was a petition by a group of senators. They allege that the Prime Minister contravened the constitution when he appointed Pichit Chuenban, a long-time lawyer for the Shinawatra family. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-13 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Paris Olympics Ends, Los Angeles Prepares for 2028 Games File photo for reference only The Paris 2024 Olympics successfully ended its 19-day sports event and moved the focus to Los Angeles, the upcoming host for the 2028 Games. The Grand Finale at the Stade de France featured Hollywood star Tom Cruise, with musical performances by Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335306-paris-olympics-ends-los-angeles-prepares-for-2028-games/

The Paris 2024 Olympics successfully ended its 19-day sports event and moved the focus to Los Angeles, the upcoming host for the 2028 Games. The Grand Finale at the Stade de France featured Hollywood star Tom Cruise, with musical performances by Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg. The Games, which kicked off on July 26, saw about 10,500 athletes from 206 teams participate in 329 events in 32 different sports. The games were held amidst the iconic landmarks of Paris. An impressive 125 Olympic and 32 world records were broken during this course. The closing ceremony on August 11 was a grand affair, filled with cultural performances and a parade of athletes. French President Emmanuel Macron and other important officials attended the ceremony. A significant gesture of handing over the Olympic flag from Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to IOC President Thomas Bach, and then to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, marked the shift of venue to Los Angeles. This was accompanied by a preview of the LA28 Games featuring an animated sequence of Tom Cruise skydiving to the Hollywood sign. The United States led the final medal count, followed by China, Japan, and Australia. Thailand also made its mark with one gold, three silver, and two bronze medals. With the Paris 2024 Games ending on a high note, the stage is now set for the Paralympics, which will be held in Paris from August 28 to September 8. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fight Breaks Out Between Tourists and Local Workers on Karon Beach File photo for reference only A photograph sparked online controversy today when it depicted a physical fight involving Indian tourists and local umbrella handlers at Karon Beach in Phuket. The image, which showed the locals throwing punches, was posted on a popular social media page and quickly went viral, creating a flurry of reactions from internet users. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335305-fight-breaks-out-between-tourists-and-local-workers-on-karon-beach/

A photograph sparked online controversy today when it depicted a physical fight involving Indian tourists and local umbrella handlers at Karon Beach in Phuket. The image, which showed the locals throwing punches, was posted on a popular social media page and quickly went viral, creating a flurry of reactions from internet users. Users left a variety of comments on the post. Some blamed the free visa program for lowering the caliber of tourists. One user ironically stated, "It was fierce in my hometown," while another one said, "Slap them until they fall." The focus then shifted to the behavior of the Indian tourists. One user commended their outfits and noted their direct experience working with tourists. However, despite the heated online debate, many played down the incident, describing it as just a regular fight. When the Karon Police Station was contacted for further information, officials confirmed that neither party involved had filed any formal complaints or pursued legal action at this time. The photograph and its sudden popularity have brought attention to ongoing issues regarding tourist behavior and local discontent in popular tourist hotspots such as Phuket. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman fatally hit by car at pedestrian crosswalk in Chiang Mai File photo for reference only A heartbreaking accident took place in Chiang Mai when a 56-year-old woman was hit by a car while crossing a pedestrian crosswalk, leading to her death. The accident occurred yesterday near the Mae Krua Market in the Mae Faek Mai neighborhood of San Sai district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335304-woman-fatally-hit-by-car-at-pedestrian-crosswalk-in-chiang-mai/

A heartbreaking accident took place in Chiang Mai when a 56-year-old woman was hit by a car while crossing a pedestrian crosswalk, leading to her death. The accident occurred yesterday near the Mae Krua Market in the Mae Faek Mai neighborhood of San Sai district. Local police received the incident report, which took place the day prior, involving a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle near a crosswalk close to the Mae Khrua Market. Emergency first responders from Mae Faek also arrived at the scene promptly. The car involved in the accident was a silver Toyota sedan registered in Chiang Mai. The vehicle's front was severely damaged, including a broken windshield. The victim, found on the car's top without a pulse and with an easily seen broken right arm, received immediate CPR from the responders. She was then quickly taken to San Sai Hospital, where she subsequently died from her injuries. The deceased, known as Isaree or Jae La, owned a grocery store in Chiang Mai city. The sedan's driver stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with the police. A friend of Isaree revealed that they had departed from Chiang Mai City at 5 am for a spiritual trip to Phrao District, with nearly 20 people traveling in two vans. Their trip started at 7 am from Doi Wiang Temple, concluding at Mae Pang Temple after visiting a total of nine temples. They were expecting to be back at their Chiang Mai city lodgings by around 1 pm. On reaching the accident area, the group got off to cross the road at the crosswalk to shop at the Mae Khrua Market. One vehicle had already stopped to allow them to cross, and as Isaree dashed across, a car in the right lane fatally struck her. It is thought that she presumed it was safe to cross after the first car halted. The local residents have requested an overhead crosswalk or installment of pedestrian traffic lights to ensure greater safety at road crossings, as hundreds of pedestrians use the busy six-lanes road daily. Otherwise, it was suggested to set pedestrian light timings at intervals of either five or ten minutes. However, concerns were raised that people might still cross the road at ground level, regardless of an overhead crosswalk. Despite previously putting up signs indicating drivers maintain under 50 kilometers per hour within their community area by the Mae Khrua subdistrict municipality, the pedestrian crosswalk continues to be a safety threat to area shoppers. Locals are calling on the Department of Highways and other relevant bodies to promptly address these safety concerns to prevent future accidents from occurring. In the meantime, the police investigators from Mae Faek Police Station have reached out to the deceased's family, on their way to both the police station and the forensic department of Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. Further discussions with the parties involved are expected to occur. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

RTP Warns of Surge in Fake Government Websites Photo: NNT BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has issued a warning about an increase in fake government websites that are designed to deceive the public. RTP Deputy Spokesperson Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor highlighted a concerning trend where fraudsters misuse the “.go.th” domain extension, which is formally designated for government agencies. Scammers cleverly place this domain extension at the end of URLs to create a false sense of authenticity, misleading internet users. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335301-rtp-warns-of-surge-in-fake-government-websites/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has issued a warning about an increase in fake government websites that are designed to deceive the public. RTP Deputy Spokesperson Pol Maj Gen Siriwat Deepor highlighted a concerning trend where fraudsters misuse the “.go.th” domain extension, which is formally designated for government agencies. Scammers cleverly place this domain extension at the end of URLs to create a false sense of authenticity, misleading internet users. To help the public distinguish between genuine and fraudulent websites, the RTP has released a guide on verifying web domains. According to the guide, a legitimate government website will have the “.go.th” directly following the hostname and before any forward slashes in the URL. For example, the correct format would be “https://www.royalthaipolice.go.th.” Further efforts to combat these fraudulent activities include collaboration between the RTP and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) to shut down these fake sites through court orders and to prosecute those responsible. Individuals who believe they have been victims of such scams are encouraged to report their experiences online at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th or via the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau's (CIB) 24-hour hotline at 1441. Photo: NNT Source: NNT 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman uninjured after BMW hits power pole Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post official website A dramatic car accident in Nakhon Ratchasima saw a woman escape uninjured after her new BMW veered off a curve and struck a power pole in Phimai district early yesterday morning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335300-woman-uninjured-after-bmw-hits-power-pole/

A dramatic car accident in Nakhon Ratchasima saw a woman escape uninjured after her new BMW veered off a curve and struck a power pole in Phimai district early yesterday morning. The incident took place on Phimai-Chumphuang Road in Tambon Rangka Yai at 6.49am, yesterday, August 11. CCTV footage revealed the white BMW, still bearing red plates, approaching the curve at high speed. Sparks flew as the car’s undercarriage scraped the tarmac before it spun out of control and collided with a roadside power pole. The 39 year old, driver, a resident of Tambon Rangka Yai, Orakan Petsamrit, was found unscathed but visibly shaken. Eyewitnesses on the scene confirmed her condition and transported her to Phimai Hospital for a precautionary check-up. Police have not yet conducted a formal interview with Orakan to ascertain the precise cause of the crash, reported Bangkok Post. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post official website Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Photo of tourist at Thai temple sparks online debate Picture courtesy of Kirandeep Singh Walia from pexels.com A photograph posted by the well-known influencer Toffee, known as Toffee the Computer Repairing Ladyboy, sparked a heated debate online. The image, taken at the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, shows a tourist stepping on a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, leading to widespread criticism on social media. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335299-photo-of-tourist-at-thai-temple-sparks-online-debate/

A photograph posted by the well-known influencer Toffee, known as Toffee the Computer Repairing Ladyboy, sparked a heated debate online. The image, taken at the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, shows a tourist stepping on a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, leading to widespread criticism on social media. The controversy divided opinions. Some believe the foreign tourist’s behaviour is inappropriate and fear it could bring misfortune. Others, however, understand that cultural differences and the placement of the replica could lead to misunderstandings. They suggest that the temple or relevant government officials hold a meeting to discuss preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future. Toffee recently addressed the uproar on their page, explaining that the image in question was taken two years ago, today. They clarified that the photo resurfaced because a friend tagged them in it, inviting them to visit the temple again, which led to its viral resurgence amidst ongoing social media criticism. It remains to be seen how the temple will respond to the situation. “It’s an old photo from two years ago. My page followers pointed out why someone was standing behind the replica.” Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located in Chiang Mai, is one of the country’s most revered temples, attracting numerous visitors annually. The Buddha’s footprint is a significant religious symbol, and any perceived disrespect can lead to strong reactions from the public. One commenter suggested that the temple or relevant government officials should organise a meeting to discuss preventive measures to avoid such incidents. While the tourist’s actions may have been inadvertent, they have highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and signage to educate visitors on appropriate behaviour. This could help prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that such sacred spaces are respected by all who visit, reported Khaosod. By Sarishti Arora Picture courtesy of Kirandeep Singh Walia from pexels.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman Hospitalized for Self-Harm Following Rental Disagreement in Phuket File photo for reference only A 35-year-old woman was sent to the hospital after she was found with self-imposed knife injuries in a minor guest house in Patong, Phuket. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335296-woman-hospitalized-for-self-harm-following-rental-disagreement-in-phuket/

A 35-year-old woman was sent to the hospital after she was found with self-imposed knife injuries in a minor guest house in Patong, Phuket. The police were called to a hotel on Phra Mettha Road at nearly 7 am on August 11. When they got there, they found the woman in a bed suffering from stab wounds to her belly and a slash on her neck. There was noticeable blood all over the place and a blood-soaked knife close by. The person in charge of the building, who saw the incident, stated that the argument started when she talked to the woman and her boyfriend about pending rental payments. The boyfriend said that he had given the rent money to the woman, but it had not been paid yet. The disagreement intensified and the woman allegedly used a knife to stab herself in the abdomen and slash her neck, according to the building manager. Emergency medical workers from the Patong Kusoldharm Foundation delivered initial medical assistance and took the woman to Patong Hospital for further treatment. She is still being cared for in the hospital while the police pursue their investigation into the incident. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mother's Day sees jasmine flower shortage and price hike File photo for reference only This Mother's Day saw a rise in the price of local jasmine flowers and a decrease in their availability due to varying weather conditions. Florists in Khon Kaen, who usually trade at the Thetsabarn 1 Fresh Market, have been importing jasmine flowers from Indonesia because they are cheaper. Notably, Noorian, a 65-year-old florist, stated that persistent rainfall has disrupted the flowering of local jasmines this year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335294-mothers-day-sees-jasmine-flower-shortage-and-price-hike/

This Mother's Day saw a rise in the price of local jasmine flowers and a decrease in their availability due to varying weather conditions. Florists in Khon Kaen, who usually trade at the Thetsabarn 1 Fresh Market, have been importing jasmine flowers from Indonesia because they are cheaper. Notably, Noorian, a 65-year-old florist, stated that persistent rainfall has disrupted the flowering of local jasmines this year. The Thai jasmine flowers, instead of their regular price of 1500 baht per kg, are getting hard to find," said Noorian. "In contrast, the Indonesian jasmine flowers are available for 1000 baht/kg." Malasri, an 82-year-old garland maker, said she's had to substitute jasmine with white flowers like Dok Pud buds due to a shortage of local supply. Jasmine flowers, recognized for their white petals and long-lasting scent, are a symbol of Mother's Day. During off-peak periods, their price typically ranges between 300 and 600 baht per kg depending on their size. This year, however, the prices have shot up to four times the usual, with a kg of jasmine in Nakhon Ratchasima selling between 2400 to 2600 baht. In line with the Mother's Day celebrations today, Chai Wacharonke, a government spokesperson, has encouraged the public to partake in festivities at Sanam Luang. The day's activities will include giving alms to 193 monks and novices at 7:30 AM and a birthday ceremony for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother at 7:19 PM. Similar celebrations will be held at city halls across the country. Additionally, well-wishers may submit their messages for Her Majesty through the Bureau of the Royal Household's website until tomorrow. File photo for reference only -- 2024-08-12 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe