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Pattaya Mayor Calls for Road Painting at Night to Ease Daytime Traffic Photo via The Pattaya News Mayor Poramase Ngamphichet of Pattaya implemented a directive to repaint road markings and traffic symbols on Sukhumvit Road. The initiative, carried out on the night of July 10, 2024, primarily aimed to reduce traffic issues during the day. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332717-pattaya-mayor-calls-for-road-painting-at-night-to-ease-daytime-traffic/

Mayor Poramase Ngamphichet of Pattaya implemented a directive to repaint road markings and traffic symbols on Sukhumvit Road. The initiative, carried out on the night of July 10, 2024, primarily aimed to reduce traffic issues during the day. Officials noticed work on the markings and symbols near the Pattaya Central Underpass on Sukhumvit Road. The mayor orchestrated this plan to enhance visibility for drivers, thereby cutting down on road accidents. More preferably, Mr. Poramase had the work executed at night due to less traffic, minimizing road disruptions. This repainting is part of a large scale effort by the Pattaya administration to boost road safety and smoothen traffic flow across the city, reported by The Pattaya News. Photo via The Pattaya News -- 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Senior Military Officers' Early Retirement Plan Gets Approved File photo for reference only The government has approved an early retirement scheme for senior military officers. This scheme will encourage them to retire by offering a retirement incentive of 7 to 10 times their final monthly salary. The initiative will be put into action over the next three years and targets officers who hold the rank of colonel and higher, according to Deputy Government Spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332716-senior-military-officers-early-retirement-plan-gets-approved/

The government has approved an early retirement scheme for senior military officers. This scheme will encourage them to retire by offering a retirement incentive of 7 to 10 times their final monthly salary. The initiative will be put into action over the next three years and targets officers who hold the rank of colonel and higher, according to Deputy Government Spokeswoman Kenika Ounjit. This move is set to kick off this month, with all retirement procedures expected to be completed by the end of September. It's part of an attempt to cut down and improve operational efficiency within the military. The Defense Ministry plans to encourage 732 officers to take early retirement between 2025 and 2027, averaging out to about 244 officers each year. They estimate this reduction could potentially save the ministry 4.48 billion baht from their budget. This offer is open to officers with ranks from captain to colonel. They should be over 50 years old and have served for at least 25 years, with a minimum of two years left before their normal retirement date. The Ministry has set aside 600 million baht for this scheme, spreading the cost across three years, at about 200 million baht each year. The Defense Council agreed on this reduction plan in March. It's part of a strategic plan for fiscal years 2025-2027. Currently, there are over 700 military generals who act as specialists but do not hold significant positions. The aim is to reduce this number down to about 380 by the year 2027. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Final Warning Issued by NBTC for SIM Card Verification File photo for reference only The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has given a final notice to individuals owning six to 100 SIM cards, asking them to verify their identities by July 13. If they don't, they will no longer be able to make outgoing calls or send text messages. As of June 30, out of roughly 3.98 million SIM cards affected by this rule, just over 1.63 million have been verified, leaving more than 2.3 million still to be checked. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332713-final-warning-issued-by-nbtc-for-sim-card-verification/

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has given a final notice to individuals owning six to 100 SIM cards, asking them to verify their identities by July 13. If they don't, they will no longer be able to make outgoing calls or send text messages. As of June 30, out of roughly 3.98 million SIM cards affected by this rule, just over 1.63 million have been verified, leaving more than 2.3 million still to be checked. NBTC's Acting Secretary-General, Trairat Viriyasirikul, stated that the new regulations require those having more than five SIM cards to register their identities, either at service centers or through a specific mobile app. The rules affect two groups: those owning between six and 100 SIM cards and those having more than 100. The latter group had a deadline until February 14 to adhere to the verification process. If any SIM card owners don't meet the verification deadlines, their services will be suspended, and they'll have a month to confirm their identities. If they can't do this within that time, their SIM cards will be permanently deactivated. The toughest measures are aimed at the second group who are thought more likely to use their SIM cards for fraudulent activities. As of the February cut-off date, more than 1 million SIM cards from this group were suspended due to non-compliance. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai People Support the Reclassification of Marijuana as a Narcotic Substance File photo for reference only The Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsutin, confirmed that a recent poll affirms most Thai citizens are in favor of designating marijuana as a drug due to the concerns regarding its effect on youngsters. Approximately 100,000 participants took part in a June 11 to 25 survey. The survey was part of a public opinion process concerning the plan to include marijuana and hemp in the Category 5 Drugs list. More than 80% of those polled showed their support for the plan. The plan will soon enter the review process by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332711-thai-people-support-the-reclassification-of-marijuana-as-a-narcotic-substance/

The Minister of Public Health, Somsak Thepsutin, confirmed that a recent poll affirms most Thai citizens are in favor of designating marijuana as a drug due to the concerns regarding its effect on youngsters. Approximately 100,000 participants took part in a June 11 to 25 survey. The survey was part of a public opinion process concerning the plan to include marijuana and hemp in the Category 5 Drugs list. More than 80% of those polled showed their support for the plan. The plan will soon enter the review process by the Narcotics Control Board (NCB). Once the plan gets the green light, the Public Health Ministry will establish rules to officially enlist marijuana and hemp as Category 5 drugs. It is projected this could come into effect on the first day of next year. This would reverse a decision made by the previous government which delisted these substances as drugs. The earlier decision had been fueled by advocacy for the substances' usage in medical and agricultural contexts. The proposed rules will particularly criminalize cannabis buds and the components of the plant with more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while approving other parts like branches, leaves, roots, and seeds for medical usage as directed by physicians. Nevertheless, the Thailand Cannabis Future Network has opposed this reclassification. They voiced concerns that the change could lead to market dominance by those closely tied to the ruling party and that it would curtail recreational use. The Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, warned the Public Health Ministry to brace for investigations regarding this changed stance, especially in light of the prior decision to decriminalize the substances. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Food Enthusiasts in the US Stand A Chance to Win a Trip to Thailand File photo for reference only The Thai Trade Centre in New York has launched a campaign to encourage US residents to share their love for Thai food on social media. Participants stand a chance to win a trip to Thailand valued at up to $5,000. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332710-thai-food-enthusiasts-in-the-us-stand-a-chance-to-win-a-trip-to-thailand/

The Thai Trade Centre in New York has launched a campaign to encourage US residents to share their love for Thai food on social media. Participants stand a chance to win a trip to Thailand valued at up to $5,000. The campaign, named "Love Thai Food, Eat Thai Rice", is designed to promote Thai Hom Mali Rice in the US market. This is being done through the social media handle @EatThaiRice. The campaign is initiated by the Director of the Thai Trade Centre, Ketsuree Vijaranakorn. She is enthusiastic to introduce Thai Hom Mali Rice to the US market. She acknowledges the widespread appreciation for Thai food in America. Ketsuree stated that their objective is to reach new people and teach them about the various qualities and unique properties of Thai rice. She hopes that this campaign will raise consumer awareness about the diverse and rich flavors of Thai food and Thai rice. Winners of the campaign will be awarded a package that includes a trip for two to Thailand, an airfare credit of $2,000, and a two-night stay, with dinner for two. Additionally, the winners will get a round trip to Hua Hin, with a two-night stay, including a Thai dinner for two. Participants who wish to join the contest will need to follow official social media accounts @EatThaiRice on Instagram and Facebook by July 28th. They are required to post a photo or video cooking a Thai rice dish or enjoying Thai rice at a restaurant. To be eligible, entrants must include the hashtag #EatThaiRice in their caption and tag a friend. Winners will be named on August 1 via the @EatThaiRice Instagram and Facebook accounts. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

SRT Starts Train Route from Bangkok to Vientiane on July 19th File photo for reference only The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is ready to inaugurate its first train service from Bangkok to Vientiane next Friday. This is confronting an issue as their online ticket booking system crashed today, within hours of its launch at 9am. As a result, people who want to use the new train service have to visit the train stations to book their tickets. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332709-srt-starts-train-route-from-bangkok-to-vientiane-on-july-19th/

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is ready to inaugurate its first train service from Bangkok to Vientiane next Friday. This is confronting an issue as their online ticket booking system crashed today, within hours of its launch at 9am. As a result, people who want to use the new train service have to visit the train stations to book their tickets. The service offers three types of tickets for the passengers. A single trip costs 281 baht in the 3rd class, 574 baht in the 2nd class with air conditioning, and for the sleeper class, upper bunk costs 784 baht while lower bunk costs 874 baht. The train is scheduled to depart from the Bang Sue terminal at 9.25 pm and reach Nong Khai province by 7.55 am the next day. The train will halt for about 40 minutes for immigration procedures, after which it will resume its journey to Vientiane, expected to arrive by 9.05 am. The SRT informed that passengers will have to go through immigration checks twice, once at Nong Khai station and again at Vientiane Khamsavath station. For passengers aiming to board the Chinese high-speed train traveling to Kunming, they will have to take a trip to the respective train station located about 16km away from Vientiane Khamsavath station. In a separate development, people traveling in Laos can now make payments using the Bank of Ayudhya app instead of cash for different transactions. Moreover, by the year-end, they will also be able to make transactions through applications of Bangkok Bank, Krung Thai, and Kasikorn bank. File photo for reference only -- 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai prisoner demands justice after fellow inmates raped him in jail Photo via Police Wives Association A Thai prisoner urged the Lawyers Council of Thailand Under the Royal Patronage to help him seek justice after two fellow inmates tricked him into taking a sleeping pill and raped him. The incident led the victim to repeatedly attempt suicide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332705-thai-prisoner-demands-justice-after-fellow-inmates-raped-him-in-jail/

A Thai prisoner urged the Lawyers Council of Thailand Under the Royal Patronage to help him seek justice after two fellow inmates tricked him into taking a sleeping pill and raped him. The incident led the victim to repeatedly attempt suicide. The story gained public interest after a Thai lawyer, Nitithorn Kaewto, shared it on Facebook yesterday, July 10. According to the lawyer, the sexual assault occurred on January 7 at Bang Kwang Central Prison in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. The two alleged rapists added a sleeping pill to a coffee and tricked the victim into drinking it. They then sexually assaulted him at night, as the three were imprisoned in the same cell, separate from the rest of the prisoners. The rape was reported to a prison guard, who filed a complaint with Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station on behalf of the imprisoned victim. However, the case went nowhere. The victim tried to end his life multiple times because other inmates later learned of the sexual assault and bullied him. Fortunately, prison guards intervened in time to prevent his suicide attempts. The victim decided to seek help from the Lawyers Council by submitting a document to them in April. After consideration by the council president and the human rights sub-committee, a team of lawyers was formed to help the victim. The legal team recently met with officers from Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station to follow up on the case. The police claimed that a lack of officers caused the delay. However, the prison guards had already punished the alleged rapists after the incident. The legal team planned to contact relevant authorities to rehabilitate the victim and implement measures to prevent bullying in the prison. The lawyer pointed out a suspicious element in the case, questioning how the alleged rapists obtained the sleeping pill and whether it was indeed a sleeping pill or another drug. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Police Wives Association Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok taxi rider’s suspicion leads to discovery of passenger’s body Photo via Channel 3 A Thai motorcycle taxi rider tragically discovered the lifeless body of a regular customer on a camp bed in his apartment room after the man had been missing in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332703-bangkok-taxi-rider’s-suspicion-leads-to-discovery-of-passenger’s-body/

A Thai motorcycle taxi rider tragically discovered the lifeless body of a regular customer on a camp bed in his apartment room after the man had been missing in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok. The body of 53 year old Thaweechai was found on a camp bed in his apartment in Soi Suksawat 70, Phrapradaeng district, Samut Prakan province, on July 10. It is estimated that Thaweechai had been dead for at least 15 days before his body was found. Officers from Phrapradaeng Police Station investigated the scene and determined that Thaweechai’s death was due to a congenital disease, as there were no signs of struggle or physical assault. No visible wounds were present on his body apart from a bandage around his left ankle. His body was transferred to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok for an autopsy. The motorcycle taxi rider, Kwanchai Somalee, was the first person to find the body. Kwanchai explained that he was not close to the deceased but lived in the same apartment building and he was his regular passenger, usually taking him to a hospital and a nearby market. Kwanchai said he last saw Thaweechai two weeks before the discovery of his body. He decided to check on him due to suspicion over his disappearance, coupled with an unpleasant smell in the apartment. Kwanchai entered Thaweechai’s room with a maid of the apartment using a spare key and found his body. The taxi rider agreed with the police that Thaweechai died of his congenital disease because he had noticed a swollen belly, a symptom of the condition. However, he did not expect the disease to be fatal. Thaweechai’s neighbour, Teerapong Niruengrom, told Channel 3 that he lived next to Thaweechai’s room but did not smell anything. He had been working in another province for an extended period and did not notice Thaweechai’s disappearance. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 3 Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Missing hiker found safe after seven days in Phu Soi Dao Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A tourist who went missing for seven days after hiking Phu Soi Dao has been found in good health. The 27 year old missing tourist reunited with his family, who embraced him in tears of joy. He is currently under medical observation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332701-missing-hiker-found-safe-after-seven-days-in-phu-soi-dao/

A tourist who went missing for seven days after hiking Phu Soi Dao has been found in good health. The 27 year old missing tourist reunited with his family, who embraced him in tears of joy. He is currently under medical observation. Thanwarit Matima was reported missing after he registered with Phu Soi Dao National Park officials on July 4 to hike and enjoy the natural scenery and mist in the rainy season. After registration, he failed to confirm his arrival at the designated area by 5.30pm the same day, prompting officials to initiate a search operation. His belongings, including a grey-black bag, a notebook, a pair of sneakers, and some snacks, were found near a trail at Nern Song Yat, approximately 50 metres into the forest from where his bag was located. The search effort included national park officials, volunteers, trekkers, porters, and tracking dogs, as well as a helicopter from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Despite these efforts, Thanyawit remained missing for seven days. This morning at 7am, Farut, the head of Phu Soi Dao National Park, was informed by the owner of a local eatery, Nong Miao Food, that a person resembling the missing tourist had walked into the restaurant, appearing exhausted. Upon verification, it was confirmed to be Thanwarit. Officials immediately notified his parents and family, who rushed to the scene and embraced him, tears streaming down their faces, reported KhaoSod. Due to his exhausted and shivering state, officials promptly provided Thanwarit with a meal of fried rice with eggs. Farut mentioned that there had been no opportunity to question Thanwarit about his ordeal due to his weakened condition. Officials prioritised feeding him and then transported him to Chat Trakan Hospital in Phitsanulok for a thorough health check-up. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Senior officer arrested for aiding fraud and fake ID issuance Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police apprehended Lieutenant Colonel M. at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters for aiding state officials in committing fraud and facilitating the issuance of fake identification cards to foreign nationals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332700-senior-officer-arrested-for-aiding-fraud-and-fake-id-issuance/

Police apprehended Lieutenant Colonel M. at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters for aiding state officials in committing fraud and facilitating the issuance of fake identification cards to foreign nationals. Today, July 11, Phumwisal Kasemsuk, Secretary-General of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), directed Manatsanan Charancharoenpong, Director of PACC Region 3, along with Police Lieutenant Colonel Sarawut Kamlueng, Director of the Anti-Corruption Operations Centre, officers from Division 2 of the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), and officers from Division 3 of the Anti-Corruption Police Division (ACPD) to arrest Lieutenant Colonel M. The arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued by the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court, dated February 15, for supporting state officials in committing fraud. The investigation stems from incidents in 2019 where Lieutenant Colonel M. endorsed individuals who fraudulently obtained Thai identification cards at the Registration Office in Nong Bua Rawe district, Chaiyaphum province. These individuals, who were not Thai nationals, impersonated Thai citizens whose records had been inactive for a long period. The PACC Region 3 office conducted a fact-finding investigation, which led the PACC committee to conclude that there was sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. Subsequently, the public prosecutor filed charges, but Lieutenant Colonel M. failed to appear before the prosecutor as scheduled, prompting the issuance of the arrest warrant, reported KhaoSod. Police apprehended the suspect at the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters in Chom Phon subdistrict, Chatuchak district, Bangkok, on July 10. The suspect will be transferred to the Region 3 Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Court to face legal proceedings. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s EV 3.0 policy faces major oversupply challenges Image: Xinhua/South China Morning Post The Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) issued a cautionary note to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, alerting them to the potential for a significant oversupply of EVs in the coming years. This warning arises from the production requirements stipulated under the EV 3.0 policy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332698-thailand’s-ev-30-policy-faces-major-oversupply-challenges/

The Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) issued a cautionary note to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, alerting them to the potential for a significant oversupply of EVs in the coming years. This warning arises from the production requirements stipulated under the EV 3.0 policy. This policy, which has been previously lauded for encouraging domestic EV production, offers import tax exemptions and other subsidies to EV manufacturers. However, it also mandates a production ratio of 1:1 for imported to locally produced EVs in 2024, and a 1:1.5 ratio in 2025. EVAT President Krisda Utamote highlighted the implications of this policy today. “It is estimated that by 2025 EV makers will need to produce 180,000 units to offset the imports… with the low purchasing power in the Thai market, automakers will need to seek out secondary markets to distribute their products or risk suffering losses from oversupply.” Krisda estimated that the total demand for EVs in the Thai market is around 600,000 units, while the combined production capacity of the seven EV manufacturers in Thailand is approximately 490,000 units. If these factories operate at full capacity, production will surpass 60% of the total demand, potentially leading to an oversupply. To mitigate this risk, Krisda advised the National Electric Vehicle Board to consider measures such as urging financial institutions to relax loan requirements, thereby enabling more consumers to purchase EVs. The Excise Department projects that about 185,029 EVs will be imported under the EV 3.0 policy. This includes 84,195 EVs previously imported in 2022 to 2023, and 66,448 in 2024. An estimated 34,386 units are set to be imported in 2025. The top five companies expected to import the most EVs between 2022 and 2025 are Rever Automotive (77,247 units), Neta Auto (40,837), MG Sales (27,186), Great Wall Motor Manufacturing (24,225), and EV Primus (8,493). To date, the department has disbursed subsidies for the importation of around 40,000 EVs from a total of 75,000 units. It is now preparing to request a budget of 7 billion baht from the Cabinet to subsidise the remaining imports. Manufacturers who fail to meet the required domestic production ratios to offset their imports will face penalties, including the return of subsidies and fines amounting to twice the value of the exempted import taxes, reported The Nation. By Ryan Turner Image: Xinhua/South China Morning Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Japanese tourists to flock to Thailand despite economic woes Photo courtesy of The Nation To revive tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled dynamic strategies to draw Japanese tourists back to the Land of Smiles. Despite the yen’s depreciation, TAT Tokyo Office Director Kajorndet Apichartrakul remains optimistic about reversing the deficit in tourist numbers with Japan. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332697-japanese-tourists-to-flock-to-thailand-despite-economic-woes/

To revive tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) unveiled dynamic strategies to draw Japanese tourists back to the Land of Smiles. Despite the yen’s depreciation, TAT Tokyo Office Director Kajorndet Apichartrakul remains optimistic about reversing the deficit in tourist numbers with Japan. Last year, 995,000 Thai tourists visited Japan, while only 804,000 Japanese tourists came to Thailand, resulting in a nearly 200,000-person shortfall. Citing the yen’s decline as an unintentional attraction for Thai tourists, Kajorndet emphasised the need to make Thailand a cost-effective and appealing destination for Japanese visitors. “Despite the higher costs due to the yen’s depreciation, I believe Thailand still provides great value compared to other destinations.” Kajorndet anticipates that Japanese tourist arrivals will normalise by early 2025, though it may take two more years to reach pre-pandemic levels of 1.8 million. The TAT’s 2025 marketing plan will target two major groups: Gen Z and Gen Y tourists who are drawn to Thailand’s pop culture, and niche lifestyle travellers such as young entrepreneurs and mother-and-child pairs. Kajorndet stressed the importance of demonstrating that Thailand is not just a golf haven for older tourists but a vibrant, youth-friendly destination. Increased flight routes between the two countries bolster recovery prospects. Airlines like Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia X are adding more flights, including a direct route to Nagoya and a potential reopening of the Sendai route. Kajorndet noted that promoting tourism in both directions is crucial, as airlines depend on mutual passenger volumes to sustain routes. The TAT projects that by next year, Thailand could welcome at least 1.1 million Japanese tourists, a 10% increase from this year. This influx is expected to restore Thailand’s surplus in tourist arrivals from Japan, balancing the overall tourism outlook between the two nations, reported The Nation. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-11 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreign man smashes car window and tries to assault Lao man Photo via Channel 3 A Laotian businessman demanded that a foreigner in the Isaan province of Udon Thani take responsibility for smashing his car window and attempting to punch him in the face. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1332134-foreign-man-smashes-car-window-and-tries-to-assault-lao-man/