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A drastic 50% drop in the number of European tourists visiting the Koh Kut district in Trat has been witnessed this year, as reported by the chairman of the Koh Kut administrative organisation. The chairman, who also operates a resort on the island, revealed that around 160,000 to 170,000 tourists visited the district last year, contributing to a revenue of hundreds of millions of baht. The district is well-known for its picturesque islands of Koh Kut and Koh Mak. This year, Koh Kut saw approximately 100,000 visitors, marking the highest visitation since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This resurgence in tourism was partially attributed to the relaxation of travel restrictions from the mainland to the island. Despite the rise in domestic tourism, a significant decline was observed in foreign tourist numbers, especially from Europe. The downturn persisted even in October, typically a peak period for foreign tourist influx. The decrease in numbers was especially noticeable in the hospitality industry, including restaurants and vehicle rental services. The chairman identified potential reasons for this downturn in the number of European tourists, including the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, a recent shooting incident in a Bangkok shopping mall, and escalating tensions between Hamas and Israel. Traditionally, foreign tourists dominate the visitor count in Trat during the colder seasons, while Thai tourists prefer to visit the northern region. However, a surge in domestic tourism is expected as temperatures rise in December. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo: Benoit Lepinay/Flickr Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Paratroopers join manhunt in southern Thailand for escaped convict PHOTO: Thai Rath Paratroopers have joined the ongoing hunt for escaped prisoner Chaovalit Thongduang in the mountains of the southern province of Phattalung. Chaovalit has been on the run since October 22, when he fled the Nakhon Si Thammarat hospital where he’d been receiving dental treatment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312065-paratroopers-join-manhunt-in-southern-thailand-for-escaped-convict/

Paratroopers have joined the ongoing hunt for escaped prisoner Chaovalit Thongduang in the mountains of the southern province of Phattalung. Chaovalit has been on the run since October 22, when he fled the Nakhon Si Thammarat hospital where he’d been receiving dental treatment. Thai PBS World reports that police paratroopers from a base in the central province of Phetchaburi have been deployed to assist in the manhunt. The officers are required to rappel in from helicopters as the terrain is covered in large trees, making it impossible to land there. According to the report, four helicopters are combing the area for the missing prisoner, while also dropping supplies to officers involved in the search. It’s understood there are around 60 officials from the Corrections Department in Surat Thani taking part in the search. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Thai Rath Full story: Phuket GO 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket governor strengthens fight against rising illicit drug use Photo: PR Phuket Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently reinforced the region’s dedication to combating illicit drug activity, asserting that the necessary measures are already in place at the local level to make considerable headway in this battle. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312063-phuket-governor-strengthens-fight-against-rising-illicit-drug-use/

Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat recently reinforced the region’s dedication to combating illicit drug activity, asserting that the necessary measures are already in place at the local level to make considerable headway in this battle. Governor Sophon’s reinforcement came in the wake of the most recent police report highlighting the state of illicit drug use on the streets of Phuket. The report is particularly concerned with the escalating use of e-cigarettes among the younger population of Phuket, as its availability seems to be rampant in schools across the island. Additional data from the report signals a worrying trend of young people not only using but also concocting a more potent and varied form of kratom water. Alongside this, the report mentioned the continued prevalence of other drugs such as methamphetamine, ice, ecstasy, heroin, and cocaine. Despite the grim picture painted by the report, Governor Sophon was swift to highlight that Phuket is equipped with stringent measures to counteract and diminish the issue of illegal drugs. He applauded the ongoing efforts of the police, resulting in regular apprehensions of both dealers and users, which he believes will eventually lead to a decline in the number of offences. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo: PR Phuket Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Multicoloured Umbrella Group seeks sun-soaked justice from governor for beachfront comeback Photo: PR Phuket The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume their trade under the sun. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312062-multicoloured-umbrella-group-seeks-sun-soaked-justice-from-governor-for-beachfront-comeback/

The sandy shores of Phuket reverberated with a plea for help from a collective of former umbrella vendors, now united as the Multicoloured Umbrella Group. Previously engaged in setting up beach umbrellas at Karon, these individuals are now appealing for the intervention of Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat. Their request? A fair reinstatement to their beachfront locations, allowing them to resume their trade under the sun. The petition was formally presented to Governor Sophon at the Provincial Hall on November 10. Led by their representative, Phusita Massuwan, the group is fighting against the policies that are currently in place. As it stands, only a select group of vendors have been permitted to operate within the 10% zone, an area designated for beach-side services. This has left many, including the Multi-Coloured Umbrella Group, without a means of income. The petition submitted by the group highlighted nine key issues, with the most significant being the need for the establishment of their umbrella vendor group. They claim that local leaders and the original group of umbrella vendors failed to adequately inform the villagers of Karon Subdistrict about the creation of umbrella groups in public areas. Feeling sidelined, the Multi-Coloured Umbrella Group is asking for the opportunity to operate as proper, permitted beach bed umbrella vendors. They claim that their umbrellas and beach chairs have been seized and fines issued by village headmen and municipal officials. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo: PR Phuket Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket continues to bank on the ‘Russian revolution’ PHOTO: Russians operating in Phuket “Over 9,000 granted long-stay visas since the start of 2023.” Phuket is experiencing a significant transformation due to an influx of Russian tourists, driving up property prices and sparking local resentment. While Western countries impose sanctions on Russia, Thailand continues to welcome Russian visitors in an effort to revive its tourism industry post-COVID. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312061-phuket-continues-to-bank-on-the-‘russian-revolution’/

“Over 9,000 granted long-stay visas since the start of 2023.” Phuket is experiencing a significant transformation due to an influx of Russian tourists, driving up property prices and sparking local resentment. While Western countries impose sanctions on Russia, Thailand continues to welcome Russian visitors in an effort to revive its tourism industry post-COVID. The Thai government has even extended Russian tourist visas from 30 to 90 days, resulting in almost half a million Russians arriving in Phuket in the first half of the year. Over 9,000 granted long-stay visas. The extension to 90 days for the Russian visa-waiver has not been offered to any other country leaving many westerners to wonder why Russian visitors are being give special preferential visa stays at the moment. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Russians operating in Phuket Full story: Phuket GO 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Global diabetes cases surge with steady rise in Thailand Photo: sahyadrihospital.com Diabetes is on the rise globally with a staggering 537 million people affected, including a steady increase in Thailand averaging 300,000 new cases per year. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) highlighted the risk factors of escalating global diabetes, focusing on family history, obesity, overweight, high waist circumference, and high blood pressure as key elements. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312060-global-diabetes-cases-surge-with-steady-rise-in-thailand/

Diabetes is on the rise globally with a staggering 537 million people affected, including a steady increase in Thailand averaging 300,000 new cases per year. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) highlighted the risk factors of escalating global diabetes, focusing on family history, obesity, overweight, high waist circumference, and high blood pressure as key elements. The IDF designated tomorrow, November 14 as World Diabetes Day and this year, the theme is Diabetes: Know your risk, Know your response. This theme emphasises the importance of understanding the risks associated with diabetes and its complications, stressing the significance of access to information, knowledge, and appropriate care for the general public and at-risk groups. Data from the IDF Diabetes Atlas revealed that there are 537 million diabetics worldwide, with over 90% having type 2 diabetes. Nearly half of these cases remain undiagnosed. It is forecasted that by the year 2030, this number will rise to 643 million, and by 2045, it will increase further to 783 million. Risk factors for global diabetes include a family history of the disease, obesity, overweight, high waist circumference, high blood pressure, a fondness for sweet food, insufficient physical activity, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Prevention can be achieved through behaviour modification, including diversifying one’s diet with a focus on vegetables, fruits, and various whole grains. Reducing sweet, fatty, and salty foods, maintaining regular exercise, ensuring mental well-being, getting sufficient sleep (seven to eight hours per day), and refraining from smoking and drinking alcohol are also recommended. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo: sahyadrihospital.com Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai man jailed for killing Chinese scammer in Cambodia dies in prison Photo via Facebook/ วิเชียร ม่วงสี A Thai man jailed for killing a Chinese member of a call centre scam gang in Cambodia has died in prison. The government was urged to help Thai people lured into working for unscrupulous scam gangs in Southeast Asia. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312058-thai-man-jailed-for-killing-chinese-scammer-in-cambodia-dies-in-prison/

A Thai man jailed for killing a Chinese member of a call centre scam gang in Cambodia has died in prison. The government was urged to help Thai people lured into working for unscrupulous scam gangs in Southeast Asia. The 40 year old mother of the deceased, Boonraem Boonme, travelled from the central province of Sukhothai to the eastern province of Trat to collect the remains of her son, 25 year old Wachirawit Kongthong, who died of pneumonitis on November 6, in a prison in the Kampong Som City in Cambodia, also known as Sihanoukville. Boonraem explained that her son was lured into working for a call centre gang a year earlier. Wachirawit was tortured when he failed to meet his targets. The Chinese gang members reportedly beat him up and attacked him with a stun baton. During the attack, Wachirawit fought back leading to the death of a Chinese gang member. He was arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison. He started suffering the pneumonitis two months ago and died on November 6. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ วิเชียร ม่วงสี Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Teacher’s Death Prompts Government Action BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has vowed to take stringent action following the tragic death of Sirada Sinprasert, a teacher at Sacred Heart Convent School in Bangkok, who was killed by a stray bullet during a violent clash between vocational school students. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311963-khlong-toei-gunfire-leaves-teacher-dead-and-another-critically-wounded/?do=findComment&comment=18500317

Bangkok Teacher’s Death Prompts Government Action BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has vowed to take stringent action following the tragic death of Sirada Sinprasert, a teacher at Sacred Heart Convent School in Bangkok, who was killed by a stray bullet during a violent clash between vocational school students. The incident occurred on November 11 when two unidentified students on a motorcycle opened fire on a university student, inadvertently striking Sirada at an ATM booth. She later passed away due to her injuries at MedPark Hospital. A 19-year-old student was the intended target and sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He is currently in a critical but stable condition at Chulalongkorn Hospital. No arrests have been made so far. Deputy Government Spokesperson Kanika Aunjit expressed the government’s condolences to Sirada’s family and vowed that measures would be implemented to prevent such violent incidents, which frequently involve students from rival vocational schools in Bangkok. The Interior Ministry, in collaboration with the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry, is also set to take urgent steps to ensure public safety and curb student street fights. Sacred Heart Convent School announced that a prayer service for Sirada would be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Suphanburi, and the school would cover all funeral expenses. A public donation drive is being organized to support Sirada’s family. Sirada, who had been with the school since 1996, was the primary supporter of her aged parents and her late brother’s children. By Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

School Mourns Loss of Teacher Killed in Klong Toey Shooting BANGKOK, Nov 13 (TNA) – Sacred Heart Convent School on Monday held a prayer ceremony to mourn the loss of “Teacher Jeab,” an innocent victim in the recent shooting in Klong Toey area, which may be linked to a student brawl between two rival vocational schools. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311963-khlong-toei-gunfire-leaves-teacher-dead-and-another-critically-wounded/?do=findComment&comment=18500305

School Mourns Loss of Teacher Killed in Klong Toey Shooting BANGKOK, Nov 13 (TNA) – Sacred Heart Convent School on Monday held a prayer ceremony to mourn the loss of “Teacher Jeab,” an innocent victim in the recent shooting in Klong Toey area, which may be linked to a student brawl between two rival vocational schools. The school community gathered to offer their condolences for the departure of Miss Sirada Sinprasert, also known as Teacher Jeab, a computer teacher at Sacred Heart Convent School, who lost her life during a student shootout on Nov 11. The school administration assured full support and assistance to Teacher Jeab’s family. Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Happy Grocers Delivers Inclusive Sustainability The year 2020 remains etched in our memories, a year plagued with uncertainty, anxiety, facemasks, and sanitizer bottles. The simple became complex, and ease turned into struggle overnight. Amidst this, however, a few visionary souls seized the sourest of lemons and transformed them into the sweetest lemonade of opportunity. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312057-happy-grocers-delivers-inclusive-sustainability/

Digital Wallet Stipend Program Remains a Hot Topic BANGKOK (NNT) - The digital wallet stipend program continues to receive both support and criticism, following the release of more details from the government last week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312056-digital-wallet-stipend-program-remains-a-hot-topic/

The year 2020 remains etched in our memories, a year plagued with uncertainty, anxiety, facemasks, and sanitizer bottles. The simple became complex, and ease turned into struggle overnight. Amidst this, however, a few visionary souls seized the sourest of lemons and transformed them into the sweetest lemonade of opportunity. “One day, while browsing Facebook, I came across acquaintances struggling to access organic fruits and vegetables, and eco-friendly grocery delivery,” Moh recalls. She acted swiftly by posting a simple message on her Facebook profile, offering grocery delivery within three days. The first order came through in less than 24 hours, marking a spontaneous response to the crisis. However, this immediate reaction also exposed additional problems within the food system. “Happy Grocers didn’t initially have a business plan; it evolved from our response to these challenges,” she says. The business has since advanced into a social enterprise, bridging the gap between consumers and their food sources, while fostering better relationships with farmers. It’s a win-win situation, really. But while this feat earned Moh a spot in the Forbes 30 Under 30 – Asia – Social Impact list, the journey has been rocky, to say the least. “I had no idea how I was going to deliver.” Happy Grocers was inundated with approximately 20 orders within the first few days. “It was overwhelming. Without any logistics or team in place, I had no idea how I was going to deliver,” she recalls. It was then that Moh thought of Pearl—a close friend from college. For the longest time, they operated out of Pearl’s garage, juggling all deliveries themselves. Then, in the ninth month, they unveiled their headquarters, which doubled as their warehouse. “We weren’t afraid of imperfection.” Without the pandemic, Happy Grocers might not have been born in the same way. “During the initial days of the pandemic, there was so much uncertainty that no one knew the perfect way to respond,” Moh reflects. This lack of clarity and the absence of expectations meant that the fear of failure was quite low. “People were just trying to figure things out. It actually worked in our favour because we weren’t afraid of imperfection.” Within three years, Happy Grocers successfully partnered with 200 farmers. These early partners were identified as having significant potential, with some of them having already adopted sustainable practices. “It made the most sense to start with this group of farmers. Imagine if I had a website where people could order products, but wasn’t able to ensure consistency in supply,” Moh explains. “That would’ve been a disaster.” “Sustainability that’s not inclusive, doesn’t count for much.” But soon, Moh realized that prioritizing just organic certification opposed her goal of inclusive sustainability. “There are about 15 million farmers in Thailand. So, if we had solely focused on organic certified farmers, we would’ve excluded a significant portion of people from the system. Sustainability that’s not inclusive, doesn’t count for much,” she declares. To further her goal of nurturing inclusive sustainability, Moh stresses the need to avoid branding her business as luxurious or exclusive. “We aren’t situated among the super affordable, non-certified products, nor do we venture into the territory of upscale supermarket pricing. Our aim is to provide a balance that many find just right.” In a recent study by Bain & Company, nine out of 10 people said they’d pay more for eco-friendly or healthier products. But there’s a predicament at play: words often fail to align with actions. As per the study, “Companies that close this say-do gap set themselves up for success.” Happy Grocers sources directly from farmers, eliminating middlemen and reducing costs, which opens up many possibilities for offering consumers better prices. At present, new products arrive every two or three days at their Ekkamai warehouse. “We use banana leaves to maintain product freshness during delivery,” Moh adds. Additionally, a customer-friendly policy is in place, allowing for returns or refunds in case the product doesn’t meet expectations. “Driving demand is the key to transformative change.” This approach paves the way for a better customer experience, which in turn, boosts demand. “We’ve learned that driving demand is the key to transformative change,” Moh says. In Thailand, even though farmers may have avenues for accessing financial resources, they often struggle to use them effectively to increase their profits. Continuing with traditional practices and barely breaking even isn’t a sustainable solution. “Ultimately, the major challenge lies in the lack of access to a broader market. Without scaling up demand, building a genuinely sustainable future remains an uphill battle,” says Moh. Acknowledging that the sustainability cause requires collective action, Happy Grocers teams up with other social enterprises, organizations like the Thai Chamber of Commerce, as well as government agencies and embassies. The social entrepreneur also underscores the crucial role of mentorship in the entrepreneurial voyage. “Leadership choices play a pivotal role in determining success and competitiveness, which are equally vital alongside sustainability initiatives,” she asserts. Society often perceives traditional for-profit businesses as inherently profit-driven and competitive, while social enterprises are seen as more altruistic and less aggressive. These external perceptions can influence an entrepreneur’s approach and decision-making. “Being sustainable shouldn’t be an excuse for lacking competitiveness.” “In practice, the coexistence of sustainability and profitability is the catalyst for lasting change. I personally view this as a valuable lesson I’ve learned,” Moh says. “It’s essential to understand that being sustainable shouldn’t be an excuse for lacking competitiveness.” Staunchly adhering to these principles, Happy Grocers aims to collaborate with 100,000 farmers in Thailand by 2027, skillfully balancing the delicate dance between demand and supply. Beaming with optimism, she says, “Sustainability can genuinely be within reach for consumers and lucrative for businesses. It’s all about adopting the right mindset, and remaining open to the possibilities.” Full story: THAILAND NOW 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

BANGKOK (NNT) - The digital wallet stipend program continues to receive both support and criticism, following the release of more details from the government last week. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin commented on the digital wallet program during his visit to the APEC meeting in San Francisco, USA. He emphasized the need for clear information and urged the Thai society not to form premature opinions, but to discuss the program’s merits and drawbacks. The Move Forward Party has expressed skepticism about the program’s actual implementation and its passage through the parliament. However, the Prime Minister is confident of the coalition government’s stable support, backed by 320 MPs, and believes in their teamwork. The Prime Minister also assured that Thai citizens will have the opportunity to benefit from this program. He stressed the government’s duty to listen to the people’s voices. The delay in the project’s launch is attributed to the need for comprehensive feedback on various aspects, including legislation, criteria for defining wealth, and income limits. He reaffirmed the government’s correctness in handling the situation and expects the Council of State to provide positive feedback. Regarding the question of whether Thailand is currently in a crisis and the necessity of this project, the Prime Minister replied that over the past nine years, the Thai GDP growth has been only 1.9% per year, while other countries have grown twice as fast. Without economic growth, Thailand may become an unattractive destination for investors. Therefore, the government believes there is a crisis that requires economic stimulation. Some supporters of the Pheu Thai Party are disappointed for not qualifying for the stipend due to having more savings than the threshold of the program’s requirement. The Prime Minister expressed understanding and sympathy, emphasizing the need to listen to all sectors, including the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council and the Bank of Thailand. Nonetheless, he said that for those earning over 70,000 baht and with savings over 500,000 baht, the government has introduced the ’E-Refund’ scheme, which allows for a refund of about 10,000 baht on expenditures, equivalent to the digital wallet program amount. As for public queries about whether the 500,000 baht savings include government savings bonds, mutual funds, or other investments, the Prime Minister clarified that only bank deposits are taken into consideration. The database check for eligibility is based on the data of September 2023. Furthermore, the Prime Minister is confident that there are sufficient funds for the program, as the government is efficient in both raising and spending money. Regarding the source of funding through the enactment of a loan bill, the Governor of the Bank of Thailand has suggested borrowing as a better option. Raising the GDP level would subsequently reduce the public debt-to-GDP ratio. By Namo Vananupong Full story: NNT 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Govt Addresses Key Domestic Issues BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has held a special meeting to address tourism safety, trucking regulations, and pork smuggling. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312055-govt-addresses-key-domestic-issues/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has held a special meeting to address tourism safety, trucking regulations, and pork smuggling. Prior to his visit to the U.S. to participate in the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, Prime Minister Srettha Taweesin urgently convened meetings on the three key issues. The first issue, "Tourism Safety," involved discussions with the Tourism Authority of Thailand. They set a date this Wednesday to talk with the Chinese Embassy about a joint patrol initiative. This program, mirroring a successful program in Italy, aims to bring Chinese police for patrols in major and secondary Thai tourist cities. Details on numbers and locations are yet to be confirmed. This project is expected to enhance tourist safety in Thailand. Next, the issue of "Trucking Bribery" was addressed in meetings with the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Transport, the Land Transport Federation of Thailand, and other related units. Discussions focused on inspecting truck weights on main highways, such as Phahonyothin Road, Phet Kasem Road, Sukhumvit Road, Rama 2 Road, and the Asian Highway Network. Currently, the Department of Highways has over 100 weight stations nationwide. All parties agreed to enforce inspection strictly. The Prime Minister underscored the need for more effective action, particularly in light of a recent incident involving a truck carrying a bribe-indicating sticker. The final topic was about cracking down on pork smuggling. The Prime Minister instructed the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to urgently address the issue. Integrative efforts are underway, with DSI receiving public tips about possible illegal meat hidden in various cold storages across the nation. Coordinated searches are being conducted by the Provincial Police, the Department of Livestock Development, and the Customs Department. By Namo Vananupong Full story: NNT 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Anutin floats the reviving of civics classes in schools Interior Ministry will hold discussions with Education Ministry about the possibility of reintroducing civics classes to the school curricula, to instil an awareness of unity, duty, ethics and brotherhood among Thai students, in the hope of reducing violent inter-school rivalries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312046-anutin-floats-the-reviving-of-civics-classes-in-schools/

Interior Ministry will hold discussions with Education Ministry about the possibility of reintroducing civics classes to the school curricula, to instil an awareness of unity, duty, ethics and brotherhood among Thai students, in the hope of reducing violent inter-school rivalries. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul floated the idea following the shooting near the Scared Heart Convent School in Khlong Toei last Saturday, in which a school teacher was killed and one vocational student was seriously injured. The shooting is thought to have been the result of rivalry between two vocational colleges in Bangkok. Anutin said that civics courses were taught in the past, but were scrapped in recent years for no apparent reason, adding that he sees the need for the courses to be revived to teach the ethics and duties of Thai citizens. Caption: Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul Full story: Thai PBS 2023-11-13 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe