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Singaporean Suspect in Thai Girlfriend's Death Hiding in Myanmar Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวไว ThaiNews A Singaporean man, Daniel Benjamin Goh Wei-en, is suspected of murdering his Thai girlfriend, Proudphilas Paladon, in a Bangkok condominium and reportedly fleeing to Tachileik, Myanmar. Proudphilas, aged 30, was discovered dead and unclothed in her Bangkok accommodation on March 25. Her body, partially covered with cloth and blankets, showed no visible wounds but was found to have bruises on her arms and mouth. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356097-singaporean-suspect-in-thai-girlfriends-death-hiding-in-myanmar/

Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวไว ThaiNews A Singaporean man, Daniel Benjamin Goh Wei-en, is suspected of murdering his Thai girlfriend, Proudphilas Paladon, in a Bangkok condominium and reportedly fleeing to Tachileik, Myanmar. Proudphilas, aged 30, was discovered dead and unclothed in her Bangkok accommodation on March 25. Her body, partially covered with cloth and blankets, showed no visible wounds but was found to have bruises on her arms and mouth. Security footage reveals Daniel leaving the condominium in a black Mercedes-Benz with his belongings at 3.17pm, alongside missing items such as Proudphilas's luxury watch and designer handbag. An autopsy listed acute heart failure as the cause of death, but further toxicology tests are underway. Only Daniel and Proudphilas occupied the condo unit, with no visitors present at the time of her death. Proudphilas's mother accuses Daniel of murder, citing her daughter's reports of abuse and explicit warnings that Daniel would be responsible if harm befell her. The couple, who began dating in Singapore, had been together over three years. Recently, Daniel urged Proudphilas to quit her job, financially supporting her thereafter. The couple last left the condo on March 23 to celebrate Proudphilas's birthday but returned separately. Despite missing a call from Proudphilas on the morning of her death, friends allege Daniel's pattern of jealousy and abuse. Proudphilas had previously filed an assault complaint against him. Post-incident, Daniel used a ride-hailing app to travel from the condo to a Soi Sukhumvit 71 restaurant, then to a hotel in the Makkasan area. A witness saw him meet two men there, after which they departed in an SUV heading towards Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. Thai police suspect Daniel reached out to contacts in Tachileik, Myanmar, for assistance in evading capture. Authorities are actively tracing those who may have assisted his escape, hoping to apprehend him and uncover more about the circumstances surrounding Proudphilas's tragic death, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-28

Thai Police Bust Money Laundering Ring, Seize Assets Worth 50M Baht Picture courtesy of Matichon In a major crackdown on financial crime, Thai police have apprehended Ekachart Miprom, a high-ranking executive implicated in a significant money laundering operation. On March 27, authorities launched coordinated raids across Chanthaburi and Rayong provinces, arresting Ekachart, along with his wife, mother, and several accomplices. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356096-thai-police-bust-money-laundering-ring-seize-assets-worth-50m-baht/

Picture courtesy of Matichon In a major crackdown on financial crime, Thai police have apprehended Ekachart Miprom, a high-ranking executive implicated in a significant money laundering operation. On March 27, authorities launched coordinated raids across Chanthaburi and Rayong provinces, arresting Ekachart, along with his wife, mother, and several accomplices. The investigation, led by Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phueapan of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, alongside Police Major General Sarayuth Junawath and Police Colonel Pakornkitt Thanawarinukul, targeted this network following arrest warrants issued by the Criminal Court on March 26. Among those detained were Ekachart, also known under the alias "M Ekachart," and five others, who were charged with conspiring to commit money laundering. Police seized assets valued at over 50 million baht (approximately US$1.47 million), including over 1 million baht in cash, luxury vehicles, gold, amulets, bank documents, and other valuable items. The operation culminated at the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau headquarters in Nonthaburi, where Lt. Gen. Trairong detailed the origins of the investigation. The probe dates back to a police raid on December 28, targeting a location in Tha Mai district suspected of hosting an online gambling hub. Tracing financial transactions from bank accounts linked to Ekachart and his associates, investigators uncovered substantial illegal activity. Evidence pointed to a network laundering illicit gambling proceeds, camouflaging them as lawful assets. Further scrutiny of Ekachart's social media activities revealed connections to online gambling, positioning him as both a participant and executive within the operation. Following the court's approval of arrest warrants, investigators dismantled the illicit network by arresting Ekachart and his close collaborators, including family members complicit in the laundering scheme. This decisive action disrupts their operations and underscores Thailand's commitment to combating financial crimes orchestrated via cyber channels, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-28

Thailand Approves Tax Breaks for Large Commercial Electric Vehicles Photo courtesy of The Nation The Thai Cabinet has approved a draft decree aimed at promoting investment in large commercial electric vehicles (EVs), offering generous tax incentives to companies. As part of this initiative, firms can claim double the expense for locally produced EVs and 1.5 times for imported ones, as highlighted by Deputy Government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356095-thailand-approves-tax-breaks-for-large-commercial-electric-vehicles/

Photo courtesy of The Nation The Thai Cabinet has approved a draft decree aimed at promoting investment in large commercial electric vehicles (EVs), offering generous tax incentives to companies. As part of this initiative, firms can claim double the expense for locally produced EVs and 1.5 times for imported ones, as highlighted by Deputy Government spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan. These incentives specifically target the adoption of electric buses and trucks, with the tax exemption covering corporate income equivalent to the investment value in these vehicles. The provision applies from the date of the decree’s approval until December 31. Eligible for these tax benefits are companies and partnerships that meet specific criteria. To qualify, businesses must submit comprehensive investment projects, payment plans, and EV details to the Revenue Department following specified guidelines. Key conditions stipulate that the EVs must be new and capable of receiving transport licences under Thai land transport laws. The vehicles need to be depreciable under Section 65 Bis (2) of the Revenue Code and must not already be benefiting from other tax incentives or be involved in tax-exempt activities under existing investment promotion laws. Additionally, the Cabinet noted discussions from the Electric Vehicle Policy Committee's February 21 meeting, which proposed expanding the scope of EV support measures under phase 2 (EV 3.5). This expansion includes passenger vehicles with up to 10 seats, aligning these with current subsidies offered to similar vehicles. Electric motorcycles are also part of the expanded measures, particularly focusing on models equipped with alternating current (AC) charging capabilities. Organisations have been tasked with reevaluating these measures' suitability, while the Excise Department is directed to modify related announcements as recommended by the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee. This move underscores Thailand's commitment to transitioning towards greener transportation solutions by incentivising corporate investments in environmentally friendly vehicle technology, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-28

New ATTA President Calls for Support to Boost Chinese Tourism Picture courtesy of South China Morning Post Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, the newly elected president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), is urging the Thai government to enhance support for marketing and development efforts aimed at reviving the sluggish Chinese tourism market. During his two-year term, Thanapol welcomes the Cabinet's approval of the draft entertainment complex bill, but he stresses that casinos must strictly adhere to regulations and provide meaningful employment opportunities for Thais. He cautions against developments exclusively benefiting foreign nationals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356094-new-atta-president-calls-for-support-to-boost-chinese-tourism/

Picture courtesy of South China Morning Post Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, the newly elected president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), is urging the Thai government to enhance support for marketing and development efforts aimed at reviving the sluggish Chinese tourism market. During his two-year term, Thanapol welcomes the Cabinet's approval of the draft entertainment complex bill, but he stresses that casinos must strictly adhere to regulations and provide meaningful employment opportunities for Thais. He cautions against developments exclusively benefiting foreign nationals. Thanapol is particularly alarmed by a 47% downturn in Chinese tourists from January to March, with just 214,213 arrivals compared to the previous year. Despite Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's meeting with President Xi Jinping addressing cyber scams, Thanapol highlights a lack of direct talks with Chinese tour operators to ensure safe travel. To counteract these challenges, ATTA plans a significant roadshow in May targeting China's second-tier cities, involving over 100 Thai and 400-500 Chinese operators. Thanapol aims to foster tourism growth in Thailand's northern and southern provinces, alongside enhancing the MICE sector. The government's proposal to legalise casinos is seen as a potential tourism boost, although Thanapol raises concerns about effective regulation. He urges the government to prevent illegal activities and ensure that local communities benefit through suitable employment opportunities. Infrastructure improvements are also deemed crucial to maintain competitiveness. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong has proposed a domestic tourism co-payment scheme, allocating a 3.55 billion baht budget to support one million bookings. This scheme subsidises accommodation fees by 40% in major cities and 50% in secondary cities, with a cap of 3,000 baht per night per person, limited to ten bookings. Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is hosting the Amazing Thailand Festival 2025, expected to draw 130,000 visitors over five days at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Under Thanapol's leadership, ATTA is working strategically to reinvigorate Thailand's tourism industry and rekindle global interest, focusing on sustained growth and robust international visitor engagement, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-28

7.4 Quake in Myanmar Sends Tremors Across Bangkok Photo: Bangkok Post On Friday afternoon, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, with tremors reverberating through regions as far away as Bangkok. Occurring at 1.20pm near Mandalay, Myanmar, the quake had a depth of 10 kilometres, reported the Earthquake Observation Division. The shockwaves were felt across various parts of Thailand, notably prompting swift evacuations in Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356087-earthquake-rocks-bangkok-building-collapses-with-40-people-inside/#findComment-19691659

7.4 Quake in Myanmar Sends Tremors Across Bangkok Photo: Bangkok Post On Friday afternoon, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar, with tremors reverberating through regions as far away as Bangkok. Occurring at 1.20pm near Mandalay, Myanmar, the quake had a depth of 10 kilometres, reported the Earthquake Observation Division. The shockwaves were felt across various parts of Thailand, notably prompting swift evacuations in Bangkok. The capital saw immediate reactions as businesses shuttered temporarily to ensure safety, with buildings being cleared of occupants. Emergency response teams and local authorities are currently assessing the scale of any potential damage while keeping a keen eye out for possible aftershocks. Myanmar sits on the seismically active Sagaing Fault, notorious for several significant quakes in the past, with six major earthquakes of over 7.0 magnitude recorded between 1930 and 1956. Earthquakes are not uncommon in the region, due to its geological positioning, and today’s event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by those living along these fault lines. Officials from the Meteorological Department continue to monitor the situation closely, advising the public to stay informed through official channels for updates or safety advisories should aftershocks occur. As the situation unfolds, both countries remain on high alert to ensure public safety in the face of these natural disruptions, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-28

Bangkok Shop Owner Defends Right to Sell Controversial Shirts Photo via Facebook/ ชลธิชา นาวาทอง In a recent online post, Chonticha Nawathong, the owner of a second-hand clothing store in Bangkok, publicised her frustration with foreign tourists demanding she stop selling shirts featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Adolf Hitler. Located at the Bang Sue Junction near Chatuchak Weekend Market, her shop showcases rare shirts, some involving contentious figures. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356092-bangkok-shop-owner-defends-right-to-sell-controversial-shirts/

Photo via Facebook/ ชลธิชา นาวาทอง In a recent online post, Chonticha Nawathong, the owner of a second-hand clothing store in Bangkok, publicised her frustration with foreign tourists demanding she stop selling shirts featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin and Adolf Hitler. Located at the Bang Sue Junction near Chatuchak Weekend Market, her shop showcases rare shirts, some involving contentious figures. Chonticha claims these tourists are infringing on her business rights by pressuring her to remove the contentious items. She and her partner declined to comply with these requests, standing firm in their right to decide their shop's inventory. Chonticha took to social media to voice her stance, arguing that her shop functions like a museum displaying rare and provocative items, and told dissatisfied visitors to "close your eyes and walk away" if they disapproved. In addition to posting about the situation, Chonticha shared videos and images of these confrontational encounters. One video records a heated exchange with a Ukrainian man being pushed from her store, showing tensions nearly escalating into violence. Chonticha also mentioned other vendors facing similar situations. One peer reportedly faced demands to remove a shirt bearing Nazi imagery. Despite the contentious subject, Chonticha insists her shop respects Thai commercial laws, reinforcing her autonomy to sell any shirts of her choice. She invited detractors to purchase and dispose of the shirts themselves if they feel strongly opposed. As arguments over the rights to free commerce versus cultural sensitivity in business spaces unfold, Chonticha's situation highlights broader issues of globalisation and cultural clashes in increasingly cosmopolitan cities like Bangkok, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-28

7.7 Quake Shakes Myanmar, Thailand on Alert for Aftershock Earthquake in Bangkok Earlier today, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand, alarming residents in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The initial quake struck near Mandalay and prompted immediate evacuation of high-rise buildings due to the noticeable swaying, particularly in Bangkok and other major Thai centres. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356091-77-quake-shakes-myanmar-thailand-on-alert-for-aftershock/

Earthquake in Bangkok Earlier today, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake rocked central Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand, alarming residents in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The initial quake struck near Mandalay and prompted immediate evacuation of high-rise buildings due to the noticeable swaying, particularly in Bangkok and other major Thai centres. Authorities and experts in Thailand are cautioning the public in anticipation of an expected aftershock, rumoured to be a significant magnitude of around 6.7, potentially occurring at 3.30pm local time. While such aftershocks are common and often follow major seismic events, they can still pose significant risks, especially to buildings already compromised by the initial quake. The epicenter of the initial earthquake being in Myanmar meant that Thailand experienced significant tremors but no reports of injuries or fatalities have emerged as of now. However, high-alert status has been declared, stressing the importance of staying aware and prepared. Emergency services continue to advise precautionary evacuations from tall and vulnerable structures. Seismic activities often feature aftershocks, which though typically smaller, are still capable of inflicting damage, especially on structures weakened by the primary quake. Official channels stress the importance of relying solely on reliable information and encourage people against spreading unconfirmed rumours. As the situation in both Myanmar and affected regions in Thailand remains fluid, authorities are closely monitoring any developments while reminding the public to adhere to safety guidelines until further notice, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-28

File photo for reference only Two-way trade between Vietnam and New Zealand has reached a remarkable 2.68 billion NZD (1.54 billion USD), witnessing a 40% increase over the past five years, according to recent data. This growth highlights Vietnam as a market of great potential, attracting New Zealand exporters eager to solidify their role as strategic partners, especially in the high-value food and beverage sector. New Zealand's Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Nicola Grigg, informed the New Zealand Parliament that as Vietnam becomes wealthier, there is an increasing demand among Vietnamese consumers for high-quality global products. New Zealand is well-positioned to meet this demand with its world-class food and beverage producers. In 2022, New Zealand fruit companies exported 172 million NZD worth of primarily apples, followed by kiwifruit and cherries to Vietnam, as reported by the Ministry for Primary Industries. Ben McLeod, from Hawke's Bay-based Mr Apple and owned by Scales Corporation, praised Vietnam's economic transformation from a low to middle-income country over the last 10 to 15 years. McLeod highlighted several free trade agreements between New Zealand and Vietnam that bolster New Zealand's competitive edge in fruit exports compared to other markets. Similarly, Nelson’s Heartland Fruit sales and marketing manager, Brendon Osborn, noted the rise of affluent consumers in Vietnam, driven by the proliferation of large, locally-owned retail super-malls targeting the medium and high-income brackets. Osborn emphasized that Vietnam's competitive market has spurred his company to focus on the premium import segment with stringent quality standards to build trust among Vietnamese consumers. With Vietnam's rapidly growing economy and burgeoning demand for high-end products, it has become an alluring destination for New Zealand exporters. This presents ample opportunities for enhanced cooperation and sustainable development between the two nations moving forward, reported Nhandan. -- 2025-03-27

File photo for reference only Vietnam Airlines is set to expand its international reach by launching new routes and increasing flight frequencies to key destinations, including India, Indonesia, Russia, and Italy. Starting May 1, flights from Hanoi to Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India will begin, offering 3-4 weekly round trips. Prior to these additions, the national carrier already provided direct services to Delhi and Mumbai, marking significant growth in flights to India with 1,600 trips and 240,000 passengers already served. The Hanoi-Moscow route will also resume in May, marking the end of a three-year pause due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Initially, two weekly flights will reconnect Vietnam and Russia—a key tourism and trade market. From June 1, Vietnam Airlines will introduce direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Bali, Indonesia, with plans to increase to daily service by July. Additionally, a direct Hanoi-Milan route launches on July 1, offering 3 weekly flights, and is the first direct connection to Italy. This addition will elevate Vietnam Airlines' European routes to nine, linking major cities like Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, and London. In Asia, the frequency of Hanoi-Manila flights increases to daily service, while Ho Chi Minh City-Manila flights are set to operate four times weekly. Looking ahead to 2025, Vietnam Airlines plans to debut 15 more international routes, targeting Russia, Italy, Denmark, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE. Meanwhile, budget carrier Vietjet Air is expanding its footprint with new routes to China, Japan, India, and Singapore. Recently inaugurated routes in March include connections from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai in China, and Hyderabad, Bangalore in India. From April 24, Vietjet will commence a Ho Chi Minh City-Nagoya (Japan) route, followed by a direct service to Fukuoka on April 25. This increase raises Vietjet's weekly flights to Japan to 138, covering five major cities. Moreover, starting May 30, Vietjet will launch a new route from Singapore to Phu Quoc, its fourth connection from Singapore to Vietnam alongside Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. Despite positive growth projections, the aviation industry still contends with challenges such as aircraft shortages due to engine recalls from Pratt & Whitney, impacting the A321 fleet, along with high fuel prices driven by global conflicts. Efforts to acquire and lease additional aircraft have brought Vietnam's fleet above 200 units, reflecting an increase of about 10 from last year. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam anticipates an 8% market growth in 2025, buoyed by these new routes and enhanced connectivity, reported VN Express. -- 2025-03-27

File photo for reference only Vietnamese-Russian model Dinh Nhikolai, known for his work in fashion shows and music videos, has been sentenced to two years in prison for illegal drug possession. The 30-year-old's trial took place alongside 12 co-defendants at the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. Nhikolai was apprehended in June 2024 during a police patrol in District 1, which uncovered him and others behaving suspiciously. Upon inspection, police found 0.2 grams of methamphetamine concealed in his shoes. Nhikolai admitted to purchasing 0.1 grams of the substance from 34-year-old Trinh Ba Hoa for VND250,000 ($9.77) and was detained before consuming the drug. Nhikolai gained fame in 2013 through Vietnam's Next Top Model, earning the nickname "Russian hybrid male god" and becoming a prominent figure in Vietnam's entertainment industry. Further investigations resulted in the arrest of 56-year-old Trinh Thi Hoa and her two sons, including Trinh Ba Hoa, for drug-related activities. Hoa received a nine-year-and-six-month prison sentence, while others involved faced sentences of up to eight years. This case highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes within Vietnam's entertainment sector and beyond, reported VN Express. -- 2025-03-27

File photo for reference only MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd), led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, has successfully retrieved P65 million from private schools implicated in alleged irregularities concerning the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program. This recovery comes as part of efforts to ensure integrity in educational funding. Demand letters were sent to 54 schools that had been removed from the program for the school years (SY) 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. According to Angara, 38 schools have fully refunded the government, while two have made partial repayments, yet 14 schools still need to return the funds. Angara emphasized that final demand letters would be issued to enforce compliance, with further investigations planned to assess whether these financial discrepancies amount to fraud. The SHS voucher system is a subsidy mechanism for eligible senior high school students in Grades 11 and 12, facilitating payments directly to their chosen private school. Concerns arose when 12 schools were suspected of submitting questionable claims, prompting the suspension of payments and further scrutiny. As the issue unfolded, Angara noted that over P52 million was linked to these dubious claims. To prevent future fraud, stricter validation processes are now in place, with no payments released for SY 2023-2024 without thorough validation through the Learner Information System (LIS). Ongoing investigations for SY 2023-2024 cover 12 schools, three of which have been referred to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for an independent probe. Angara has pledged to pursue necessary legal and administrative measures. To enhance oversight and accountability, DepEd has collaborated with the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) for upcoming school years. This includes system audits and field visits, tightening validation processes to ensure only eligible students benefit from the vouchers. Further planned measures include a PEAC validation initiative rolling out next month, and a billing schedule for SY 2025-2026 to streamline disbursements. Other actions involve strengthening regulatory compliance and digital safeguards, such as audit trails and automated notifications, to prevent future anomalies, reported Inquirer. -- 2025-03-27

File photo for reference only MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has uncovered a scheme in Mindanao where foreign nationals use false Filipino identities to establish businesses employing illegal foreign workers. On March 20, BI agents arrested Bangdie Pan, also known as Ditdit, a 50-year-old Chinese national, in Digos City, Davao del Sur. Pan was managing a hardware business registered under a fictitious Filipino citizen's name, whose identity is currently under investigation. Melody Gonzales, the BI’s intelligence division deputy chief for Administration & Operations in Mindanao, reported that the operation involved coordination with several law enforcement and military units, including the Philippine Army and local police forces. Pan was found to be violating immigration laws; he held a work visa for a company in Pasig City but was working illegally in Davao del Sur. Employees confirmed that the business documents were forged and the supposed Filipino owner was non-existent. In a separate raid on March 24, four more Chinese nationals were apprehended in M'lang, North Cotabato, for illegal work in a chemical manufacturing plant. Those arrested include Zhongyi Tang, 62, Tianpei Wu, 51, Dezhen Liu, 62, and Wang Lianxu, 53. Dezhen Liu had falsely claimed Filipino citizenship using a fraudulent birth certificate and supporting documents. Plant employees revealed that the business was registered under a Filipina who had never been seen since its inception, admitting that the real owner resides in Manila. Joel Viado, Immigration Commissioner, expressed concern about the use of forged documents and fake identities, warning that they could be exploited by foreign operatives potentially embedding in Filipino society. All five Chinese nationals are now facing deportation charges, reported Phil Star. -- 2025-03-27

File photo for reference only At a recent event in Manila Hotel, Senator Grace Poe highlighted the enduring value of print media as a pillar of credible information, in response to the proliferation of fake news. This was during the induction of officers and general membership meeting of the United Print and Multimedia Group on March 26. Senator Poe praised print media for its accountability and responsibility in journalism, contrasting it with the rapid and often unchecked dissemination of information on social media platforms. "Print remains essential in media today, because it is seen as a bastion of accountability and responsibility," she stated. She emphasised that while social media's strength lies in the speed of content sharing, ethical practices such as fact-checking remain central to print journalism. "This is probably why print media is trusted and can confidently brand themselves as the guardians of truth," Poe added. Poe also observed that traditional print and broadcast media are less susceptible to fake news allegations than digital platforms, which can heavily influence public opinion and politics by spreading misinformation. In her remarks, Poe asserted that freedom of information and access to accurate details are fundamental to democracy in the Philippines. She reminded attendees that, regardless of medium, responsibility for content ultimately lies with those who create it, be they journalists, bloggers, or ordinary citizens. Referencing a January 2023 study by Toluna, which found that 71% of consumers believed print provides deeper story comprehension, Poe suggested print and digital media should be viewed as complementary. "Print media’s virtues of depth, thoroughness, and trust can be married to the speed and wide reach of social media," she suggested, urging media professionals to find effective ways to integrate these strengths. The senator's speech underscored the importance of preserving traditional media practices while embracing digital advancements, promoting a balanced and informed public discourse, reported Manila Bulletin. -- 2025-03-27

Lifeguards and Foreigner Save Man from Sea Suicide Attempt in Pattaya Photo via Facebook/ TMN Cable TV Pattaya In a dramatic rescue off Pattaya's coast on March 26, two Thai lifeguards, Chayanon and Narongrit, along with a foreign bystander, successfully saved a Thai man named Pisit from an apparent suicide attempt. Pisit was struggling in strong waves, having choked on seawater, when the rescuers pulled him to safety. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355988-lifeguards-and-foreigner-save-man-from-sea-suicide-attempt-in-pattaya/

Photo via Facebook/ TMN Cable TV Pattaya In a dramatic rescue off Pattaya's coast on March 26, two Thai lifeguards, Chayanon and Narongrit, along with a foreign bystander, successfully saved a Thai man named Pisit from an apparent suicide attempt. Pisit was struggling in strong waves, having choked on seawater, when the rescuers pulled him to safety. The incident began when a concerned beachgoer alerted the lifeguards to Pisit, who appeared to be intentionally entering the turbulent sea. Despite the challenging conditions, the lifeguards managed to bring him ashore with the foreigner's assistance. Exhausted and clearly distraught, Pisit declined to give much information, only requesting the lifeguards contact his mother using details from his suicide note. Once at the Marine Rescue Centre, a video call was made to his mother, during which Pisit tearfully expressed his love for her. Pisit's mother, upon learning of his whereabouts, travelled from Saraburi to Pattaya. She revealed that Pisit had run away from home on February 14, the same day he was supposed to graduate. Unknown to her, he had dropped out in 2022, a secret that came to light only after his disappearance. While his mother suspected Pisit was dealing with depression, she assured the media of her unwavering support and relief at his safety. The lifeguards decided not to press Pisit with further questions, allowing him to rest and recover emotionally. This compassionate intervention underscores the critical role of both professional lifeguards and vigilant civilians in responding effectively to mental health crises, offering a lifeline to those in distress, reported The Thaiger. 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. -- 2025-03-27

Pattaya Launches Major Clean-Up Campaigns to Improve City Life Photo courtesy of Forever Break Pattaya is taking decisive steps to address its urban challenges, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents and tourists alike. Under the leadership of Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, the city has launched two major initiatives: “Khun Kak, Rao Kep” (You Claim, We Clean) and “Khun Jod, Rao Jap” (You Park, We Arrest). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355987-pattaya-launches-major-clean-up-campaigns-to-improve-city-life/

Photo courtesy of Forever Break Pattaya is taking decisive steps to address its urban challenges, aiming to enhance the quality of life for residents and tourists alike. Under the leadership of Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, the city has launched two major initiatives: “Khun Kak, Rao Kep” (You Claim, We Clean) and “Khun Jod, Rao Jap” (You Park, We Arrest). These campaigns focus on cleaning up public spaces and alleviating traffic congestion. "You Claim, We Clean" seeks to reclaim public areas currently occupied by private businesses, repurposing them for community benefits like fire sub-stations to improve safety. Traffic congestion, a longstanding issue in Pattaya, is being tackled with the "You Park, We Arrest" campaign. This initiative involves collaboration between city officials and traffic police to enforce stricter parking regulations. A pilot zone from Wat Chai Mongkhon Road to Suesarn Intersection has been designated to reduce road congestion and enhance safety. "This is just the beginning," Mayor Poramet stated, highlighting Pattaya’s aspirations to become a Smart City—cleaner, safer, and more organised. The approach includes public awareness campaigns to educate people about communal responsibilities and traffic laws. These initiatives represent a broader move among Thailand’s tourist hubs to curb disorder and promote livability. By addressing street clutter and unlawful parking, Pattaya is paving the way for a smarter, more inviting future, sending a clear message that such infractions will no longer be tolerated, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-27

PM Paetongtarn Embarks on Sustainable Tourism Mission in Phuket Photo courtesy of The Better Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Phuket tomorrow, March 28, as part of her initiative to advance Thailand's standing in sustainable tourism. Ahead of her trip, she chaired the 12th Cabinet meeting for 2025, confirmed by government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap. The focal point now shifts to Phuket, where the PM will headline the Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025 at Phuket Rajabhat University’s Conference Centre. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355986-pm-paetongtarn-embarks-on-sustainable-tourism-mission-in-phuket/