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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

Chinese police presence in Thailand a “slap in the face” : ex-NIA deputy director Former deputy director of National Intelligence Agency Nantiwat Samart Former deputy director of National Intelligence Agency Nantiwat Samart has questioned the concept of inviting Chinese police to join their Thai counterparts on patrol in main tourist provinces, ostensibly to boost the confidence of Chinese nationals in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1312087-chinese-police-presence-in-thailand-a-“slap-in-the-face”-ex-nia-deputy-director/

Idea for Chinese police to patrol in Thailand lights up social media [FILE] Chinese police officers answer the questions of Chinese tourists beside the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, Italy in 2019 (Image Courtesy: Xinhua News Agency) The Thai prime minister’s idea to invite Chinese police to patrol with their Thai counterparts, to help provide security for Chinese tourists in Thailand, lit up social media during the weekend. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311990-the-government-should-not-consider-bringing-in-chinese-police-to-patrol-tourism-hotspots/?do=findComment&comment=18500082

Idea for Chinese police to patrol in Thailand lights up social media The Thai prime minister’s idea to invite Chinese police to patrol with their Thai counterparts, to help provide security for Chinese tourists in Thailand, lit up social media during the weekend. The proposal was revealed by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool after meeting with PM Srettha Thavisin, before he left for the United States to attend an APEC summit. The governor told reporters that the premier wishes to increase confidence among Chinese tourists about visiting Thailand and that visiting Chinese police will conduct joint patrols in both major and less visited tourist destinations. Caption: [FILE] Chinese police officers answer the questions of Chinese tourists beside the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, Italy in 2019 (Image Courtesy: Xinhua News Agency) 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

PM’s Press Conference on Thailand Winter Festivals and Colorful Bangkok Winter Festival BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin presided over the press conference and opening ceremony of the Thailand Winter Festivals at Government House, together with Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy Chairperson of the National Committee on Soft Power Strategy, cabinet ministers and relevant officials. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311810-pm’s-press-conference-on-thailand-winter-festivals-and-colorful-bangkok-winter-festival/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin presided over the press conference and opening ceremony of the Thailand Winter Festivals at Government House, together with Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Deputy Chairperson of the National Committee on Soft Power Strategy, cabinet ministers and relevant officials. The PM stated that The Thailand Winter Festivals and the Colorful Bangkok Winter Festival 2023 aim to stimulate the economy and attract tourists to Thailand. The government has set a goal for Thailand to become a world leader in hosting festivals. Furthermore, The National Soft Power Strategy Committee has initiated efforts to drive legislative changes while setting the foundation for the growth of the industry. This includes establishing a knowledge-sharing network to prepare Thailand for becoming a ‘Festival Country’ in the future. Paetongtarn said that Thailand boasts numerous significant traditions, such as the Loi Krathong and Candle Festival in Sukhothai Province. Additionally, Christmas events are celebrated, extending into the New Year period. This year, countdown events will be held at 70 locations nationwide, providing a significant opportunity to position Thailand as a year-end destination for people worldwide. This initiative aims to boost the economy, enhance tourism, and serve as a starting point for Thailand to evolve into a regional hub for festivals. Paetongtarn emphasized that the government is determined to make Thailand internationally memorable once again. She invited people to celebrate the festival with full happiness. By Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2023-11-10 - 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

Prime Minister’s Export Awards Ceremony Honors Outstanding Thai Businesses BANGKOK (NNT) - Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, chaired the 31st Prime Minister’s Export Award 2023 ceremony at the Government House. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311809-prime-minister’s-export-awards-ceremony-honors-outstanding-thai-businesses/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, chaired the 31st Prime Minister’s Export Award 2023 ceremony at the Government House. The event honored entrepreneurs for excellence in exporting goods and services under their brands, innovatively applying the BCG Economy Model, and aligning with the SDGs for sustainable development. The Prime Minister bestowed a total of 40 awards to exceptional exporters. These included 6 for outstanding export businesses, 10 for excellent Thai brands, 7 for outstanding BCG businesses, 7 for exceptional Thai designed products, 4 for exceptional service businesses including hospitals and specialized medical centers, digital content, and software, and printing and packaging businesses. Additionally, 2 awards were given for outstanding products from the "One Tambon One Product" (OTOP) initiative and 4 for exceptional Halal products. The Prime Minister congratulated the awardees and remarked on the ever-changing and volatile global economic and trade environment. He stressed the importance of the export sector in generating significant income for Thailand and serving as a crucial cog in the country’s economic growth. The Prime Minister stated that the government promotes ’soft power’ policies through a National Soft Power Strategy Committee. This aims to harness and elevate the potential of Thai people with high skill levels and to explore new markets in 11 industrial sectors. The policies are designed to continue the pursuit of Carbon Neutrality as a sustainable development strategy, open trade doors under new laws and regulations that facilitate business operations, and strengthen the grassroots economy to improve the quality of life, increase income, reduce expenses, and expand opportunities. The awards are a mark of the highest honor, celebrating Thai entrepreneurs committed to developing internationally recognized, high-quality products and services in business, innovation, branding, export, design, and quality, alongside promoting environmental, social, and governance sustainability in line with the SDGs’ development goals. By Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2023-11-10 - 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

Interior Ministry Declares Path to Sustainability BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Ministry of Interior has detailed its comprehensive plan to integrate sustainable development goals into national policies. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311808-interior-ministry-declares-path-to-sustainability/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Ministry of Interior has detailed its comprehensive plan to integrate sustainable development goals into national policies. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a special lecture titled "The Direction of Policy Mobilization for Sustainable Development of the Ministry of Interior" at the event Thailand’s Sustainable Development Partnership between the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations Organization. Anutin stated that his ministry already has a comprehensive responsibility for the welfare of the citizens, under the motto "Alleviate Suffering, Promote Well-Being." He believes it is not difficult to incorporate the "Sustainable Development Goals" into the Ministry’s policies. These encompass promoting health through primary healthcare systems, developing standard potable water systems, using clean energy, and supporting energy conservation by transitioning government vehicles to electric and promoting the installation of solar cells in government agencies as a model before spreading to communities. There are also plans to reduce carbon emissions to achieve the Carbon Neutrality goal, decrease inequality through infrastructure development, and increase income by developing tourist spots and community products. Environmental conservation and mitigation of global warming are addressed by encouraging citizens to adopt the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of His Majesty the late King Rama IX for sustainable living and tackling structural issues such as urban planning to accommodate climate change. Anutin further stated that the design of "energy-saving buildings" should become the "new normal," with systems that maximize the use of clean and wastewater, and "waste management" should promote circular economy approaches to reduce methane emissions, among other things. By Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2023-11-10 - 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

Move Forward party warns against loans to fund digital wallet scheme Move Forward deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul Move Forward party-list MP and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul said today that the government’s decision to procure loans to fund the digital wallet scheme is risky, because it may violate the Constitution and the Fiscal Discipline Act. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311807-move-forward-party-warns-against-loans-to-fund-digital-wallet-scheme/

Move Forward party-list MP and deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul said today that the government’s decision to procure loans to fund the digital wallet scheme is risky, because it may violate the Constitution and the Fiscal Discipline Act. Responding to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s announcement of new guidelines for the scheme, she said that the government has chosen the most difficult path by deciding on the issuance of a Loan Bill to procure funding, knowing that there is no urgency to justify the borrowing, citing the case of the two trillion baht loan bill of a previous government, which was struck down by the Constitutional Court. She said that she suspects that the government might, in reality, want the scheme to be scrapped, because it has reached a dead end when trying to find the money to fund it and decided on a risky path through the issuance of a loan bill. Caption: Move Forward deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul Full story: Thai PBS 2023-11-10 - 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

Special Branch Superintendent’s birthday turns tragic in Rayong car crash Photo courtesy of Sanook The fatal car accident involving Special Branch Superintendent Siriwisuk Suwikrom, who was on duty in Klaeng District, Rayong, has left many in grief. The tragedy occurred yesterday, on his birthday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311805-special-branch-superintendent’s-birthday-turns-tragic-in-rayong-car-crash/

The fatal car accident involving Special Branch Superintendent Siriwisuk Suwikrom, who was on duty in Klaeng District, Rayong, has left many in grief. The tragedy occurred yesterday, on his birthday. Police officers from Kratham Police Station, Rayong, yesterday, around 4pm, were dispatched to the scene of a car crash. A black Toyota four-door pickup, registration number 4818 Bangkok, was involved in the accident. The driver, Siriwisuk Suwikrom, sustained severe injuries. First aid was immediately provided by the Buddhist rescue team from Klaeng District and he was promptly transported to Klaeng Hospital. At the accident scene, two street lampposts were found knocked down and the truck had veered off the road, hitting a guardrail. The vehicle was found upside down in the middle of the road with its wheels pointing upwards and the front part severely damaged. Prior to the unfortunate incident, Siriwisuk had travelled to Wang Chan District, Rayong, to attend a meeting with the heads of government agencies in Rayong Province regarding government policies. After the meeting, Siriwisuk had to travel to Chanthaburi Province for official duties. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Sanook Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-10 - 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

Former special forces soldier and notorious hitman captured in Surin province Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A former special forces soldier and notorious hitman was apprehended today by Police Captain Phadet Ngam Lamom, together with Police Lieutenant Colonel Detwit Utharasat. The arrest of 38 year old Methrit (surname withheld), also known as Suea Oi, took place in Soi Village Uncle Pung, Surin Province, under a warrant issued by Lamphun Provincial Court. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311804-former-special-forces-soldier-and-notorious-hitman-captured-in-surin-province/

A former special forces soldier and notorious hitman was apprehended today by Police Captain Phadet Ngam Lamom, together with Police Lieutenant Colonel Detwit Utharasat. The arrest of 38 year old Methrit (surname withheld), also known as Suea Oi, took place in Soi Village Uncle Pung, Surin Province, under a warrant issued by Lamphun Provincial Court. Methrit, ranked 105th on the National Police Office’s most-wanted list this year, had sought refuge in a hermit state after his involvement in a gang-related shooting incident in 2020. He was accused of conspiring to murder and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. This case traces back to August 2020, when a group of five armed individuals assaulted Monton and Arachan (surnames withheld), causing severe injuries. The incident took place on a rural highway at Ban San Wilai, Mae Theun, Lamphun Province. The attackers fled the scene, likely triggered by a drug-related dispute with a local hill tribe drug lord who allegedly hired the hitmen. Following the incident, officers managed to apprehend two of the assailants. Investigations revealed Methrit, a former special forces soldier trained in Sword Tiger, was one of the culprits. He was also identified as a hitman on the National Police Office’s most-wanted list, ranked 105th this year, reported KhaoSod. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-10 - 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 woman shares spooky experience at Bangkok shopping mall Photo via TikTok/ @sayhibyfai A Thai woman took to TikTok to share her spooky experience, claiming to have seen a ghost in the car park of a shopping mall in the Bang Kae neighbourhood of Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311803-thai-woman-shares-spooky-experience-at-bangkok-shopping-mall/

A Thai woman took to TikTok to share her spooky experience, claiming to have seen a ghost in the car park of a shopping mall in the Bang Kae neighbourhood of Bangkok. The woman posted a video recounting the ghost story on her @sayhibyfai account on Wednesday, November 8. The video’s caption read… “Encountered a ghost in a famous shopping mall in Bang Kae!” In the video, the woman explained that she had visited a dental clinic in the mall and encountered the ghost as she was leaving the mall at around 4pm. She left the clinic and returned to her car on the 2L level. The car park was quiet and dark and she was afraid of being attacked by thieves. She said she was alone, so she looked around and checked carefully that no one was following her. She got into her car but had not yet started it. She sat there, putting away all the things she had just bought. While she was sitting, she noticed someone walking near the car. She said she raised her head to see who it was and what she saw shocked her, the person walked into the pillar of a building. She stared at the pillar, thinking the person would just walk past it but no one was there. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via TikTok/ @sayhibyfai Full story: The Thaiger 2023-11-10 - 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

Foreigners arrested at Phuket airport for visa overstay, illegal working FILE PHOTO Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport have arrested two foreigners in the last 2 days, one for overstay and the other for working as a tour guide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311802-foreigners-arrested-at-phuket-airport-for-visa-overstay-illegal-working/

Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport have arrested two foreigners in the last 2 days, one for overstay and the other for working as a tour guide. The Phuket News reports that the first arrest was made on Wednesday, November 8, by an investigation team led by Akkhaphon Kaewkiat and officers from the Crime Suppression Investigation Team. A foreigner was detained on an arrest warrant for allegedly working illegally as a tour guide. The profession of tour guide is one of several that can only be carried out by Thai nationals. By Peter Roche Caption: FILE PHOTO Full story: Phuket GO 2023-11-10 - 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 tourism operators call for a convention centre and ‘free port’ Flickr/Andaman4fun …both of which have been on the ‘to do’ list for the island’s stakeholders over the past two decades. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311801-phuket-tourism-operators-call-for-a-convention-centre-and-‘free-port’/