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BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) – Thailand reduces visa application and extension fees for foreign workers from Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam to 500 baht, effective from Nov 11. Mr. Somchai Marakotsriwan, the acting director-general of the Department of Employment said the fee reduction was announced in the Royal Gazette on Oct 27 and will be put into effect for four years. The visa application fee will be cut to from 2,000 baht to 500 baht (valid for two years) and the visa extension fee will be reduced from 1,900 baht to 500 baht (valid for two years). Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-11-06 - 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

Teens Warned about Safe Sex as HIV Infections Rise BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) – The Health Department is urging teenagers to be aware of safe sex practices and the prevention of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as the prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers increases. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311379-teens-warned-about-safe-sex-as-hiv-infections-rise/

BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) – The Health Department is urging teenagers to be aware of safe sex practices and the prevention of both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as the prevalence of HIV infection among teenagers increases. Dr. Achara Nitiapinyasakul, the acting director-general of the Health Department, revealed that the situation of HIV and STI infections is on the rise among the youth. According to data from the Disease Control Department, it is estimated that in the year 2022, approximately 9,230 new HIV infections occurred, with nearly half of them falling within the age group of 15-24 years. Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-11-06 - 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

Deputy Police Chief Flies to Assist 164 Thais Stranded in Myanmar BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) – Deputy national police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn on Monday left for Yangon to coordinate with Myanmar authorities in facilitating the repatriation of 164 Thai nationals. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311378-deputy-police-chief-flies-to-assist-164-thais-stranded-in-myanmar/

BANGKOK, Nov 6 (TNA) – Deputy national police chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn on Monday left for Yangon to coordinate with Myanmar authorities in facilitating the repatriation of 164 Thai nationals. They have been trapped in China-Myanmar border town of Laukkaing following a conflict between Myanmar troops and ethnic armed groups. After that, he will go to a camp, where the Thai nationals have been sheltered to screen them. Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-11-06 - 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

Diversity Ambassadors: Thai Diplomat Opens Up About LGBTQ+ Experience On the global stage, Thailand is often perceived as a bastion of transgender progressivism. There are many visible examples of transgender women in Thai pop culture, including Thai film and television as well as the Miss Tiffany’s Universe and Miss International Queen transgender beauty pageants. In 2019, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit became the first openly transgender member of Parliament. Thailand is also a leading destination for sex reassignment surgery due to a number of reasons, which include the relative openness, tolerance, and inclusiveness that characterizes Thai society. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311377-diversity-ambassadors-thai-diplomat-opens-up-about-lgbtq-experience/

On the global stage, Thailand is often perceived as a bastion of transgender progressivism. There are many visible examples of transgender women in Thai pop culture, including Thai film and television as well as the Miss Tiffany’s Universe and Miss International Queen transgender beauty pageants. In 2019, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit became the first openly transgender member of Parliament. Thailand is also a leading destination for sex reassignment surgery due to a number of reasons, which include the relative openness, tolerance, and inclusiveness that characterizes Thai society. To shine a light on the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals in other spheres of Thai society, we spoke with Siratan “Dew” Sititanyawat, a transgender diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). In this interview, we follow her career to learn what it’s really like to be a transgender woman in perhaps the most conservative sphere of Thai society: its government. To shine a light on the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals in other spheres of Thai society, we spoke with Siratan “Dew” Sititanyawat, a transgender diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). In this interview, we follow her career to learn what it’s really like to be a transgender woman in perhaps the most conservative sphere of Thai society: its government. Earlier career experiences Dew mentioned that before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she was a student intern at a government agency and dressed in her female student uniform. However, she was chided for violating regulations and asked to dress according to her assigned gender. This made her uncomfortable because such regulations were not clear on this matter. However, the next day, the internship supervisor spoke with her and explained that she was free to dress according to her gender identity because there were no specific regulations stating otherwise. The supervisor further speculated that the staff who had rebuked her might have done so out of fear of her superiors. Nevertheless, this obstacle did not deter Dew from pursuing work in the government sector. The hiring process Dew revealed that before passing the entrance exam to become a diplomat, she considered cutting her hair short to appear more masculine. She mused that while she was stressing out, other applicants were preparing for the interview without worrying about the gender of their appearance. Dew decided that she shouldn’t have to pretend to be someone she’s not and chose to dress according to her gender identity for the interview. In the interview room, she was asked, “Is Thailand ready for LGBTQ+ diplomats?” “We’re ready,” she replied, asserting that Thailand is a diverse country with a significant LGBTQ+ community, and if a country’s diplomat represents its people, having a transgender diplomat would not be unusual. “Moreover, Thailand having openly LGBTQ+ diplomats can lend greater weight to its efforts to advance matters related to diversity and gender equality,” she said. Dew believes that her answer was part of what helped her pass the selection process and secure a position as a practicing diplomat. Expectations vs. reality At first, the reality of working at the MFA was slightly different from her expectations. There was uncertainty on both sides about how best to proceed in the most appropriate way, and at the start of her tenure, she dressed according to her assigned gender to avoid any potential conflicts. Later, however, the Ministry’s HR office informed her that she needn’t conform to her assigned gender but simply respect the context of the time and place, freeing her to dress according to her gender identity. Dew said that for civil servants in the past (as well as certain places in the present), obstacles related to dress code and self-expression weren’t unique to transgender individuals and were experienced by both cisgender men and women. For example, some considered it inappropriate for women to wear trousers to work, for men to wear pink, or to dye one’s hair in certain colors. Nevertheless, Dew feels that these restrictions are softening and sees continued progress as Thai society becomes more inclusive and respectful of diversity. Working as a diplomat Currently, Dew serves in the MFA’s Policy and Planning Bureau and is responsible for coordinating public relations and administrative work for the MFA’s human rights agenda, including delivering humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar. She has also been involved in significant international conferences held in Thailand in the past year, including the 2022 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. One crucial aspect of working as a diplomat is communication. When communicating with counterparts, it’s necessary to use certain pronouns. For Dew, she often recommends that her dialogue partners refer to her by her name or use female pronouns (she/her) when communicating with foreigners. However, Dew also emphasized that she doesn’t feel uncomfortable when being referred to with male pronouns (he/him) because she is confident in her identity and is not concerned with how others define her. When asked about her involvement with different projects at the ministry, Dew said she was most impressed by Cobra Gold, a joint military exercise involving more than 7,000 military personnel from 30 countries held annually in Thailand. As a transgender individual, she’d never expected to participate alongside the soldiers in a three-day training program for humanitarian affairs. She distinctly remembered that all the male soldiers showed her great respect throughout the training period. Accepting her identity as “enough” When asked if she’d like to say anything to her friends in the LGBTQ+ community, Dew recalls an oft-repeated saying whenever someone comes out: “You can be whatever you want to be; as long as you’re a good person, that’s enough.” Dew hopes that everyone will reflect on this expression and ask themselves if LGBTQ+ individuals need to prove themselves by doing good deeds, getting high grades, or working harder than cisgender people. She believes that everyone, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, should be accepted and respected for who they are. She asserts that in fact, “It’s enough to be yourself” would be more appropriate because it emphasizes self-respect and mutual respect as the basis for one’s rights and responsibilities. This is what has allowed Dew to become a successful diplomat and follow her dreams. Full story: THAILAND NOW 2023-11-06 - 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

Thailand Combats Violence Against Women and Children BANGKOK (NNT) - November has been designated as a month to focus on eradicating violence against children, women, and families in Thailand. Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa made clear the importance of ending all domestic violence, urging the public to report incidents to the ministry’s 24/7 hotline or Line account. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311375-thailand-combats-violence-against-women-and-children/

BANGKOK (NNT) - November has been designated as a month to focus on eradicating violence against children, women, and families in Thailand. Social Development and Human Security Minister Varawut Silpa-archa made clear the importance of ending all domestic violence, urging the public to report incidents to the ministry’s 24/7 hotline or Line account. Incidents of violence have markedly increased according to the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), with over 4,000 cases reported this fiscal year, up from the previous year’s 2,493. A significant majority of the victims were female, and violence occurred predominantly in domestic settings. In an effort to curb the violence, the Royal Thai Police have introduced platforms to support victims, with a focus on adolescents who show early signs of aggression due to various stressors. With specialized psychiatric support and shelters available, the police aim to offer refuge and mental care for those affected. ThaiHealth is also playing a role by addressing the digital aspect of children’s lives, noting the widespread access to digital devices among Thai children and the associated risks of cyberbullying and online threats. The organization is working towards enhancing digital literacy and safe internet usage. The increase in violence and the rise in psychiatric cases among the young population have prompted calls for a balanced legal approach that considers the offenders’ age and the severity of their actions. Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to create safe zones for children and to educate them on valuing self-esteem over material attachments. By: Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2023-11-06 - 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

Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Employment in South Korea BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor is intensifying efforts to tackle the issue of Thai nationals working illegally in South Korea, a situation that has led to a public backlash and calls to ban travel to Korea. The recent social media outcry saw hashtags criticizing Korean immigration surge in popularity. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311374-thailand-cracks-down-on-illegal-employment-in-south-korea/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Ministry of Labor is intensifying efforts to tackle the issue of Thai nationals working illegally in South Korea, a situation that has led to a public backlash and calls to ban travel to Korea. The recent social media outcry saw hashtags criticizing Korean immigration surge in popularity. Labor Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn has initiated a partnership with the Thai Travel Agents Association to prevent tour operators from being complicit in illegal employment activities. It is estimated that over 100,000 Thais are working unlawfully in South Korea, surpassing the number of legally employed Thai workers. The illegal workforce often referred to colloquially as "little ghosts," is accused of violating the bilateral agreement with South Korea by overstaying tourist visas to seek employment. To combat this, the ministry has established specialized teams at major Thai airports to deter and intercept potential illegal workers from traveling to South Korea. The Labor Ministry is also working closely with the Korea Immigration Service to share information and is actively targeting recruitment agencies that encourage illegal employment through online platforms. By Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2023-11-06 - 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 Triathletes Set for Hong Kong Triathlon Showdown BANGKOK (NNT) - Thirty-three Thai triathletes have successfully qualified for the upcoming Asia Triathlon Cup and Asia Triathlon Youth Championship in Hong Kong, scheduled for November 19. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311373-thai-triathletes-set-for-hong-kong-triathlon-showdown/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thirty-three Thai triathletes have successfully qualified for the upcoming Asia Triathlon Cup and Asia Triathlon Youth Championship in Hong Kong, scheduled for November 19. The contingent was selected after rigorous trials conducted by the Thailand Triathlon Federation earlier in August, where competitors from across the nation vied for a chance to represent their country. These athletes are set to challenge participants from 17 countries in a test of endurance and skill. The Asia Triathlon Cup 2023, a major event in the triathlon calendar, will see the elite category athletes undertake a grueling 750m swim, a 20km cycle, followed by a 5km run. The Youth/U15 segment will involve a 375m swim, a 10km cycle, and a 2.5km run, catering to the younger talent pool. For the TriKids category, the young athletes will compete in a 275m swim, a 7.2km bike ride, and a 1.5km run. By Krajangwit Johjit Full story: NNT 2023-11-06 - 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

New minimum wages to come into force by New Year New minimum wages for Thailand will be announced in December, but the rates will be less than 400 baht per day, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Monday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311372-new-minimum-wages-to-come-into-force-by-new-year/

New minimum wages for Thailand will be announced in December, but the rates will be less than 400 baht per day, Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said Monday. He said that the new wages will vary from one province to another, depending on the economic situation and cost of living in each. Since October 1st, 2022, there have been nine minimum wage rates in the 77 provinces. The highest are 354 baht/day in Phuket, Rayong and Chon Buri and 353 baht/day in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon. In the rest of the country, the minimum wage ranges from 338 baht to 345 baht. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-11-06 - 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

Sacked Move Forward MP claims he is a victim of internal party politics Move Forward MP for Prachin Buri, Wuttiphong Thonglour, claimed today that he was a victim of internal politics, after he had tried to expose alleged corruption by an assistant to an executive committee member. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311371-sacked-move-forward-mp-claims-he-is-a-victim-of-internal-party-politics/

Move Forward MP for Prachin Buri, Wuttiphong Thonglour, claimed today that he was a victim of internal politics, after he had tried to expose alleged corruption by an assistant to an executive committee member. Speaking to the media, in his second press conference since being expelled from the party after he was found to have committed an act of sexual harassment by the Move Forward party’s disciplinary committee, the embattled Prachin Buri MP tried to defend himself, claiming he was framed to distract attention from his attempt to expose corruption in a landfill project in Prachin Buri. He claimed that he had lodged a complaint with the party,calling for a probe into the conduct of an unnamed executive committee member, about four months ago, but his complaint has been ignored. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-11-06 - 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

Arrest warrants issued for two officials suspected of helping prisoner escape Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. PHOTO: Thailand Medical News Two public servants are being sought by police on suspicion of helping a convicted criminal escape. The Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial court has issued arrest warrants for the unnamed officials, as the hunt for 37 year old escapee Chaowalit Thongduang continues. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311140-arrest-warrants-issued-for-two-officials-suspected-of-helping-prisoner-escape/

Two public servants are being sought by police on suspicion of helping a convicted criminal escape. The Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial court has issued arrest warrants for the unnamed officials, as the hunt for 37 year old escapee Chaowalit Thongduang continues. Chaowalit was serving a prison sentence for attempted murder, robbery and possession of firearms, when he escaped from a hospital in the southern province. He’d been receiving dental treatment. Police have been hunting for Chaowalit since he fled the facility on October 22. Earlier this week, officers arrested 28 year old Suthiwat ‘Norn’ Khunnarong in the central province of Ratchaburi, who is accused of driving the car that took Chaowalit away from the hospital. Suthiwat initially denied the accusations against him, but under questioning at the police station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, it’s understood he admitted to the charges. By Peter Roche Caption: Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. PHOTO: Thailand Medical News Full story: Phuket GO 2023-11-03 - 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 officials meet to discuss solutions to ease Thepkasattri Road traffic PHOTO: All Trails Talks are continuing on a proposed new road linking Kathu and Srisoontorn, to ease the turgid congestion along Thepkassattri Road and provide a new route to Phuket International Airport. The Phuket News reports that the working group overseeing the project has agreed to begin the required surveys and inspections and to draw up maps of land boundaries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311139-phuket-officials-meet-to-discuss-solutions-to-ease-thepkasattri-road-traffic/

Talks are continuing on a proposed new road linking Kathu and Srisoontorn, to ease the turgid congestion along Thepkassattri Road and provide a new route to Phuket International Airport. The Phuket News reports that the working group overseeing the project has agreed to begin the required surveys and inspections and to draw up maps of land boundaries. According to a report, 3 families have confirmed their willingness to donate land to the project. The road, which will start at the Phuket Mining Museum in Kathu, and cross the hills in the centre of the island to join the east side of the Bang Neow dam in Srisoontorn, is expected to be around 5.6 kilometres long and 12 metres wide (2 lanes in each direction). In November 2022, Nimit confirmed the plans for the new road, emphasising the need for an alternative route to help tourism and the local economy, not the least easing the appalling congestion for locals at most times of the day. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: All Trails Full story: Phuket GO 2023-11-03 - 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

Car driver escapes with minor injuries in tunnel collision PHOTO: WeR News A car driver has had a lucky escape after the sedan she was driving collided with an oil delivery truck in a Phuket underpass. The incident took place in the island’s Samkong Underpass (next to the big Lotus’s store) around 4.15am yesterday, November 2. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311138-car-driver-escapes-with-minor-injuries-in-tunnel-collision/

A car driver has had a lucky escape after the sedan she was driving collided with an oil delivery truck in a Phuket underpass. The incident took place in the island’s Samkong Underpass (next to the big Lotus’s store) around 4.15am yesterday, November 2. The driver of the car was in the right-hand lane of the underpass when she appeared to lose control of the vehicle, crossing into the left lane and colliding with the oil truck. Phuket City Police were notified of the collision and arrived on the scene with rescue workers, to find the severely damaged car. The oil delivery truck was nearby, with its front right and back right tyres having exploded. The car driver sustained only minor injuries in the collision. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: WeR News Full story: Phuket GO 2023-11-03 - 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

Raising Long-Tailed Japanese Chickens: A Lucrative New Business KHON KAEN, Nov 3 (TNA) – The ancient Japanese breed of chickens known as “Onagadori” or Long-Tailed Japanese Chickens is a beautiful bird traditionally raised by the upper noble class of Japanese society. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1311137-raising-long-tailed-japanese-chickens-a-lucrative-new-business/

KHON KAEN, Nov 3 (TNA) – The ancient Japanese breed of chickens known as “Onagadori” or Long-Tailed Japanese Chickens is a beautiful bird traditionally raised by the upper noble class of Japanese society. However, this breed is relatively unknown in Thailand, and many people find it hard to believe that they even exist, despite their substantial profitability. Chalermchai Maneebun, 40 who had previously worked in Israel and returned to his homeland in Khon Kaen province seven years ago, became interested in learning more about the long-tailed chicken after he saw the Japanese ancient photo, featuring their exquisite and unique beauty on social media. Full story: Thai News Agency 2023-11-03 - 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