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Thai Muslims attend prayers to bid farewell to late Muslim spiritual leader Thai Muslims across the country attended prayers at mosques to bid farewell to the late Muslim spiritual leader Chularajmontri (Sheikhul Islam of Thailand), Aziz Phithakkumpol, who passed away on Sunday at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310112-thai-muslims-attend-prayers-to-bid-farewell-to-late-muslim-spiritual-leader/

The Thai Commerce Ministry has sought support and cooperation from the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), to increase the ability of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the Japanese market, especially for farm products. Deputy Commerce Minister Napintorn Srisunpang said that he sought the help during his discussion with JETRO chairman Kurada Jun last week, and both the Commerce Ministry and JETRO have agreed to hold a seminar for Thai SMEs and Japanese business people in Thailand to promote the use and the rights under the FTAs with Thailand and ASEAN, in order to gain greater access to the Japanese market. There are currently three relevant FTAs, namely the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA), the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-23 - 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 Muslims across the country attended prayers at mosques to bid farewell to the late Muslim spiritual leader Chularajmontri (Sheikhul Islam of Thailand), Aziz Phithakkumpol, who passed away on Sunday at Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Aziz’s body was flown on an Air Force C-130 transport plane from Don Mueang airport to his place of birth place in Songkhla province yesterday (Sunday), for funeral rites today at the central masjid of Songkhla. President of the Privy Council, General Surayud Chulanont, attended the funeral on behalf of His Majesty the King, while Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich, representing the government, also attended. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-23 - 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

Digital wallet scheme and minimum wage hike under fire Photo: Bangkok Post The Thai government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has faced significant challenges since coming to power seven weeks ago, with various commitments made during their campaign now under scrutiny. A crucial task includes the repatriation of Thai citizens affected by the Middle East conflict and the ongoing Israel-Hamas unrest. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310106-digital-wallet-scheme-and-minimum-wage-hike-under-fire/

The Thai government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has faced significant challenges since coming to power seven weeks ago, with various commitments made during their campaign now under scrutiny. A crucial task includes the repatriation of Thai citizens affected by the Middle East conflict and the ongoing Israel-Hamas unrest. The Thai government’s promise to hike the daily minimum wage to 400 baht this year and 600 baht within four years may not be enough to entice Thais working abroad to return, considering wages in their host countries are higher. Consequently, Thailand’s reliance on labour from neighbouring countries is expected to continue. The administration’s planned 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme has raised questions about its funding source, with economists highlighting potential long-term risks based on certain financing forms. Amonthep Chawla, chief economist at CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), expressed concerns about the lack of details regarding the digital handout, including funding sources, the digital unit type, and the digital wallet’s functioning. Therefore, CIMBT cannot determine whether the scheme will be implemented as planned. The administration has announced that the handout is set to launch early next year, but Amonthep suggested that the Thai government should educate the public and merchants about the scheme ahead of its February roll-out. He also remarked on the necessity of convincing businesses to register for the scheme and comply with the tax system. Should the scheme launch in February next year, CIMBT anticipates it could contribute to a 4% economic growth next year. However, the bank remains sceptical about sustaining this growth rate in 2025 and 2026. As for the proposed increase in the minimum wage, the bank expects the Thai government to implement this policy on time, as it does not require a significant fiscal budget, but this depends on tripartite discussions. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo: Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-23 - 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

Controversial union: Thai man’s marriage to older Chinese woman stirs debate Photo: Sanook The controversial union of a 23 year old man who married a 45 year old woman sparked a flurry of criticism in Thailand. The age and appearance of the bride, who hails from Guangdong province, have been the subjects of controversy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310105-controversial-union-thai-man’s-marriage-to-older-chinese-woman-stirs-debate/

The controversial union of a 23 year old man who married a 45 year old woman sparked a flurry of criticism in Thailand. The age and appearance of the bride, who hails from Guangdong province, have been the subjects of controversy. The couple met at an event and despite the 22 year age gap, their relationship blossomed into a happy union. This led them to tie the knot in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, where the groom beamed with joy marrying the woman he loves. The bride, on the other hand, blushed shyly, holding a fan in her hand. However, the bride’s appearance stirred public opinion as her facial features and physique are perceived as “masculine” with a short haircut and no makeup, scarf, or flowers adorning her hair. This controversial union caused some confusion among onlookers as to who the groom was and led some to describe the pair as more like “an uncle and nephew” rather than a bride and groom. Critics speculated that their marriage might not be based on true love and could not last. By Samantha Rose Caption: Photo: Sanook Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-23 - 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

Pattaya Teen Rescues Depressed Woman trying to Drown Herself A 17-year-old Thai teen rescued a suicidal woman after witnessing her walking into the Pattaya sea in an attempt to harm herself early this morning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310104-pattaya-teen-rescues-depressed-woman-trying-to-drown-herself/

A 17-year-old Thai teen rescued a suicidal woman after witnessing her walking into the Pattaya sea in an attempt to harm herself early this morning. The incident was reported to Pattaya police at 3:30 AM today, October 23rd, on Pattaya Beach close to Soi Pattaya 9, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Emergency responders, Pattaya police, and The Pattaya News promptly rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a 24-year-old Thai woman identified only as Ms. Rattanaporn. Her last name was withheld by The Pattaya News to protect her privacy. She was found in tears on the beach, with a crowd of tourists observing the situation. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-23 - 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 Industrial Confidence Index Drops for Third Consecutive Month in September BANGKOK (NNT) - The Industrial Confidence Index in Thailand has declined for the third consecutive month, falling to 90.0 in September from 91.3 in August, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The weakening is primarily due to a slowdown in the manufacturing sector, affected by diminished domestic purchasing power and a sluggish global economic outlook. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310103-thai-industrial-confidence-index-drops-for-third-consecutive-month-in-september/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Industrial Confidence Index in Thailand has declined for the third consecutive month, falling to 90.0 in September from 91.3 in August, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The weakening is primarily due to a slowdown in the manufacturing sector, affected by diminished domestic purchasing power and a sluggish global economic outlook. Kriengkrai Theinnukul, Chairman of the FTI, attributes the decline to reduced household debt, lower agricultural income, and weakening demand from trade partners, particularly China. Additionally, entrepreneurs are grappling with increased financial costs due to the Bank of Thailand’s (BOT) policy rate hike. The FTI predicts a further decline in the index over the next three months, with forecasts dropping to 97.3 from 99.5. However, the remainder of the year is expected to see some economic boost due to the visa-free policy, despite geopolitical tensions affecting energy and commodity prices. To combat the economic downturn, the FTI has put forth three key recommendations to the government. These include urging the BOT to minimize the interest rate gap between deposits and loans and to expedite the establishment of a "Virtual Bank". The FTI also calls for the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and the Customs Department to intensify efforts to prevent the import of substandard products. Lastly, the federation suggests promoting renewable energy trading through incentives for excess electricity purchases via the Net Metering system. The FTI is also preparing for the upcoming 2023 Foreign Industrial Club (FIC 2023) Event, scheduled for November 1st. With the theme ’Reformation of Thai Economy Amidst Polycrisis’, the event aims to serve as a platform for business discussions involving both public and private sectors from Thailand and abroad. High-level government officials, including Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, will participate, alongside diplomats and foreign investors. By Woraprat Lerpaisal Full story: NNT 2023-10-23 - 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

Over 3,000 Thais already repatriated from Israel A total of 3,329 Thai workers and students have now been flown back to Thailand from Israel, including 367 who arrived yesterday (Sunday) on two flights, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310102-over-3000-thais-already-repatriated-from-israel/

A total of 3,329 Thai workers and students have now been flown back to Thailand from Israel, including 367 who arrived yesterday (Sunday) on two flights, according to the Thai Foreign Ministry. Another 515 Thai evacuees are due back today on two more flights, with the first, from Dubai, expected to touch down at Suvarnabhumi international airport at about 4pm with 280 passengers on board. The second flight, from Tel Aviv, is expected to land at about 11pm carrying 235 passengers. The second set of the remains of Thais killed in the fighting in Israel are scheduled to arrive in Bangkok this Wednesday. The first eight sets of remains were flown back from Israel last week. Altogether 31 Thais were killed, 18 injured and 19 abducted by Hamas. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-23 - 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 Srettha calls for innovative ASEAN-GCC partnership Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today called for innovative partnership between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for a sustainable future. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309869-pm-srettha-calls-for-innovative-asean-gcc-partnership/

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today called for innovative partnership between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for a sustainable future. Addressing the ASEAN-GCC summit in Riyadh, Srettha reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to fostering relations with the GCC members, particularly in economic cooperation, climate action and people-to-people relations. He also proposed more cooperation in trade and investment through Thai-GCC and ASEAN-GCC free trade arrangements. Caption: Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-20 - 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

Fight at Pattaya Temple Fair Leaves Three People Injured A temple fair at Wat Chak Nok in the Huay Yai area of Banglamung district turned violent as two groups of hot-headed teenagers clashed, resulting in three injuries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309868-fight-at-pattaya-temple-fair-leaves-three-people-injured/

A temple fair at Wat Chak Nok in the Huay Yai area of Banglamung district turned violent as two groups of hot-headed teenagers clashed, resulting in three injuries. The brawl between two groups of rival local teens broke out just half an hour past midnight on Thursday, October 19th, at Wat Chak Nok where a temple fair and a concert were being held. Emergency responders and Pattaya police rushed to the scene and arrested two unidentified men who allegedly engaged in the brawl. Police also seized a 50-cm-long knife from one of the suspects. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-20 - 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

Police Committee Raise Concerns Over Proliferation of Online Gambling The Police Committee and Council filed a petition to Thai authorities on major online gambling sites accessible easily to everyone in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309866-police-committee-raise-concerns-over-proliferation-of-online-gambling/

The Police Committee and Council filed a petition to Thai authorities on major online gambling sites accessible easily to everyone in Thailand. At 10:00 AM, on October 19th, 2023, Mr. Chaichana Dechdecho, the Chairman of the Police Committee and Council, filed an investigative complaint to the Representative of the Royal Thai Police Commander, the Central Investigation Bureau officials, and other relevant officials about the proliferation of online gambling. At present, there are mule accounts and seven major online gambling sites in Thailand, for example, FAFA666, immi99, SUSURUN, UFABET, 777THB, UNSEENBET, and Phostreet. However, such websites also have extended networks such as mule accounts, cloned URLs, and LINE IDS. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-20 - 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

Pattaya Highway Police Arrest Serial Cable Thief A serial cable thief was arrested last night by the Pattaya highway police. He admitted to selling the stolen state wires and spending the proceeds on online gambling and drugs. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309865-pattaya-highway-police-arrest-serial-cable-thief/

A serial cable thief was arrested last night by the Pattaya highway police. He admitted to selling the stolen state wires and spending the proceeds on online gambling and drugs. The arrest took place about 8 PM on October 19th on Highway 7 (Pattaya – Map Ta Phut) at kilometer marker 6+800, heading towards Pattaya. The suspect, identified by police as Mr. Sumet Akkaudom, 34, was caught red-handed while cutting and pulling cables from a cable storage tube belonging to the Department of Highways. Highway police found cables, cutting tools, and a car in Mr. Sumet’s possession. The Thai suspect confessed to his action, saying he had committed the act three to four times before. The money he earned from this illicit activity was used for buying illegal drugs and online gambling. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-20 - 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

Rapists return to prison for brutal rape of 15 year old girl in central Thailand Photo via 77 Kaoded Police yesterday arrested two Thai men for the alleged brutal rape of a 15 year old girl in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The accused rapists had been imprisoned for the same crime and released only last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309860-rapists-return-to-prison-for-brutal-rape-of-15-year-old-girl-in-central-thailand/

Police yesterday arrested two Thai men for the alleged brutal rape of a 15 year old girl in the central province of Kanchanaburi. The accused rapists had been imprisoned for the same crime and released only last year. A 49 year old woman named Noi contacted the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women and Panom Tuan Police Station after her 15 year old daughter, named A, was allegedly raped by two men, 34 year old Off and 31 year old Bank. Noi said her daughter had not told her about the brutal rape but had told her friends. The friends later informed her mother on October 6, who immediately filed a complaint with the police and the foundation. According to A, Off was her father’s friend, so she trusted him. Off invited her to go with him to a community festival on September 30 and she agreed. While riding to the festival on Off’s motorcycle, another man dressed as a sheriff emerged from the forest by the side of the road and threatened A with a gun. A said she did not know the identity of the other man. Off and this man took her to a hut in the middle of the rice field and brutally raped her. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via 77 Kaoded Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-20 - 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

Missing 12 year old Bangkok girl sparks urgent search Photo courtesy of Khaosod A 12 year old girl has been missing for three continuous days under mysterious circumstances. Her distraught mother found a chat conversation between her daughter and a young man, prompting urgent police action to locate her. Concerns for her safety arose when the last CCTV footage of her was found at 10am today at Bang Na Police Station. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309858-missing-12-year-old-bangkok-girl-sparks-urgent-search/

A 12 year old girl has been missing for three continuous days under mysterious circumstances. Her distraught mother found a chat conversation between her daughter and a young man, prompting urgent police action to locate her. Concerns for her safety arose when the last CCTV footage of her was found at 10am today at Bang Na Police Station. Kanthasat Pongpaibulvech, also known as Gun Jompholung, along with the mother of the missing girl, asked Police Lieutenant Colonel Surapong Sukyaem, Bang Na Police Station’s investigation officer, for assistance. They fear the girl has been lured away and could be in danger of exploitation or human trafficking. Gun Jompholung relayed that the mother reported her daughter missing for three days. She had seen a chat conversation between her daughter and a man, who was persuading and pressuring the young girl to meet him. CCTV footage showed the girl leaving with a backpack and being taken away on a motorcycle by a man. Upon investigation, it was revealed that this man was the owner of the apartment where they lived. The girl was deceived by the man from the chat conversation, who then tricked the apartment owner into dropping her off at the Ekkamai bus terminal, claiming she was going to visit relatives in another province. Since then, she has been unreachable, leaving her mother extremely worried. Furthermore, the mother of the 20 year old man suspected of luring the girl contacted Gun Jompholung, claiming ignorance of the matter and not wanting it to become a big issue. She suggested settling the matter financially, which the girl’s parents firmly rejected, only wanting their daughter returned safely. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo courtesy of Khaosod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-20 - 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