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A large turtle attracted a crowd of villagers who believe it could be a harbinger of good fortune, after being found in the middle of the road. The spectacle took place today, at 174 House, Moo 9, in Nong Mek Village, Dan Chang Subdistrict, Bua Yai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which is the home of 61 years old Sant Uthaida. Some villagers even smeared the turtle’s shell with flour, a traditional practice to reveal lottery numbers, before weighing the turtle, which was about 10 kilogrammes. The large turtle, found in the middle of the road, instilled a belief among the villagers that it would bring good luck. The length of the creature from head to tail was measured at 18 inches, and the shell was 17 inches wide. Consequently, villagers used these numbers to try their luck according to their individual beliefs. Some, after smearing the turtle’s shell with flour, claimed to see the distinctive numbers 71 and 65, reported KhaoSod. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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

Chanthaburi preschool teachers suspected of school trip scam, questioned Photo courtesy of Khaosod The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Chanthaburi Province is investigating a preschool teacher team accused of collecting money from students for a trip to Vietnam. Jamnien Moonsarn, the director of the Chanthaburi ACC office, revealed that the initial fact-checking was carried out yesterday following reports from the National Corruption Deterrence Centre. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310400-chanthaburi-preschool-teachers-suspected-of-school-trip-scam-questioned/

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Chanthaburi Province is investigating a preschool teacher team accused of collecting money from students for a trip to Vietnam. Jamnien Moonsarn, the director of the Chanthaburi ACC office, revealed that the initial fact-checking was carried out yesterday following reports from the National Corruption Deterrence Centre. The case has also become viral on social media under the headline: Tricking students into signing, taking money to travel to Vietnam. Jamnien disclosed that initial investigations by the Chanthaburi ACC office revealed that the teachers had purchased a tour package to Vietnam from a company. Each head cost 15,900 baht and the money was transferred to the tour company in three instalments. The first was on June 2 amounting to 159,000 baht, the second on September 20, also 159,000 baht, and a final payment of 15,900 baht on August 18. This extra payment was due to an additional participant joining the trip. The ACC office is currently conducting a thorough examination of the bank account transactions to verify the source of funds. An initial finding showed that the money was transferred from an account belonging to one of the group members. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo courtesy of Khaosod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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

Illegal pork smuggling operation busted in Bangkok, Thai DSI raids business properties Picture courtesy of ธราธร บุ้งทอง Facebook The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) launched a raid on a prominent company in Bangkok, hunting down two investors behind the sale of illegal pork. The police discovered around 200 kilogrammes of illegal pork contraband. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310399-illegal-pork-smuggling-operation-busted-in-bangkok-thai-dsi-raids-business-properties/

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) launched a raid on a prominent company in Bangkok, hunting down two investors behind the sale of illegal pork. The police discovered around 200 kilogrammes of illegal pork contraband. The raid followed a DSI investigation into an illegal pork smuggling operation importing carcasses, particularly frozen pork, into Thailand illegally. The case began in 2021 and continues to the present, with sufficient evidence to call in the suspects and press charges against those importing frozen pork, both as corporations and as individuals, rounding up to an initial six individuals. The DSI operations resulted in raiding two central Bangkok locations, attempting to gather further evidence before incorporating it into the existing case. The investigation stemmed from the arrest of six individuals involved with a private shipping company, thus leading to the discovery of this company’s financial transactions and documents. The company was found to be responsible for paying a private shipping firm to order frozen pork for import into Thailand via customs, falsely declaring the product as frozen food. During the initial inspection, the company’s premises were found to be a commercial building selling various types of frozen meat and offal. It was also discovered that the back of the building was equipped for slicing frozen meat, and refrigerators were installed within the building. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of ธราธร บุ้งทอง Facebook Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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

Prison escapee on the prowl: Inmate’s great Thailand wildlife sanctuary location unveiled Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The hunt for a 37 year old inmate who escaped from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital led police to the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary. This vast wildlife refuge, spanning 1266 square kilometres across Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, and Songkhla, is believed to be the hideout of Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310398-prison-escapee-on-the-prowl-inmate’s-great-thailand-wildlife-sanctuary-location-unveiled/

The hunt for a 37 year old inmate who escaped from Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital led police to the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary. This vast wildlife refuge, spanning 1266 square kilometres across Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, and Songkhla, is believed to be the hideout of Chaowalit Thongduang, also known as Sia Paeng. This discovery prompted a shift in law enforcement’s initial belief that the fugitive had successfully fled the country via the southern border province of Satun. Chaowalit escaped between Saturday night and Monday morning during a dental appointment at the hospital. CCTV footage revealed him leaving the medical facility with another individual named Chirawut, also known as Luk Wua. They were seen departing in a white Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck, which investigations later revealed to be driven by a third man, Chakkri, or Big. Surveillance noted that this vehicle was accompanied by a black Honda Civic and an Isuzu D-Max pickup truck. By tracking phone signals from the occupants of these vehicles, police determined they initially journeyed towards the Chian Yai and Cha-uat districts of Nakhon Si Thammarat, then shifted towards neighbouring Phatthalung. Interestingly, upon reaching Sri Nakharin district of Phatthalung, the vehicles separated. The Mitsubishi truck headed to Satun, the Isuzu to Trang, and the Civic to Krabi. This led police to initially suspect that Chaowalit was in the Mitsubishi truck headed for Satun and potentially escaping to a neighbouring country. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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

Owner of southern karaoke bar arrested for human trafficking PHOTO: Matichon The owner of a karaoke bar in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat has been arrested for trafficking minors. The defendant has been named only as 38 year old Ms Yardpirun, according to a Phuket Express report. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310396-owner-of-southern-karaoke-bar-arrested-for-human-trafficking/

The owner of a karaoke bar in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat has been arrested for trafficking minors. The defendant has been named only as 38 year old Ms Yardpirun, according to a Phuket Express report. Yardpirun’s arrest was the result of a sting operation by officers from the Anti Trafficking in Persons Division on Tuesday, October 24. She has been charged with human trafficking for the purpose of exploitation without consent, involving persons over 15 but less than 18 years. During her arrest, 3 underage girls were rescued from the venue in the Thung Song district, including one who is related to Yardpirun. It’s understood the victims were lured into prostitution by their employer. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Matichon Full story: Phuket GO 2023-10-26 - 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

Chiang Mai Prepares for Influx of Tourists for Lantern Festival Chiang Mai is on the top list of travel plans for foreign tourists eyed for the Lantern Festival, with more than 80% of hotel reservations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310395-chiang-mai-prepares-for-influx-of-tourists-for-lantern-festival/

Chiang Mai is on the top list of travel plans for foreign tourists eyed for the Lantern Festival, with more than 80% of hotel reservations. On October 25th, 2023, Mr. Panlop Saejiw, the President of Chiang Mai Tourism, publicly stated that during long holidays, many Thai tourists visited Chiang Mai as their travel destination, usually on New Year’s holidays or weekends. Especially, when the Thai government announced long holidays, it is easy to make a decision and make travel plans. Panlop revealed to Thai media that international flight tickets are affordable, however, domestic flight tickets are at high prices and may have a slight impact on tourism. “As for the long holiday and the upcoming festival, Lantern Festival, in Chiang Mai, the number of 4-star-plus hotel bookings has skyrocketed up to 80%, mostly a foreign group,” added Panlop. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-26 - 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 Police Arrest Turkish Dine-and-Dash Suspect with Illegal Drugs Pattaya police arrested a Turkish tourist who reportedly refused to pay his food bill on Tuesday night. Authorities also discovered a sachet on the man, suspected to contain ketamine. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310394-pattaya-police-arrest-turkish-dine-and-dash-suspect-with-illegal-drugs/

Pattaya police arrested a Turkish tourist who reportedly refused to pay his food bill on Tuesday night. Authorities also discovered a sachet on the man, suspected to contain ketamine. The arrest occurred at 10:30 PM on October 25th on Walking Street, South Pattaya, Chonburi province. The Turkish tourist, whose name was withheld by the authorities, refused to pay his food bill at an unnamed restaurant located on Walking Street, prompting the restaurant operator to call the police. Law enforcement swiftly arrived at the scene and arrested the tourist. The suspect appeared to be acting erratic and unusual and as a result police decided to search the man. During a search of his body, police discovered two sachets, one of which was suspected to contain ketamine. The other also contained a strange-looking pill. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-26 - 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

Guards at Popular Pattaya Entertainment Area Allegedly Beat Young Delivery Man A 25-year-old delivery man was reportedly beaten by a group of guards at the famous Tree Town night market in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, on Tuesday evening, say Pattaya police. The motive behind the attack is currently under police investigation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310393-guards-at-popular-pattaya-entertainment-area-allegedly-beat-young-delivery-man/

A 25-year-old delivery man was reportedly beaten by a group of guards at the famous Tree Town night market in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, on Tuesday evening, say Pattaya police. The motive behind the attack is currently under police investigation. At 7:00 PM on October 25th, the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Center received a report of a severe physical assault on a young Thai man at the Tree Town market in Soi Buakhao, Central Pattaya, Banglamung district, Chonburi. Upon receiving the report, rescuers coordinated with Pattaya police and promptly arrived at the scene for investigation. There, they discovered the victim, identified as 25-year-old Min Muang, lying in a pool of blood with severe head injuries. According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Min was a delivery worker from a nearby beverage shop who had arrived on a motorcycle to make a delivery of alcoholic beverages to an unidentified bar at the market which has dozens of bars and restaurants. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: The Pattaya News 2023-10-26 - 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

Teenage drug addict caught running explicit content ring to fund addiction Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A teenage drug addict, known as A (pseudonym), who was the admin of a secret group, was arrested for disseminating explicit content over the Telegram messenger. The 16 year old confessed to using the money he made from the group, which has tens of thousands of members, to fund his drug habit and online slot gambling addiction. The expose occurred today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310389-teenage-drug-addict-caught-running-explicit-content-ring-to-fund-addiction/

A teenage drug addict, known as A (pseudonym), who was the admin of a secret group, was arrested for disseminating explicit content over the Telegram messenger. The 16 year old confessed to using the money he made from the group, which has tens of thousands of members, to fund his drug habit and online slot gambling addiction. The expose occurred today. Tech Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) Police of Region 5, under the command of Police Lieutenant Colonel Kraisri Julapan, yesterday arrested A in possession of a stolen mobile phone and 156 methamphetamine pills. The charges against the teenage drug addict included possessing child pornography for self or others’ sexual pleasure, importing, disseminating, or forwarding computer data of a pornographic nature, and trafficking in category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine) for distribution and consumption. The case was triggered when TCSD officials came across secret groups on Telegram named VIP.กลุ่มลับแนวเด็ก and กลุ่มเด็ก VIP. These groups, with 10,000 members, were charging for membership and sharing explicit images and videos of minors, both male and female. On investigation, A, a 16 year old, was identified as the group’s admin. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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

The Mall Group plans to extend opening hours to promote Thailand tourism Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand Mall Group Co-chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh proposed a novel strategy to invigorate the nation’s economy by attracting a greater influx of foreign tourists. She insists that the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism sector are moving in the right direction but advocates for the introduction of special incentives to stimulate investments in artificial tourist attractions across the nation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310387-the-mall-group-plans-to-extend-opening-hours-to-promote-thailand-tourism/

Thailand Mall Group Co-chairwoman Supaluck Umpujh proposed a novel strategy to invigorate the nation’s economy by attracting a greater influx of foreign tourists. She insists that the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism sector are moving in the right direction but advocates for the introduction of special incentives to stimulate investments in artificial tourist attractions across the nation. Supaluck also highlighted the potential advantage of reconfiguring the zoning arrangements for tourist attractions, a step which could amplify their appeal to international visitors and thereby trigger a spending surge. The Mall Group Co-chairwoman suggests that key locations like Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, and Krabi should extend service hours, mirroring the approach of popular destinations in nearby countries such as Indonesia’s Bali. “Visitors tend to spend more when they have more time for enjoyment. To facilitate this, we must offer a range of attractions and entertainment options, both during the day and at night. These should provide educational and experiential elements that go beyond mere monetary value.” By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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

Scrapping immigration forms may boost Malaysian tourist influx in Thailand Picture courtesy of Nutthawat Wicheanbut Tourism professionals in Songkhla have voiced their desire for the discontinuation of the TM6 immigration paperwork as an additional border checkpoint and the eradication of extra-time service charges, as these measures continue to slow the influx of tourists from Malaysia. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310386-scrapping-immigration-forms-may-boost-malaysian-tourist-influx-in-thailand/

Tourism professionals in Songkhla have voiced their desire for the discontinuation of the TM6 immigration paperwork as an additional border checkpoint and the eradication of extra-time service charges, as these measures continue to slow the influx of tourists from Malaysia. The government gave its approval this week to scrap the TM6 forms from November 1 to April 30, 2024, at the Sadao immigration checkpoint in Songkhla. By October 22, the count of arrivals from Malaysia had reached 3.54 million, surpassing the 2.7 million visitors from China. The Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipates the Malaysian market to surpass the record of 4.2 million arrivals set in 2019. Songchai Mungprasithichai, the leader of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, highlighted that there are typically between 500 and 600 individuals passing through the Sadao checkpoint every hour during holiday periods, leading to tourists being held up at borders for up to an hour. He noted that although the suspension of the TM6 form would ease the flow of tourists, it could also attract visitors who usually enter via other checkpoints, resulting in further congestion. To mitigate overcrowding at certain checkpoints, Songchai proposed that the government also abolish the forms at the second-busiest checkpoint, Padang Besar, located 10 kilometres from Sadao. He also suggested that the Betong entry point in Yala and the Wang Prachan gateway in Satun be exempted from the form collection process, as these sites typically attract tourists from Malaysia and could assist in managing the volume of visitors in Songkhla, reported Bangkok Post. By Alex Morgan Caption: Picture courtesy of Nutthawat Wicheanbut Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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 arrested for money laundering suspicion at airport in Germany Photo via Central Customs Authority in Germany The Central Customs Authority in Germany reported the arrest of a Thai woman at Frankfurt Airport on suspicion of money laundering. The woman is still being questioned by German authorities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310384-thai-woman-arrested-for-money-laundering-suspicion-at-airport-in-germany/

The Central Customs Authority in Germany reported the arrest of a Thai woman at Frankfurt Airport on suspicion of money laundering. The woman is still being questioned by German authorities. According to a report on the official German Customs Authority website, officers at the Frankfurt Airport security checkpoint detained the Thai woman, aged about 50, on suspicion of money laundering before she boarded a flight to an unnamed Bangkok airport on October 10. Officers searched her luggage and handbag and discovered two empty purses and later found 101,119 euros (3.9 million baht), hidden inside the lining of the purses. The woman is suspected of laundering money for an illegal business and remains in police custody for questioning. The reported interrogation has not yet been made public. According to local law, travellers from outside the country who carry more than 10,000 euros in cash must declare it to officials at the airport. In essence, even if the woman manages to prove her innocence, she would still be charged with violating the money laundering law. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Central Customs Authority in Germany Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-26 - 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 expected to have five new airlines operating next year PHOTO: Really Cool Airlines From 2024, Thailand is expected to have another 5 airlines operating, with a total investment of at least 3.85 billion baht. Thailand is already served with 6 domestic airlines, most whom also have services from Thailand into regional destinations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1310383-thailand-expected-to-have-five-new-airlines-operating-next-year/

From 2024, Thailand is expected to have another 5 airlines operating, with a total investment of at least 3.85 billion baht. Thailand is already served with 6 domestic airlines, most whom also have services from Thailand into regional destinations. Nation Thailand reports that Really Cool Airlines, P80 Air, Pattaya Airways, Siam Seaplane, and Landarch Airlines have all received an Air Operating Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand. However, the carriers are still waiting on their Air Operator Certificate before they can launch commercial flights in the kingdom. Really Cool Airlines expects to receive its AOC in January 2024 and begin operations from the second quarter of the year. CEO Patee Sarasin says in the first 2 years, the carrier will focus on Asian routes, including Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The start up airline seems to have had the lion’s share of media and publicity as it gets ready to start services next year. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Really Cool Airlines Full story: Phuket GO 2023-10-26 - 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