snoop1130

Construction tycoon jailed for poaching leaves prison A former construction tycoon, Premchai Karnasuta, was released from on parole from prison today (Tuesday), after serving a jail term for poaching in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in December 2021. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309537-construction-tycoon-jailed-for-poaching-leaves-prison/

A former construction tycoon, Premchai Karnasuta, was released from on parole from prison today (Tuesday), after serving a jail term for poaching in Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province in December 2021. He was released on parole after his three years and two months jail term was reduced, resulting in his prison term ending this December. Premchai, 68, was seen being escorted from the prison to a waiting minivan, where his lawyer, Witton Yimprai, was waiting.Before his sentence w as reduced, he was to stay in prison until June next year. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17 - 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

250 more Thais are due back from Israel Tuesday evening A group of 250 Thai evacuees is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok from Israel at about 7pm tonight (Tuesday), followed by another group of 280 on a Thai Airways International flight, scheduled to arrive at about 3.30am tomorrow morning. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309536-250-more-thais-are-due-back-from-israel-tuesday-evening/

A group of 250 Thai evacuees is scheduled to arrive in Bangkok from Israel at about 7pm tonight (Tuesday), followed by another group of 280 on a Thai Airways International flight, scheduled to arrive at about 3.30am tomorrow morning. The fifth group of 244 Thais, including 33 students, were flown into Suvarnabhumi international airport Monday night from Israel, on a chartered flight, to the welcome of their loved ones and friends. One of the returning workers said, although he worked in central Israel, which is comparatively safe, he decided to return to Thailand because he is unsure of the situation there. He also vowed not to return to Israel to work again. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-17 - 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

Stranded British man seeks help as wife takes passport and sails away The stranded UK national at the Phuket Bus Terminal. Photo taken from The Phuket News A stranded British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309470-stranded-british-man-seeks-help-as-wife-takes-passport-and-sails-away/

A stranded British man, faced with the loss of his passport and funds after a family disagreement, found himself stranded in Phuket. Assistance from the Tourist Police was sought after his wife, following the dispute, left with his travel documents and a portion of their belongings. The public became aware of the British man’s plight through a report by the Phuket Tourist Police, which was presented amongst other incidents of officers aiding foreign tourists in distressing circumstances. While the identity of the man was kept confidential by the Tourist Police Bureau, the supposed occurrence of the event was traced back to either yesterday or within the week, with a photo of an official in a Vegetarian Festival t-shirt serving as a time marker. The Phuket Tourist Police revealed the man’s domestic dispute. “A tourist from the United Kingdom approached Tourist Police seeking assistance regarding an argument with his wife. The woman left the hotel with her spouse’s passport, so he requested help in tracking her down and retrieving his passport and money. ” By Mitch Connor Caption: The stranded UK national at the Phuket Bus Terminal. Photo taken from The Phuket News Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16 - 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

Woman struck and killed by train in Southern Thailand Photo by Antoine Beauvillain on Unsplash A tragic incident unfolded in the Hat Yai district, Songkhla, when a 40 year old woman, was struck and killed by a local train near the Tha Sae railway bridge, about 2 kilometres from the Hat Yai railway junction. The incident occurred at around 8.25am. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309469-woman-struck-and-killed-by-train-in-southern-thailand/

A tragic incident unfolded in the Hat Yai district, Songkhla, when a 40 year old woman, was struck and killed by a local train near the Tha Sae railway bridge, about 2 kilometres from the Hat Yai railway junction. The incident occurred at around 8.25am. The Hat Yai police, led by Lieutenant Colonel Nimman Nikuno, reported that the woman was found dead on the scene, her body lying next to the rail track bearing head injuries. Evidence suggests that she was hit by local train 463, which navigates the Phatthlung-Sungai Kolok route. Despite the severity of the impact, her personal belongings, including her mobile phone and purse, remained with her. The train briefly halted at the accident site before continuing its journey towards Hat Yai railway junction. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo by Antoine Beauvillain on Unsplash Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16 - 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

Bangkok craftsman stabs younger colleague over work dispute Photo by siobhan howerton raken from Pexels A violent altercation between two craftsmen over a broken water pipe in a dormitory ended in tragedy, with a Bangkok craftsman, 64 year old Chomphu, fatally stabbing the younger one, 37 year old Suradej. The incident took place in a dormitory located in Soi Charansanitwong 37, Bang Khun Sri, Bang Khun Non, Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309468-bangkok-craftsman-stabs-younger-colleague-over-work-dispute/

A violent altercation between two craftsmen over a broken water pipe in a dormitory ended in tragedy, with a Bangkok craftsman, 64 year old Chomphu, fatally stabbing the younger one, 37 year old Suradej. The incident took place in a dormitory located in Soi Charansanitwong 37, Bang Khun Sri, Bang Khun Non, Bangkok. Suradej, originally from Chai Nat province, had been stabbed in the head and neck and succumbed to his injuries due to severe blood loss. The authorities were alerted to the incident at 8pm, yesterday, October 15. After receiving a distress call from the Khun Non Radio Centre via the 191 emergency system, Deputy Inspector Natthapong Charitngam, the investigating officer from Bang Khun Non Police Station, and his team swiftly arrived at the scene. At the crime scene, a 27-inch sharp sword, believed to be the murder weapon, was found near Chomphu. Within an hour, at 8.50pm, Chomphu was apprehended by police at a house approximately 150 metres from the crime scene while preparing to flee. The suspect was brought into custody along with the recovered weapon. The case was then handed over to the Bang Khun Non Police Station for further investigation. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo by siobhan howerton raken from Pexels Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16 - 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

Turning the Tide: How Bangkok is Reclaiming its Canals & Waterways Source: kikujungboy CC / Shutterstock.com Some of the most pedestrian friendly cities in the world like Venice and Amsterdam often boast beautiful waterways. After all, it’s a very relaxing, refreshing experience to walk alongside a clean body of water. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309467-turning-the-tide-how-bangkok-is-reclaiming-its-canals-waterways/

Some of the most pedestrian friendly cities in the world like Venice and Amsterdam often boast beautiful waterways. After all, it’s a very relaxing, refreshing experience to walk alongside a clean body of water. Bangkok hopes to become one such city and is well on its way to doing so with a host of cleanup and townscaping measures that have already seen a huge improvement in water quality to Bangkok’s canals (or klongs) and to the Chao Phraya River itself. Thailand’s transition from klong to concrete Throughout most of the 19th century, Bangkok was often referred to as the Venice of the East. Indeed, the klong has long been a key part of the Thai way of life, with waterways being used as roads, markets, swimming pools, and more. However, with the shift towards motor vehicles in the 1960s, we began to see a big change throughout the country — particularly in Bangkok. The city’s many canals were replaced by paved roads, and the population boomed. This was a shift that Bangkok’s burgeoning infrastructure wasn’t ready to handle yet and resulted in the remaining canals being unable to accommodate the influx of garbage, runoff, and sewage. Something had to be done. Bangkok is not the first city to tackle a problem such as this. Famously, the Thames in London was responsible for driving people out of the city with “The Big Stink,” in 1858. After World War II, London’s sewage system was destroyed, and the river became almost biologically dead. It took over 60 years, but the Thames is now considered one of the cleaner rivers in a major city. A lot of the treatment and waste collection strategies that London once took have been adapted and improved upon in Bangkok, and that 60 year process is being shortened tremendously through new technology like automated water testing and computer-designed systems. Sustainable and natural water treatment Water treatment comes in many forms. Just like in an aquarium, introducing oxygen into the water is a vital ingredient for a healthy freshwater ecosystem. This is accomplished with aerator machines. One such machine, the Chaipattana Aerator, was patented by His Majesty King Rama IX himself and has since been used to develop a host of new machines to manage standing water bodies like municipal ponds and are often enjoyed by turtles as comfortable rest areas. Nonetheless, that’s only part of the solution. It’s also important to treat the water that enters the canal in the first place. Treatment facilities serve to filter and improve runoff water and fully purify sewage. In the heart of Bangkok, there is one treatment facility that takes a more old-school approach.The new Benjakitti Park has been designed to naturally filter and improve water quality out of the nearby canal using a lush wetland environment. Water flows into the park, and the wetland plants and animals work together to remove various particulates and germs. Of course, in an urban environment, everything is pulling double duty: recently, Benjakitti Park also played host to the Unfolding Bangkok art exhibition. Waste removal initiatives Another key way of improving water quality is to get garbage out of it. The Thai Government, through the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in close partnership with the “Jit Arsa” Royal Volunteers are committed to continuing these efforts with collection areas along every major canal in the city, while municipal waste collectors work daily throughout the city to keep the streets clean. Their efforts are complemented by private and community sector initiatives, such as the TerraCycle Global Foundation, which has built strong partnerships with local businesses, communities, and the Thai Government to support river waste prevention, collection, and recycling. By issuing plastic and carbon offsets, TerraCycle is able to fund marine trash capture technology, provide fair wages and social services to local waste pickers, and identify innovative recycling solutions and end-markets in which to sell the collected materials. At the same time, The Ocean Cleanup nonprofit organization has worked with Chulalongkorn University and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (????????) to research marine pollution and deploy a new solar-powered interceptor to collect garbage out of the Chao Phraya River. Together, these initiatives also prevent considerable waste from entering the Gulf of Thailand, protecting Thai coastal and marine ecosystems. Walking street makeovers Cleaner canals are a far more enjoyable experience when you can, well, experience them up close. Many canals throughout Bangkok are seeing new pedestrian walkways being built and older areas improved. Ong Ang Canal, for example, has been awarded the 2020 Asian Townscape Awards from the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Other standout gems can be enjoyed near Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown), the Giant Swing, Boe Bae market, and Mahakan Fort. These areas offer some beautiful new greenery, clean market spaces, and wide walking areas. Electric vehicles hum in Thailand Bangkok is working on a new fleet of e-boats for both the Chao Phraya and its canals. Many of these state-of-the-art boats are already in operation. Electric boats have a number of advantages over their fossil fuel counterparts, not only in terms of pollution, but also in terms of noise and comfort. However, it’s noteworthy that electric boats will not have nearly as big of an impact on the canals as electric cars. The “first flush” is the initial runoff from various surfaces (mostly roads) during a rainstorm. Pollution, dust, and waste that have collected over time are very quickly washed into the nearest water body. This is one of the biggest challenges to tackling water quality as this process happens very quickly. While waste collection and treatment facilities can catch a part of that, there will always be a lot that goes straight into the canals and river. Electric cars and buses will change this. Without the particulate matter released from combustion engines, dust and grime on the road is drastically reduced. This, in turn, reduces the impact of the first flush and improves the quality of the canals. As Bangkok replaces its fleet of buses with e-buses and city motorists begin to switch over to personal electric vehicles, we should see a corresponding bump in water quality. A more sustainable canal culture It’s been a long journey for everyone who loves and lives in Bangkok, but the city’s waterways are steadily improving. They are getting cleaner. The surrounding areas are becoming greener and more pedestrian friendly. The boats are becoming cleaner and quieter, as are the cars and buses. If things continue along this path, there may very well be a day in the not too distant future where commuting by boat becomes a tranquil romantic experience and we see a renaissance of Thailand’s canal culture. Until then, check out some of the new areas along Bangkok’s canals. You won’t regret it. By Michael Sopon New 1st photo caption: Source: kikujungboy CC / Shutterstock.com 2nd photo caption: Source: Siam1 / Shutterstock.com 3rd photo caption: Source: waranon8327 / Shutterstock.com 4th photo caption: Source: iFocus / Shutterstock.com Full story: THAILAND NOW 2023-10-16 - 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

Petrol prices to drop by 2.50 baht as new year gift, says Thailand’s Energy Minister Photo: Freepik The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy announced plans to reduce petrol prices by 2.50 baht per litre as a new year’s gift to the Thai people. The minister, Peeraphan Saleerathaviphak, also revealed the establishment of an official committee to investigate fuel pricing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309466-petrol-prices-to-drop-by-250-baht-as-new-year-gift-says-thailand’s-energy-minister/

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy announced plans to reduce petrol prices by 2.50 baht per litre as a new year’s gift to the Thai people. The minister, Peeraphan Saleerathaviphak, also revealed the establishment of an official committee to investigate fuel pricing. Peeraphan revealed that the Ministry of Energy is considering ways to reduce petrol prices to help the public with cost of living expenses, comparing this with previous reductions in diesel prices. He highlighted that the idea is to offer a new year’s gift to the people of Thailand. In a recent Cabinet meeting, the Ministry of Energy reported two initial options for consideration. The first option consisted of supporting motorbike taxi drivers, similar to previous efforts, for 95 million baht per month. The second option involved extending support from motorbike taxi drivers to low-income groups, which would cost approximately 4 million baht per month, Peeraphan revealed. “I did not agree with the two measures proposed by the Ministry of Energy this morning because the government’s policy aims to reduce fuel prices overall, not to offer group-specific support. “Therefore, I asked the officials to go back and provide more details, including a third option to reduce petrol prices overall, similar to diesel. This will be proposed to the Cabinet in the future.” By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo: Freepik Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-16 - 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 gold prices dip: Gold Traders Association confirms morning fall Photo by Vaibhav Nagare on Unsplash The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a decline in gold prices on this morning, with standard gold selling for 33,400 baht per baht weight, reflecting a decrease of 100 baht compared to the closing price last Friday. The latest value of gold bars in Thailand today, October 16, is 32,800 baht per baht weight for buying and 32,900 baht for selling, according to the second announcement of the day. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309465-thai-gold-prices-dip-gold-traders-association-confirms-morning-fall/

The Gold Traders Association (GTA) announced a decline in gold prices on this morning, with standard gold selling for 33,400 baht per baht weight, reflecting a decrease of 100 baht compared to the closing price last Friday. The latest value of gold bars in Thailand today, October 16, is 32,800 baht per baht weight for buying and 32,900 baht for selling, according to the second announcement of the day. The GTA also provided information on gold jewellery, with a buying price of 32,215 baht per baht weight and a selling price of 33,400 baht per baht weight for 96.5% gold jewellery, as of 9.54am today. Meanwhile, the global gold price, or Gold Spot, stood at US$1,919 (69,830 baht) per ounce. In the first announcement of the day, the buying and selling prices for gold bars were 32,850 baht and 32,950 baht per baht weight respectively. The buying and selling prices for gold jewellery were 32,260.48 baht and 33,450 baht per baht weight respectively. The fluctuating prices in the domestic and global markets are closely watched by investors and traders, as gold is considered a safe asset during times of economic uncertainty. The variations in the prices reflect the changing dynamics of the global economy, influenced by various factors such as geopolitical tensions, inflation trends, and currency fluctuations. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo by Vaibhav Nagare on Unsplash Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-16 - 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 PM will meet with Putin in Beijing on Wednesday Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will hold a side-line meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Beijing. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309464-thai-pm-will-meet-with-putin-in-beijing-on-wednesday/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will hold a side-line meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Beijing. Srettha told a press conference on Monday, after the Cabinet meeting, that he has a scheduled meeting with the Russian leader. This follows the Cabinet decision today (Monday) to extend the visa-free period for Russian tourists, from 30 to 90 days, to promote tourism. An informed source told Thai PBS World that Srettha will meet Putin on Wednesday afternoon, after he attends the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum. On Thursday, before he leaves Beijing, he will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-16 - 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 agrees to extend visa-free stay for Russian tourists to 90 days The Thai cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free stay in Thailand for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days to boost tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today (Monday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309463-thailand-agrees-to-extend-visa-free-stay-for-russian-tourists-to-90-days/

Thailand agrees to extend visa-free stay for Russian tourists to 90 days The Thai cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free stay in Thailand for Russian tourists from 30 to 90 days to boost tourism, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said today (Monday). He explained that the winter in Russia usually begins in December and lasts until March, during which the weather is very cold and Russian people want to travel abroad to escape the extreme cold and a one-month stay abroad, such as in Thailand, may not be enough. Hence, the cabinet has decided to extend the visa-free period of stay. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-16 - 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 pledges support of National Ceasefire Agreement in Myanmar Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, center in the first row, and Deputy chairman of State Administration Council, Vice Senior Gen. Soe Win, center left in the first row, and other attendees sit for a group photo after a ceremony to mark the 8th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) Thailand has pledged support for the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in Myanmar, during the commemoration of its 8th anniversary in Naypyidaw on Monday, according to the website of Myanmar’s Ministry of Information. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309462-thailand-pledges-support-of-national-ceasefire-agreement-in-myanmar/

Thailand has pledged support for the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in Myanmar, during the commemoration of its 8th anniversary in Naypyidaw on Monday, according to the website of Myanmar’s Ministry of Information. Deputy Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said that Thailand fully supports the NCA and its vision, which is aimed at “securing an enduring peace based in the principles of dignity and justice through an inclusive political dialogue process involving all relevant stakeholders.” Sihasak made the remark during his speech to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the NCA. Thailand considers the agreement as an important milestone in the peace process for Myanmar, to which it has rendered support from the start. Caption: Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military council, center in the first row, and Deputy chairman of State Administration Council, Vice Senior Gen. Soe Win, center left in the first row, and other attendees sit for a group photo after a ceremony to mark the 8th anniversary of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo) Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-16 - 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 says no positive signs yet of release of Thai hostages held by Hamas Talks between Thailand’s allies in the Middle East and Hamas over the release of Thai hostages are still under way, but there are no positive signs yet of whether or when they will be released, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today (Monday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309354-four-more-thais-believed-to-have-been-killed-in-israel-17-held-hostage/?do=findComment&comment=18426444

PM says no positive signs yet of release of Thai hostages held by Hamas Talks between Thailand’s allies in the Middle East and Hamas over the release of Thai hostages are still under way, but there are no positive signs yet of whether or when they will be released, said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin today (Monday). He said that the government is trying all means possible to secure their safe return. He disclosed that one more Thai is reported to have been killed in Israel, bringing the Thai death toll to 29, and one more Thai is reported to be being held hostage, adding that the situation in Israel remains tense and critical. Full story: Thai PBS 2023-10-16 - 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 police crackdown on crime boosts safety for visa-free tourists Photo by Loren Biser on Unsplash In a span of seven days, Phuket police apprehended 64 individuals in an effort to bolster the safety measures for tourists from China and Kazakhstan who are visiting under a visa-free arrangement. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309455-phuket-police-crackdown-on-crime-boosts-safety-for-visa-free-tourists/