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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/

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. The Phuket Provincial Police’s campaign is primarily aimed at curbing crime rates, particularly drug-related offences, to uphold Phuket’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. According to a report released by the authorities, the campaign has been successful so far. The report, dated yesterday, provided an account of the police’s activities from October 8 to October 14. Sixteen people have been charged with distributing drugs or conspiring and aiding drug proliferation. An additional 41 individuals were taken into custody on drug-related charges, with law enforcement officers confiscating 9,946 tablets of methamphetamine, commonly known as Yaba, and 128.1 grams of crystal methamphetamine, also known as ya ice. Moreover, seven arrests were made on charges related to firearms, as stated in the report. This update comes on the heels of a similar report issued last week, which detailed the arrests made from October 1 to October 7, reported The Phuket News. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo by Loren Biser 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

Thai health officials warn of high sodium consumption risk among youth Photo: blog.fitbit.com The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) raised concerns about the high sodium consumption among Thais, especially young people who are at an increased risk of kidney disease. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309454-thai-health-officials-warn-of-high-sodium-consumption-risk-among-youth/

The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) raised concerns about the high sodium consumption among Thais, especially young people who are at an increased risk of kidney disease. Assistant Manager, Dr Pairoj Saonuam, recommends four healthful food choices to reduce the risk. It has been found that most vegetarian food is sweet, fatty, and high in salt. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a suitable sodium intake of no more than 2,000 milligrammes, equivalent to no more than 5 grammes per day. However, data on the sodium consumption of Thais from 2019 to 2022 shows an intake nearly two times higher than the standard. Alarmingly, young people between 17 and 24 years old consume up to 3,194 milligrams of sodium per day, leading to an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr Pairoj says they are at risk of high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, and vascular diseases. “For a healthier lifestyle free from NCDs, choose appropriate foods based on nutritional principles. Focus more on vegetables than starches and fried foods. Consider cleanliness, wash your hands before and after preparing food, create a balance for the body, and have sufficient physical activity. This way, this year’s vegetarian festival can be both meritorious and healthy.” By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo: blog.fitbit.com 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

Thailand tightens ban on undeclared pork imports amid African Swine Fever fears "Inspector Beagle" on the job | Photo taken from Bangkok Post Thailand’s continual enforcement of the ban on unregulated pork imports, including for personal use, has been underscored by the detection and confiscation of illegal pork imports at major international airports. The canine unit, known as Inspector Beagle, plays a vital role in these inspections, seeking out any meat products potentially carrying viral strains of African Swine Fever (ASF). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309453-thailand-tightens-ban-on-undeclared-pork-imports-amid-african-swine-fever-fears/

Thailand’s continual enforcement of the ban on unregulated pork imports, including for personal use, has been underscored by the detection and confiscation of illegal pork imports at major international airports. The canine unit, known as Inspector Beagle, plays a vital role in these inspections, seeking out any meat products potentially carrying viral strains of African Swine Fever (ASF). Friday, October 13, saw Inspector Beagle uncover approximately 31 kilogrammes of pork sausages in the baggage of a passenger arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport from the Philippines. The passenger had flown in on a Cebu Pacific Airlines flight, which landed in Bangkok at 11.05am. The potentially harmful pork products were seized upon detection. This is not an isolated incident. The Department of Livestock Development’s (DLD) K9 Unit has reported another seizure of an unspecified amount of assorted meat products from a passenger coming in from Manila on an undisclosed day. Images reveal a large number of sausages, bacon, and beef that were confiscated. The DLD’s reports consistently feature warnings about the prohibition of unregulated pork imports into Thailand, even for personal consumption. A poster, shared by the Phuket Info Center and available in five languages – Thai, English, Chinese, Lao, and Vietnamese – is a clear warning to travellers. “Attention. Do not carry pork! ASF – African Swine Fever. Do not carry pork, sausages, bacon, or any other meat products into Thailand without permission from the DLD. Violators who bring these products into Thailand without permission could face prosecution.” Violations could lead to charges under the Animal Epidemic Act B.E. 2558 (2015), although specific penalties or consequences for guilty individuals are not detailed. By Mitch Connor Caption: "Inspector Beagle" on the job | Photo taken from Bangkok Post 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

Reckless driving causes 1.2 million baht BMW motorcycle crash A reckless driving manoeuvre atop Phu Thap Boek, a popular tourist spot in Phetchabun, resulted in a BMW motorcycle, worth 1.2 million baht, being sideswiped by a bronze Toyota pickup truck, causing it to topple over. The motorcyclist and a female pillion rider suffered minor injuries in the incident that took place today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309450-reckless-driving-causes-12-million-baht-bmw-motorcycle-crash/

A reckless driving manoeuvre atop Phu Thap Boek, a popular tourist spot in Phetchabun, resulted in a BMW motorcycle, worth 1.2 million baht, being sideswiped by a bronze Toyota pickup truck, causing it to topple over. The motorcyclist and a female pillion rider suffered minor injuries in the incident that took place today. The TikTok user, who posted a video of the reckless driving, commented, that the carelessness almost cost the couple their lives. “We barely escaped. We almost got hit!” The video showed the motorcyclist travelling uphill on a steep, winding road frequented by both cars and motorcycles. Upon reaching a blind curve marked with a solid line – a no-overtaking zone – a group of motorcycles was encountered, travelling in the opposite direction. Simultaneously, the Toyota pickup truck, which was following the motorcyclist, decided to overtake at the curve, despite the solid line. This forced the motorcyclist to swerve, lose control, and fall, narrowly missing the video recorder’s vehicle. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Photo: KhaoSod 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

Popular Phang Nga islands reopen for high season tourism PHOTO: Flickr/Uros P.hotography Hugely popular Maya Bay on Koh phi Phi Leh opened at the start of October. now it’s time for some more of the island’s north of Phuket to also re-open for the tourist high season. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309448-popular-phang-nga-islands-reopen-for-high-season-tourism/

Hugely popular Maya Bay on Koh phi Phi Leh opened at the start of October. now it’s time for some more of the island’s north of Phuket to also re-open for the tourist high season. Phang Nga’s Similan and Surin islands reopened yesterday, October 15, in preparation for the arrival of tourists. The island groups, which are about 100 kilometres apart, were closed for 6 months – an annual recovery period for the ecosystem. The Surin Islands in Mu Ko Surin National Park, are comprised of an archipelago of five islands, located about 55 kilometres from the Phang Nga coast. The Similan archipelago is comprised of eleven islands in Mu Ko Similan National Park, one of the busiest national parks in Thailand. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Flickr/Uros P.hotography Full story: Phuket GO 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

Koh Khai Islands: 3 in 1 island visit just off the coast of Phuket Phuket offers an array of stunning islands for sun-seekers, and among the most convenient and pretty choices are Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nui. There’s also Khai Nai not far away – offering three small islands all in one day trip. Even better, the three islets are only 10-15 minutes from Phuket’s east coast piers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309446-koh-khai-islands-3-in-1-island-visit-just-off-the-coast-of-phuket/

Phuket offers an array of stunning islands for sun-seekers, and among the most convenient and pretty choices are Koh Khai Nok and Koh Khai Nui. There’s also Khai Nai not far away – offering three small islands all in one day trip. Even better, the three islets are only 10-15 minutes from Phuket’s east coast piers. Khai Nai Island is the largest and boasts breathtaking views, a pristine sandy beach, making it perfect for snorkelling and swimming. The smallest of the trio, Khai Nui, features spectacular coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling. Meanwhile, Koh Khai Nok offers a variety of restaurants and kiosks for souvenir shopping from the locals who set up shop there each day. The archipelago, though relatively small, have gained immense popularity due to their rich offerings. Visitors can enjoy lively bars, snorkelling, scuba diving and water skiing, or simply relax with a picnic on the beautiful sandy beaches. By Peter Roche Full story: Phuket GO 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

Vegetarian Festivals kick off in Phuket and Phang Nga PHOTO: Isra News Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival is officially underway, kicking off at the weekend with the raising of the Go Teng Pole. On Saturday, October 14, over 40 Chinese shrines participated in the raising of the pole, which is traditionally raised before the first day of the festival. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309445-vegetarian-festivals-kick-off-in-phuket-and-phang-nga/

Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival is officially underway, kicking off at the weekend with the raising of the Go Teng Pole. On Saturday, October 14, over 40 Chinese shrines participated in the raising of the pole, which is traditionally raised before the first day of the festival. The raising of the Go Teng Pole is done to welcome the Nine Emperor Gods and participants believe it brings good luck as they embark on a 9-day vegetarian diet from Sunday, October 15 to Monday, October 23. Phuket’s new governor led the event at the weekend, with many locals and foreign tourists in attendance. The festival involves various customs carried out by Chinese descendants on the island and is traditionally referred to as the Ninth Emperor God Festival. Not only do participants eat only a vegetarian diet for 9 days, they also forego strong flavours, such as sugar, salt, and spices. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Isra News Full story: Phuket GO 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