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Chinese investment in Thailand gains speed amidst economic slowdown Photo by Chanat Katanyu courtesy of Bangkok Post Chinese firms have significantly increased their investment in Thailand this year, despite China’s economic slowdown, providing a much-needed boost for the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309549-chinese-investment-in-thailand-gains-speed-amidst-economic-slowdown/

Chinese firms have significantly increased their investment in Thailand this year, despite China’s economic slowdown, providing a much-needed boost for the Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin. The increase in investment comes as a welcome relief amid concerns about the impacts of the world’s second-largest economy’s sluggish recovery on global growth. However, Thailand continues to appeal as a crucial investment hub even for China’s ambitious companies. In the first eight months of the year, Thailand received foreign investment applications worth 365.2 billion baht (US$10.1 billion), a 73% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Chinese companies led this surge, pledging 90.3 billion baht, nearly three times the previous year’s figure, according to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). Even the second-largest investor, Singapore, with a total investment pledge of 76.4 billion baht, comprises primarily companies originally from China, according to BOI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi. He also anticipates that Chinese investments in Thailand will continue to rise significantly in the coming years. By Alex Morgan Caption: Photo by Chanat Katanyu courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 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

Chiang Mai residents protest 24/7 airport plans PHOTO: Flickr/Gábor Tikos Chiang Mai residents have expressed their frustration at plans by the city’s international airport to operate 24 hours a day. Disgruntled residents say they already suffer from sleep disruption as a result of non-stop aircraft noise overhead. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309548-chiang-mai-residents-protest-247-airport-plans/

Chiang Mai residents have expressed their frustration at plans by the city’s international airport to operate 24 hours a day. Disgruntled residents say they already suffer from sleep disruption as a result of non-stop aircraft noise overhead. The Bangkok Post reports that residents attended a public hearing on Sunday, October 15, in which they were invited to air their grievances. The residents were representing communities living near the airport, in the sub-district of Mae Hia, in the Mueang district of the city. The director of Chiang Mai airport, Ronnakorn Chalermsanyakorn, also attended the hearing, which was held at the Mae Hia municipal auditorium. Thanawat Yodjai, head of the Mae Hia municipality, was also in attendance. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Flickr/Gábor Tikos Full story: Phuket GO 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

Police stage “Active Shooter” response drill at Central Phuket PHOTO: National News Bureau of Thailand Police in Phuket held an “Active Shooter” training drill at the Central Floresta shopping centre yesterday, October 16. The emergency response drill was in response to the October 3 tragedy in Bangkok, when a 14 year old opened fire in the Siam Paragon shopping mall, killing 3 people and injuring several others (a third victim died on the weekend). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309547-police-stage-“active-shooter”-response-drill-at-central-phuket/

Police in Phuket held an “Active Shooter” training drill at the Central Floresta shopping centre yesterday, October 16. The emergency response drill was in response to the October 3 tragedy in Bangkok, when a 14 year old opened fire in the Siam Paragon shopping mall, killing 3 people and injuring several others (a third victim died on the weekend). The Phuket News reports that the drill was led by Suraphong Thanomchit, Region 8 Police Commander, and Sermphan Sirikong, Phuket Provincial Police Commander. It took place on the first floor of the Central Floresta shopping shopping centre, between 8.30am and 9.30am, before the mall opened to shoppers. In the simulation, a man posing as a criminal with a firearm entered the mall, concealing his face and refusing to allow officers to search him. The exercise then continued with the man “shooting” shoppers in the mall, injuring people and taking others hostage. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: National News Bureau of Thailand Full story: Phuket GO 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

Pattaya Songtaew Drivers Engage in Fierce Brawl for Passengers A rivalry among the drivers of two Songtaews, a popular form of public transport in Thailand, escalated Sunday night as the drivers engaged in a violent brawl to vie for customers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309546-pattaya-songtaew-drivers-engage-in-fierce-brawl-for-passengers/

A rivalry among the drivers of two Songtaews, a popular form of public transport in Thailand, escalated Sunday night as the drivers engaged in a violent brawl to vie for customers. The incident was reported to Pattaya police at 10:30 PM on Sunday night, October 15th. Police rushed to the incident scene at Pattaya Second Road, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. There, a group of Songtaew drivers were loudly arguing and exchanging verbal assaults, causing a chaotic scene in the middle of the road. The occurrence attracted a large crowd of foreign tourists, which, according to Pattaya police, had significantly tarnished Pattaya’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: The Pattaya News 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

Vegetarian Festival Draws Crowds in Bangkok’s Yaowarat BANGKOK (NNT) - The annual Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok kicked off, attracting a throng of locals and tourists alike. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309545-vegetarian-festival-draws-crowds-in-bangkok’s-yaowarat/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The annual Vegetarian Festival in Bangkok kicked off, attracting a throng of locals and tourists alike. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inaugurated the Yaowarat celebrations, running from October 14 to October 23 of 2023. Governor Chadchart remarked that the Yaowarat Vegetarian Festival is a vital cultural event for the Chinese-Thai community. It boosts the local economy and enhances Yaowarat’s reputation as a must-visit destination for both Thai and foreign tourists. This year, the event aims to promote Yaowarat as the "No. 1 The Best of Food Street" in the world. Centered on the theme "Pure Heart, Good Health, Good Fortune," this year’s festival aims to offer quality vegetarian food from more than 150 vendors. The festivities span 10 days and nights, lining both sides of Yaowarat Road. Crowds filled Yaowarat Road throughout the day to purchase an array of fresh and dry vegetarian foods. While some consumers noted an increase in prices compared to previous years, the general sentiment remains positive toward observing the vegetarian practice for health and spiritual reasons. Local merchants indicated that while the cost of raw materials has remained stable, quantities have decreased. Some also noted a rise in product prices, requiring adjustments to mitigate the impact on consumers. Overall, public interest in the vegetarian festival remains high. By Na-ark Rojanasuvan Full story: NNT 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

Ambulance driver probed over snack stop during emergency Nakhon Nayok Hospital has ordered an investigation into an incident in which the driver of one of its ambulances, with a patient in critical condition on board, stopped on the way to hospital to pick up deep-fried bananas. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309544-ambulance-driver-probed-over-snack-stop-during-emergency/

Nakhon Nayok Hospital has ordered an investigation into an incident in which the driver of one of its ambulances, with a patient in critical condition on board, stopped on the way to hospital to pick up deep-fried bananas. The hospital sent its representatives to apologise to family of Sommai Thongkerd, 64, who was being “rushed” to the hospital with difficulty breathing on October 13. On the way to the hospital, the driver stopped briefly to pick up the snack from a roadside vendor. It is reported that the driver ordered it online and told the vendor to wait and pass him the food on his way to the hospital. 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

Pig Farmers Urge Crackdown on Smuggled Pork BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand is preparing to request a meeting with Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Thamanat Prompow to help expedite efforts to crack down on illegally imported pig carcasses and pork products. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309543-pig-farmers-urge-crackdown-on-smuggled-pork/

BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – The Swine Raisers Association of Thailand is preparing to request a meeting with Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Thamanat Prompow to help expedite efforts to crack down on illegally imported pig carcasses and pork products. The association’s president, Mr. Surachai Sutthitham, disclosed that he will ask the minister to accelerate the crackdown as he pledged on his first day at the Ministry of Agriculture. The promise was to eliminate influential figures involving in smuggling illegal pork within one month, with a deadline set for October 20. Full story: Thai News Agency 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

RTP, INTERPOL Host International Chemical Safety Conference BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police (RTP), in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), held a conference on "Chemical Safety Operations." The meeting aimed to address emerging criminal trends and integrate databases with chemical safety experts worldwide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309542-rtp-interpol-host-international-chemical-safety-conference/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Royal Thai Police (RTP), in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), held a conference on "Chemical Safety Operations." The meeting aimed to address emerging criminal trends and integrate databases with chemical safety experts worldwide. This event saw over 300 representatives from 84 member countries in attendance. They exchanged experiences and case studies with experts from industries, educational institutions, research institutes, law enforcement agencies, and the military. Thailand, as a member of the United Nations and INTERPOL, has diligently adhered to its international obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. The RTP emphasized its constant vigilance in chemical safety and emerging threats. They noted that criminals and malicious groups are enhancing their capabilities to evade law enforcement. Modern innovations, like 3D printing for weapon production and artificial intelligence for managing criminal networks, are being employed by them. The international conference on chemical safety and emerging threats was first initiated in 2018 by INTERPOL, the US Security Agency, and G7 partners. Their collective efforts focus on finding solutions to curb and prevent the illegal use of chemicals and explosives worldwide, fostering a cross-border framework for chemical security. By Na-ark Rojanasuvan Full story: NNT 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

Government Approves Reduced Train Fares, Proposes New Rail Project BANGKOK (NNT) - According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the fare reduction to 20 Baht is effective today (16 October) on the Purple Line, from Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon stations, and the Red Line from Bang Sue to Rangsit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309540-government-approves-reduced-train-fares-proposes-new-rail-project/

BANGKOK (NNT) - According to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, the fare reduction to 20 Baht is effective today (16 October) on the Purple Line, from Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon stations, and the Red Line from Bang Sue to Rangsit. Manaporn Charoensri, Deputy Minister of Transport, said the fare reduction is a time-limited measure aimed at aiding the public in accessing train services. This policy aligns with the promises made by the Pheu Thai Party during its campaign. To implement the reduced fares, the government will subsidize the State Railway of Thailand for approximately 130 million Baht annually. In addition, the Ministry of Transport proposed a second-phase dual-track railway project between Khon Kaen and Nong Khai. The construction timeline depends on the outcome of an environmental impact assessment. The new rail line is expected to enhance trade routes between Thailand, Laos and China while reducing transportation costs. Earlier, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Transport, inaugurated the fare reduction campaign at the Krungthep Apiwat Central Station in Bangkok. He was accompanied by Puangpetch Chunla-iad, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, and other related officials. Minister Suriya stated that, in the initial phase, passengers who use train services across different lines will need to pay two separate fares of 20 baht each, due to an incomplete payment system. According to the data, only 300 passengers out of a total of 100,000 daily riders switch lines. Ongoing efforts are being made to coordinate the payment system, with an expectation that, by November 1st, passengers will be able to switch lines while paying only a single fare of 20 Baht. It is confidently projected that the 20 baht flat fare policy will lead to a significant increase in train service usage. By Na-ark Rojanasuvan Full story: NNT 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

Cabinet approval sought to extend state of emergency in Thailand’s south The Emergency Situation Public Administration Committee will seek approval from the Cabinet to extend the state of emergency in three restive southern provinces, from October 20th through to January 19th next year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309539-cabinet-approval-sought-to-extend-state-of-emergency-in-thailand’s-south/

The Emergency Situation Public Administration Committee will seek approval from the Cabinet to extend the state of emergency in three restive southern provinces, from October 20th through to January 19th next year. A state of emergency is currently in force in Narathiwat province, with the exception of Si Sakhon, Su-ngai Kolok, Waeng and Sukhirin districts, in Pattani province, with the exception of Yaring, Mayo, Mai Kaen and Mae Lan districts and in Yala province, with the exception of Betong and Kabang districts. Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsuthin, in his capacity as head of the committee, said today (Tuesday) that the committee decided to omit Krong Penang district in Yala, Thung Yang Daeng district in Pattani and Yi Ngor district in Narathiwat from state of emergency coverage and, at the same, reinstate Si Sakhon district in Narathiwat under state of emergency. 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

October 14, 1973: The day Thais thought they cemented democracy How elusive true democracy is. Even the super-massive protesting turnout on the Rajadamnoen Avenue 50 years ago cannot really establish a good political system immune to military intervention, bloodshed, corruption, cover-ups and thought manipulations. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1309538-october-14-1973-the-day-thais-thought-they-cemented-democracy/

How elusive true democracy is. Even the super-massive protesting turnout on the Rajadamnoen Avenue 50 years ago cannot really establish a good political system immune to military intervention, bloodshed, corruption, cover-ups and thought manipulations. October 14, 1973 is a watershed, though, as it showcased the power of the new generation clamouring for changes for the better. Only the forces it created have collided many times ever since and unfortunately diluted their preciousness in the process. Three years later there was the October 6 massacre. Consequences set the clock back and ushered in a long period of what many described as “half-baked democracy”. When late Chatichai Choonhavan became prime minister in 1988, ending over a decade of non-elected premiership, fresh democratic euphoria presented itself, only for cautious optimism to largely dissipate rather quickly due to the usual flaws like nepotism and graft allegations. 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

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/