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Rangers seize riverine treasure trove: Meth stash dumped in daring escape Picture courtesy of 21st Rangers Regiment A considerable haul of over 250,000 methamphetamine pills was seized by army rangers on the Mekong River’s shoreline in the district of Ban Phaeng, Nakhon Phanom province, as three smugglers made a hasty escape. The drugs were found stashed in sacks which were callously abandoned by the fleeing perpetrators. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306520-rangers-seize-riverine-treasure-trove-meth-stash-dumped-in-daring-escape/

A considerable haul of over 250,000 methamphetamine pills was seized by army rangers on the Mekong River’s shoreline in the district of Ban Phaeng, Nakhon Phanom province, as three smugglers made a hasty escape. The drugs were found stashed in sacks which were callously abandoned by the fleeing perpetrators. Acting on a tip-off about an impending drug transaction, the paramilitary rangers set up an ambush at the riverbank in the Ban Phaeng district. In the early hours of today, they sighted three individuals hauling two bulging sacks near Phaeng Tai village, reported Bangkok Post. Upon being confronted and ordered to halt for an inspection by the rangers, the trio’s response was swift and predictable. They hastily jettisoned the sacks and absconded, disappearing into the night. A subsequent search of the discarded sacks revealed a startling find: 129 packages containing a total of 258,000 methamphetamine pills. Following the seizure, the narcotics were promptly handed over to the local law enforcement at Ban Phaeng police station. By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of 21st Rangers Regiment Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/three-smugglers-escape-as-rangers-seize-258000-meth-pills-on-mekong-riverbank -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - 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’s sunny side: Hotel industry shines amid European gloom Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Despite Europe’s deteriorating economic forecast, Pattaya’s hotel industry remains robust, backed primarily by Asian and domestic tourists, says the Managing Director of LH Mall and Hotel (LHMH). Pattaya, traditionally known for its nightlife, has successfully rebranded itself as a family and business-friendly destination. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306518-pattaya’s-sunny-side-hotel-industry-shines-amid-european-gloom/

Despite Europe’s deteriorating economic forecast, Pattaya’s hotel industry remains robust, backed primarily by Asian and domestic tourists, says the Managing Director of LH Mall and Hotel (LHMH). Pattaya, traditionally known for its nightlife, has successfully rebranded itself as a family and business-friendly destination. As the European Commission revises the Eurozone’s growth outlook and Germany faces a potential recession this year, LHMH managing director Kitti Worrabanpott, suggests that hotels focusing on the European market may feel the impact more significantly. In contrast, LHMH’s customer base is predominantly from Asia. The company currently operates two hotels in Pattaya and four in Bangkok under the Grande Centre Point brand. LHMH’s latest venture, the Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya, which started operations in August 2022, reported an occupancy rate surpassing 90% in the first half of 2023. Initially, the target demographic was domestic guests, however, foreign guests now constitute 60% of the clientele. The primary foreign visitors are from China, Hong Kong, Japan, other Southeast Asian countries, and the Middle East. Kitti highlighted that 80% of foreign guests at LHMH’s Bangkok properties were from the Asia-Pacific region, predominantly visiting for business or leisure due to Thailand’s proximity. By Atima Homtientong Caption: Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/pattayas-hotel-sector-thrives-amid-europes-economic-downturn -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - 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

Dolphin tragedy: Tangled in net, washed ashore Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A dolphin carcass was discovered today washed up on the shores of Bangsaen beach, near Laem Thaen roundabout, in Chon Buri. The 2 metre long, 50 kilogramme animal had a fishing net entangled around its tail, suggesting it had been dead for approximately two to four days. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306517-dolphin-tragedy-tangled-in-net-washed-ashore/

A dolphin carcass was discovered today washed up on the shores of Bangsaen beach, near Laem Thaen roundabout, in Chon Buri. The 2 metre long, 50 kilogramme animal had a fishing net entangled around its tail, suggesting it had been dead for approximately two to four days. Amornsak Saksaensilp, a 33 year old member of the Sea Patrol Volunteers, relayed that he was alerted to the dolphin‘s presence by a tent operator earlier that day. He believes that the net around the animal’s tail disrupted its balance while swimming, leading to difficulties in feeding, and ultimately resulting in its death. Amornsak urged fishermen to exercise more responsibility in their practices to prevent similar incidents in the future, reported KhaoSod. Kittipong Traibun, a 56 year old tourism expert from Chon Buri shared that the sea around Bangsaen, Wonnapa Beach, Laem Thaen, and behind San To Shrine, has been investigated by authorities for cleanliness. He revealed that on September 11, the sea was found to be clear and odourless. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/dolphin-found-dead-on-bangsaen-beach-entangled-in-fishing-net-tourism-expert-assures-sea-cleanliness -- The Thaiger 2023-09-13 - 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

Win Motorbike Riders Allegedly Obstruct Bolt Rider from Transporting Passenger A group of orange-vested motorbike taxi riders, traditionally referred to as Win, in Pattaya allegedly ganged up to obstruct a ride-sharing rider from transporting a passenger. The incident was captured by a bystander and later went viral on social media, raising questions about the behavior of the Win riders. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306515-win-motorbike-riders-allegedly-obstruct-bolt-rider-from-transporting-passenger/

A group of orange-vested motorbike taxi riders, traditionally referred to as Win, in Pattaya allegedly ganged up to obstruct a ride-sharing rider from transporting a passenger. The incident was captured by a bystander and later went viral on social media, raising questions about the behavior of the Win riders. The altercation, which took place in front of Somerset Pattaya Hotel near the popular tourist spot, Central Festival Pattaya Beach, on Second Road, initially became known to the public through a TikTok video posted by an unidentified eyewitness to the incident. The video captured the moment when an unidentified conventional motorbike taxi rider suddenly jumped in front of a motorcyclist, who seemed to be a ride-sharing rider from the Bolt app. The problem presumably arose from the fact that the Bolt rider was transporting a passenger on his rear seat, which might have reportedly angered the Win rider waiting for customers in the area. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/13/gang-of-win-motorbike-riders-in-pattaya-allegedly-obstruct-bolt-rider-from-transporting-passenger/ -- The Pattaya News 2023-09-13 - 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 welcomes nearly 18.5 million tourists in 2023 Flickr/Rui Nearly 18.5 million foreign tourists have visited Thailand so far this year, with the Malaysians leading the way. Of the total number of foreign tourists to visit the kingdom this year, 3 million were Malaysian. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306513-thailand-welcomes-nearly-185-million-tourists-in-2023/

Nearly 18.5 million foreign tourists have visited Thailand so far this year, with the Malaysians leading the way. Of the total number of foreign tourists to visit the kingdom this year, 3 million were Malaysian. According to the tourism ministry, revenue from tourist spending stands at more than 775 billion baht. It’s forecasting a total of 28 million foreign visitors to the kingdom this year, with a big surge predicted during the peak end-of-year holiday season. Between January 1 and September 3, 2023, the top 5 countries sending holidaymakers to Thailand are as follows: Malaysia: 2,920,803 China: 2,230,707 South Korea: 1,072,928 India: 1,033,582 Russia: 930,696 By Peter Roche Caption: Flickr/Rui Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/thailand-welcomes-nearly-18-5-million-tourists-in-2023/ -- Phuket GO 2023-09-13 - 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

Russians aren’t “taking over” Phuket, according to officials PHOTO: Alamy Following an Al Jazeera report that claims Russians are “taking over” Phuket, Thai officials have looked into the numbers. And their findings claim there’s no takeover in progress. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306512-russians-aren’t-“taking-over”-phuket-according-to-officials/

Following an Al Jazeera report that claims Russians are “taking over” Phuket, Thai officials have looked into the numbers. And their findings claim there’s no takeover in progress. Khaosod English reports that figures released by immigration officials show that between January and August 2023, Phuket welcomed 2,569,052 visitors. Of those, 487,504, or 19.34%, were Russian tourists. Officials say that most Russian arrivals came for short-term stays, with just 9,275, or 1.9%, living in Phuket on long-term visas. The Al Jazeera report had cited concerns from local residents that Russian nationals were taking over businesses such as real estate, tourism, and ride-hailing apps. Some Thais have claimed that Russians are competing with them for jobs that by law, are reserved for Thai citizens. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTO: Alamy Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/russians-arent-taking-over-phuket-according-to-officials/ -- Phuket GO 2023-09-13 - 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

UFC cancels event as Russian fighter arrested for violent abduction in Phuket UFC, the organisation representing mixed martial arts, has cancelled a fight between Daniel Pineda and Khusein Askhabov, following the latter’s arrest. Russian fighter Askhabov was arrested, along with his twin brother, Khasan, for their alleged role in a shocking abduction and robbery in north Phuket last weekend. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306379-famous-russian-fighter-and-his-brother-arrested-over-phuket-abduction/?do=findComment&comment=18345990

UFC cancels event as Russian fighter arrested for violent abduction in Phuket UFC, the organisation representing mixed martial arts, has cancelled a fight between Daniel Pineda and Khusein Askhabov, following the latter’s arrest. Russian fighter Askhabov was arrested, along with his twin brother, Khasan, for their alleged role in a shocking abduction and robbery in north Phuket last weekend. At around 11pm on Sunday, September 3, three Kazakh men forced their way into the home of an Italian man in the sub-district of Chergntalay. The man was bound and gagged, violently beaten for hours, and robbed of personal possessions valued over 12 million baht, including luxury watches, iPhones, a Macbook, a debit card, and thousands of Euros in cash. By Peter Roche Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/ufc-cancels-event-as-russian-fighter-arrested-for-violent-abduction-in-phuket/ -- Phuket GO 2023-09-13 - 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

Mother Charged with Pimping Teenage Daughter BANGKOK, Sept 13 (TNA) – A Myanmar mother has been charged with procuring underage girls including her 15-year-old daughter for prostitution, human trafficking and illegal entry. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306507-mother-charged-with-pimping-teenage-daughter/

BANGKOK, Sept 13 (TNA) – A Myanmar mother has been charged with procuring underage girls including her 15-year-old daughter for prostitution, human trafficking and illegal entry. The 37-year-old Myanmar mother, identified as Ma Miew was arrested after the girl’s father and a school teacher brought the girl to file a complaint against the the girl’s mother, who forced her own daughter to provide sex service. The mother works as a waitress at a resort in Saraburi’s Ban Mor district. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1237614 -- Thai News Agency 2023-09-13 - 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

Visa exemptions for China and Kazakhstan nationals start on September 25 Thailand will grant a five-month visa exemption to Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists, starting on September 25, in an effort to boost arrivals over the yearend, said PM Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306506-visa-exemptions-for-china-and-kazakhstan-nationals-start-on-september-25/

Thailand will grant a five-month visa exemption to Chinese and Kazakhstani tourists, starting on September 25, in an effort to boost arrivals over the yearend, said PM Srettha Thavisin on Wednesday. The arrivals of Chinese tourists during the first seven months of this year have fallen short of target. Speaking after chairing his first cabinet meeting, Srettha said Kazakhstan tourists were included due to the harsh winter weather in the country. Moreover, tourists from the central Asian country have shown interest in visiting Thailand, Srettha said. The exemption will end in February and the government will assess the impact, he added. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/visa-exemptions-for-china-and-kazakhstan-nationals-start-on-september-25/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-13 - 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

Why Srettha is seen as “windfall prime minister” How do you describe someone who is seen as having become the country’s top executive by sheer luck? An MP of the Move Forward Party believes he has just the right term for it — and yet not everyone agrees with him. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306425-why-srettha-is-seen-as-“windfall-prime-minister”/

How do you describe someone who is seen as having become the country’s top executive by sheer luck? An MP of the Move Forward Party believes he has just the right term for it — and yet not everyone agrees with him. Siriroj Thanikkul, a Move Forward MP, took at a swipe at Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on the second day of the debate on the government’s policy statement, describing him as “a windfall prime minister.” Siriroj was criticizing the policy statement which he said was void of specific direction in improving the welfare of manual workers. He also blasted Srettha for not living up to the promises his Pheu Thai Party made in the election campaign. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/why-srettha-is-seen-as-windfall-prime-minister/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-12 - 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

Move Forward MP proposes measure to cope with forest fires, trans-border haze Move Forward MP for Chiang Mai Phattarapong Leelaphat A Move Forward MP for Chiang Mai province has proposed a 5-step measure to cope with forest fires and haze pollution in Thailand, especially in northern provinces. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306424-move-forward-mp-proposes-measure-to-cope-with-forest-fires-trans-border-haze/

A Move Forward MP for Chiang Mai province has proposed a 5-step measure to cope with forest fires and haze pollution in Thailand, especially in northern provinces. Phattarapong Leelaphat, speaking during the debate on the government’s policy statement in parliament today (Tuesday), said that he is disappointed that the government has not treated forest fires and haze as an urgent matter, even though the problem has been added to the national agenda. He said his proposed measures encompass the ASEAN Agreement of Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP), the Thai Constitution, which guarantees the protection of rights and quality of life of the people and the right of affected people to sue agencies which cause direct or indirect pollution affecting their livelihoods or health. Caption: Move Forward MP for Chiang Mai Phattarapong Leelaphat Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/move-forward-mp-proposes-measure-to-cope-with-forest-fires-trans-border-haze/ -- Thai PBS 2023-09-12 - 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

Evidence Shows Highway Police Officer Shot Himself BANGKOK, Sept 12 (TNA) – The results of the forensic examination have been released, confirming that Pol.Col. Wachira Yaothaisong, superintendent of the Highway Police Division shot himself dead at his house in Pathum Thani, said National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306298-officer-suspect-in-kamnan-nok-shooting-case-kills-self/?do=findComment&comment=18343689

Evidence Shows Highway Police Officer Shot Himself BANGKOK, Sept 12 (TNA) – The results of the forensic examination have been released, confirming that Pol.Col. Wachira Yaothaisong, superintendent of the Highway Police Division shot himself dead at his house in Pathum Thani, said National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapas. After an extensive inspection of the shooting scene by various agencies, no signs of foul play or any external involvement were found prior to the incident. Consequently, investigators turned their attention to the forensic examination of the firearm found at the scene using state-of-the-art tools. Full Story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-1237070 -- Thai News Agency 2023-09-12 - 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

Coastal encroachment sparks wave of controversy in Chon Buri Photo: thaipbsworld.com Chon Buri’s local authorities lodged complaints yesterday against a resort proprietor and a village leader, accusing them of encroaching on a coastal region in the Sattahip district by constructing a ramp. The ramp was being erected behind a now-defunct resort in Tambon Samae San in Moo 1, an area under investigation following a complaint about suspected coastal encroachment. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1306415-coastal-encroachment-sparks-wave-of-controversy-in-chon-buri/