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A claim by Thai Sang Thai’s secretary general that Bhumjaithai called Move Forward and asked to join Move Forward’s coalition is untrue, Bhumjaithai spokesman Paradorn Prissananantakul said on Wednesday. He claims to have already asked Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and secretary general Saksayam Chidchob about what Sita said. Both denied that they called Move Forward and asked to join the government. “We have declared our position, both before and after the general election, that we would not join the government with any party that has a policy to amend the lèse majesté law,” Paradorn said, referring to Move Forward’s policy. Caption: File photo : Thai Sang Thai secretary general Sita Divari Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/sitas-claim-concerning-bhumjaithai-party-is-untrue-spokesman/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-02 - 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.

Fireworks fiasco: Narathiwat warehouse woes lead to married Thai culprits Picture courtesy of Pattaya News In the aftermath of the harrowing fireworks explosion in Narathiwat province on Saturday, a disaster which resulted in 12 fatalities and left 121 people wounded, local authorities were quick to establish the identities of those accountable for the fire on Saturday, July 29. They identified Sompong Na Kul and Piyanut Puengworawat, a married couple, as the proprietors of the warehouse responsible for the catastrophic incident. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302153-fireworks-investigation-extra-tonne-discovered-near-thai-explosion-site-increasing-fears/?do=findComment&comment=18243503

Fireworks fiasco: Narathiwat warehouse woes lead to married Thai culprits In the aftermath of the harrowing fireworks explosion in Narathiwat province on Saturday, a disaster which resulted in 12 fatalities and left 121 people wounded, local authorities were quick to establish the identities of those accountable for the fire on Saturday, July 29. They identified Sompong Na Kul and Piyanut Puengworawat, a married couple, as the proprietors of the warehouse responsible for the catastrophic incident. The couple initially managed a shop christened Weerawat Panit in Muno subdistrict. The shop’s merchandise predominantly comprised farming equipment and kitchenware. This information was revealed by Provincial Police Region 9 Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Nanthadet Yoinual, reported Pattaya News. As the narrative unfolded, it was found that the couple had subsequently repurposed the shop into a warehouse. It was at this point, according to Pol. Lt. Gen. Nanthadet’s disclosures, that they began to amass a substantial stockpile of fireworks. Based on the evidence gathered from investigations, which included the observation of deep holes present on the premises, it was believed that over 1,000 kilograms of fireworks were stocked in the warehouse contrary to legal directives. By Top Caption: Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/pattaya/thai-couple-accused-of-illegal-fireworks-storage-after-deadly-explosion -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-01 - 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.

Full Moon Party faces Buddha Days, water shortages this month The Full Moon Party (as seen from LOUD Hotel) will go on this holiday weekend, despite two Buddha Days and a water shortage. (via LOUD Hotel) Local party and event organizers have scrambled to host the infamous Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Pha Ngan this week while facing a number of setbacks. The country is seeing a surge in tourism due to the super-extended six-day holiday weekend, but that actually brings a downside for the partygoers on the island. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302299-full-moon-party-faces-buddha-days-water-shortages-this-month/

Local party and event organizers have scrambled to host the infamous Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Pha Ngan this week while facing a number of setbacks. The country is seeing a surge in tourism due to the super-extended six-day holiday weekend, but that actually brings a downside for the partygoers on the island. Normally the week of Full Moon is full of all-night parties for at least five days, with popular parties like Waterfall Party and OXA Beach two nights before Full Moon, the legendary Jungle Experience the night before, Maya the day after and another Waterfall Party two days after, along with many other weekly and monthly events around the island. Part of the reason for the long weekend is the observance of Asalha Puja (Dharma Day celebrating the Buddha’s first sermon) on August 1 and Buddhist Lent Day on August 2. On those 2 days, the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited, which throws a wrench into an island known for the weeklong events of Full Moon Party. The show must (almost always) go on for Full Moon Party itself, which is rarely cancelled short of a royal death or a pandemic. But it does bend to Buddhism and on months when a Buddha Day is observed on the night of the lunar full moon, the party will shift to the next day. This month the full moon is on August 2, but the Full Moon Party is on August 3. There is also a rare second Full Moon event on August 31st this month. But the other parties have to make special arrangements for Buddha Days. Some cancel completely for the month and others shift to alternative dates. Waterfall Party should have been today but instead was on July 30 with over 550 people still in attendance. OXA Beach, on the other hand, moved its popular event to the day after Full Moon Party, according to a rep from the party. By Neill Fronde Caption: The Full Moon Party (as seen from LOUD Hotel) will go on this holiday weekend, despite two Buddha Days and a water shortage. (via LOUD Hotel) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/events/full-moon-party-faces-buddha-days-water-shortages-this-month -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-01 - 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.

Bangkok: The digital nomad’s No.1 destination, says survey Picture courtesy of Booking.com Bangkok earned the prestigious title of top city for digital nomads worldwide, according to a recent survey conducted by CommercialSearch, a renowned platform specializing in working and co-working spaces. The bustling metropolis outshone all its competitors in this year’s rankings of the Best Cities for Digital Nomads. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302298-bangkok-the-digital-nomad’s-no1-destination-says-survey/

Bangkok earned the prestigious title of top city for digital nomads worldwide, according to a recent survey conducted by CommercialSearch, a renowned platform specializing in working and co-working spaces. The bustling metropolis outshone all its competitors in this year’s rankings of the Best Cities for Digital Nomads. CommercialSearch’s evaluation process involved assessing cities globally with populations exceeding 400,000 residents and completing data in all their metrics. From this comprehensive list, 57 cities emerged as the top contenders, with only one city selected from each country, ensuring a diverse set of large, well-connected urban centres that present outstanding choices for those embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. Affordability, Internet speed, coworking costs, fun factor, and safety were the key factors considered for the rankings. Bangkok’s claim to fame lies in its all-round affordability, combined with stellar performance in the rest of CommercialSearch’s indicators. In terms of cost, a low-season hotel room in Bangkok averages US$51 (1,750 baht), making it the fifth-most affordable among all the cities on the list. Additionally, the Thai capital boasts the fourth and sixth lowest average meal and coworking membership costs, respectively. Internet speed is not a concern either, with the city ranking fifth among all study locations, boasting an impressive 225 MB/s. Bangkok’s allure lies in its perfect blend of affordability, entertainment, and ease of access. Digital nomads can reside in the city using a renewable travel visa every three months. Areas like Salom and downtown Bangkok are teeming with both businessmen to network with and trendy coworking spaces for those seeking a change of scenery. By Bob Scott Caption: Picture courtesy of Booking.com Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/bangkok-the-digital-nomads-no-1-destination-says-survey -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-01 - 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.

Koh Tao sees record-breaking one-day tourist influx Picture courtesy of Valeriy Ryasnyanskiy, Unsplash The island of Koh Tao has seen a record-breaking number of tourists reported to have landed on July 28. The Surat Thani Provincial Governor, Wichuwat Jinto, shared the good news earlier today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302297-koh-tao-sees-record-breaking-one-day-tourist-influx/

The island of Koh Tao has seen a record-breaking number of tourists reported to have landed on July 28. The Surat Thani Provincial Governor, Wichuwat Jinto, shared the good news earlier today. Koh Tao, the smallest of the three main southern gulf islands, welcomed a staggering 3,106 visitors, all of whom arrived via boat on the same day. This influx marked the beginning of a government-mandated six-day holiday, concluding on August 2. This turnout was unprecedented in the island’s history, according to the provincial governor. Interestingly, foreign tourists made up about 90% of the arrivals, many of whom were likely on their way to Koh Phangan to attend the Full Moon Party. This popular event is scheduled to take place on Haad Rin Beach on August 3, delayed one day for the double Buddha Days where alcohol is forbidden from being served, reported Bangkok Post. Concurrently, there was a surge in arrivals on Koh Samui, the largest of the three islands. Approximately 141,454 tourists were reported to have used the island’s airport in July. By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of Valeriy Ryasnyanskiy, Unsplash Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/south/record-breaking-tourist-influx-on-koh-tao-kickstarts-thai-holiday-season -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-01 - 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.

Love scam wheels to a halt: Police nab notorious carjacking temptress in central Thailand The alleged leader of the Busarakam gang was arrested after many men were seduced into leasing cars. (via KhaoSod) The leader of the notorious Busarakam Gang, renowned for deceiving men into falling in love with members of her gang and then stealing their cars, was apprehended today. The police confirmed that they successfully captured the mastermind, a 33-year-old woman from Ratchaburi province. Based on the warrant 384/2023 issued by the Pattaya court on July 24, she had at least 15 victims. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302296-love-scam-wheels-to-a-halt-police-nab-notorious-carjacking-temptress-in-central-thailand/

The leader of the notorious Busarakam Gang, renowned for deceiving men into falling in love with members of her gang and then stealing their cars, was apprehended today. The police confirmed that they successfully captured the mastermind, a 33-year-old woman from Ratchaburi province. Based on the warrant 384/2023 issued by the Pattaya court on July 24, she had at least 15 victims. Duenpen Jitwimonprasert, also known as Ham, would lure her male victims using attractive women from her Busarakam Gang. The seduction queen would pretend to fall in love with the unsuspecting men, tricking them into leasing cars under their name. The scammers would claim they were blacklisted and incapable of leasing a car under their name. However, they promised their victims that they would take responsibility for the down payment and instalments. Once Ham’s victims had made the down payment, on the day of signing the lease agreement, she would bring three members of her gang to create a scene and trick the victims further. Once the down payment was settled, all four of them, including the car, would disappear. So far this year, several victims in Sri Racha district, Chon Buri have been found, mostly contacted through dating apps. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: The alleged leader of the Busarakam gang was arrested after many men were seduced into leasing cars. (via KhaoSod) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/crime/love-scam-busarakam-gang-leader-nabbed-after-duping-men-into-car-theft-deals -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-01 - 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.

Thai Police Pledge to Eradicate Foreign Motorcycle Clubs Involved in Alleged Criminal Activities The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are on the hunt for five major foreign motorcycle clubs operating on Thai soil following a crackdown on the notorious Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Pattaya last month. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302295-thai-police-pledge-to-eradicate-foreign-motorcycle-clubs-involved-in-alleged-criminal-activities/

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) are on the hunt for five major foreign motorcycle clubs operating on Thai soil following a crackdown on the notorious Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Pattaya last month. The RTP on July 21st launched a crackdown on the Outlaws group and arrested the alleged Austrian gang leader Thomas Ginner just as he was preparing to flee the country. According to the RTP, Ginner’s motorbike club was notorious for engaging in transnational crimes and was implicated in an incident in which a German gang member named Olaf Thorsten Brinkmann was accused of murdering Hans Peter Walter Mack, a 62-year-old German property broker, in Pattaya last June. Brinkmann was arrested while hiding in a type of cubby hole at an Outlaws clubhouse in Bangkok. Following Brinkmann and his three accomplices’ arrest and a crackdown on the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, the RTP are now targeting five major motorcycle clubs operating in the country. These clubs include Outlaws Motorcycle Club or Outlaws MC, Hells Angels Motorcycle Club or Hells Angels, the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, which is also known as the Bandido Nation, the Mongols Motorcycle Club or the Mongol Brotherhood, and the Vagos Motorcycle Club, which is also known as the Green Nation, the Bangkok Post reported. Most of the clubs are managed by Australian nationals and operate mainly in tourist destinations across Thailand such as Phuket, Koh Samui in Surat Thani, and Pattaya, allegedly targeting foreigners for protection fees in exchange for them to run businesses in the area. They occasionally even abduct or commit murders against foreigners for money, the RTP said. Typically, the gangs do not meddle with Thai people as they know it will land them in trouble more easily than when they do with foreigners. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/08/01/thai-police-pledge-to-eradicate-foreign-motorcycle-clubs-involved-in-alleged-criminal-activities/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-08-01 - 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.

A Closer Look at Buddhist Lent and Dharma Day in Thailand Every Mid Summer in Thailand, usually July or August, is the start of Buddhist Lent, or Vassa. The exact date is the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302294-a-closer-look-at-buddhist-lent-and-dharma-day-in-thailand/

Every Mid Summer in Thailand, usually July or August, is the start of Buddhist Lent, or Vassa. The exact date is the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. To many tourists, it simply means no alcohol sales and if they have not done their research, can mean several days of bar closures and no parties on vacation. However, as is to be expected, it is much more, especially in a Buddhist country such as Thailand where it is estimated that 95% of the population is Buddhist. The two day religious period begins with Asarnha Bucha Day and the start of Buddhist Lent, it is annually celebrated this year, 2023, on August 1st and 2nd, with dates varying each year based on astrological patterns. Also known as Dharma Day, this auspicious occasion commemorates the first sermon delivered by Lord Buddha, known as the “Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta,” to his first five disciples after attaining enlightenment.On this occasion, devout Buddhists visit temples to make merit, participate in candlelit processions around the main chapel, and listen to sermons by monks. The day holds immense spiritual importance as it symbolizes the beginning of Buddha’s teachings and the foundation of the Buddhist monastic order (Sangha). By Goongnang Suksawat Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/08/01/a-closer-look-at-buddhist-lent-and-dharma-day-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-08-01 - 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.

Water near fireworks explosion in Narathiwat contaminated Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has warned against the use of water in the area around the fireworks warehouse explosion, in Sungai-Kolok district of Narathiwat province, after it was found to be contaminated. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302293-water-near-fireworks-explosion-in-narathiwat-contaminated/

Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has warned against the use of water in the area around the fireworks warehouse explosion, in Sungai-Kolok district of Narathiwat province, after it was found to be contaminated. The ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong said Tuesday that the lethal explosion on Saturday has caused environmental pollution, especially of water sources. He was speaking after receiving a report from a team of medical personnel, who had analysed samples of air and water from within a 500 metres radius of the explosion. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/water-near-fireworks-explosion-in-narathiwat-contaminated/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-01 - 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.

Explanation sought as to why fireworks were stored in densely populated Narathiwat community Move Forward MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said he will question the interior minister, the national police chief, the commander of the Fourth Army Region and the director-general of Provincial Administration Department about how a fireworks warehouse was allowed in the middle of a crowded community in Su-ngai Kolok district of Narathiwat province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302291-explanation-sought-as-to-why-fireworks-were-stored-in-densely-populated-narathiwat-community/

Move Forward MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said he will question the interior minister, the national police chief, the commander of the Fourth Army Region and the director-general of Provincial Administration Department about how a fireworks warehouse was allowed in the middle of a crowded community in Su-ngai Kolok district of Narathiwat province. In his Facebook post today (Tuesday), regarding last week’s explosion at a warehouse storing fireworks and other pyrotechnic materials in Muno sub-district, the outspoken MP said he wonders how the warehouse could be allowed to operate in such a place without the knowledge of the police or army, who are supposed to enforce the law and order in the restive province. He said that, not only the owner of the warehouse, but also law enforcement officials must be held accountable. He also suggested that some officials may have taken bribes to turn a blind eye to the warehouse and other thriving but illegal businesses in the southern provinces, such as human trafficking, goods smuggling and the illicit drug trade. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/explanation-sought-as-to-why-fireworks-were-stored-in-densely-populated-narathiwat-community/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-01 - 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.

Missing Bangkok contractor’s body found in canal A missing contractor's body was found in a canal where he likely landed after losing balance on his moped. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. A tragic missing person incident has concluded with the discovery of the man’s body in a canal. Two days ago, a construction contractor mysteriously disappeared. Now, the man’s body was found in the Lam Kret Canal, along with his moped. His wife mournfully identified the body and explained that her husband had driven his moped to get more washed sand for his work. Since then, he had not been seen or heard from, leading her to file a missing person’s report. It is now believed that he fell from a bridge two days ago. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302225-missing-bangkok-contractor’s-body-found-in-canal/

A tragic missing person incident has concluded with the discovery of the man’s body in a canal. Two days ago, a construction contractor mysteriously disappeared. Now, the man’s body was found in the Lam Kret Canal, along with his moped. His wife mournfully identified the body and explained that her husband had driven his moped to get more washed sand for his work. Since then, he had not been seen or heard from, leading her to file a missing person’s report. It is now believed that he fell from a bridge two days ago. The incident was reported from the end of Ram Inthra 97, in the Khan Na Yao district of Bangkok. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the body of 58 year old Aun floating in the canal. Dressed in a black shirt and black trousers, Aun had been dead for about two to three days when his body was found. His body was entangled with a dark grey Honda Wave moped whose registration number confirmed it was the deceased man’s bike, reported KhaoSod. After an initial investigation, Meam, the dead man’s 46 year old wife shared her tearful account. After hearing that her husband’s body had been pulled from the canal, she raced to the scene to see for herself. Aun was a subcontractor who usually stayed in Ram Inthra 62 but had been working on a construction project in Ram Inthra 99. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: A missing contractor's body was found in a canal where he likely landed after losing balance on his moped. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/missing-bangkok-contractors-body-found-in-canal-after-fatal-moped-crash -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-31 - 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.

Police deny involvement with taxi mafia in viral video scuffle A drunken confrontation led to accusation of illegal taxis and police involvement in Thong Lor. (via Chatchanan Karn Chantajinda Facebook) Confusion swirled around an incident captured on a viral video with speculation of whether certain Bangkok taxis were registered or not, and whether Thong Lor Police were involved with an illegal taxi mafia. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302224-police-deny-involvement-with-taxi-mafia-in-viral-video-scuffle/

Confusion swirled around an incident captured on a viral video with speculation of whether certain Bangkok taxis were registered or not, and whether Thong Lor Police were involved with an illegal taxi mafia. Phansa Amraphitak, Police Chief of Thong Lor Police, today stated that the group of seven accused taxi drivers appeared for interrogation based on the summon notice. They testified that they were not unregistered taxi drivers but rather were using a ride-hailing application to receive passengers when the incident took place. A group of three drunk individuals attempted to flag down a taxi but were refused service because the taxi was already booked through the app. This led to a confrontation with the disgruntled drunks banging on the car doors and shouting abuses, accusing them of operational illegitimacy. The altercation, documented in a widely shared video, eventually escalated into a physical conflict. In the initial confusion, accusations were made that the taxi drivers were involved in an illegal taxi mafia in Thong Lor with the police involved. Both the drivers and the police vehemently denied those accusations. Despite the speculation of police involvement and backing for the taxi gang, the Thong Lor chief ensured the accusations were baseless. Phone inquiries with the victims found no claims of misconduct by any police official at the scene. The accused driver is said to have shouted something about police involvement, but later claimed it was not to suggest any undue influence over law enforcement officials, but merely an exasperated comment amid the disagreement, reported KhaoSod. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: A drunken confrontation led to accusation of illegal taxis and police involvement in Thong Lor. (via Chatchanan Karn Chantajinda Facebook) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/transport/app-based-taxis-not-unlicensed-in-bangkok-brawl-police-chief-denies-mafia-links -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-31 - 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.

Restaurant owner confronts negative reviewer at their home Following an online uproar when a restaurant owner confronted a customer who had left a negative review, the owner herself sought to clarify events. She states she did not intend to cause distress but rather to understand the customer’s complaints. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302223-restaurant-owner-confronts-negative-reviewer-at-their-home/

Following an online uproar when a restaurant owner confronted a customer who had left a negative review, the owner herself sought to clarify events. She states she did not intend to cause distress but rather to understand the customer’s complaints. The owner identified only as Tum elaborated on what happened regarding the negative review. The customer accused the unnamed Thai restaurant of underserving, and Tum claimed this directly lead to a drop in customers and income loss. Bad reviews online are inevitable, as keyboard warriors hurl complaints they wouldn’t dare say to the business owner’s face. But the disgruntled owner took it personally and went to the negative reviewer’s house to confront him. Tum admitted that while visiting the customer’s house seems unorthodox and way over the top, their primary intention was not hostile. Tum sought only to have a proper conversation to understand the customer’s dissatisfaction. Tum further explained how the negative review had prompted suspicion about the credibility of the restaurant. Business operations were running normally, with no reductions in serving portion sizes. But the negative review turned people away from dining at the restaurant. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: A negative review over portion size led the restaurant owner to confront the customer at his house. (via OA Waraphorn Facebook) Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/restaurant-owner-confronts-customer-following-negative-review-calls-for-fair-treatment -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-07-31 - 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.