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TAT holds Thailand Tourism Festival 2023 BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting Thailand Tourism Festival 2023 to boost the economy through domestic tourism activities. The festival is expected to generate a cash flow of up to 100 million baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302580-tat-holds-thailand-tourism-festival-2023/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting Thailand Tourism Festival 2023 to boost the economy through domestic tourism activities. The festival is expected to generate a cash flow of up to 100 million baht. Thailand Tourism Festival 2023 opened yesterday at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The event will go on until 6 August. It highlights innovation, creativity, and soft power assets, as well as showcases the unique identities of Thailand’s 5 regions, with sustainable development and modern culture being the key aspects. Minister of Tourism and Sports Pipat Ratchakitprakarn said the event presents environmentally conscious ways of travel. It is expected to welcome between 80,000 and 100,000 participants and generate 80 - 100 million baht. The event also features a wide range of activities held in 9 different zones, including a walking tour through the five regions of Thailand in the Amazing Thailand zone, the presentation of tourist attractions in the Unseen New Chapters campaign, and the presentation of local cuisine and culture from regions and local villages. By Tanakorn Sangiam Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230804124422758 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-08-04 - 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.

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers have arrested two men who allegedly hacked into the computer system of the Land Transport Department (LTD), using an official’s username and password, to change the registration information of unused cars and then to apply for new licenses for mostly vintage or smuggled cars for sale to specific groups of customers. Police have also seized 16 cars, many of them vintage, issued with new licenses which were obtained from the LTD using false information. LTD Director-General Chirut Wisalchit said that officials had discovered that the car registration system was hacked last year and sought help from CCIB police to track down those responsible. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/two-hackers-arrested-for-changing-car-registration-information/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-04 - 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 seize 12,000 meth tablets, 2 key figures arrested linked to notorious drug ring Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police officers from the suppression division apprehended two individuals implicated in a notorious drug network known as Jing Kantang, which has been causing alarm throughout the southern region of Thailand. According to reports, these individuals had been evading capture until they were finally caught in the Songkhla today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302491-police-seize-12000-meth-tablets-2-key-figures-arrested-linked-to-notorious-drug-ring/

Police officers from the suppression division apprehended two individuals implicated in a notorious drug network known as Jing Kantang, which has been causing alarm throughout the southern region of Thailand. According to reports, these individuals had been evading capture until they were finally caught in the Songkhla today. Police Lieutenant Colonel Montri Theskhan, in command of the Suppression Division, gave orders for Police Lieutenant Colonel Pongsanot Chookeaw to lead to the arrest of a 31 year old woman named Sunatthaorn and 24 year old man named Chanchai. Sunatthaorn had a warrant issued for her arrest by the Trang Provincial Court on February 17 earlier this year for her involvement in the drug trafficking business. The charges against her include associating with others in the trafficking of methamphetamine, a Category 1 drug, into the territory. Along with the arrests of Sunatthaorn and Chanchai, evidence was secured in the form of 12,000 methamphetamine tablets and various gold items weighing in total 48.3 grammes with a market value of approximately 110,000 baht (US$3,172). Sunatthaorn was apprehended in the parking lot of a hotel in the Songkhla province while Chanchai was located within Soi Pa Maphrao, Kantang in the Trang province, reported KhaoSod. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/south/southern-thailand-police-seize-12000-meth-tablets-and-arrest-two-key-figures-linked-to-notorious-drug-ring -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-03 - 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.

Robbery Incident at Pattaya Viewpoint Turns Out to Be Bad Prank A male foreigner was seen in a viral video clip flaunting a gun at a group of Kuwaiti tourists and allegedly robbing them at a famous viewpoint in Pattaya on August 2nd. However, it later turned out that the whole harrowing incident was just a bad “prank” orchestrated by the Kuwaiti tourists themselves, according to the Pattaya police. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302413-gunman-on-the-loose-police-scramble-to-find-foreign-suspect-intimidating-sightseers-in-pattaya-video/?do=findComment&comment=18249296

Robbery Incident at Pattaya Viewpoint Turns Out to Be Bad Prank A male foreigner was seen in a viral video clip flaunting a gun at a group of Kuwaiti tourists and allegedly robbing them at a famous viewpoint in Pattaya on August 2nd. However, it later turned out that the whole harrowing incident was just a bad “prank” orchestrated by the Kuwaiti tourists themselves, according to the Pattaya police. In a 1.39-minute-long video recording, a man who appeared to be in his 20s to 30s and of foreign descent was seen. He was dressed in a black shirt, dark trousers, and stood at approximately 170 centimeters tall. The man held a pistol and ordered to line up and sit down a group of more than 10 foreign tourists, who bore a resemblance to Middle Eastern men. The man seemed to be threatening the tourists with his weapon. The video was recorded at the famous Voice of Navy 5 Viewpoint located in Pattaya on Tuesday, August 2nd. It quickly gained massive attention on social media as the gun-wielding man also seemed to blatantly rob the tourists at gunpoint, raising concerns over the safety of Pattaya as a world-famous tourist destination By Tanakorn Panyadee Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/08/03/robbery-incident-against-kuwaiti-tourists-at-pattaya-viewpoint-turns-out-to-be-bad-prank-tourists-to-be-blacklisted/ -- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2023-08-03 - 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.

Boozy pickup crash: 56 year old drunk’s collision with 18-wheel lorry Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A heavy-drinking 56 year old man lost control of his pickup truck and crashed into an 18-wheel lorry parked on the side of the road in Chachoengsao Province, central Thailand. The truck was heavily damaged, and officials quickly responded, providing emergency assistance and transportation to the hospital. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302484-boozy-pickup-crash-56-year-old-drunk’s-collision-with-18-wheel-lorry/

A heavy-drinking 56 year old man lost control of his pickup truck and crashed into an 18-wheel lorry parked on the side of the road in Chachoengsao Province, central Thailand. The truck was heavily damaged, and officials quickly responded, providing emergency assistance and transportation to the hospital. Somprasong Sai-in, an investigative officer at Bang Pakong Police Station, today revealed that he received notification of a car accident near Wat Tha Sa-an School, on the motorway at KM 48, inbound to Bangkok, M.5, Tha Sa-an, Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao Province. Following the notification, he rushed to investigate alongside the Chachoengsao’s rescue unit, reported KhaoSod. On the site of the incident, a white Isuzu D-MAX truck was found, with a Bangkok license plate reading ฒช 6146, wildly off course and in a ditch beside the road. The right side of the vehicle was heavily damaged. Inside the truck, the driver identified as 56 year old Wichai was found injured and heavily intoxicated. First aid was immediately provided, and after nearly ten minutes, the man was sent to Chularat 11 Hospital. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/road-deaths/56-year-old-heavy-drinker-crashes-his-pickup-into-a-parked-lorry-in-chachoengsao-province-causing-significant-damage -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-03 - 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.

Chinese influencer praises Thailand’s VIP experience on elite visa Picture courtesy of @taifei5 TikTok A viral video is currently making waves online, featuring a high-society Chinese woman reviewing her VIP experience while travelling to Thailand using the Thailand Elite Visa. Shared on TikTok via her account @taifei5, she documented a journey where luxury and personal care started as soon as she stepped off the plane. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302483-chinese-influencer-praises-thailand’s-vip-experience-on-elite-visa/

A viral video is currently making waves online, featuring a high-society Chinese woman reviewing her VIP experience while travelling to Thailand using the Thailand Elite Visa. Shared on TikTok via her account @taifei5, she documented a journey where luxury and personal care started as soon as she stepped off the plane. Once disembarked, the Chinese influencer was greeted by officials holding a sign with her name. Subsequently, she enjoyed a leisurely golf cart ride, proceeding to the special Elite Visa channel. Provision was made for her luggage by the staff in advance, ensuring a seamless travel encounter. The mode of her ground transportation matched the tenor of her trip – with choices of high-standard cars like Mercedez Benz or BMW. All these made the journey from the airport to her residence a mere 15 minutes affair, reported Sanook. Thailand Elite Visa is a special type of visa that allows multiple entries into Thailand. It can be renewed every five years and includes privileges for extended stays in Thailand. The starting price is 600,000 baht (US$17,411). By Samantha Rose Caption: Picture courtesy of @taifei5 TikTok Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/chinese-influencer-praises-thailands-vip-experience-on-elite-visa-starting-at-600000-baht -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-03 - 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.

Undercover officer fatally shot in Pattani: Potential drug trafficking link being investigated Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 29 year old undercover law enforcement officer was fatally shot last night following his return from investigating drug trafficking in Mayor district, Pattani Province. Currently, police are conducting an urgent probe into the incident to discern the motive and the assailants. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302482-undercover-officer-fatally-shot-in-pattani-potential-drug-trafficking-link-being-investigated/

A 29 year old undercover law enforcement officer was fatally shot last night following his return from investigating drug trafficking in Mayor district, Pattani Province. Currently, police are conducting an urgent probe into the incident to discern the motive and the assailants. After receiving a report of a fatal shooting incident involving a police officer on Chonlatarn Road in Mayor, law enforcement swiftly gathered at the scene. At the site of the crime near the head of the bridge, the body of Saifudin Jaesor, serving as a battalion commander at the Mayor Police Station, was uncovered. He sustained four gunshot wounds on his body, specifically on the right side of his torso and leg. Officials discovered a notable amount of spent M16 bullet casings, and over 10 shells at the scene. These pieces of evidence were preserved for further investigation. Preliminary inquiries demonstrated that Saifudin was returning home on his motorbike after concluding his task of investigating suspected drug dealer movements in the area. As he approached the crime scene, unidentified assailants ambushed him from under the bridge. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/south/undercover-officer-fatally-shot-in-pattani-potential-drug-trafficking-link-being-investigated -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-08-03 - 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.

Rips – the silent killer in Phuket’s west coast drownings Rips in Phuket, Thailand Four people have drowned over the past five days along Phuket’s west coast. Some of the beaches have potentially dangerous rips that should be understood by anyone considering going into the water at this time of the year at Phuket’s west coast beaches. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302481-rips-–-the-silent-killer-in-phuket’s-west-coast-drownings/

Four people have drowned over the past five days along Phuket’s west coast. Some of the beaches have potentially dangerous rips that should be understood by anyone considering going into the water at this time of the year at Phuket’s west coast beaches. Here’s some advice from Associate Professor Robert Brander, PhD, Coastal Geomorphologist, University of New South Wales and Daren Jenner, a Marine Safety Officer, International Surf Lifesaving Association. Rip currents are strong, narrow seaward flowing currents, like ‘rivers of the sea’, that can develop on beaches when waves are breaking across wide areas. These currents are also responsible for the vast majority of beach rescues by lifeguards around the world, and are the main cause of beach-related drownings. By Peter Roche Caption: Rips in Phuket, Thailand Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-life/rips-the-silent-killer-in-phukets-west-coast-drownings/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-08-03 - 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.

Phuket authorities repeat beach warnings, with four drownings last week FILE PHOTO: Flickr/[email protected] Phuket has reported 4 drownings in 5 days, according to a Phuket News report. The latest victims are two Indian men, believed to be tourists, who drowned after going swimming at Karon Beach on Tuesday, August 1. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302480-phuket-authorities-repeat-beach-warnings-with-four-drownings-last-week/

Phuket has reported 4 drownings in 5 days, according to a Phuket News report. The latest victims are two Indian men, believed to be tourists, who drowned after going swimming at Karon Beach on Tuesday, August 1. One of the Indian men is understood to have been 26 years old, with Patong Hospital notifying Chomphunuch Anantayakul of Patong Police of the death at around 8.15pm on August 1. Meanwhile, the death of a second Indian man was reported to Art Payayam of Chalong Police by Chalong Hospital at 9.00pm. Both men had entered the sea near the Naga Statue at Karon Beach with a group of friends. According to the Phuket News report, both men were then dragged out to sea by a strong rip current. Friends managed to get them out of the water and began performing CPR until rescuers arrived. By Peter Roche Caption: FILE PHOTO: Flickr/[email protected] Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/phuket-authorities-repeat-beach-warnings-with-four-drownings-last-week/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-08-03 - 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.

Alert on Krabi’s Koh Lanta following discovery of ‘stingers’ FILE PHOTO: Wikipedia Officials on the island of Koh Lanta, in Krabi province, have issued a warning after a confirmed sighting of the Portuguese man o’war siphonophore. Tourists are being warned not to swim in the sea, according to a Bangkok Post report. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302479-alert-on-krabi’s-koh-lanta-following-discovery-of-‘stingers’/

Officials on the island of Koh Lanta, in Krabi province, have issued a warning after a confirmed sighting of the Portuguese man o’war siphonophore. Tourists are being warned not to swim in the sea, according to a Bangkok Post report. The original report called it “…the deadly siphonophore, Portuguese man o’war”. These jellyfish-like creatures are RARELY deadly. The creatures, usually a clear ‘balloon with blue/purple tentacles, are also known as ‘bluebottles’ and ‘stingers’. Swimmers should also remember that these creatures are not attacking you – they are just floating around in the sea and we swim into THEM and get caught up in their stinging tentacles. By Peter Roche Caption: FILE PHOTO: Wikipedia Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/islands/alert-on-krabis-koh-lanta-following-discovery-of-stingers/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-08-03 - 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.

Kaeng Krachan National Park Closes Two Areas for Recovery and Safety BANGKOK (NNT) - Kaeng Krachan National Park authorities have announced the temporary closure of two popular areas, in a bid to allow natural resources to regenerate and ensure safety during the rainy season. Park officials said Phanoen Thung Mountain and Mae Saliang Creek will be off-limits to tourists from August 1 to October 31. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302473-kaeng-krachan-national-park-closes-two-areas-for-recovery-and-safety/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Kaeng Krachan National Park authorities have announced the temporary closure of two popular areas, in a bid to allow natural resources to regenerate and ensure safety during the rainy season. Park officials said Phanoen Thung Mountain and Mae Saliang Creek will be off-limits to tourists from August 1 to October 31. The three-month closure is not only aimed at conserving the park’s ecological balance but also to make necessary improvements to tourist facilities in preparation for the upcoming tourism high season. Park officials affirmed that several other attractions, including Ban Krang Camp, Pala-U Waterfall, and the Kaeng Krachan National Park Office will continue to welcome tourists as usual. Covering a sprawling area of 2,915 square kilometers, Kaeng Krachan is Thailand’s largest national park. Founded on June 12, 1981, the park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including wild bulls, elephants, dusky leaf monkeys, gibbons, and hornbills. It is also the sole habitat for Thailand’s ratchet-tailed treepie, a distinctive lowland-forest bird with a long, notched tail. By Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230803104203394 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-08-03 - 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.

DOH to Propose Three Major Motorway Projects for Cabinet Approval BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Highways (DOH) is pushing ahead with its plan to improve transportation infrastructure and connections between Bangkok and other provinces. To alleviate traffic congestion and shorten travel times, the DOH is seeking Cabinet approval for three major highway development projects totaling 102.6 billion baht. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302472-doh-to-propose-three-major-motorway-projects-for-cabinet-approval/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Highways (DOH) is pushing ahead with its plan to improve transportation infrastructure and connections between Bangkok and other provinces. To alleviate traffic congestion and shorten travel times, the DOH is seeking Cabinet approval for three major highway development projects totaling 102.6 billion baht. DOH Deputy Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn stated that the department is pushing for three major projects, the first of which is the M9 motorway project, which will cost 56.03 billion baht and will span from Bang Khun Tian to Bang Bua Thong. The second project is the M9 motorway connecting Bang Bua Thong to Bang Pa-in, with an estimated cost of 15.2 billion baht. The third project is an extension of the Uttaraphimuk elevated tollway (Don Mueang tollway) from Rangsit to Bang Pa-in, which is expected to cost 31.3 billion baht. The deputy director-general disclosed that the first project has already gained approval from the public-private partnership (PPP) board and would soon be presented to the Cabinet for final approval. Once Cabinet approval is secured, the private sector would be invited to invest, likely between mid-2023 and the end of 2024. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and is expected to take three years to complete, with the new motorways slated to be operational by 2029. Regarding funding for the second project, the deputy director-general stated that the DOH will seek a loan from the Cabinet, which will be followed by financing negotiations with the Public Debt Management Office. Construction for this segment will commence in late 2025, and like the previous projects, will require approximately three years for completion. As for the extension of the Uttaraphimuk elevated tollway, the deputy director-general said the project has been approved by the PPP board and will be proposed by the Department of Health to the Transport Ministry and the Cabinet. The DOH will fund civil construction through a 30-year concession agreement, with private entities overseeing the project. The deputy director-general emphasized that the Motorway fund will cover system works and maintenance expenses, ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of these newly developed motorways. These developments are set to further improve transportation infrastructure and bolster connectivity for the region’s continued growth and progress. By Krajangwit Johjit Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG230803140244441 -- © Copyright NNT 2023-08-03 - 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.

“The Masterpiece” campaign to normalise breastfeeding The first week in August is World Breastfeeding Week, so UNICEF Thailand is launching a social media campaign called “The Masterpiece”, to raise awareness about and emphasise the importance of breastfeeding, after a UNICEF survey found that only 29% of new mothers in Thailand exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life, which is below the Global Nutrition Target of 50% by 2025. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1302471-“the-masterpiece”-campaign-to-normalise-breastfeeding/

The first week in August is World Breastfeeding Week, so UNICEF Thailand is launching a social media campaign called “The Masterpiece”, to raise awareness about and emphasise the importance of breastfeeding, after a UNICEF survey found that only 29% of new mothers in Thailand exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life, which is below the Global Nutrition Target of 50% by 2025. “While the new data shows that the breastfeeding rate in Thailand has doubled during the past few years, too many children here are still missing the opportunity to have the best start in life,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Representative for Thailand. Even though breast milk is the best food for baby, as it is full of all the nutrients they need, there are some mothers who face obstacles and barriers to breastfeeding. Some might be unable to access healthcare support, if they have lactation problems, or lack support from family members. Additionally, infant formula marketing can create a misunderstanding that formula is as good as breast milk. Working moms might also face difficulties continuing breastfeeding at work, because some workplaces are not supportive. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/the-masterpiece-campaign-to-normalise-breastfeeding/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-08-03 - 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.