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8 years in prison for ex-Yala governor over GT-200 bomb detector deal Image Courtesy: Isra News Former governor of Yala province, Thira Minthrasak, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison without suspension, after being found guilty of malfeasance by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in connection with the purchase of fake bomb detectors, known as GT-200, more than a decade ago. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293836-8-years-in-prison-for-ex-yala-governor-over-gt-200-bomb-detector-deal/

Image Courtesy: Isra News Former governor of Yala province, Thira Minthrasak, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison without suspension, after being found guilty of malfeasance by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases in connection with the purchase of fake bomb detectors, known as GT-200, more than a decade ago. 11 other officials who were involved in the deal, most of them retired, have also received sentences ranging from four years to eight months. The National Anti-Corruption Commission found sufficient evidence to substantiate malfeasance charges against the 12 officials after the signing of two contracts to purchase the British-made GT-200 bomb detectors. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/8-years-in-prison-for-ex-yala-governor-over-gt-200-bomb-detector-deal/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Paetongtarn insists Thaksin has no PM ambition Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidate, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on Wednesday tried to play down remarks by her father, former prime minister Thaksin, that he is yearning to end his self-exile and return to be his family in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293835-paetongtarn-insists-thaksin-has-no-pm-ambition/

Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidate, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on Wednesday tried to play down remarks by her father, former prime minister Thaksin, that he is yearning to end his self-exile and return to be his family in Thailand. “Didn’t he say that he wants to come back to help look after his grandchildren and not to become prime minister?” said Paetongtarn at a news conference, two days after giving birth to her second child. Speaking with her husband, Pidok Sooksawas by her side, Paetongtarn said Thaksin was very excited with his latest grandchild and wants to be back in Thailand to spend time with the family. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/paetongtarn-insists-thaksin-has-no-pm-ambition/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Unique ordination parade sees men tossed in air in Chaiyaphum village Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Eight men embarking on a spiritual journey into the Buddhist monkhood experienced a thrilling ordination parade in Ban Non-Salao, a village in the Phu Khieo district. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293829-unique-ordination-parade-sees-men-tossed-in-air-in-chaiyaphum-village/

Photo Courtesy of Bangkok Post Eight men embarking on a spiritual journey into the Buddhist monkhood experienced a thrilling ordination parade in Ban Non-Salao, a village in the Phu Khieo district. In the morning, the provincial governor of Chaiyaphum, Sopon Suwanrat, attended religious ceremonies at a village shrine honouring the 8 men being ordained, collectively referred to as ‘nagas.’ The day’s main attraction was a dazzling procession featuring the nagas, each seated on a bamboo bed carried by robust individuals along the village’s main streets towards Wat Takhaek. Local villagers, along with Thai and foreign visitors, flocked to the roadsides to witness the event. Approximately 100 elegantly dressed young women from the village led the parade, followed by a procession of relatives, friends, and associates of those entering the monkhood, reports Bangkok Post. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/unique-ordination-parade-sees-men-tossed-in-air-in-chaiyaphum-village -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Pattaya officials accused of accepting bribes to dodge raid An investigation has been launched into claims that government officials in Pattaya accepted 2 million baht in bribes in return for allowing an illegal gambling den to operate. The pop-up casino was uncovered during a raid at the Asia Pattaya Hotel in the early hours of Monday morning, in which 93 foreign and Thai nationals arrested. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293828-pattaya-officials-accused-of-accepting-bribes-to-dodge-raid/

An investigation has been launched into claims that government officials in Pattaya accepted 2 million baht in bribes in return for allowing an illegal gambling den to operate. The pop-up casino was uncovered during a raid at the Asia Pattaya Hotel in the early hours of Monday morning, in which 93 foreign and Thai nationals arrested. If the organiser did pay 2 million to avoid arrest, it was not money well spent. According to a Nation Thailand report, most of those arrested during the raid in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri are Indian nationals. Officers also confiscated gambling tables and chips, playing cards, smartphones, and CCTV cameras. At the time of the raid, the suspects were found to be playing cards and other games in a room at the hotel. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/pattaya-officials-accused-of-accepting-bribes-to-dodge-raid/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Serial murder suspect’s former husband surrenders to police The former husband of serial murder suspect Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn surrendered to police in Nakhon Pathom province today (Wednesday), to acknowledge charges of embezzlement, fraud and falsification of documents. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293826-serial-murder-suspect’s-former-husband-surrenders-to-police/

The former husband of serial murder suspect Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn surrendered to police in Nakhon Pathom province today (Wednesday), to acknowledge charges of embezzlement, fraud and falsification of documents. Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, the deputy national police chief, said that they are still investigating whether the suspect, Pol Lt-Col Vitoon Rangsiwuthaporn, deputy superintendent of Suan Phueng district police, was involved in multiple cyanidepoisonings. He said that Vitoon travelled to Udon Thani province to collect Sararat, following the sudden death of her second former husband, Suthisak Poonkwan. Both returned to Nakhon Pathom in a car belonging to Suthisak and money was subsequently borrowed against the vehicle using false documentation. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/serial-murder-suspects-former-husband-surrenders-to-police/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Phuket prison inmates to train as boatbuilders in rehabilitation project Image Courtesy of The Phuket News In a bid to provide vocational training and equip prisoners with valuable skills for their post-release lives, ten inmates from Phuket Prison are set to begin training as boatbuilders on May 8. The project comes after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Phuket Provincial Prison and Roeng Varee boatbuilders, based in Chalong. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293825-phuket-prison-inmates-to-train-as-boatbuilders-in-rehabilitation-project/

Image Courtesy of The Phuket News In a bid to provide vocational training and equip prisoners with valuable skills for their post-release lives, ten inmates from Phuket Prison are set to begin training as boatbuilders on May 8. The project comes after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Phuket Provincial Prison and Roeng Varee boatbuilders, based in Chalong. The signing took place at Phuket Provincial Hall and was attended by Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew. Krisana Tipayachan, Commander of the Phuket Provincial Prison, signed on behalf of the prison and Roeng Varee Managing Director Krisada Pichetphonsanon represented the boatbuilding company. Kritsana Tipayachan explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort by the Department of Corrections to create outplacement opportunities for inmates to receive vocational training. The goal is to prepare prisoners with skills that can be applied upon release so they can become financially independent and support themselves and their families. Roeng Varee currently works on around 50 boats per year, which includes services such as construction, repairs, and customer-specific refits. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-prison-inmates-to-train-as-boatbuilders-in-rehabilitation-project -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Phuket government promotes solar energy with low-interest loans PHOTO: Unsplash In an effort to encourage more renewable energy use and lessen environmental impact, the Government Savings Bank of Thailand has unveiled the GSB Go Green loan. By providing financing for the installation and purchase of solar panels and other energy-efficient equipment, the bank aims to ease household energy costs in the country while helping to reduce global warming. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293824-phuket-government-promotes-solar-energy-with-low-interest-loans/

PHOTO: Unsplash In an effort to encourage more renewable energy use and lessen environmental impact, the Government Savings Bank of Thailand has unveiled the GSB Go Green loan. By providing financing for the installation and purchase of solar panels and other energy-efficient equipment, the bank aims to ease household energy costs in the country while helping to reduce global warming. Withai Rattanakorn, President of the Government Savings Bank, stated that the loan will cater to the purchase of solar cells, solar rooftop panels, electric vehicle (EV) installation, hybrid cars, electric motorcycles, and energy-saving electrical appliances. Interest rates for these loans can be as low as 1.99%, with repayment instalments starting at 199 baht per month for every 100,000 baht loan. The loan programme is open to applicants aged 20 and above, with a loan payment period not exceeding 70 years when combined with the borrower’s age. The GSB Go Green loan aims to encourage the adoption of renewable energy alternatives to traditional energy sources, such as electricity while benefiting households by reducing costs. Rattanakorn emphasised the need to address global warming and work collaboratively towards promoting reusable, safe, and environmentally friendly energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change, reports The Phuket News. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/environment/phuket-government-promotes-solar-energy-with-low-interest-loans -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Warming sea bleaching corals around Phang-nga’s Tachai Island Image Courtesy: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Corals around Tachai Island, in the Similan Islands Nation Park off the southern province of Phang-nga, are bleaching due to the rising temperature of the sea water. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293823-warming-sea-bleaching-corals-around-phang-nga’s-tachai-island/

Image Courtesy: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Corals around Tachai Island, in the Similan Islands Nation Park off the southern province of Phang-nga, are bleaching due to the rising temperature of the sea water. Paisan Boonsawat, chief of Phuket Marine Park Operation Centre 2, said that his officials had surveyed corals around the island over the past two days and found staghorn, hump and flower corals are bleaching. He said that about 20% of the corals in water 2-8 metres deep have started bleaching and 5% are fully bleached adding, however, that corals in deeper waters are currently unaffected. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/warming-sea-bleaching-corals-around-phang-ngas-tachai-island/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thai gems and jewellery exports set to grow 10% despite global challenges Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Exports of gems and jewellery (excluding gold) from Thailand are forecasted to grow by 10% this year, despite concerns of economic slowdown and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. This optimistic projection comes from increased demand for high-end luxury jewellery, particularly gemstone jewellery, according to Sumed Prasongphongchai, director of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293822-thai-gems-and-jewellery-exports-set-to-grow-10-despite-global-challenges/

Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Exports of gems and jewellery (excluding gold) from Thailand are forecasted to grow by 10% this year, despite concerns of economic slowdown and ongoing geopolitical conflicts. This optimistic projection comes from increased demand for high-end luxury jewellery, particularly gemstone jewellery, according to Sumed Prasongphongchai, director of the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand. In the first quarter of this year, Thailand’s exports of gems and jewellery, including gold, reached US$4.25 billion, marking a 22.8% decrease from the same period last year. However, excluding gold, the total exports amounted to US$2.34 billion, only a 3.5% decline. In contrast, in the previous year, the total export value of gems and jewellery, excluding gold, was US$7.98 billion, reflecting a surge of 29.5%. Last year’s growth was attributed to multiple factors, such as the global economic recovery, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, increased international travel and tourism, and the resumption of economic activities. These factors encouraged the growth of worldwide production and consumer purchasing. Key markets that exhibited strong growth for Thai gem and jewellery exports included Singapore, Switzerland, India, Belgium, the UK, the United Arab Emirates, the US, Hong Kong, Japan, and Germany. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thai-gems-and-jewellery-exports-set-to-grow-10-despite-global-challenges -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Thailand’s tourism sector grapples with cannabis legalisation Image courtesy of Bangkok Post A year after Thailand legalised cannabis by removing the plant from the list of prohibited narcotics, the tourism sector has experienced both positive and negative repercussions. While it was anticipated that medical cannabis tourism would thrive, increasing concerns about the relaxed regulations have led the Tourism Authority of Thailand to reconsider its promotional strategy. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293821-thailand’s-tourism-sector-grapples-with-cannabis-legalisation/

Image courtesy of Bangkok Post A year after Thailand legalised cannabis by removing the plant from the list of prohibited narcotics, the tourism sector has experienced both positive and negative repercussions. While it was anticipated that medical cannabis tourism would thrive, increasing concerns about the relaxed regulations have led the Tourism Authority of Thailand to reconsider its promotional strategy. Initially, there was a surge in instances where foreign travellers consumed cannabis products unknowingly, mistaking them for ordinary food items. This prompted Thai embassies and government authorities across countries such as Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, China, and Singapore to issue reminders to their citizens about the risks and consequences of cannabis use while in Thailand. Research from Chulalongkorn University further revealed that the Chinese media has portrayed Thailand negatively as a tourist destination since the legalisation of cannabis use. Addressing local and international concerns, TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn claims that despite the agency’s initial plans to use cannabis as a spearhead for medical tourism, existing tourism products should be enough to strengthen the sector without relying on cannabis. He adds that the TAT will follow the new government’s direction regarding future cannabis promotion. Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailands-tourism-sector-grapples-with-cannabis-legalisation -- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Facial recognition required for some online services from Thai banks PHOTO: Thai PBS World All Thai banks will soon require facial recognition via the National Digital ID platform for customers wishing to make large withdrawals, according to a Coconuts report. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293820-facial-recognition-required-for-some-online-services-from-thai-banks/

PHOTO: Thai PBS World All Thai banks will soon require facial recognition via the National Digital ID platform for customers wishing to make large withdrawals, according to a Coconuts report. The same technology used at airports and shopping malls will now be deployed to confirm a person’s identity if they wish to withdraw sums of 50,000 baht or more, transfer more than 200,000 baht a day, or increase their transfer limit to more than 50,000 baht. Bangkok Bank has confirmed the move, in a text recently issued to customers. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/national-news/facial-recognition-required-for-some-online-services-from-thai-banks/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Fundraiser planned for Richard Valentine A fundraiser, in aid of Richard Valentine, as he battles his way through hospitals bills and bad luck, is being held on May 27. Details below. Richard’s story, by his own admission, is a cautionary tale about being adequately insured whilst living in Thailand. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293819-fundraiser-planned-for-richard-valentine/

A fundraiser, in aid of Richard Valentine, as he battles his way through hospitals bills and bad luck, is being held on May 27. Details below. Richard’s story, by his own admission, is a cautionary tale about being adequately insured whilst living in Thailand. EARLIER STORY Local expat Richard Valentine was in a traffic incident on his motorbike recently and is currently getting treatment in a Phuket government hospital. The bills are mounting up. “Help needed. As many of you know I was the victim of a hit and run accident on 31st March which left me with a leg broken in 4 places with no-one, that was responsible, to get their to insurance pay. I am still confined to a bed in a Thai Government Hospital who offer a great service but are not free like the case in my home country of UK. Full Story: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/fundraiser-planned-for-richard-valentine/ -- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-05-03 - 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 most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

Pita Tops PM Pick in Latest Nida Poll BANGKOK, May 3 (TNA) – Leader of the Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat becomes the top choice for the prime minister in the latest poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1293816-pita-tops-pm-pick-in-latest-nida-poll/